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ICELAND TRAVEL GUIDE

The 12 Best Hot Springs & Geothermal Lagoons in Iceland (2026 Guide)

Updated

by Icelandic Adventure

One of the best ways to experience Iceland is by relaxing in a naturally heated geothermal pool while surrounded by incredible scenery.

Whether you’re soaking in a luxurious spa overlooking the Atlantic Ocean or discovering a hidden hot spring deep in the Icelandic countryside, there’s something truly special about bathing in naturally heated water after a day of exploring.

We’ve visited several of Iceland’s geothermal lagoons ourselves, and they’re always one of the highlights of every trip.

Here’s our guide to the best hot springs and geothermal lagoons in Iceland.


1. Blue Lagoon

📍 Reykjanes Peninsula

The Blue Lagoon is Iceland’s most famous geothermal spa—and for good reason.

Its milky blue water, lava field surroundings and luxury facilities make it one of the country’s biggest attractions.

Expect:

  • Silica face masks
  • Steam rooms
  • Swim-up bar
  • Luxury spa treatments

If it’s your first visit to Iceland, it’s an experience that’s hard to miss.


2. Sky Lagoon

📍 Reykjavík

Located just minutes from central Reykjavík, Sky Lagoon has quickly become one of Iceland’s most popular geothermal experiences.

The infinity-edge lagoon overlooking the Atlantic Ocean is simply breathtaking.

Don’t miss the 7-Step Skjól Ritual, which includes:

  • Warm lagoon
  • Cold plunge
  • Sauna
  • Cold mist
  • Body scrub
  • Steam room
  • Relaxation

3. Forest Lagoon ⭐ Our Favourite

📍 Akureyri

If we had to choose just one geothermal lagoon in Iceland…

It would probably be Forest Lagoon.

Hidden amongst the trees overlooking Eyjafjörður, it feels peaceful, modern and much less crowded than some of Iceland’s better-known spas.

The views across the fjord are incredible, especially at sunset.

If you’re visiting North Iceland, don’t miss it.


4. Secret Lagoon

📍 Flúðir

One of Iceland’s oldest swimming pools.

Secret Lagoon offers a much more traditional geothermal bathing experience than some of the newer luxury lagoons.

You’ll also see small geysers bubbling away around the edge of the pool.


5. Mývatn Nature Baths

📍 North Iceland

Often described as the Blue Lagoon of the north.

Mývatn Nature Baths offer beautiful geothermal pools overlooking volcanic landscapes, with far fewer crowds than their famous southern counterpart.


6. Hvammsvík Hot Springs

📍 Hvalfjörður

One of Iceland’s newest geothermal experiences.

Located around 45 minutes from Reykjavík, Hvammsvík combines natural hot springs with dramatic coastal scenery.

The pools rise and fall slightly with the tides, making every visit unique.


7. Vök Baths

📍 East Iceland

Floating on the beautiful Lake Urriðavatn, Vök Baths offer one of Iceland’s most unique geothermal experiences.

The floating pools are unlike anywhere else in the country.


8. GeoSea

📍 Húsavík

GeoSea offers incredible infinity pools overlooking Skjálfandi Bay.

Unlike many geothermal lagoons, the water here is naturally heated seawater.

It’s one of the best places in Iceland to watch the sunset.


9. Laugarás Lagoon

📍 South Iceland

One of Iceland’s newest geothermal lagoons, Laugarás Lagoon offers a peaceful, modern spa experience along the banks of the Hvítá River.

It’s a fantastic stop if you’re exploring the Golden Circle or heading along the South Coast, and it’s quickly becoming a favourite thanks to its beautiful design and relaxing atmosphere.

We visited Laugarás Lagoon ourselves at the end of our latest Iceland trip, and it was the perfect way to unwind before heading back to Keflavík Airport.


10. Reykjadalur Hot River

📍 Hveragerði

Fancy bathing in a naturally heated river?

After around an hour’s hike, you’ll reach Reykjadalur, where warm geothermal water mixes with the cooler river.

It’s one of Iceland’s most unique experiences.

Remember:

You’ll need to walk to get there.


11. Seljavallalaug Pool

📍 South Coast

Built in 1923, Seljavallalaug is one of Iceland’s oldest swimming pools.

It’s surrounded by mountains and reached via a short walk from the car park.

Although not as luxurious as modern lagoons, it offers a wonderfully authentic experience.


12. Landmannalaugar Natural Hot Spring

📍 Highlands

Located deep within Iceland’s spectacular Highlands, Landmannalaugar is famous for both hiking and its natural geothermal bathing pool.

It’s only accessible during summer when the mountain roads are open.


Which Lagoon is Our Favourite?

Our personal ranking would be:

🥇 Forest Lagoon

🥈 Sky Lagoon

🥉 Laugarás Lagoon

🏅 Blue Lagoon

Forest Lagoon completely exceeded our expectations and remains one of our favourite experiences in Iceland.


Which One Should You Choose?

First-Time Visitors

Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon.


Best Value

Secret Lagoon.


Best Views

Forest Lagoon.


Least Crowded

Vök Baths or GeoSea.


Best Natural Experience

Reykjadalur Hot River.


Hiring a Car

Many of Iceland’s best geothermal lagoons are spread across the country.

Hiring a car gives you complete freedom to visit whichever ones interest you most.

We’ve always had excellent experiences with Blue Car Rental.

🚗 Hire your car here:

https://www.bluecarrental.is/?affiliate=IcelandicAdventure


Campervan Adventures

Many travellers combine Iceland’s geothermal lagoons with a Ring Road campervan adventure.

We explored Iceland in a CampEasy campervan, giving us the flexibility to visit lagoons all over the country.

Book through our link and you’ll also receive an exclusive FREE Easy Start Pack.

🚐 Book your CampEasy campervan here:

https://campeasy.com/?tap_a=107011-a856e5&tap_s=8902128-1989f0


Stay Connected

Reliable mobile data makes booking spa visits, navigating between locations and checking opening times much easier.

We always use Saily eSIM, which activates before landing.

📱 Save 10% here:

https://go.saily.site/aff_c?offer_id=101&aff_id=15717


Tips Before You Visit

  • Book popular lagoons in advance.
  • Bring swimwear.
  • Pack flip-flops.
  • Remove jewellery before entering silica-rich water.
  • Shower before entering the pools.
  • Bring a waterproof phone pouch for photos.

Final Thoughts

Relaxing in a geothermal lagoon is one of those experiences that makes Iceland so unforgettable.

Whether you’re soaking in the luxurious Blue Lagoon, admiring the fjord views from Forest Lagoon or discovering hidden geothermal pools in the Highlands, every location offers something completely different.

If you can only visit one, we’d recommend Forest Lagoon—but honestly, we’d happily visit every single one again.

Enjoy your soak, and have an amazing Iceland adventure!

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