Top 15 Iceland hot springs: how to visit them by rental car

Iceland is a popular travel destination for a variety of different reasons: extreme temperatures, viking stories, a football team that takes down giants, and its incredible array of exotic hot springs. It has some of the most amazing hot springs in the world which make up part of its alluring landscapes, and serve as a major tourist attraction. 

Its Blue Lagoon hot spring is considered one of ‘The Top 25 Wonders of the World‘ by National Geographic, and is the most famous of Iceland’s hot springs. In this article, we will give you an easy-to-use, comprehensive guide to Iceland’s famous hot springs including individual ease of access, price ranges, how to reach them by rental car, and which cars are best suited for each one.

Related links: Rent a brand new EV in Iceland, Find a car in Iceland

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Facts about hot springs in Iceland

It’s easy to look at pictures of the icy, frozen grounds of a country aptly named Iceland and wonder how a place like that can be associated with hot springs, but the country’s hot springs are a thing of natural beauty. They are a result of geothermal activity including sub-zero weather and volcanic activities that create lakes, waterfalls, and hot springs that can be experienced all year round regardless of seasons and weather. 

Geothermal water is used for house heating, glacial rivers’ power, and geothermal steam for electricity production. The hot water at home is also heated by geothermal power. Thar makes Icelanders unable to live without these gifted natural resources, which are essential for our daily lives.

Reykjavík is home to no less than 17 heated swimming pools with water sourced from natural geothermal springs, with many more of such pools spread around the country. For those who thirst for a more natural body of water to kick their heels up, Iceland’s natural hot springs are the go-to destinations to enjoy a perfectly warm dip in the waters. However, these springs can be quite difficult to reach; sometimes being in difficult-to-navigate mountainous areas that require hiking, while others can be accessed using cars. 

Calm pools of water whose temperatures are not harmful to the skin are the main catch to Iceland’s hot springs, but Iceland’s other hot springs can include mud pits, spouting geysers, and boiling fumaroles that are not conducive for holiday goers to swim in or be around.

23 best hot springs in Iceland map 

Below is a map showing the 15 hot springs discussed in the article, as well as a bonus five mentioned at the end, all carefully curated to provide you with the best experience. 

What car should you rent if you want to visit hot springs in Iceland?

As with any other process, it is important to know what you’re getting into when you embark on renting a car in Iceland. There are a few things you must consider and a few factors to take into account. 

• Know the driving law: Driving ages vary per country. In some countries, it is 18, others 21, and here in Iceland, it’s 20. 
• Know the terrain: Iceland is known for its mountainous areas and rapid weather changes and it is important to understand the land and weather oddities of your chosen location and have cars that are flexible enough to cope with most weather.  
• Price: When planning your holiday trip, having a budget is imperative to ensure you don’t go overboard. Make sure you adequately plan your budget with a foreknowledge of the pricing framework of rental cars and fuel. Find economy cars that can take you where you need to go.
• Type of Activity: Your type of activity will ultimately determine your type of car. If you will be going off-road more than not, then a 4×4 car would be the best for you, if you would prefer a quiet drive around different terrains, then A smaller two-wheel-drive would be perfect for you. 
• If you would like to know more about rental cars in Iceland, then have a look at some of our detailed articles on the benefits, processes, and tips for renting a car in Iceland. 

Best hot springs in Reykjavik and South Iceland

As mentioned earlier the capital city, Reykjavik, is a hotbed of hot springs as well as the south coast of the country. So we’ll start our recommendation with five hot springs from these areas.

1. World-famous hot spring spa: Blue Lagoon

• Address: Norðurljósavegur 9, 240 Grindavík, Iceland.
• Opening hours:
  January-May, from 09:00-21:00;
  June, from 08:00-22:00;
  July-August, from 08:00-23:00;
  September, from 08:00-21:00;
  October-December, from 08:00-20:00.
  _{*Opening hours info updated in 2022, please refers to their official website for the latest updates}
• Price for entry ticket: Prices start from 6990 ISK (~ 54 USD ) and are dependent on the length of stay and the ‘level of entrance’ package. 
  _{*updated 2022, current price might be differ}
• Easy access? Yes, super accessible all-year-round.
• Best time to visit: All year

Info about the spa: Located in a lava field near Grindavík on the Reykjanes Peninsula, just minutes from the Keflavik airport, Blue Lagoon is an Icelandic tourism jewel and the Spa offers a famous silica mud mask treatment that will leave your skin glowing.

How to visit Blue Lagoon by car?

• Cars that you can visit with: In the summer, a small car will get you there easily. In winter, while a similar car might still get you there, a 4×4 is recommended for safety. 
• Route: From Keflavik Airport, Blue Lagoon is only 20 minutes away. Take Reykjanesbraut (Highway 41) to Grindavíkurvegur (Highway 43). Follow the signs straight to Blue Lagoon. This direction would also work if you’re coming from Reykjavík, but would take about 50 minutes.

2. Rising star in Reykjavik: Sky Lagoon

• Address: Vesturvör 44-48 200, Kópavogur, Iceland.
• Opening hours:
  September 1 – May 31: Monday – Thursday: 12 PM – 10 PM; Friday: 12 PM – 11 PM; Saturday: 10 AM – 11 PM; Sunday: 11 AM – 10 PM;
  June 1 – June 16: Open daily: 11 AM – 11 PM;
  June 17 – August 14: Open daily: 8 AM – 11 PM;
  August 15 – August 31: Open daily: 11 AM – 11 PM;
  April 14 – April 18 (Easter Weekend): 11 AM – 11 PM daily.
  _{*Opening hours info updated in 2022, please refers to their official website for the latest updates}
• Price for entry ticket : 6990 – 23990 ISK (~ 54 – 185 USD )
  _{*updated 2022, current price might be differ}
• Easy access? Yes, super accessible all-year-round.
• Best time to visit: ALL-year

Info about the spa: Also located in the capital city Reykjavik, the Sky Lagoon includes outdoor pools, cold and hot springs, and is accessible all year round by road.

How to visit SkyLagoon by car?

• Cars that you can visit with: Easy to access using any car. 
• Route: From Hlemmur square, take Kringlumýrabraut (route 40). Continue onto Kársnesbraut and head to Vesturvör. The drive only takes around 15 minutes from central Reykjavík, and parking is free outside Sky Lagoon.

3. Geothermal beach with hot tub in Reykjavik: Nautholsvik Geothermal beach

• Address: Nautholsvik Geothermal Beach, 101, Iceland, Reykjavik
• Opening hours: 11:00 to 19:00 hrs
  _{*Opening hours info updated in 2022, please refers to their official website for the latest updates}
• Price for entry ticket : 775 ISK (~ 5.36 USD )
  _{*updated 2022, current price might be differ}
• Easy access? Yes, super accessible all-year-round.
• Best time to visit: All year

Info about the spa:  Located right next to the Reykjavik domestic airport, this Geothermal beach is available all year round with imported golden sand adorning the seaside, as well as geothermal tubs for tourists to swim in.

How to visit Nautholsvik Geothermal beach by car?

• Cars that you can visit with: Easy access with just about any car. 
• Route: Head east on Route 41. Take the exit toward Seltjarnarnes/Rvk-Fossvogur/Reykjavik V from Route 41. Continue on Bústaðavegur to your destination.

4. Free natural hot spring river: Reykjadalur

• Address: Reykjadalur, Iceland
• Opening hours: Open 24 Hours
• Price for entry ticket: FREE
• Easy access? Easy access in the summer, but you need to drive and hike. In the winter, it can be difficult or even impossible to access because of the weather.  
• Best time to visit: Summer 

Info about the spa: The mixture of glacial water, rainwater, and hot water from hot springs that settle in the free-to-use Reykjadalur stream is a dream for tourists to revel in and unwind.

How to visit Reykjadalur by car?

• Cars that you can visit with: For the driving part in the summer, any car is fine.
• Route: Head east on Route 40. Take the first exit at the roundabout onto Reykjanesbraut/Route 41. Follow Route 413 to Þjóðvegur 1 in Reykjavík. Then, follow Þjóðvegur 1 to Breiðamörk in Suðurland. Continue on Breiðamörk. Drive to Reykjadalur.

If you want to skip the hiking part, you could also join some horse riding tours in that area and reach the hot spring by riding a horse:

5. Geothermal Bath with Underground Bakery: Laugarvatn Fontana Geothermal Bath

• Address: Hverabraut 1, 840 Laugarvatn, Iceland
• Opening hours:
  Sunday through Wednesday: 11:30 am – 7:00 pm;
  Thursday through Saturday: 11:30 am – 9:00 pm
  _{*Opening hours info updated in 2022, please refers to their official website for the latest updates}
• Price for entry ticket: Adults, 17 – 66 years old, on-site 3950 ISK/30 USD; Youth (13 – 16 years old) 2000 ISK/15 USD; Children (0 – 12 years old (accompanied by an adult) – Free. (Maximum two children per one adult), Senior Citizen (67+) – 2000 ISK/15 USD
  _{*updated 2022, current price might be differ}
• Easy access? Rather easy, but might be sometimes tricky in winter because of icy roads.
• Best time to visit: All year

Info about the spa: One of the main attractions of most golden circle tours, the Laugarvatn Fontana is known for its relaxation spots, and its restaurant famous for its Rye bread which is baked underground.

How to visit Laugarvatn Fontana Geothermal Bath by car?

• Cars that you can visit with: In the summer, a small car is just fine. In winter, while a similar car might still get you there, a 4×4 rental car is recommended for safety.
• Route: It is easy to drive to Laugarvatn, which is located on road number 37 enroute Geysir and Gullfoss. A new road number 354 connects Laugarvatn to the Þingvellir National Park.

Here you can find the Admission of Fontana Spa and the Rye Bread special experience

6. Oldest hot spring pool in Iceland: Secret Lagoon

• Address: Hvammsvegur – 845 Flúðir
• Opening hours:
  In winter season: 10:00 to 19:00,
  In the summer: 12:00 to 20:00
  _{*Opening hours info updated in 2022, please refers to their official website for the latest updates}
• Price for entry ticket: FREE (For Children), 3000 ISK/23 USD for Adults, and 2200 ISK/17 USD for senior citizens.
  _{*updated 2022, current price might be differ}
• Easy access? Somewhat easy to access, but might be tricky in winter due to icy roads.
• Best time to visit: All year

Info about the spa: Secret Lagoon is the oldest discovered Geothermal pool in Iceland and is also part of the stops on the golden circle tour.

How to visit Secret Lagoon by car?

• Cars that you can visit with: A small car is perfect for driving in summer. In winter, a similar car might get you there, however a 4×4 is recommended.
• Route from the Airport: At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Reykjanesbraut/Route 41. Maintain the lane until you reach the Route 413 exit toward 1/Kópavogur/Rvk-Mjódd. Keep left to continue toward Nýbýlavegur/Route 413. Turn right at the fork, then follow signs for Route 413/1/Rvk-Sel/Rvk-Fell, and merge on to Nýbýlavegur/Route 413

Best Hot springs in East Iceland

This section covers the hot springs available for tourists in the Eastern regions of Iceland. Including the new Vok Bath and a hidden gem in Djúpavogskörin. 

7. New ‘hot-spot’ in the East: Vok Bath

• Address: Vök Baths, Vök við Urriðavatn
• Opening hours: Vok baths are open during the weekdays in winter from 16:00 hrs to 22:00 hrs, and weekends in winter from 12:00 hrs to 22:00 hrs. During the summer and holidays excluding Christmas and New Year’s, opening hours are from 10:00 hrs/12:00 hrs to 22:00 hrs. 
  _{*Opening hours info updated in 2022, please refers to their official website for the latest updates}
• Price for entry ticket: All packages for Children below 6 are free. Packages for Children between 6 and 16 years start from 2090 ISK (~ 16 USD ),  packages for Students, physically challenged people and seniors start from 3490 ISK (~ 27 USD ) to 5990 ISK (~ 46 USD ).
  _{*updated 2022, current price might be differ}
• Easy access? Easy access during the summer, but difficult during winter, thanks to icy roads, snow, and other weather hazards.  
• Best time to visit: During the summer, and autumn (June to October) seasons. 

Info about the spa: Located in East Iceland, the Vok Bath is part of the Ring road tour and contains warm pools that are on the same level as the lake where it sits. 

book your admission to Vok Both:

How to visit Vok Bath by car?

• Cars that you can visit with: 4 x 4 SUVs are recommended especially in the winter season and should also be considered during the summer. Although smaller cars be sufficient outside winter. 
• Route: From the Egilsstaðir settlement, travel up north along Route 1, going across Lake Lagarfljót. Then, take a right turn onto Route 925. You’ll find Urriðavatn on your left, and the baths follow shortly after.

8. Hidden Gem for free: Djúpavogskörin

• Address: Highway 1, 765 Djúpivogur, Iceland
• Opening hours: Open 24 Hours. 
• Price for entry ticket: FREE
• Easy access? Easy access in the summer but difficult during winter, thanks to icy roads, and snow.
• Best time to visit: Summer

Info about the spa: Access to the Djúpavogskörin is completely free and the pool sits over remarkable scenery.

How to visit Djúpavogskörin by car?

• Cars that you can visit with: 4 x 4 SUVs are recommended for all seasons, especially winter. Smaller cars might be sufficient in summer though.
• Route: Head east on Route 41 from the airport. Then take the 1st exit onto Reykjanesbraut/Route 41, until you reach the Route 413 exit. Follow signs for Route 413/1/Rvk-Sel/Rvk-Fell and merge onto Nýbýlavegur/Route 413. Now, take the first exit at the roundabout onto Þjóðvegur 1. Continue on the same lane, your destination will be on the right.

Best Hot springs in North Iceland

Now we’ll move to Northern Iceland to explore four brilliant hot springs up North.

9. ‘Blue Lagoon’ up north: Mývatn Nature Baths

• Address: Jarðbaðshólar, 660 Mývatn, Iceland
• Opening hours: It is open from 12:00 hrs to 22:00 hrs, but guests are expected to leave the pool by 21:30 hrs. Opening hours are different during the holidays, and the spa is not open on New Year’s Day. 
  _{*Opening hours info updated in 2022, please refers to their official website for the latest updates}
• Price for entry ticket: Entrance is free for children under 13 and starts at 2700 ISK (~ 21 USD) for children between 13 and 15 years old. Adults above 15 will pay 5700 ISK (~ 44 USD), and senior citizens can enter for 3700 ISK (~ 29 USD).
  _{*updated 2022, current price might be differ}
• Easy access? Easy access during summer. Winter is tricky owing to icy roads and snow.
• Best time to visit:  All year, but it will be easier to access by road in the summer. 

Info about the spa: Often referred to as the Blue Lagoon up North, for its pristine condition and large number of pools.

How to visit Mývatn Nature Baths by car?

• Cars that you can visit with: An SUV is recommended during summer, but a smaller car should be able to get you there. During winter, a 4 x 4 SUV is compulsory.
• Route: From the Reykjahlid village, follow Hlidarvegur, passing by the school and then onto the gravel road until you hit the main road. Walk along the main road for 500 meters and then make a right turn where the road sign points to “Jardbodin“.

10. The Infinity Pool: Geosea bath

• Address: Vitaslóð 1, 640, Húsavík, Iceland
• Opening hours:
  Summer: 11:00 hrs to 23:00 hrs daily.
  Winter: (January 1st to March 31st) Mondays to Thursday: 17:00 hrs to 22: 00 hrs, Friday to Sunday: 12:00 hrs to 22:00 hrs;
  (April 1st to May 31st and September 1st to December 31st): 12:00 hrs to 22:00 hrs daily. 
  _{*Opening hours info updated in 2022, please refers to their official website for the latest updates}
• Price for entry ticket: Entrance is free for children under six years, and costs 2200 ISK (~ 17 USD) for children between six and 16 years old. Adults will pay 4900 ISK (~ 37 USD), and senior citizens can enter for 3100 ISK (~ 24 USD).
  _{*updated 2022, current price might be differ}
• Easy access? Easy access in summer. Winter is difficult because of weather hazards.
• Best time to visit:  You can visit all year round, but summertime will be easier to drive there. 

Info about the spa: GeoSea bath, situated in Husavik Iceland is so named because of the geothermal pool. Its main attraction is the continuation of the pool into the sea that creates a unique visual effect like a never-ending infinity pool. 

How to visit Geosea by car?

• Cars that you can visit with: An SUV is recommended during summer, but a smaller car should be able to get you there. During winter, a 4 x 4 SUV is mandatory. 
• Route: From Akureyri, take Route 1 through the Vaðlaheiði tunnel. Then, take the second highway heading north–highway 85 in the direction of Husavik. After you pass the big church on the right and the harbor on the left, you will find a road heading uphill to the left. From there, follow the signs leading to GeoSea.

11. Love the nature: Fosslaug

• Address: Skagafjarðarvegur, 560 Varmahlíð, Iceland
• Opening hours:  Open 24 Hours. 
• Price for entry ticket: FREE
• Easy access? Easy access in summer, via a car and a few minutes walk. Difficult to near impossible in winter thanks to severe weather hazards.
• Best time to visit: Summer 

Info about the spa: Fosslaug’s free-to-use facilities are serene, straight out of a picture book, and outstanding.

How to visit Fosslaug by car?

• Cars that you can visit with: It is recommended that you use a 4 x 4 SUV at all times, regardless of the season or weather conditions. 
• Route: From road 1, drive off onto Road 752 at Varmahlíð. After another 7 kilometers, turn left at the signboard for Vindheimar. Next, pass the two small bridges built over the river before turning right on the gravel road. Park your car once you reach the fence. The rest of the journey can be covered on foot within minutes while following prompting signs.

12. Something special: The Beer Spa (Bjórböðin)

• Address: Ægisgata 31, 621 Árskógssandi, Iceland
• Opening hours:  Wednesdays to Saturdays: 12:00 hrs to 21:00 hrs. 
  _{*Opening hours info updated in 2022, please refers to their official website for the latest updates}
• Price for entry ticket: Singles bath: 11900 ISK (~ 91 USD), Couples bath: 19900 ISK (~ 154 USD). Children below 12 years can accompany guardians for free.
  _{*updated 2022, current price might be differ}
• Easy access? Easy access in summer. Difficult to near impossible during winter owing to severe weather hazards.
• Best time to visit:  Summer, as well as autumn. 

Info about the spa: The Bjórböðin Spa contains a special beer bath where adults and children alike can have fun. The beer in the bath is undrinkable and so children can join in the fun, but won’t be allowed to have any of the drinkable beer. 

How to visit Bjórböðin by car?

• Cars that you can visit with: A 4 x 4 SUV is recommended at all times.
• Route: From Akureyri, head north toward Strandgata. Once there, turn left onto Glerárgata. Continue until you reach the roundabout and take the 2nd exit and stay on Þjóðvegur then turn right onto Ólafsfjarðarvegur. Keep going until you reach the turning onto Árskógsstrandarvegur. Continue onto Hafnarbraut. Finky, turn left onto Ægisgata.

Best Hot springs in West Iceland

If you happen to visit West Iceland, there are three hot springs we recommend that you visit. In the West – Snæfellsnes + Westfjords area that will stun you with their beauty. 

13. Relaxing stop on your way to Snæfellsnes: Krauma Spa

• Address: Deildartunguhver, 320 Reykholt, Iceland. 
• Opening hours:  It is open from Monday to Sunday from 11:00 to 21:00 except Christmas and New Year’s Eve when it is open from 11:00 to 16:00, and fully shut on Christmas and New Year’s Day. 
  _{*Opening hours info updated in 2022, please refers to their official website for the latest updates}
• Price for entry ticket: Children below 13 years can gain entry for 300 ISK (~ 2 USD ), while teens between 13 and 17 will have to pay 2250 ISK (~ 17 USD), and adults 4500 ISK (~ 35 USD)
  _{*updated 2022, current price might be differ}
• Easy access? Rather easy access all year.
• Best time to visit:  All year 

Info about the spa: Equipped with an onsite restaurant, the Krauma Spa is a major tourist attraction that draws water from the nearby Deildartunguhver hot spring as well as Iceland’s smallest glazier.

How to visit Krauma Spa by car?

• Cars that you can visit with: Smaller two-wheel drives are suitable for visiting Krauma Spa during the summer, but in the winter, a 4 x 4 SUV is the best bet. 
• Route: Krauma is located near Deildartunguhver, 320 Reykholt on road 50 and is only 60 miles from Reykjavík.

14. The private jewel of Westfjord: Hörgshlíðarlaug

• Address: Route 633, Vatnsfjarðarvegur 
• Opening hours: 24 hours
• Price for entry ticket: Ask permission at Hörgshlíðarbær.
• Easy access? Rather easy in summer, but can be extremely difficult in winter because of the weather and road conditions. 
• Best time to visit: Summer 

Info about the spa: This hot spring is located on private property and requires permission from property owners to use it, but it is still open 24/7 and makes for an enjoyable experience.

How to visit Hörgshlíðarlaug by car?

• Cars that you can visit with: An SUV or specifically 4 x 4 SUV is recommended at all times when visiting the Hörgshlíðarlaug.  

Route: It is located on Route 633, which is the eastward exit of Ísafjörður, a winding road that goes in and out of several fjords. At Mjóifjörður, you will see a sign pointing to Hörgshlíðarlaug.

15. A must-see beauty in the mountains: Pollurinn

• Address: J4X4+J3J, Tálknafjörður, Iceland  
• Opening hours:  24 hours
•  Price for entry ticket: FREE
• Easy access? Rather easy in summer, but extremely difficult in winter because of the weather and road conditions.
• Best time to visit: Summer 

Info about the spa: The Pollurinn pools overlook a magnificent view of the sea, while offering a supremely relaxing environment to users all for the price of $0. A truly must-see site.

How to visit Pollurinn by car?

• Cars that you can visit with: Rent an SUV, especially a 4 x 4 SUV at all times when visiting the Pollurinn. 
• Route: Once you pass the Tálknafjörður village, continue driving for about 2.5 miles on Route 617 until you see the pools themselves.

List of other Iceland hot springs in Iceland if you want something else

Reykjavik + South Iceland

1. Blue Lagoon
2. Sky Lagoon
3. Kvika footbath
4. Nauthólsvík Geothermal Beach
5. Reykjadalur
6. Laugarvatn Fontana
7. Secret Lagoon Iceland
8. Seljavallalaug Swimming Pool
   East Iceland
9. Hoffell Hot Tubs
10. Djúpavogskörin
11. Vök Baths
    North Iceland
12. Mývatn Nature Baths
13. Geosea – Geothermal Sea Baths
14.  Fosslaug
15. Grettirs Pool
16. Bjórböðin
17. Grettislaug 
    West Iceland –Westfjords Area
18. Drangsnes Hot Pots
19. Krossneslaug
20. Hörgshlíðarlaug
21.  Hellulaug
    West Iceland
22. Guðrúnarlaug
23. Krauma
    Icelandic highland area ( only accessible during summertime with a proper 4WD car)
24. Landmannalaugar
25. Hveravellir Geothermal area & hot spring
26. Strútslaug Hot Spring
27. Grímsfjall Hot Spring: You should only travel to the glacier and hot spring if you are experienced or are accompanied by a highly skilled mountain guide.

As a bonus, we’ve added four more hot spring locations to the list which are located in Iceland’s highlands and can only be accessed in the summer using 4 x 4 cars. Some are also a reach away from main roads and would require extensive hiking or a sturdy car and they are only recommended for people who have a lot of time to spend in the country. If you are in this group and wish to explore these hot springs, remember to rent a suitable car, preferably a 4 x 4 SUV to aid your movements.

Visit Iceland hot springs with a quality rental car

We’ve identified the best and most intriguing hot spring sites to visit when in Iceland and cited the best ways to get there, along with the most suitable rental cars with which to do so. If you would like more information about choosing a car for your Iceland trip, then take a little time to contact us via email at hertz@hertz.is and remember to book your rental cars ahead of your trip, especially in the summer when holiday-goers abound. Book a rental car with Hertz Iceland today.