IcelandTravel guide

Natural hot springs in Iceland

A guide to naturally hot water, database-listed places, and responsible, safer visits.

01 / Geothermal Iceland

Bathing in the landscape

Geothermal energy has shaped Icelandic bathing culture. Natural pools differ from managed geothermal spas: facilities, temperature information, access and supervision may be limited or absent.

Find a natural hot spring

AllAusturlandHálendiðNorðurlandSuðurlandSuðvesturlandVestfirðirVesturlandNo recorded admission
HrunalaugHrunalaugSuðurlandAdmission recordedYear-roundReykjadalur Hot RiverReykjadalur Hot RiverSuðurlandNo admission recordedYear-roundKúalaugKúalaugSuðurlandNo admission recordedYear-roundMarteinslaugMarteinslaugSuðurlandNo admission recordedYear-roundSeljavallalaugSeljavallalaugSuðurlandNo admission recordedSpring–AutumnVígðalaugVígðalaugSuðurlandNo admission recordedYear-round

Natural hot springs on the map

The map only shows published places with recorded coordinates. Select a marker to open its place page.

Recorded as accessible without admission

This label is based on IsAccessibleForFree in the database. Still check rules, permission and conditions before visiting.

Borhola KerlingarfjöllBorhola KerlingarfjöllHálendiðNo admission recordedSummerBrimketillBrimketillSuðvesturlandNo admission recordedYear-roundBrúarpotturinn Hot PotBrúarpotturinn Hot PotVestfirðirNo admission recordedSpring–AutumnDjúpavogskörin Hot TubsDjúpavogskörin Hot TubsAusturlandNo admission recordedYear-roundDrangsnes Hot PotsDrangsnes Hot PotsVestfirðirNo admission recordedYear-roundEnglandshverir Geothermal AreaEnglandshverir Geothermal AreaVesturlandNo admission recordedYear-round

Natural hot springs by region

Austurland3Hálendið8Norðurland8Suðurland6Suðvesturland3Vestfirðir13Vesturland10

Natural pool vs. geothermal spa

A natural pool centres on naturally hot water and its setting. Geothermal spas are managed attractions with facilities and controlled admission. This page does not automatically mix spas into natural-pool results.

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Why is there so much hot water?

Iceland lies across an active volcanic zone where geothermal heat warms groundwater. Temperatures vary greatly, and a hot spring is not automatically safe or permitted for bathing.

Care and safety

Leave no trace and respect private land, paths, closures and owner or municipal rules. Test temperature cautiously; consider slippery surfaces, depth, children, weather and remote locations. Do not assume supervision.

Read the safety guide
FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Are natural hot springs free?

Some are recorded as accessible without admission, but rules and access can change. Check before visiting.

Is bathing in natural hot springs safe?

Not in every spring. Temperature, depth, access and conditions vary; always follow rules and local information.

Where can I find natural hot springs?

Use the database map and region choices on this page.

Are natural hot springs open year-round?

Not necessarily. Weather, access, maintenance, ownership or closures can affect availability.

What is the difference between a natural pool and a geothermal spa?

Geothermal spas are generally managed with facilities and controlled access; natural pools may have no such services.

Can I bathe in every hot spring?

No. Some are too hot, environmentally sensitive, closed or not intended for bathing.

How should I behave?

Respect private land, paths, closures and rules, and leave no trace.