The Best Year-Round Hot Pools in Iceland

1. Reykjadalur Hot Spring Hike

The hot river in Reykjadalur, near the town of Hveragerði, is among the best of the hot pools at any season. It’s about an hour’s hike from the parking lot to the river, but the hike isn’t hard at all. On a clear day, the view quickly becomes spectacular, with the ocean hemmed in by mountains and steam rising from the ground.

The trail leads into craggy country with waterfalls and scree slopes, but never becomes too taxing or steep. Hveragerði is a short bus ride from Reykjavík, but be aware that the bus stops at the gas station, an hour’s walk from the trailhead. If you’re travelling with enough people, it’s probably cheapest just to rent a car.

Fee: None!

Accessibility: An hour-long hike to the river, over uneven ground, or two hours if you take the bus.

Distance from Reykjavík: An hour’s drive, or an hour and a half bus ride.

Opening hours: All the time.

Swimsuit/towel rental: None

2. Seljavallalaug Pool

A little further east along the ring road, you’ll find Seljavallalaug, a shorter hike into the realm of the geothermal heat. Framed by the heights of Eyjafjallajökull, and near to the black beaches of Vík, the location makes it a perfect stop while exploring the south coast.

It’s one of the oldest swimming pools in Iceland, built in 1923, so you can enjoy the feeling of stepping into history as you soak. The pool is clear and fairly deep, with enough room to swim, and the hike in makes it feel like a luxury well-earned.

Fee: None.

Accessibility: A 20-minute hike along a trail.

Distance from Reykjavík: Approximately a 2-hour drive.

Opening hours: All the time.

Swimsuit/towel rental: None.

3. Hoffellspottar Tubs

Hoffell, near Vatnajökull National Park, is a secluded spot with a view of mountains and sea. With five pools of varying temperatures, it’s possible to start out more moderate and move up to something scorching. The farthest destination from Reykjavík on this list, it can be reached in a day’s drive, but it’ll be a long day and you’ll need the soak at the end. There is also a guesthouse nearby, or you can stay the night in the nearest town, Höfn.

Fee: 500 kr paid towards the upkeep of the pools.

Accessibility: No hiking required, pools are a short drive from the ring road. Some uneven steps, but the pools are sunk into the ground.

Distance from Reykjavík: A 6-7 hour drive.

Opening hours: 8:00-21:00

Swimsuit/towel rental: None

4. Secret Lagoon

On the more luxurious side, the Secret Lagoon allows for relaxation without a scrap of effort. Often regarded as an alternative to the more famous Blue Lagoon, though this does not give it the credit it deserves, it has been growing steadily more popular, and for good reason. It’s even older than Sejavallalaug — built in 1891 for the sheer enjoyment of a good hot soak — and the path around the pools gives visitors a closer look at the geothermal energy heating the water.

Fee: 2 800 kr for adults, 1 400 kr for seniors, free for children under 14.

Accessibility: No hike required.

Distance from Reykjavík: A 1.5-hour drive, or a possible addition to the Golden Circle.

Opening hours: Daily 10:00-22:00 (summer); 11:00-20:00 (winter)

Swimsuit/towel rental: 500 kr per item.

5. Nauthólsvík in Reykjavik City