There’s so much more to discover beyond Iceland’s most famous spa. While the Blue Lagoon may be iconic, the country is full of tucked-away warm pools in breathtaking natural settings that offer a quieter, more authentic experience. These secret spots allow you to soak in soothing mineral waters while being surrounded by Iceland’s dramatic landscapes of mountains, lava fields, and waterfalls. Whether you’re looking for adventure or a serene escape, these pools provide a memorable connection to nature. This guide will take you to some of Iceland’s most rewarding hidden bathing spots, with tips on how to reach them safely, what to pack, and how to visit respectfully. Your next unforgettable getaway starts here!

Why Visit Iceland's Hidden Hot Springs?

While commercial lagoons are known for their impressive facilities, venturing out to natural pools brings a unique sense of adventure. Many of these places are free, offering peaceful moments away from crowds. Immersing yourself in a rustic, untouched hot pool lets you connect with Iceland’s dramatic landscapes in a genuine way. Enjoy the same breathtaking surroundings (sprawling lava fields, gentle hills, or rugged coastlines) in an intimate atmosphere you won’t find at busier sites.

It's helpful to understand how a "hot spring" differs from a "hot pot." Hot springs are completely natural features, while hot pots are often built pools that use naturally heated water. This guide features a variety of both, with a focus on spots that offer a wild and off-the-beaten-path feel.

Essential Etiquette and Safety Tips

Before setting off, keep a few key guidelines in mind. These simple steps protect your well-being and help maintain these remarkable places for everyone to enjoy.

  • Test the Water: Always check how hot the pool is before you step in. Some spots have much higher temperatures in certain areas. Use your hand or foot to make sure it's comfortable and safe.
  • Leave No Trace: These sites are delicate. Take everything with you when you leave, including garbage. Don’t use any soaps, shampoos, or chemicals; they can harm the environment and pollute the water.
  • Respect the Environment: Stay on marked paths to protect the fragile moss and plants. Don’t try to build new pools or change the flow of the water.
  • Be Prepared: Many places are off the beaten path. Make sure your car can handle the roads, your tank is full, and you have offline maps. Bring a towel, a refillable water bottle, and a few snacks.

Top Secret Hot Springs to Discover

Excited to start your journey? Here are a few lesser-known treasures you can find throughout the country, each offering a unique way to unwind and soak in the natural beauty.

Seljavallalaug: Iceland's Oldest Swimming Pool

Nestled in a vibrant green valley along the South Coast, Seljavallalaug stands as one of the country's oldest pools. Built in 1923, its original purpose was to teach swimming to locals. This secluded spot now offers a rustic, tranquil setting maintained by the steady flow of naturally heated water.

  • Location: In the south of Iceland, a short drive from Skógafoss waterfall.
  • How to Get There: Leave the Ring Road at Road 242 (Raufarfell). Continue until you spot a sign for Seljavellir. Park and enjoy a 15-20 minute hike along the marked trail through the valley.
  • What to Expect: Stretching about 25 meters, the pool offers mildly warm water. This is ideal for a cool dip during warmer months. Changing facilities are minimal and can be a bit messy, so plan accordingly. The impressive mountains around you create an experience that feels both peaceful and dramatic.

Hrunalaug: The Tiny, Fairytale Pool

Hrunalaug is a small, enchanting pool set near the village of Flúðir, just off the well-traveled Golden Circle. This spot is a true hidden treasure, inviting you to relax in a fairytale-like setting. You’ll find a cozy stone-walled pool and a quaint little shed beside it, offering a memorable place to unwind.

  • Location: Close to Flúðir in the south.
  • Getting There: The pool sits on private property, but visitors are welcome with the owner’s permission. There’s a small and easy-to-miss parking area off Road 345. You’ll spot a donation box nearby; please contribute to upkeep and help keep the spot available for everyone.
  • What You’ll Find: The main bathing area is snug, fitting just three or four people at a time. The temperature is ideal for relaxing. Since space is limited and the pool’s popularity is rising due to social media, visiting early or later in the day offers a quieter experience.

Landbrotalaug: A Hot Pot for Two

If you’re seeking a truly private getaway, Landbrotalaug is ideal. Tucked away on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, this petite hot pool is perfectly sized for just two or three people, creating an inviting, exclusive atmosphere.

  • Location: Snæfellsnes Peninsula, West Iceland.
  • How to Get There: Look for the pool near the Eldborg crater. Head off Road 54 onto an unpaved road. After a quick drive, you’ll see an old, empty farmhouse. From there, it’s a short walk and tucked away in the fields.
  • What to Expect: This cozy spring is about a meter deep with pleasantly warm water. There’s another shallow pool close by. Since there are no built facilities, you’ll need to change outdoors. The seclusion and sweeping views over mossy lava give this spot its special charm.

The Geothermal River of Reykjadalur

Why settle for an ordinary pool when you can immerse yourself in a natural river? Reykjadalur, meaning "Steam Valley," is tucked near Hveragerði and is home to a warm river where hot and cool streams blend together for an ideal soak. A picturesque hike leads you to the right spot, inviting you to enjoy nature’s own heated waters in a truly memorable way.

  • Location: Just outside Hveragerði, in the south.
  • How to Get There: Begin your walk at the main parking lot near the trailhead. The path is about 3.5 kilometers (2.2 miles) long, typically taking 45-60 minutes. It’s a moderately steep hike, but every step brings new sights and is well worth your time.
  • What to Expect: As you journey up the valley, you’ll pass by clouds of steam and bubbling mud pits, making the scenery an adventure in itself. At the river, wooden paths and modest privacy screens are available for changing. The water’s warmth increases the further you go upstream, so you can pick a spot with your perfect temperature.

Guðrúnarlaug: A Viking-Era Hot Pot

Step into history at Guðrúnarlaug, a restored bathing spot named for a legendary character from the Icelandic Sagas. Situated in West Iceland, this inviting pool blends a sense of the past with the comfort of a relaxing dip.

  • Location: Located near Hotel Edda Laugar in Sælingsdalur, West Iceland.
  • How to Get There: Access is simple; it's right beside the hotel and campsite.
  • What to Expect: This circular spot is built from natural stones, surrounded by striking countryside. It’s open for public use and supplies a charming, turf-roofed changing room. The temperature is just right for a comfortable soak, and its roots in Viking lore give your visit an extra touch of intrigue.

Setting out to find Iceland’s lesser-known warm pools is an experience you’ll remember for a long time. These remarkable spots invite you to unwind, rejuvenate, and immerse yourself in the soothing embrace of geothermal waters amid tranquil scenery. When you respect local guidelines, you help maintain these awe-inspiring locations for everyone. Slip your swimsuit into your bag, bring your adventurous spirit, and prepare to encounter hidden highlights most travelers overlook. The ideal relaxing soak is ready and waiting.