Biskupslaug – Bishop's Hot Spring

Biskupslaug in Hjaltadalur is an ancient geothermal pool at Reykir in Hjaltadalur, Skagafjörður, close to the historic site of Hólar. It is an unusual heritage site where Iceland's geothermal resources meet the long history of the episcopal seat at Hólar.

Biskupslaug is a small stone-built pool located near the lower part of the fields at Reykir. Its bottom is paved with flagstones, and historical tradition connects the pool with the bishops of Hólar, who are said to have used the warm water for bathing from medieval times.

Another pool, known as Vinnufólkslaug or Hjúalaug, was located a short distance away. It was larger but colder, providing an interesting glimpse into historic bathing traditions and social life in Hjaltadalur.

Biskupslaug is a protected archaeological site and should primarily be regarded as a historical monument rather than a conventional geothermal bathing pool. Visitors should treat the site with care and respect all local access restrictions and instructions from landowners.

A visit can easily be combined with Hólar in Hjaltadalur, one of Iceland's most important historical and cultural sites. Hólar served as an episcopal seat for centuries and played a major role in Iceland's religious, cultural and educational history.