Question 1

What are the best hot pools and hot springs in Iceland?

Accepted Answer

Our top ten splits into two groups. Five spa complexes: the Blue Lagoon, Hvammsvik Hot Springs, Laugaras Lagoon, Krauma Baths and Spa and Laugardalslaug in Reykjavik. Five wild springs: lake Viti in the Askja crater, the Reykjadalur hot stream, Landmannalaugar, Hveravellir, and - as one collective tenth place - the countless tiny springs scattered across the island.

Question 2

Can you swim in a volcanic crater in Iceland?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Lake Viti sits in the main caldera of the Askja volcano and you can bathe in it. The volcano keeps the milky blue water between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius, that is between 68 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit. Bring a towel and a swimsuit, because there are no facilities there.

Question 3

Are there free hot springs in Iceland?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Wild springs are basically free and open to everyone - the Reykjadalur valley near Reykjavik is the best known example. At some wild pools the owners ask, and sometimes require, that you leave a donation, even though there is no regular entrance fee and no real changing rooms or showers.

Question 4

How warm is the water in the Blue Lagoon?

Accepted Answer

The Blue Lagoon holds 39 degrees Celsius, that is 102 degrees Fahrenheit, regardless of the season. It is the best known all-year spa in Iceland, and in winter you can watch the northern lights while soaking in it.

Question 5

Which Icelandic hot pools are good for children?

Accepted Answer

Laugardalslaug in Reykjavik is a public pool with a large shallow hot pool, slides and toys, and admission is cheap. The Secret Lagoon in Fludir and Laugarvatn Fontana also take families. Laugaras Lagoon does not: children under 8 are not allowed in its pools.

Question 6

How much does entry to Laugaras Lagoon cost?

Accepted Answer

The basic Birki admission ticket costs 6,900 Icelandic krona, roughly 55 dollars. Laugaras Lagoon opened in October 2025 on the Golden Circle and consists of two lagoons joined by a small waterfall, with a sauna, a steam bath and a forest pond.

Question 7

Is there a map of all the hot pools in Iceland?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The map at the end of this article marks over 100 places where you can bathe in hot water, split into three layers you can switch on and off: city and recreational pools, spa complexes, and wild springs. Places with only enough hot water to dip your feet in are not on it.

The Golden Circle

Things to see on the Golden Circle route

ALL the Hot Pools of Iceland [2026 Complete Guide with a Top 10 List]

Top 10 Attractions on Iceland Route 1 [+10 Extras Nearby]

Top 10 Things to See on the Iceland Golden Circle Route

Gullfoss – a Waterfall Full of Gold

Geysir – the Godfather of All Geysers in the World

Fludir – a Green Basin in the Golden Circle

Arnarker – an Open Lava Cave

Thingvellir – the Mid-Atlantic Ridge on the Surface

Laugarvatn Fontana – Hot Pools, Baths and a Bakery – a 3 in 1

Kerid – Volcanic Crater Lake