Relaxing in the capital: The 7 Best Hot Springs in Reykjavik & Around

1. Sky Lagoon

This spa, located just south of Reykjavik, is one of the latest additions to the country’s list of geothermal venues. The Sky Lagoon is a luxurious spa in front of the ocean that perfectly combines modern design with traditional Icelandic elements. The central element is the infinity hot pool that seems to blend with the North Atlantic Ocean.

One of the newest additions to Iceland's geothermal spa scene, Sky Lagoon offers a luxurious oceanfront experience that seamlessly blends modern design with traditional Icelandic elements. Located just a short drive from Reykjavik's city center, this spa provides a serene escape with stunning views of the North Atlantic. The temperature of this pool typically ranges between 38–40°C (100–104°F), and the feeling of being there watching the ocean is simply fantastic.

However, what really sets the Sky Lagoon apart is the Skjól Ritual, a seven-step journey through Iceland’s bathing traditions. It’s a combination of hot bath, cold plunge, sauna, steam room, and skin treatments to feel completely relaxed and rejuvenated. There are different packages available, including different services. The entire experience is designed to be enjoyed without rush, taking in the views and the different steps of this beautiful itinerary.

There are also two bars (one inside the water) and a café where customers can enjoy a drink or try Icelandic food. Please note that the drinks and food are not part of the general admission and are charged separately.

How To Get Here

The Sky Lagoon is really close to Reykjavik, which is in its metropolitan area. The spa is located approximately 7 kilometers southwest of downtown Reykjavik, in the city of Kópavogur. Starting from the city center, head south on Route 40 (Hringbraut). After approximately 6 kilometers (3.75 miles), take the exit toward Kársnes Harbor. Then, you'll find clear signs to the Sky Lagoon. The journey usually takes about 15 minutes by car, depending on traffic conditions.

Local buses and shuttle services are available for those without a vehicle, making it easily accessible for almost everyone.

2. Kvika Footbath

Kvika Footbath is a smaller and different approach to bathing. It’s a tiny but charming geothermal pool located on the Seltjarnarnes Peninsula, just a short distance from Reykjavik. Unlike larger hot springs and spas, Kvika is not meant for full-body bathing but for soaking your tired feet after a day exploring the capital. It’s just in front of the sea, so the views of the Atlantic Ocean and the nearby Grotta Lighthouse are fantastic.

Designed by Icelandic artist Ólöf Nordal, Kvika is an art installation that can also be used as a natural footbath. The pool itself is a small, circular stone basin filled with geothermally heated water. It keeps a warm temperature even in the colder months. It’s a great opportunity to relax, with your feet inside hot water rich in minerals while watching seabirds, listening to the waves or, in winter, if you’re lucky enough, watch the Northern Lights dance in the sky above you.

How To Get Here

It's really easy to get to Kvika Footbath from Reykjavik’s city center—it only takes 10 minutes by car. You can also walk or ride a bicycle along the trails leading to Grótta Lighthouse. The footbath is free and open all year round, so it’s a fun and different stop for those looking for a geothermal experience without the crowds or paying the entrance fees of larger spas.

3. Blue Lagoon

This is probably Iceland's best-known geothermal spa. The Blue Lagoon has earned international fame for its milky-blue, mineral-rich waters and astonishing location in the middle of a black lava field.

The lagoon's origins date back to the 1970s, when geothermal water from a nearby source ran down the lava fields and formed pools. The locals started to come and take a bath, noticing the water's beneficial effects on the skin. This led to the development of the spa we know today.

Apart from its color, the waters here are renowned for their skin-healing properties. The lagoon also offers massages, steam rooms, and saunas, providing a full bathing experience.

There’s also a luxurious hotel, the Retreat at the Blue Lagoon, which offers access to private areas of the lagoon as well as exclusive spa treatments. The minimalist design of the retreat incorporates natural elements, creating a great blend with the surrounding landscape. It also has a fantastic dining spot, the Lava Restaurant, that serves Icelandic food using locally sourced ingredients.

How To Get Here

The Blue Lagoon is located about 50 kilometers (31 miles) southwest of Reykjavik, near the town of Grindavík. It's approximately a 45-minute drive. From the city center, take Route 40, which will merge into Route 41 after a while. Continue on it until you find the exit for Route 43, which leads straight to the Blue Lagoon.

4. Hvammsvik Hot Spring

Hvammsvik Hot Springs, located in the breathtaking Hvalfjörður (Whale Fjord), is an oasis of tranquility that combines the beauty of Icelandic nature with modern facilities. Unlike many other geothermal spas, which are artificially created, Hvammsvik maintains a natural look and feel. The baths are just by the shore of this beautiful fjord, where visitors can enjoy the naturally heated waters while viewing black sand beaches and impressive mountains.

There are eight different natural pools of different temperatures, so you can look for the ones you find more comfortable. Some pools are closer to the shore than others, and the feeling in those is great. You can feel the cold breeze coming from the sea on your face while your body is surrounded by a warm and gentle environment. There are also cold pools at Hvammsvik. It is said that the contrast of temperatures between the pools is not only invigorating but also beneficial for the circulatory system and the skin.

If you want to make the most of your visit, there are plenty of activities near these hot springs. You can go kayaking in the fjord, explore one of the many hiking routes in the area, or visit a traditional Icelandic sauna.

How To Get Here

The hot springs are located a little bit further away from the capital than the ones described before. It takes approximately 45 minutes to get there from Reykjavik. Start by taking the Ring Road (or Route 1) northbound. Before reaching the tunnel that crosses the Hvalfjörður fjord (Hvalfjarðargöng in Icelandic), turn right onto Route 47, which goes along the fjord coastline. Continue for some time until you see a gravel road on the left with a big rock with the word Hvammsvik written on it.

5. Reykjadalur Hot Spring River

Reykjadalur Hot Spring River is also a bit far from the center of Reykjavik, about 45 kilometers (28 miles) away, but it offers a completely different experience regarding geothermal baths. Unlike the other places we have described here (and the majority in Iceland), Reykjadalur is a naturally heated river in the middle of a beautiful valley. There’s a parking area with a café, and then it’s just a short walk to the bathing area.

Reykjadalur means “steam valley” in Icelandic, and the area is home to several hot springs, fumaroles, and bubbling mud pots. All these elements highlight the intense geothermal activity taking place beneath the surface in this valley. The main attraction, however, is the naturally heated river that runs through the valley. There are sections of the river with different temperatures, some of them pleasantly warm, perfect for bathing. The further upstream you go, the hotter the water gets, so it's advisable to find a comfortable spot.

There are no changing facilities by the river, so visitors should bring a towel and wear appropriate shoes to walk between the parking area and the hot spring. Also, warm clothes for the time you spend outside the water. It’s also important to be aware that some parts of the river have really high temperatures that are too hot for bathing. Having said that, Reykjadalur is one of the most unique and rewarding hot springs in Iceland.

How to get there

From Reykjavik, take the Route 1 direction east and drive for about 40 minutes until you reach the city of Hveragerði. There’s a roundabout on the road. Turn left there to get inside the town and go and continue straight. This road goes through the town and arrives at the Reykjadalur parking area. Another option is to park the car in Hveragerði and then hike to the hot spring. It’s a 3.5-kilometer walk (2.2 miles).

6. Nauthólsvík Geothermal Beach

Unlike Iceland’s traditional hot springs, Nauthólsvík Geothermal Beach is a mix of cold ocean water and warm geothermal baths, making it one of the most unusual bathing spots near Reykjavik. It’s located just south of the city center and is a man-made beach with golden sand, a warm-water lagoon, and hot tubs.

The lagoon is heated by geothermal water, creating a nice and comfortable swimming area that strongly contrasts with the icy waters of the North Atlantic Ocean. As we said before, this contrast is believed to have numerous health benefits, especially for the blood and skin.

The beach is popular among Reykjavik residents, especially in summer when the air temperature is warmer. It invites people to stay there. However, it's open all year round, and the hot tubs and steam baths are available even in the colder months. The beach is free to visit during the summer, but in winter, there’s a small entrance fee to access the hot tubs and facilities.

How To Get Here

Of all the places listed here, Nauthólsvík is the closest to the city center. It’s in the city, close to the University of Reykjavik and Reykjavik Domestic Airport, and not far from the Perlan Museum. There’s a parking area just by the beach, but there are public buses that run to the area.

Travel Tips

• Pack smart: Bring a swimsuit, towel, flip-flops, or sandals that can get wet. You can rent a bathing suit and towel in many of the spas, but it’s more convenient to have your own. In the natural geothermal baths, such as Reykjadalur or Nauthólsvík, you can’t rent this kind of stuff. Also, bring appropriate clothes to adapt to the weather outside the water.
• Follow Icelandic bathing etiquette: It’s mandatory to shower in the nude before entering any geothermal pool or spa. This is a key element in Icelandic bathing culture and helps keep the pools clean.
• Book in advance: Some geothermal spas, like the Blue Lagoon and the Sky Lagoon, are extremely popular and can get really busy at certain times of the year. Book online well in advance to secure your preferred day and time.
• Respect the natural Environment: When visiting wild hot springs like Reykjadalur, be mindful of your surroundings. Don’t leave trash behind, and stick to marked trails to avoid damaging the ecosystem.
• Be prepared for the changing weather: Iceland’s weather is unpredictable and can shift dramatically within minutes. Check the forecast before heading out and dress appropriately.
• Beware of the different water temperatures: This applies especially to natural hot springs, as the temperature is regulated in the others. Some parts of the natural ones are very hot, so always test the water before going in to avoid unpleasant surprises.
• Transportation: If you’re staying in Reykjavik, some geothermal attractions, such as Kvika Footbath or Nauthólsvík Geothermal Beach, are easily accessible by public transport or even by foot. But to get to places like Hvammsvik, Reykjadalur, and Blue Lagoon, it’s much easier to rent a car.

Frequently Asked Questions