Iceland’s top 20 geothermal pools and spas

09.01.2025 - 09:27 / lonelyplanet.com / Sky Lagoon

Jan 8, 2025 • 8 min read

Icelandic water is some of the purest and cleanest in the world. And Icelanders have turned enjoying this natural resource into an art and a science. The Blue Lagoon is just the beginning. From sprawling lagoon complexes with multi-step bathing rituals to tiny secluded natural pools, you’ll find a variety of geothermal facilities across the country.

Spas: These sprawling spa complexes tap into Iceland’s crystal-clear geothermal water and take things up a notch with bath rituals, massages and more.

Hidden gems: Spending a lot of money isn’t your only option. Lots of tiny geothermal pools are scattered across Iceland and cost a fraction of the price.

Local pools: Icelanders take swimming seriously and some public pools are closer to what foreign visitors may call waterparks, but with hot tubs. Visiting is a cultural experience.

When you think of Iceland, no doubt one of the first things that comes to mind is the Blue Lagoon. Walking out in a fluffy white bathrobe to milky-blue water surrounded by lava, is the epitome of relaxation and luxury. With its silver towers, roiling clouds of steam, and people daubed in white silica mud, it’s an otherworldly place. The superheated water (70% sea water, 30% fresh water, at a perfect 110°F/38°C) is rich in blue-green algae, mineral salts and fine silica mud, which condition and exfoliate the skin. Those who say it’s too commercial and too crowded aren’t wrong, but you’ll be missing something special if you don’t go. Pre-booking is essential.

Pro tip: Go early in the morning or after 6pm to avoid crowds. Load up on conditioner (provided with admission) as the minerals in the water can be hard on hair.

Our top pick for a Reykjavík city-center swim. Located near Hallgrímskirkja, the complex has a sauna, steam rooms, cold plunge pools and several heated pools. Admission costs a fraction of what you’d pay for the Blue Lagoon or the Sky Lagoon. There are no cocktails to sip or selfie spots to visit, just warm Icelandic water and a truly authentic local experience.

Book ahead to soak in these scenic hot pools perched along the fjord, just 45 minutes from Reykjavík. Eight geothermal pools dot the shoreline, with some positioned so close to the water's edge that sea spray mingles with the warm springs. Take an invigorating cold plunge in the fjord between soaks if you dare.

Krossneslaug is a geothermal (infinity) pool and natural hot pot that shouldn’t be missed. Up a dirt track about 2 miles (3km) beyond Norðurfjörður, you’ll park, then walk down to where it sits at the edge of the universe on a wild black-pebble beach. It’s an incredible place to watch the midnight sun flirt with the roaring waves.

Pro tip: Despite having official opening hours, the pool