Iceland sits on the boundary of two tectonic plates, which means geothermal activity — and hot water — close to the surface across much of the country.
Developed spas
The Blue Lagoon, Sky Lagoon, and Secret Lagoon are all developed geothermal spas with facilities, entry fees, and reliably warm water. They’re the easiest option if you want comfort without planning.
Municipal pools
Nearly every town in Iceland has a geothermally heated public pool (sundlaug), often with hot tubs, slides, and steam rooms, for a fraction of the cost of the tourist spas. These are where locals actually go.
Natural and semi-natural pools
Spots like Reykjadalur, a short hike from the town of Hveragerði, let you bathe in a naturally heated river. Landmannalaugar, in the Highlands, combines a natural hot spring with dramatic rhyolite mountains, but is only accessible by F-road in summer.
Etiquette and safety
Icelandic pools require a thorough shower without swimwear before entering — this is taken seriously and is about hygiene, not modesty. For natural hot springs, test the water before fully entering, as temperatures can vary significantly within the same pool, and some sources are too hot to be safe.
About Erika Sand
Erika has spent the last decade driving, hiking, and hot-spring-hopping across Iceland in every season. She writes NRF.is’s itineraries, guides, and trip reports to help travelers see the country safely, affordably, and without the tourist-trap detours.