From steamy lagoons to hidden natural pools, Iceland’s hot springs were some of the most unforgettable stops on my trip.
In this guide, I’m sharing my personal reviews, tips, and photos from the hot springs I actually visited.
That way, you’ll know exactly which ones are worth your time.
Iceland’s Ultimate Hot Spring Guide
Thanks to Iceland’s volcanic activity and tectonic position, the country is filled with naturally heated water bubbling up from underground.
This geothermal energy is what powers hot springs, spas, and even homes across Iceland.
Some hot springs are completely natural and untouched, while others have been turned into luxurious lagoon experiences with cold plunges, steam rooms, and swim-up bars.
No matter what kind you’re into, soaking in a hot spring is one of the most iconic Icelandic experiences.
Best Hot Springs in Iceland
Here are all the hot springs I visited during my drive along Ring Road!
1. Blue Lagoon
Blue Lagoon was the very first hot spring I visited in Iceland. I headed straight here after my overnight flight from Boston.
Even though I was exhausted, soaking in that steamy blue water was the perfect way to kick off the trip.
Yes, it’s touristy, pricey, and usually crowded—but it’s also iconic for a reason.
I went with the premium package, which included two drinks and a few different face masks from the in-water bar.
The silica mask station felt freezing going on, but my skin felt amazing after.
The lagoon is manmade, but the geothermal water is the real deal, pumped up from deep underground and full of skin-softening minerals.
It’s super close to the airport too, which makes it an easy first or last stop if you’re flying in or out of Keflavík.
This was our first stop before doing the Ring Road! Read my Iceland Ring Road Itinerary: 41 Stops, Optional Add-Ons + Map!
2. Silica Lagoon at Silica Hotel
My Blue Lagoon ticket was included in my stay at the Silica Hotel, which includes premium admission.
But honestly? The real highlight wasn’t the Blue Lagoon. It was the Silica Lagoon, the private geothermal pool just steps from my hotel room.
The Silica Lagoon is only for hotel guests, which means no crowds, no noise, and no rush.
I floated for hours, taking in the views of the lava field, letting the minerals soak in, and watching the steam curl into the Icelandic sky.
The hotel itself was beautiful! Minimalist, calm, and thoughtfully designed.
I loved the soft robes, cozy slippers, and access to the lagoon anytime. It felt like a proper retreat.
We also walked over to dinner at the Lava Restaurant at the Blue Lagoon, which was such a nice way to start our trip.
If you’re looking for a more exclusive, restful Iceland hot spring experience, this is it.
Want to see more of my stay at Silica Hotel, including a video walkthrough? Read Silica Hotel Iceland Review: My Stay Near the Blue Lagoon!
3. Forest Lagoon
Next, we visited Forest Lagoon during our overnight stay in Akureyri, stopping in for a soak in the early afternoon.
It was definitely one of the busier hot springs we visited, thanks to the tour buses.
It had more of a social, party vibe than a quiet retreat. But honestly? The views made it totally worth it.
The Forest Lagoon is located in North Iceland, perched on a hillside surrounded by—you guessed it—a forest.
Birds were flying overhead, and the scent of trees drifted through the steam.
I sipped a glass of rosé while watching the sun stretch endlessly across the sky during Iceland’s midnight sun season.
There’s also a swim-up bar, a sauna, and a cold plunge if you’re feeling brave.
It’s a great stop if you’re passing through Akureyri or spending time in North Iceland, just be prepared to share the space.
Staying overnight in Akureyri? Read Top Things to Do in Akureyri: Hot Springs, Hot Dogs & More
4. Mývatn Nature Baths
After leaving Akureyri, we started our Diamond Circle drive and headed straight for the Mývatn area.
With our first stop being the iconic Mývatn Nature Baths.
We booked the earliest reservation of the day and it paid off. While other time slots can get packed with tour groups, it was surprisingly quiet in the morning.
Even though a couple of buses showed up, we had whole sections of the lagoon to ourselves.
The setting felt more low-key and peaceful compared to the Blue Lagoon or Forest Lagoon.
Surrounded by volcanic hills and sweeping views of Lake Mývatn, it felt like we were floating in the middle of nowhere.
The water has that same milky blue color, but it’s slightly sulfurier, so don’t expect it to smell like roses.
Still, it was relaxing, warm, and the perfect way to start the day before exploring more of North Iceland.
Read my entire Diamond Circle Iceland Itinerary for all of my favorite places to stop.
5. GeoSea
After our whale watching tour in Húsavík, we ended the day with a 9:00 PM soak at GeoSea.
One of the most stunning hot springs we visited in Iceland.
Thanks to the midnight sun, we had daylight well into the evening, and the views were absolutely unreal.
GeoSea is built into a hillside and features an infinity-style hot spring that looks out over Skjálfandi Bay.
Blending so seamlessly with the ocean that the waterline disappears into the horizon.
We floated with drinks in hand, watching the calm sea stretch out in front of us.
Then, like magic, we spotted more whales right from the pool!
Between the view, the setting, and the post-whale-tour high, Geosea was a favorite!
I recommend whale watching in Husavik! Here is Husavik Whale Watching: Iceland’s Best Tour with North Sailing.
6. Beer Bath at Blábjörg Resort
Okay, so this isn’t technically a hot spring—but it absolutely earns a spot on my list.
While I was visiting Borgarfjörður Eystri in East Iceland to see the puffins, I booked a beer bath appointment at Blábjörg Resort.
It ended up being one of the most fun and relaxing experiences of the whole trip.
Each beer bath is in a private spa room with a wooden tub filled with young, unfermented beer, hops, and yeast.
All heated to the perfect temperature for soaking!
It’s meant to be great for your skin, but honestly, it just felt incredible after a long day of driving and exploring.
You also get your own cold beer to sip while you soak, which is exactly my kind of spa treatment.
Even though it’s not a geothermal pool, it felt just as restorative—especially after chasing puffins around the cliffs all day.
Are you interested in seeing Puffins? Borgarfjörður Eystri: The Best Place to See Puffins in Iceland!
7. Sky Lagoon
We ended our trip in Reykjavík, and on our very last day, we took a taxi over to Sky Lagoon.
Honestly, it was the perfect way to close out the trip.
Compared to the other hot springs we visited, this one felt more like a high-end spa experience than a natural lagoon.
We did the full seven-step ritual, which started with a soak in the warm infinity-edge lagoon overlooking the North Atlantic Ocean.
After that came a cold plunge (which I barely survived), a steam room, sauna, body scrub, and a refreshing rinse before heading back into the lagoon.
It felt like pressing a reset button after all the hiking, driving, and soaking we’d done across the country.
If you’re ending your trip in Reykjavík, this is the hot spring to save for last—it felt like a reward.
Hot Springs Tips for Visiting Iceland
Before you dive in (literally), here are a few things to know that will make your hot spring experience smoother:
- Bring your own towel if you can—most lagoons charge extra to rent one.
- You’ll need to shower naked before entering any hot spring. It’s required for hygiene and taken seriously in Iceland.
- Drink plenty of water before and after soaking. The geothermal heat can sneak up on you and leave you dehydrated fast.
- Book ahead, especially for the more popular spots like Blue Lagoon and Sky Lagoon.
- Go early or late in the day to avoid crowds—those tour buses love the midday time slots.
A little prep goes a long way, and trust me, it’s all worth it once you’re floating under the Icelandic sky.
Map of the Best Hot Springs in Iceland
Here’s a map of the best hot springs in Iceland, showing every stop we made. From Reykjavík to the Eastfjords and everywhere in between.
My Favorite Hot Spring in Iceland
I never got sick of soaking in hot springs during our trip. Each one had its own vibe—some wild and remote, others calm and spa-like.
But if I had to choose just one? GeoSea in Húsavík was my favorite.
It’s one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever soaked in!
Every hot spring was memorable in its own way, but GeoSea left me speechless.
Hot Springs in Iceland: Video Tour
Watch this short video to see what it’s like to soak in Iceland’s hot springs.
Explore More of Iceland
I did so much during my ten-day trip in Iceland!
We drove the Ring Road to see it all. Here is my Iceland Ring Road Itinerary: 41 Stops, Optional Add-Ons + Map.
One of my favorite hikes in Iceland was Stóra-Grábrók Crater Hike: A Must-See Stop on Ring Road!
And also Hengifoss Waterfall Hike in East Iceland: What to Expect + Tips!
I also loved Husavik Whale Watching: Iceland’s Best Tour with North Sailing.
But my favorite part of visiting Iceland was the Puffins! Borgarfjörður Eystri: The Best Place to See Puffins in Iceland.
Read all of my Iceland Travel Guides!
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