9 of the best geothermal springs and lagoons for your Iceland itinerary

Iceland
Written By Ling McGregor

Earth Lagoon Mývatn

Iceland is one of the most incredible places in the world for a road trip, with waterfalls, glaciers and volcanic landscapes around almost every corner, but the driving distances between them can be long.

One of the best ways to slow down on a road trip is to spend an hour or two soaking in the hot waters of Iceland’s geothermal springs and lagoons, naturally heated from deep beneath the ground. It’s an experience that is very unique to Iceland and was one of the highlights on our trip there.

We’ve compared the best geothermal springs and lagoons in Iceland, including newly opened locations. This post has everything you need to know about booking an experience, including prices and types of entry tickets, tours with transfers from the main cities, and how to get to them on a road trip.

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Quickly compare the best geothermal springs and lagoons in Iceland

Here is a quick overview of the 9 best geothermal springs and lagoons in Iceland, with more details on each one below. The prices can vary based on the admission type, but we’ve included a starting range for easy comparison:

Closest to Reykjavík

Near the Golden Circle

In East Iceland

In North Iceland

Tips for travelling to geothermal springs and lagoons in Iceland

When to visit geothermal springs and lagoons in Iceland

Iceland’s geothermal springs and lagoons are generally are open year-round. You can expect longer daylight hours closer to summer, but in winter the warm water is also very inviting. At some of the more popular baths, entry prices may be lower off peak.

Tours to geothermal springs and lagoons in Iceland

If you aren’t planning to drive in Iceland, the easiest way to reach the geothermal springs and lagoons is usually by day trip from the major cities and towns. We’ve included tour options with return transfers below where available.

If you’re interested in a multi-day tour of Iceland that specifically prioritises geothermal lagoons, we’d recommend this 3 day wellness tour which includes time at the Blue Lagoon, Sky Lagoon and Laugarás Lagoon, while also visiting some of the most beautiful attractions around the Golden Circle and South Coast.

Booking tickets for geothermal springs and lagoons

Admission to geothermal springs and lagoons in Iceland is usually limited, particularly at the more popular locations. We’d recommend booking tickets in advance if possible.

Mobile data in Iceland

We compared many mobile data plans for our trip and found the best options are Holafly’s Iceland and Europe eSIMs which come with unlimited data.

Phone coverage with Holafly was very good all over Iceland, even in some of the more remote areas. You can use our code ‘LINGANDJACE’ for 5% off Holafly’s eSIM for Iceland or Europe with this link.

The best geothermal baths in Iceland

Geothermal baths near Reykjavík

The Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon is possible the most iconic geothermal lagoon in Iceland, with milky-blue water, thick steam and a dark volcanic setting. It’s also one of the most convenient geothermal lagoons to visit if you’re staying in Reykjavík, located near Keflavík Airport. The easiest way to get there is by booking a tour with transport, and we’d recommend this GetYourGuide experience as it includes transfer to and from Reykjavík and premium entry tickets.

As the Blue Lagoon is a very popular tourist attractions in Iceland, we’d recommend booking entry tickets ahead of time. There are two types of admission: comfort admission tickets include a drink at the swim-up bar and a silica mud mask, while the premium package includes extra treatments and amenities like a bathrobe, two additional face masks and complimentary skincare to take home.

If you have more time, the Blue Lagoon is also included on this longer 3 day wellness tour of Iceland.

The Sky Lagoon

The Sky Lagoon is a beautiful geothermal lagoon with an infinity-edge pool overlooking the North Atlantic Ocean. It is also one of the easiest geothermal lagoons to visit if you’re staying in Reykjavík, located just a few minutes from the city centre.

The easiest way to get there without a car is by booking this GetYourGuide experience with admission and return transport in Reykjavík.

If you don’t need transport in Reykjavík, you can find admission ticket here.  The ticket includes the lagoon and a seven-step Icelandic bathing ritual, which takes you through a cold plunge, sauna, cold mist, body scrub and steam room. You can choose between the Saman Pass with shared changing rooms or the Sér Pass with private changing facilities and showers.

The Sky Lagoon is also included on this longer 3 day wellness tour of Iceland.

Geothermal baths near the Golden Circle

Hvammsvík Hot Springs

Hvammsvík Hot Springs is a beautiful natural bath on the edge of a fjord, surrounded by mountains and the Atlantic Ocean. It’s located around 45 minutes from Reykjavík, making it an easy day trip from the city or as a stop on a tour of the Golden Circle.

If you’re staying in Reykjavík, you can book this GetYourGuide experience with admission and return transport, or simply book admission to the hot springs here if you’re driving.

Laugarás Lagoon

Laugarás Lagoon is one of Iceland’s newest geothermal lagoons, located along the Golden Circle. It’s one of the best options if you’re looking for a lesser known spa experience in Iceland. It has a modern design with with multiple pools, a sauna, steam room and in-water bar.

We’d recommend visiting Laugarás Lagoon on a wider tour of the Golden Circle from Reykjavík, which you can book here with transport and entry tickets. Otherwise if you’re driving, entry tickets to Laugarás Lagoon are available here.

Laugarás Lagoon is also included on this longer 3 day wellness tour of Iceland.

Secret Lagoon

The Secret Lagoon is a natural geothermal pool that can easily be added to a trip around Iceland’s Golden Circle. It’s a smaller option compared to some of the other lagoons, but it was originally built in the 1800s and there is a small geyser next to it, which makes it very unique experience. Secret Lagoon entry tickets can be found here.

If you’re looking for a bigger trip to the Golden Circle from Reykjavík, we’d recommend booking this highly rated tour which includes transport and entry tickets to the Secret Lagoon.

Laugarvatn Fontana

Laugarvatn Fontana is a geothermal spa that can be reached on a trip around the Golden Circle, between Þingvellir and Geysir. It gives a more traditional experience, with natural steam rooms built over the hot springs and views across Laugarvatn Lake.

You can find entry tickets to Laugarvatn Fontana here, or add a unique geothermal bread-baking experience here, where an Icelandic rye bread is cooked in the ground.

Geothermal springs in East Iceland

Vök Baths

Vök Baths is located on the shores of Lake Urriðavatn near Egilsstaðir, making it a convenient stop on the East Iceland section of the Ring Road. The geothermal springs here flow into the lake and are surrounded by mountains and quiet countryside.

You can find entry tickets for Vök Baths here, which can include a tisane brewed from the spring water and local herbs at the infusion bar. If you have more time to explore the area, Vök Baths can also be reached on this hiking tour of the iconic Stuðlagil Canyon, which leaves from Seyðisfjörður.

Geothermal springs and lagoons in North Iceland

Forest Lagoon

Forest Lagoon is one of the most unique geothermal lagoons in Iceland as it’s located in the Vaðlaskógur forest and surrounded by birch and pine trees. It’s located just outside of Akureyri, making it an easy stop when exploring North Iceland.

You can find entry tickets to Forest Lagoon here, which come with a towel and drink. If you want to explore more of this area, we’d recommend this tour of Goðafoss from Akureyri, whicih includes entry to Forest Lagoon.

Earth Lagoon Mývatn

Earth Lagoon is a newly renovated, quiet geothermal lagoon in Mývatn in North Iceland. It is a beautiful lagoon with warm, mineral-rich waters drawn from 2,500 metres underground, and is surrounded by volcanic landscapes of Lake Mývatn in North Iceland.

Earth Lagoon is the the perfect stop on a Ring Road itinerary between Egilsstaðir and Akureyri (which is a long day of driving), especially after exploring the geothermal areas and lava fields nearby. You can book Earth Lagoon Mývatn entry tickets here, which include access to the steam baths and change rooms.

If you’re interested in exploring more of the area, you can combine Earth Lagoon it with a guided Mývatn hike experience.

GeoSea Geothermal Sea Baths

The Geosea Geothermal Sea Baths are located on a cliff above the fishing town of Húsavík in North Iceland. They are naturally heated seawater pools that overlook a bay and the Arctic Ocean, with the chance to spot whales from the water. Entry tickets to GeoSea are available here.

If you’re staying in Akureyri, GeoSea admission can be added to this general tour of the Diamond Circle. Otherwise, this longer whale watching tour from Akuyeri includes admission to GeoSea, a whale watching boat tour and visits to Lake Mývatn and Goðafoss.

Earth Lagoon Mývatn

Ling McGregor
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