Iceland is a Nature-lover’s paradise filled with incredible landscapes like waterfalls, volcanoes, lava fields, fjords and geothermal areas. The island has an abundance of hot springs and geysers, some of which are hidden away in remote valleys and highlands. Exploring these geothermal wonders offers an awe-inspiring experience like no other.
Background on Iceland’s Geothermal Activity
Iceland sits on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates are diverging. This creates an unusually high level of volcanic and seismic activity on the island. Just below Iceland’s surface lies a thin crust and extremely hot mantle, only 2-3 miles below ground level. This geothermal heat continuously rises up through cracks and pores in the crust, resulting in hot springs, geysers, mud pots, and steaming fumaroles. Some of the hottest and most active geothermal areas can be found near volcanically and seismically active regions like the Reykjanes Peninsula in Southwest Iceland and Krafla caldera in North Iceland.
Iceland harnesses this geothermal energy through an extensive district heating system that provides hot water and heating for around 90% of the country’s homes. Visitors can experience how Iceland takes advantage of the natural heat source by visiting the Blue Lagoon, a man-made geothermal spa near Keflavik International Airport. Here, milky blue waters are heated by a nearby geothermal plant. Soaking in the soothing, mineral-rich waters is an excellent way to relax muscles and ease away travel fatigue after a long flight.
Hiking to Secret Lagoons amid Raw Natural Beauty
Beyond the major hot spring destinations near roads and towns, Iceland’s highlands and coastlines hide numerous smaller hot springs in remote mountain valleys and coastal cliffs. Getting to these “secret lagoons” usually requires an adventurous hike on unmarked trails through raw, unspoiled scenery. The effort is worth it to experience the ultimate tranquility soaking in private geothermal pools surrounded by breathtaking vistas. Some excellent lesser-known hot spring hiking destinations include:
Reykjadalur Valley Hot Springs
Located about 45 minutes drive from Iceland’s capital Reykjavik in Southwest Iceland, Reykjadalur Valley offers a gorgeous 7 km return hike through dramatic scenery to Secret Lagoon hot pots hidden in the mountain valley. Hike along a lush river corridor surrounded by towering black basalt cliffs. At the far end, discover small pools ringed by earthy colors, steaming quietly in the fresh mountain air. Soak your muscles weary from the hike and let the sounds of the river lull you into relaxation. Be sure to arrive early as the parking area fills up fast.
Krossneslaug Hot Springs
On the remote Snæfellsnes Peninsula in West Iceland, Krossneslaug is one of Iceland’s hidden hot spring gems. The 2-hour hike follows an old coastal path through tall coastal cliffs towering over the North Atlantic. At the hike’s end, discover natural stone pools nestled in a grassy oasis amid the lava shards, ocean surf, and puffin colonies. The seclusion, scenery, and soothing geothermal waters offer pure relaxation. Come prepared as facilities are basic with no buildings.
Hveravellir Thermal Area
In Landmannalaugar, a dramatic, colorful hiking region in South Iceland, discover Hveravellir, a massive geothermal region of bubbling mud pools and steaming vents. The landscape resembles another planet, with sulfurous fumaroles rising from the earth and hot springs flowing over colorful rhyolite hills. While not as remote as other locations, highlights include Soaking in natural stone pools formed by hot springs running down the mountainside amid the raw natural beauty. It’s essential to respect closures and stick to marked paths to avoid dangerous, unstable ground in this active geothermal area.
Grabrok Crater at Kleifarvatn
For a real adventure, hike 8 hours one-way through mountains and desert-like terrain to reach the remote and little-visited Grabrook Crater geothermal area at Kleifarvatn lake in North Iceland. Discover a landscape seemingly pulled straight from Mars, with massive mudpots, boiling springs and steam vents. The rewards are soaking private pools of near-boiling hot water at the edge of the crater lake. This hardcore expedition requires navigating unmarked trails, so come fully prepared.
Exploring Hot Spring Resorts
While secret lagoons offer ultimate solitude, Iceland’s developed geothermal resorts provide hot spring relaxation with amenities. Blend hiking and relaxation through the following destinations:
The Blue Lagoon
Iceland’s most famous geothermal spa, the Blue Lagoon, offers a unique experience soaking in milky azure waters amid a black lava landscape. Arrive early to avoid crowds and soak leisurely before or after a day exploring the Reykjanes Peninsula, including its many volcanic sites, mountains, and coastal paths. Massage treatments, silica mud masks, and steam rooms complement the peaceful waters.
Mývatn Nature Baths
In North Iceland’s lake district, the Mývatn Nature Baths offer scenic soaking surrounded by mossy lava fields and the hulking mountain Krafla in the distance. Follow nearby hiking trails above boiling mud pots or among twisted lava formations before unwinding in the three outdoor pools, two of which are kept at different temperatures by natural springs.
The Secret Lagoon
Nestled in a geothermal valley in South Iceland, The Secret Lagoon surprises with its wide open-air pools tucked into a grassy lava field. Hike nearby trails past bubbling hot pots and steaming vents before sunset dips in the spring-fed warm waters. Watch the colorful auroras dance overhead on dark winter nights.
Lake Mývatn Guesthouse
This charming countryside guesthouse offers scenic indoor and outdoor pools fed by the nearby Námaskarð geothermal area, one of Iceland’s most beautiful hot spring basins. Combine hot springs relaxation with birdwatching, hiking lava fields, and exploring Mývatn’s many volcanic wonders.
Vök Baths
In southeast Iceland’s mountain scenery, stay at the scenic Vök Baths farmstead with private hot tubs perched on a hill overlooking the dramatic Vök valley. Days can be spent exploring hikes through lava formations, waterfalls and old farm ruins before relaxing in geothermal waters under the stars.
FAQ about Hiking and Hot Springs in Iceland
When is the best time to visit Iceland’s hot springs?
The hot spring season runs year-round, though winter has some advantages. There are fewer visitors, the Northern Lights enhance the atmosphere, and some springs are kept open later in the day. Summer offers longer days for hiking and exploring amid colorful wildflowers and nesting birdlife. In spring and fall, we see milder weather but risk rain. Overall, the hot springs are always pleasant for relaxing body and soul.
What precautions should you take when hiking to remote hot springs?
- Check weather and river conditions before hiking off-trail
- Carry ample food, water, warm layers, first aid, and a map/compass
- Watch for stream crossings – use poles/sticks to check the depth
- Be cautious near boiling pools and steaming ground
- Respect all closures, and don’t leave established paths or lines
- Give way pools time to drain before entering if recent rain
- Test water temperature slowly before full immersion
Are nude baths common at Icelandic hot springs?
While nudity is sometimes practiced at remote natural hot springs, most developed facilities require swimwear. Nude soaking is against the rules at the Blue Lagoon, Mývatn Nature Baths, and Secret Lagoon. However, at remote mountain springs, textiles are rarely enforced, given the seclusion. Either way, respect the privacy of others.
Can you drink or use the hot spring water?
Drinking or fully submerging in hot spring water is not recommended. While non-toxic, the water often holds a high mineral content that can cause nausea if consumed in large quantities. However, bathing and lightly rinsing sinuses/eyes can provide therapeutic benefits through the skin and vapors. Always test the temperature slowly before full immersion.
What should you bring to a hot pot?
- Swimsuit
- Towel
- Waterproof bag for electronics/valuables
- Camera
- Warm layers and raingear for before/after soak
- Food and drink
- Book/headphones for relaxation
- Proper shoes for hiking trails
What are the rules for entering active geothermal areas?
Active geothermal fields like Hveravellir contain unmarked thin crusts over hot ground that can break without warning. Always respect closures and stick to trails. Never throw rocks into boiling pools which can alter temperatures.
