Healing geothermal water is one of Iceland’s main trademarks. The mineral-rich water is known to benefit both physical and mental health. It’s no wonder people from all over the world come to Iceland to relax and recharge at its natural spas.
Bláa Lónið, Blue Lagoon
Iceland has some of the best geothermal spas in the world, and this is your guide to them!
From recently opened seawater baths to the hot streams that date back centuries, here you’ll find everything you need to know about geothermal spas in Iceland. Sit back, relax, and pick the best spa for your next wellness vacation!
Opened in 2004, the Myvatn Nature Baths welcome visitors all year round. The spa is located in a man-made lagoon that with a large basin and a hot spring. Altogether, the basin and the lagoon hold 3.5 million liters of water!
Natural baths & Geothermal Spring near lovely Lake Myvatn
Thanks to geothermal activity, the water in Iceland contains a lot of minerals, including sulfur, which is known to relieve skin problems and respiratory diseases. Due to its chemical composition, the lagoon doesn’t need any chemical disinfectants to kill undesired bacteria that tends to grow in some other public swimming pools.
The spa features two steam rooms built right on top of the geothermal area. The steam rises up through the floor into the cabins and fills up the rooms. With humidity close to 100% and temperature around 50°C (122°F), the baths are great for cleansing your skin.
Mývatn Nature Baths are the perfect place to relax in North Iceland while soaking in milky blue water and absorbing the surrounding views of pristine Icelandic nature.
From Cold to Hot at the Myvatn Nature Baths
Location: North Iceland, 89 km (55 mi) from Akureyri, 473 km (294 mi) from Reykjavik.
Good to Know: The lagoon covers 5,000 m² (54,000 ft²) and the water temperature varies from 36-40°C (97-104°F). If you get hungry, Café Kvika is located inside the spa.
Price: Depending on the season, a single adult ticket ranges from 4,500 ISK ($36) to 5,300 ISK ($42.50). Children of 12 years and younger can use the facilities for free when they’re accompanied by a parent. Concession prices vary from 3,000 ISK ($24) to 3,300 ISK ($26.50).
Laugarvatn Fontana features a steam room, three outdoor pools, and a Finnish-style sauna. The spa is located within walking distance from Laugarvatn Lake. The perfect location if you fancy a quick dip in the cool lake water between your hot sauna sessions. The contrast is great for your blood circulation!
The three outdoor pools differ in size, depth, and temperature. Relax in Lauga and Sæla, mineral baths surrounded with playful artwork by a local artist. Or soak in Viska, a hot tub built at a higher level featuring panoramic views of the surroundings.
Bird’s Eye View of Laugarvatn Fontana Geothermal Baths
Prefer a drier heat? Visit Ylur, a Finnish-style sauna with panoramic windows for a dreamy and relaxing atmosphere.
If you’re visiting Iceland’s iconic Golden Circle, Laugarvatn Fontana must be on your list. With pools of different depth, the place is perfect for families with younger children.
Location: The spa is located right on the Golden Circle route, between Thingvellir National Park and Geysir in West Iceland. Depending on the route you choose, Laugarvatn Fontana is around 80 km (50 mi) away from Reykjavik.
Good to Know: The steam temperature depends on the weather, but it’s normally between 40°C (104°F) and 50°C (122°F).
Laugarvatn Fontana has a geothermal bakery! Here you can taste freshly geothermal baked bread dug up from the ground right in front of you. It also has a kitchen that serves lunch and dinner buffets.
Price: The entrance fee to adults from 17 to 66 years old is 3,800 ISK ($30.50). The ticket price for teenagers from 13 to 16 years is 2,000 ISK ($16). The same fee applies to those over 67 years old. Children up to 12 years old (accompanied by an adult) can enter Laugarvatn Fontana for free.
Krauma is a natural geothermal bath fed by the largest hot spring in Europe, Deildartunguhver. Krauma encompasses five natural hot pools, a cold tub, two saunas, and a relaxation room with panoramic windows and a fireplace.
Krauma Geothermal Baths
The architecture and design of Krauma deserves a special mention. Elegant, softly shaped pools contrast with the square and rustic design of the main building. Some of the pools are located on the edge between the building and the outside, so you can observe nature while enjoying the coziness of being inside.
Two steam baths are located in separate buildings near the outdoor showers. The water from natural hot springs is sprayed underneath wooden benches in the baths, creating a thick cloud of steam. The cold bath is a great choice for those who want to get their heart beating faster, as the water temperature here is only 5-8°C (41-46°F)!
Krauma seems to be lesser known than some of the mainstream geothermal baths, but the service and quality do not go far behind.
Location: Krauma is located in West Iceland, at Deildartunguhver, on Route 50. It’s 97 km (60 mi) away from Reykjavik.
Good to Know: Krauma has a restaurant that serves Icelandic cuisine, prepared with fresh ingredients from a local farm.
The spa provides Icelandic shampoo, conditioner, and body lotion.
Price: The ticket for adults (17+ years old) costs 3,950 ISK ($32), tickets for 13-16-year-olds are 2,000 ISK ($16). Children up to 12 years old can enter for free but must be accompanied by adults. You can also purchase an annual pass or a winter pass.
One of the most recent additions to the geothermal spas in Iceland, GeoSea opened up its doors in 2018.
GeoSea has four connected geothermal baths filled with mineral-rich seawater. The hot water runs in a steady stream through two drill holes from the sea into the baths and then back into the sea. Due to this process, there’s no need to use any chemicals to clean the water.
Geothermal hot springs have healing powers
One of the main differences between GeoSea and other nature baths is that this one uses hot seawater. Geothermal heat in Húsavík has long been used for bathing and washing. The water is rich in minerals and has healing qualities, especially beneficial for the skin.
This geothermal spa is located right by the sea coast. Immerse yourself in the hot seawater while enjoying the views of the mountains and the Arctic Circle on the horizon!
Location: GeoSea is located just outside of Husavik in North Iceland. It’s 77 km (48 mi) away from Akureyri, and 464 km (288 mi) away from Reykjavik.
Good to Know: The water temperature is around 38°C (100°F).
The GeoSea restaurant offers soups, various rolls, hot drinks, and juices.
Don’t worry about bringing your own soap and shampoo to the spa – they’re all provided!
Price: A ticket to GeoSea for adults costs ISK 4,300 ($34.50). Senior and student tickets cost ISK 2,700 ($21.60) and children pay ISK 1,800 ($14.50).
Open to the public since 1999, The Blue Lagoon is the largest and perhaps the most famous spas in Iceland. This geothermal paradise covers 8,700 m² (94,000 ft²) and it contains 9 million liters of water. Visiting the Blue Lagoon is on most travelers to-do lists in Iceland.
The geothermal seawater naturally renews every 40 hours and boasts many health benefits. Rich in silica, algae and minerals, the pools are reputed to rejuvenate skin and stimulate circulation. The Blue Lagoon even has its own skincare product line enriched with minerals from volcanic aquifers 2,000 meters (6,560 ft) beneath the Earth’s surface.
Iceland’s Most Famous Geothermal Bath
The spa also has three restaurants, a café, and a Retreat Hotel. The Moss Restaurant offers fine evening dining, while Lava Restaurant serves culinary classics for lunch and dinner. Spa Restaurant has light delicacies, and casual snacks and refreshments can be purchased from the café.
Blue Lagoon guests can choose from various spa packages, including a luxurious spa retreat with access to a more secluded and private part of the lagoon. Each package includes a Silica mud mask, a towel, a drink and some bath products.
Location: Blue Lagoon is located in Reykjanes UNESCO Global Geopark. It’s 50 km (30 mi) away from Reykjavik, and 20 km (13 mi) away from Keflavik International Airport. Travel from the airport to the Blue Lagoon hassle-free with our quick and comfortable transfer.
Good to Know: Tickets to the Blue Lagoon must be booked in advance. Spa facilities include a mask bar, sauna, steam room, and in-water bar. You can also book a massage or a tour that introduces you to the science and history of the Blue Lagoon.
Price: Choose between different packages. The prices vary from 6,853 ISK ($55) for a comfort package, 9,720 ISK ($78) for premium, and 77,870 ISK ($625) for a Luxury Retreat Spa.
Beer Bathing in Iceland
The beer used for the baths is in the early stages of fermentation. It’s rich in protein, potassium, zinc, iron, and magnesium. These minerals revitalize hair and skin, while oils from beer hops have anti-inflammatory qualities.
After each session, the baths are filled up with a new blend. Beer baths don’t contain any alcohol, so children are welcome to enjoy it too. However, you must be at least 20 years old if you’d like to taste some fresh craft beer while relaxing in a bath.
Beer Spa in Iceland
Location: Bjorbodin Beer Spa is located in Árskógssandur in North Iceland. The spa is 35 km (22 mi) away from Akureyri and 402 km (250 mi) away from Reykjavik.
Good to Know: It’s recommended that you don’t shower for 3-4 hours after the beer bath for the best revitalizing and softening effect.
Price: A bath for a single person costs 9,900 ISK ($80) and 16,900 ISK ($136) for a couple. Children under 12 can use the facilities for free, but they must be accompanied by an adult.
Pick the best spa in Iceland for you to relax, rejuvenate, and recharge, because you deserve it.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing soak in milky mineral water or a quick dip in a refreshing lake, Iceland is a premier wellness travel destination.
Planning your next wellness vacation? Check out our wellness tours and activities in Iceland!
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