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Geothermal Spas in Iceland
Welcome to the world of Geothermal Spas in Iceland, where the Earth’s natural heat meets relaxation and rejuvenation. Iceland, blessed with high geothermal activity, is a haven of warm waters waiting to embrace you. Due to the water’s healing properties, warm and soothing atmosphere, bathing has been a local pastime for decades. Whether you are visiting in winter or summer, these pools are the perfect way to relax after a busy day of sightseeing. From contemporary spas to more traditional style springs, we have rounded up the best man-made geothermal spas in Iceland. Each of them offering an unforgettable experience.
Blue Lagoon
Undoubtedly Iceland’s most renowned geothermal spa, the Blue Lagoon is a must-visit destination for those exploring Reykjavik. Often referred to as one of the 25 wonders of the world, the Blue Lagoon boasts a unique setting directly in the centre of a lava field on the Reykjanes Peninsula. Take a dip in the famous milky-blue pools and embrace the area’s beautiful scenery.
Within the expansive pool area, you will discover a unique mask bar where you can pamper your skin with rejuvenating silica and algae face mask. This impressive resort and spa will keep you busy for hours with a swim-up bar, in-water massage treatments, a sauna and steam room, and two gourmet restaurants. Entrance tickets are a gateway to the ultimate relaxation including silica mud mask, towel hire, and a complimentary drink from the bar. It’s a highly sought-after add-on for groups exploring the vibrant city of Reykjavik.
See why Blue Lagoon or geothermal Spas in general are among the reason why Iceland should be on your travel bucket list 😉
Sky Lagoon
Sky Lagoon opened its doors in 2021, it is located in the capital area. After opening its doors it quickly gained popularity from both locals and visitors. The lagoon is an infinity pool with breathtaking views over the bay and mountains around the capital area. Whether you visit during winter or summer, the view will be spectacular. Midnight sun during the summer and who knows if you are lucky enough to see the Northern Lights during the winter. The pool and bathing area is closed off by towering basalt cliffs adorned with moss-covered lava rocks.
When visiting the lagoon you can buy either a Sky or Pure pass.
Pure Lite Pass: This pass is perfect if you are short on time and is without the Ritual.
Pure Pass: This is the classic and most popular package, with the Ritual.
Sky Pass: This is the elevated option, includes the Ritual and private changing facilities.
If you have started to wonder what the Ritual is, here is information about is. It is a 7-step ritual that combines the healing powers of warm water, cold water, warm steam, dry heat and fresh air. Here below we are going more into depth of each step:
Step 1: Embraced by the soothing lagoon. The first sop on this journey is the healing warm geothermal waters of the Lagoon.
Step 2: Invigorated in a glacier-fresh pool. Boost you happiness with cold therapy! You can either wander in the fresh Icelandic air or if you are brave enough take a quick dip in the cold plunge. The cold water will stimulate your immune system, increase blood flow in the body and tighten the skin.
Step 3: Amazed by the endless sea & sky. After the cold dip, visit the sauna for 5-10 minutes. Allow the heat to open pores, remove toxins and cleanse the skin, all while looking at the spectacular view through the largest single window in Iceland.
Step 4: Refreshed in an energizing mist. Balance the heat by stepping slowly through our cold fog-mist space.
Step 5: Rejuvenated with a cleansing scrub. Apply the signature Sky Lagoon body scrub, your skin will be exfoliated and glowing. Slowly feel the scrub improve how you feel, inside and out. This is the highlight of the ritual.1
Step 6: Warmed in a blanket of steam. Steam will once more open your skin, allowing it to absorb the key therapeutic elements of the Ritual and maximizing the hydrating benefirs of the body scrub. Moist warmth eases your breathing and improves overall body functions.
Step 7: Cleansed in a pure, gentle shower. Finally feel the results and enjoy the moment.
Sky Lagoon’s Ritual isn’t just a set of steps. It is a carefully designed experience to make you feel refreshed and renewed. It stays with you, a memory to cherish and a reason to come back to this peaceful and joyful heaven.
Hvammsvík Hot Springs
Hvammsvík Hot Springs opened its doors in 2022, just a short distance from Reykjavík. There are 8 natural hot springs pools of different sizes and temperatures, located at varying distances from the shoreline. During high tide, the sea flows over the geothermal pools closest to the coast. Mixing the cold salty water of the ocean with the natural hot spring water. Creating a unique experience. The changing rooms are repurposed barracks from the allied occupation of Iceland during World War II. For those who love being close to nature, there are outdoor changing rooms for an open-sky shower experience.
Besides enjoying the hot springs, guests can have a great time with activities like paddleboarding, yoga sessions, or a refreshing dip in the ocean plunge pool. During the winter, the minimal light pollution in the area, makes this spot an ideal place to see the Northern Lights while soaking in the warm waters.
Besides enjoying the hot springs, guests can have a great time with activities like paddleboarding, yoga sessions, or a refreshing dip in the ocean plunge pool.
Hvammsvík isn’t just about hot springs. It is about creating memories and finding joy in every moment. This is a destination that leaves you rejuvenated, connected and deeply appreciative of Iceland’s natural wonders.
Secret Lagoon
For an authentic Icelandic hot pool experience, look no further than the Secret Lagoon. It finds itself in the charming town of Flúðir, close to the popular Golden Circle area. Though it may not be as secret as the name suggests, it offers a quiet retreat. Set within a wonderful geothermal area, visitors can sit back and witness regular small geyser eruptions or take a stroll along the specially constructed walking path. Though it is a man-made pool, the Secret Lagoon boasts a natural charm with a traditional concrete changing area. Its rugged surroundings create a tranquil oasis, enabling visitors to relax and truly reconnect with nature.
Fontana Geothermal Baths
In the heart of the famous Golden Circle route, the Laugarvatn Fontana Geothermal Baths, a heaven to unwind after a long morning stroll. The area itself has been a local hotspot since the 1920s thanks to the healing steam from the ground. This stylish geothermal spa features traditional wooden steam cabins accompanied by the sound of the nearby bubbling hot springs. There are three outdoor mineral baths offering majestic views across the surrounding lake. Each hot tub varies in size and temperature, with local artwork inside. When it’s time to cool off, a walk along the black sandy beach awaits, offering a chance to dip into the lake and refresh your senses.
Laugarvatn Fontana Geothermal Baths also happens to be a popular destination in the evenings, especially for those on Northern Lights Explorations. Visitors often find solace in the warm geothermal baths while keeping an eager eye on the night sky. Hoping to witness the breathtaking dance of the Northern Lights.
Fontana is not just a high-quality spa, they do have a hidden gem. It includes a geothermal bakery that embraces the Iceland’s natural wonders. They have mastered the art of baking in the earth’s embrace. They bake the bread in the steaming hot black sand. Allowing the earth’s warm to create culinary perfection over 24 hours. A perfect experience for Culinary Adventurers.
The Forest Lagoon
The Forest Lagoon opened its doors in 2022. The lagoon is located in North Iceland, a few minutes from Akureyri. The lagoon is surrounded by Vaðlaskógur forest, birch trees and pine trees are all over. To complement to natural setting of the forest around, wooden elements are seamlessly integrated throughout the spa. The lagoon has two pools, one large and one small. The larger one is 530 m2 and the temperature is kept around 37°C/98.6°F, there are also two swim up bars and an indoor entry. The small pool is 53m2 and the temperature is kept arpund 40°C/104°F. You will also find a Finnish Dry Sauna where you can experience a unique view over Eyjafjörður and the mountains around. Are you wondering what a Finnish Dry Sauna is? Unlike steam rooms, or wet saunas as they are called, moisture and steam play no part in a Finnish Dry Sauna. The humidity is kept around 20% and the temperature is around 80°C. Next to the sauna is a cold pool. After enjoying the waters of the lagoon you can eat at their restaurant, Forest Bistro.
At the Forest Lagoon “they believe that create unique experiences every detail matters.”
Geosea Sea Baths
For spectacular sea views across Skjálfandi Bay, head to the Geosea Sea Baths. Using natural geothermal waters from two nearby drill holes, visitors can rest and rejuvenate among warming mineral-rich seawater. Located close to the historic fishing town of Húsavík, Geosea is ideal for road trippers looking for a little R&R. Along with luxury pools and unrivalled sea views, visitors can also enjoy tasty beverages from the swim-up spa. Tuck into pastries, soups, and ice cream at the contemporary cafe, or sit back and relax at the steam room.
Mývatn Nature Bath
Consisting of a large bathing area that faces out towards Lake Mývatn, this geothermal spa oozes in peace and serenity. Just 65 miles from the Arctic Circle, Mývatn Nature Bath offers a true wilderness experience. The lagoon itself boasts temperatures between 36 – 40°C and is well known for its high sulfuric content that is believed to help many respiratory conditions including asthma. Situated above the lagoon are two sulfur-free steam baths with a temperature of 50°C. If you’re feeling hungry, head over to Café Kvika and sample the area’s famous geyser bread. Wash it all down with a fresh fruit smoothie or glass of wine on the terrace.
GeoSea and Myvatn Nature Baths are both located in North Iceland, check out what else you can do on our blog about the Must-see of North Iceland.
Krauma
Taking its water from Deildartunguhver, the most powerful hot spring in Europe, Krauma is an indulgent spa with five fabulous bathing areas. Each hot pool is individually designed, varying in shape and size. There is also one cold bath to stimulate blood circulation. Within the Spa complex is a stylish relaxation room with an open fireplace, loungers, and relaxation music. You will also find two steam baths and a gourmet restaurant serving traditional Icelandic cuisine. Entrance includes towels, bathrobes, and swimwear available to hire. Krauma is located near Reykholt in West Iceland.
The Vök Baths
With unique architectural designs, Vök Baths are the only floating pools in Iceland. Constructed on top of Lake Urriðavatn, just 5 kilometres from the town of Egilsstaðir, these hot pools offer jaw-dropping views of the surrounding snow-capped mountains. Chill out on the lake or take a soak in the on-shore pools. Vök Baths have adopted an environmentally-friendly ethos, using locally sourced materials to build the spa. The Tea Bar serves local herbal teas with natural drinking water from the lake itself, while Vök Bistro focuses on delicious organic cuisine.
The Beer Spa
For a truly unique geothermal experience, The Beer Spa is certainly the place go, located in Árskógssandur, north of Akureyri. Only here, will you be able to bathe in a tub of beer! Perfect for skin and hair, the beer formula is high in Vitamin B, protein, iron, and magnesium. There are 7 private pools that accommodate two adults each. The pools are heated to about 38°C and every session lasts 25 minutes. While you cannot drink the beer in the bathtub, there is a beer drought at every tub for visitors aged 20 years and over. Two to share a bath is the most popular way to enjoy this experience.
In conclusion, Iceland’s geothermal spas offer a diverse tapestry of relaxation and rejuvenation, seamlessly woven into the country’s breathtaking landscapes. From the iconic Blue Lagoon’s milky-blue pools nestled in a lava field to the Sky Lagoon’s seven-step ritual with mesmerizing views, each destination presents a unique and unforgettable experience. Whether you find solace in the forested tranquility of the Forest Lagoon, immerse yourself in the authenticity of the Secret Lagoon, or indulge in the culinary wonders of Fontana’s geothermal bakery, Iceland’s geothermal spas beckon travelers to embrace nature’s warmth. As you explore Hvammsvík’s oceanic blend, witness the regular small geyser eruptions at the Secret Lagoon, or float on the only floating pools at Vök Baths, you’ll discover that every detail matters in creating lasting memories. The magic of these geothermal wonders, coupled with the nation’s commitment to sustainable and unique spa experiences, makes Iceland a must-visit destination for those seeking tranquility, connection, and appreciation of nature’s wonders.
Have you seen our blog about natural geothermal hot springs?