Go to content 
21 Free (or almost) Hot Springs in Iceland
Iceland's extremely high geothermal activity has allowed its inhabitants to stay warm during the harsh winters, and today it remains a favorite activity for Icelanders—and ours!—thanks to living in the country. We have been able to visit almost all of them.
in iceland There are not only luxurious thermal baths and caras, but there are plenty of options to enjoy free hot springs. Besides keeping your budget in check, visiting these places will give you a firsthand experience of one of Iceland's oldest traditions.
Free hot springs near Reykjavik
Please note that some carThe roads we mentioned in the article are only passable during the summer, so it's best to always check their condition. This article is about travel to Iceland safely We tell you how to do it.
Reykjadalur Thermal River
This is one of the most famous places among tourists looking to bathe in hot springs without spending a single crown. And it's no wonder, since it's a beautiful river surrounded by mountains flowing at a temperature close to 37-40 degree. The further you go up the river, the hotter it is.
What is ideal to visit them at the beginning or end of the day and enjoy them in the most absolute tranquility, is undoubtedly one of our Iceland's favorite hot springsWe have a guide with everything you need to know to visit it and How to get to Reykjadalur.
Hrunalaug Hot Springs
These hot springs are also famous among tourists and locals since they sand are located a few hours by car from Reykjavík, back on the Golden Circle. To get there you have to go to the town of Fludir and there take the turnoff to the carRoute 344. You will find a parking lot and from there it is about a 5-minute walk to these free thermal baths.
There are 3 small pools at different temperatures between 32 and 40 degrees and They are really photogenic. The access price is 1000 isk and I recommend you go first thing in the morning to find few people. If when you arrive at the parking lot and you see a lot of cars, I recommend you come back another time because since they are so small, the capacity is about 10-15 people.
South Thermal Pool
This thermal pool is located 2 hours from Reykjavík, in the south of Iceland. Is about one of the oldest swimming pools in the country Built in 1923, it is 25 meters long and constantly receives hot water through a pipe that comes directly from the mountain. Next to the pool There is a small house that is used as a changing room..
El The road leading to the parking lot is not paved. and the condition is not very good so you should drive slowly and with caution, it is only 3km and the last 2 are the most complicated. From the parking lot you have to follow a path next to the river for about 10 minutes until you reach the pool.
La pool temperature is not regulated So it can vary throughout the year. When we went it must have been around 30 degrees and it didn't feel excessively hot, but the scenery alone makes it worth the trip.carse.
Free hot springs in the eastern iceland
Djúpavogskörin Thermal Pool
This small thermal pool is located next to the carretera 1 upon reaching the first eastern fjords And it's completely free. Although you can't see it while driving, it's just a short walk from the parking lot. There are pipes coming down from the mountain, and those are the ones...carThey take care to keep it filled with warm water. There are no changing tables, but there is a clothes rack.
We've read in some places that the pool is occasionally empty for maintenance, but since it's located right next to the carI think that It's worth doingcarsGo take a look and if it's open, take the opportunity to have a swim.
thermal waterfall
It is undoubtedly one of the most special thermal baths in Iceland and our favorite free thermal bath. Although it is not easily accessible, if you have time I highly recommend it.
We did it with a small car and managed to get through on both routes, but they're not good. carReteras, the ideal thing is 4×4 or SUV.
There's a fairly large parking area where several 4x4 vans and cars with rooftop tents were ready to spend the night. Free overnight stays aren't allowed in Iceland, but nobody's going to take the bus anyway.carI'm heading to the highlands, so sleeping there and taking a bath first thing in the morning or last thing at night sounds like a great plan.
From the parking lot there are less than fifteen minutes walk The two natural pools created by blocking the course of a thermal river with rocks. Both are around 38 degrees Celsius, and the waterfall is slightly warmer. It's the perfect temperature to grab a cool drink and soak away the hours. A truly Icelandic plan!
Laugarfell Hot Springs
From this hotel This is one of our favorite hiking routes in eastern Iceland. Also has thermal pools made of stone with spectacular views of Snaefell, the highest mountain on the island. One of them is larger and regulated so that it is around 37-38 degrees and another small one with the temperature of the thermal river that passes next door, the day we bathed it was burning.
These are not free hot springs but I think they are worth it since the entrance if you are not staying is only 1.500isk, it has showers and some little baskets so you can put all your things and take them outside. If you are staying in both a room and a campsite, they are included. The campsite only includes parking and a shower so you can only come with van camper or caravana.
Free hot springs by the northern iceland
Akureyri Thermal Waterfall
In front of Akureyri, the capital of northern Iceland, is located Forest Lagoon, some paid hot springs carefully curated down to the last detail, but if you prefer a different, low-cost option, try these hot springs.
In this thermal river that reaches the cliff forming a small pool with views of the sea and a small waterfall where to give yourself a back massage.
You can see the exact location in our iceland map.
Grettislaug Thermal Baths
These thermal baths They owe their name to a famous Nordic saga which tells about a fugitive who was hiding on the island of Drangey and who swam the 7 km that separate it from these pools.
They are reached by following the carGravel road 748 from Skagafjordur to a seaside campsite, where the hot springs are also located.
Available two small pools at different temperatures between 37 and 40ºC, changing rooms, bathrooms and showers. The entrance price is 1500 isk and if you want to sleep at the campsite it also costs 1500 isk per person.
Grjótagjá Cave
This small cave located next to the lake Myvatn She became very famous thanks to the Game of Thrones series.. Inside there is a small lake with intense blue thermal water. The water temperature depends on the time of year and can exceed 50ºC, for this reason Bathing is currently prohibited.
Although You can't bathe, the visit is well worth it since the intense color of the water contrasts with the darkness of the cave, making it a very photogenic spot. Furthermore, access is very simple and completely free.
Hauganes Thermal Pools
In the fishing village of Hauganes, popular thanks to the whale sightings, you can find these 4 thermal pools in front of a beautiful black sand beach where you can bathe to contrast temperatures.
The entrance costs 1000 isk which is paid at a mailbox, at the Baccalá restaurant on the main street. Next to the pools there are bathrooms, showers and changing rooms.
Thermal pool with waterfall sound
Very close to the carOn Route N1 towards Akureyri, you'll find this small thermal pool next to a river. It's about a 15-minute walk from the parking lot.
It is not very big so the capacity is quite limited but since it is not very popular among tourists it is not very crowded and it is totally worth walking those 15 minutes to be able to bathe with the sound of the waterfall in the background.
Free hot springs for the westfjords
Gudrunarlaug Natural Hot Springs
Near the carRoute 60, which is used to access the Westfjords, you can find these natural hot springs next to a camping. There is a wooden shed to use as a changing room and several picnic tables.
These are the most famous free hot springs in the west and as they are next to a campsite it is common for there to be quite a few people during high season. It is said that this thermal bath has existed for centuries and was widely used by the Vikings.
Pollurinn Thermal Pools
These 4 thermal pools are at different temperatures, They have incredible views of the fjord And they're free. You can find them at the carIt's located at route 617 and has a parking area next to the changing rooms and showers. You'll find a donation box there; the donations are used for pool maintenance.
The free hot springs with the best views
Other hot springs in the Westfjords with incredible views. They have a swimming pool with changing rooms and bathrooms and behind the pool there is a natural pool. The large pool has a temperature of about 35 degrees and the natural pool about 40.
It's right at the foot of cara quiet road with plenty of parking.
Krosslaug thermal pool
This pool in the Westfjords has been used by locals for decades. Currently there is an entrance fee of 1500 ISK that gives access to the facilities and you can swim in both the main pool and in a small, warmer stone pool with very good views.
You can find this place about 16 kilometers west of the village of Flókalundur in the carretera number 62.
Natural hot spring with sea views
These free hot springs are located very close to the carFrom the parking lot you will see some small stairs that go down the side and the pool is below them, attached to the wall, so even if it is windy you are quite sheltered.
The pool created with rocks is not very big, there is space for a maximum of 10 people but it is still It is not very popular with tourists so there are usually few people. The water temperature is about 38ºC and being very close to the sea it has incredible views. These hot springs do not have a changing room or anywhere to put things, we protected the towel with the raincoat and left all the clothes in the car.
Krossneslaug thermal pool
Located right on the beach, this thermal water pool has an infinity pool effect on the sea. Some lucky visitors have seen dolphins and whales coming out to breathe near the shore and some seals resting while bathing in this pool.
This place is very isolated, about 2 hours away. carGravel road 643 from the village of Holmavik. It has changing rooms, toilets and showers and although the thermal waters are not free, the price to bathe is 1000 isk, quite reasonable considering the views.
Drangsnes Thermal Pools
It is a set of three small jacuzzi-style pools fed with thermal water. They are located in front of the sea with very beautiful views of the fjord.They are accessed from the carRetera 645 and bathing in them is free although they have a donation box for maintenance.
Next to the pools there is a bathroom where you can change and shower (remember that it is always mandatory in Iceland) before entering these free hot springs.
Free hot springs in the Highlands (Highlands)
Landmannalaugar Thermal River
En one of the most popular and accessible areas From the Icelandic highlands you can find this free thermal river. It is a very popular point among trekking fans due to its very colorful rocky landscapes and free hot springs. The temperature of the little lake formed next to the river is between 37 and 40 degrees thanks to a small stream that feeds it with water at more than 50ºC.
This lake is located in the southern part of the highlands and to get there you need to follow the carTake the F208 road with a 4x4 or SUV to the intersection with the F224, which leads to the Landmannalaugar campsite. The changing room and shower service belongs to the campsite and costs 500 isk. If you want to arrive in camper vans you will need to rent a 4×4.
Kerlingarfjoll Free Thermal Baths
This thermal river, 3 and a half hours from Reykjavík, is located in a valley with a lot of geothermal activity between two mountains with impressive red tones. The water from this hot spring has a high iron content and locals say it is beneficial for people with anemia.
To get to them you will need to take the carRoute F35 to the intersection with F347 near the Hofsjökull glacier. Don't forget that the carF-shaped lanes are only suitable for 4x4 vehicles.
From the parking lot you have to follow a well-marked 1,5km path, it takes about 20 minutes to reach the first pool. The capacity of these baths is about 15 people and the water temperature is between 34 and 37ºC. There are no changing rooms or places to leave clothes. so it is better to put on your swimsuit in the car.
Hveravellir Hot Springs
Other popular thermal baths in the Icelandic highlands are Hveravellir. In this case Access is a little more complicated and can only be reached after several hours of driving with 4×4 vehicles. The parking is located in a mountain lodge very close to the hot spring. The temperature of the water leaves the ground at almost 90ºC and is mixed with cold water to achieve a temperature of 35 to 39ºC.
There's no changing room, so I recommend putting on your swimsuit in the parking lot and bringing a towel.carsand when getting out of the water.
I hope that with these recommendations I have made it a little easier for you to organize your route through Iceland and that you can visit one of these free thermal baths to save some euros and enjoy a different experience.
If you have any questions, leave them in the comments at the end of this article and we will be happy to answer you. Here you can read all about Iceland or see our featured stories on Instagram.
^Where is the thermal waterfall?
The exact location, along with many other unknown places, can be found on our map of Iceland 😊