- Typical lagoon temp.
- ~38°C
- Paid lagoons
- 17+
- Natural hot pots
- Free
- Shower before bathing
- Required
Iceland's best geothermal lagoons
| Lagoon | Area | Why go |
|---|---|---|
| Blue Lagoon | Reykjanes | The iconic milky-blue water; easy on airport days |
| Sky Lagoon | Reykjavík | Ocean views and a seven-step sauna ritual |
| Hvammsvík | Hvalfjörður | Pools on the fjord shore; in the tide zone |
| Secret Lagoon | Golden Circle | Natural, rustic and good value |
| Laugarvatn Fontana | Golden Circle | Steam rooms over hot springs, lake swims |
| Krauma | West | Six pools including a cold tub, near Reykholt |
| Mývatn Nature Baths | North | Big, blue and quieter than the Blue Lagoon |
| Forest Lagoon | Akureyri | Pools in a birch forest above the fjord |
| GeoSea | Húsavík | Sea-water baths with whale-bay views |
| Vök Baths | East | Pools floating on a lake |
Sky Lagoon is the easiest lagoon to reach from downtown Reykjavík. The Sky Pass includes the full sauna ritual.
Book Sky Lagoon ↗Natural hot springs
Iceland also has dozens of free or nearly free natural pools. Reykjadalur near Hveragerði is the most popular: a 3 km hike up a steaming valley to a warm river with wooden changing screens. In the Westfjords and the north, small hot pots such as Hellulaug, Pollurinn, the Drangsnes tubs and Grettislaug sit on the shoreline. In the Highlands, Landmannalaugar has a natural hot river next to the campsite.
Hot means hot. Never bathe in springs that are not established bathing spots: many geothermal pools and streams are well above 80°C. Stay on paths in geothermal areas, where the crust can be thin.
Pool etiquette
Icelanders take hygiene seriously. Before entering any pool or lagoon, shower without a swimsuit and wash thoroughly with soap, as signs in the changing rooms explain. Leave shoes outside the changing room. Neighbourhood pools such as Laugardalslaug in Reykjavík cost a fraction of the lagoons and are where locals actually go.
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Tours & tickets
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Frequently asked questions
Which is better, the Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon?
The Blue Lagoon has the famous milky-blue water and mud masks and suits airport days. Sky Lagoon is closer to Reykjavík, has ocean views and the sauna ritual. Both are excellent; many visitors who have a car choose by location.
Are there free hot springs in Iceland?
Yes. Reykjadalur hot river, Seljavallalaug, Hellulaug, Pollurinn and the Drangsnes hot tubs are free or ask only a small donation.
Can you swim in hot springs in winter?
Yes, and it is one of the best experiences in Iceland. Lagoons stay open year-round; natural springs reached by hiking, such as Reykjadalur, can be icy and need care.
Last reviewed October 2026. Opening hours, prices and road conditions change: check official sources before you travel.