Iceland Hot Springs Guide: Natural & Geothermal Lagoons

Key facts

Blue Lagoon water averages 37-39°C and renews completely every two days
Secret Lagoon, built in 1891, is Iceland's oldest swimming pool with continuous natural water flow
All commercial lagoons require showering before entry, with separate facilities by gender
Check safetravel.is before visiting natural hot springs

Blue Lagoon: The Man-Made Geothermal Spa

The Blue Lagoon is a man-made geothermal spa located in a lava field on the Reykjanes Peninsula. It sits 5 km from Grindavík and 20 km from Keflavík International Airport. The Blue Lagoon is located in front of Mount Þorbjörn.

Water comes from the nearby Svartsengi geothermal power station. The milky blue colour results from high silica content. The water also contains salts and algae.

Bathing and swimming areas maintain temperatures of 37-39°C. The water renews completely every two days. The average pH is 7.5 and the salt content is 2.5%.

Despite no artificial disinfection, the water contains no fecal bacteria, environmental bacteria, fungi, or plants. Bathing facilities opened in 1987. The company was established in 1992.

Guests must shower before entering. Communal showers are separated by gender. Children aged eight and under require arm floaters, provided free. The lagoon is not suitable for children under two years.

A ramp extends into the water for wheelchair users, and a shower chair is available. Blue Lagoon tickets are available for purchase.

Popular Hot Spring Tours in Iceland

Secret Lagoon: Iceland's Oldest Swimming Pool

Secret Lagoon, known locally as Gamla Laugin, was built in 1891 at Hverahólmi near Flúðir. It is Iceland's oldest swimming pool.

Three natural hot springs, Vaðmálahver, Básahver, and Litli Geysir, supply 100% of the water. The pool water flows continuously and replaces itself completely within 24 hours.

Water temperature stays at 38-40 Celsius throughout the year. The water is rich in sulfur.

Iceland's first swimming lessons took place here in 1909, continuing annually until 1947. After 1947, the site fell into disuse. Secret Lagoon celebrated its opening on 7 June 2014.

Litli Geysir, an active geyser beside the pool, spouts every few minutes. A walking path circles the lagoon, allowing safe viewing of the boiling springs.

Showers follow traditional Icelandic style, separated by gender. The Bistro offers snacks and drinks but does not serve warm meals. The address is Hvammsvegur, 845 Flúðir.

Many visitors combine this site with a Golden Circle and Secret Lagoon tour from Reykjavík.

Pros

Geothermal lagoons operate year-round regardless of weather
Commercial sites provide changing rooms, showers, and safety supervision
Water at established lagoons maintains consistent temperature without chemicals
Wheelchair access is available at Blue Lagoon with ramps and shower chairs

Cons

Blue Lagoon does not accept children under two years old
Children eight and under must wear arm floaters at Blue Lagoon
Wild sites lack changing facilities and temperature control
Some geothermal areas close temporarily, so always check road.is before departure

Comparing Major Geothermal Lagoons

Lagoon	Water Temperature	Water Source	Year Opened	Location
Blue Lagoon	37-39°C	Svartsengi power station	1987	Reykjanes Peninsula
Secret Lagoon	38-40°C	Three natural hot springs	1891 (reopened 2014)	Flúðir
Sky Lagoon	Check before booking	Geothermal	Recent	Check before booking
Forest Lagoon	Check before booking	Geothermal	Recent	Check before booking
Myvatn Nature Baths	Check before booking	Geothermal	Established	Check before booking

Each lagoon offers different facilities and atmospheres. Blue Lagoon provides comprehensive accessibility features. Secret Lagoon maintains a more rustic setting with visible geothermal activity around the pool.

Consider your itinerary when choosing which lagoon to visit.

For comparisons between specific sites, see Blue Lagoon vs Sky Lagoon.

Natural Hot Springs Across Iceland

Natural hot springs exist throughout Iceland's geothermal regions. These undeveloped sites differ significantly from commercial lagoons in facilities and safety.

Natural springs lack changing rooms, showers, lifeguards, and temperature regulation. Water temperatures can vary from comfortably warm to dangerously hot within metres.

Always check safetravel.is and road.is before visiting natural hot springs. Weather conditions, volcanic activity, and road closures can make sites inaccessible or dangerous.

Some natural springs sit on private land or require permits. Research access rules for specific locations before departure.

Compare prices, reviews and free-cancellation options before you book.

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Hot Springs Near Reykjavík

Blue Lagoon lies 20 km from Keflavík International Airport on the Reykjanes Peninsula. Blue Lagoon transfer services are available.

Secret Lagoon is located at Hvammsvegur, 845 Flúðir. This pairing works well with Golden Circle sightseeing.

The Reykjanes Peninsula contains multiple geothermal areas beyond Blue Lagoon. Some natural sites exist here, though they lack facilities.

Geothermal Pools on the South Coast and Golden Circle

Secret Lagoon sits near the Golden Circle route. It pairs logically with Thingvellir National Park, Geysir, and Gullfoss waterfall.

South coast tours occasionally include hot spring stops depending on the operator.

Check road.is before planning visits to Highland areas.

The Secret Lagoon location is Hvammsvegur, 845 Flúðir. Many day trips from Reykjavík include this stop.

Combining geothermal bathing with sightseeing makes efficient use of travel time. Consider your route when selecting which lagoon to visit.

Northern Iceland Hot Springs

North Iceland hosts several geothermal bathing options. These provide alternatives for visitors exploring the northern regions.

Always check safetravel.is for current conditions and access requirements.

The region's geothermal activity creates bathing opportunities year round.

Akureyri tours sometimes include hot spring visits as part of day programmes.

Safety Rules and Bathing Etiquette

All commercial geothermal lagoons require thorough showering before entry. Showers are separated by gender at facilities like Blue Lagoon and Secret Lagoon.

Blue Lagoon requires arm floaters for those eight and under, provided free. Children under two cannot enter Blue Lagoon at all.

Natural hot springs present different risks than managed facilities. Water temperature can change rapidly, and no supervision exists at wild sites.

Test water temperature carefully before full immersion at natural springs. Boiling springs exist near some bathing areas, creating scalding hazards.

Geothermal sites may close due to volcanic activity, weather, or other hazards. Always check safetravel.is and road.is before visiting any location.

Check specific rules for each facility before your visit.

Advance booking is advisable for popular sites like Blue Lagoon.

Compare prices, reviews and free-cancellation options before you book.

Check availability →

Combining Hot Springs with Other Activities

Geothermal bathing pairs well with many Iceland activities. Glacier hiking followed by hot spring soaking makes a satisfying contrast.

Winter visitors often combine lagoon visits with northern lights tours.

Blue Lagoon's location near the airport suits arrival or departure day visits. Shore excursions from Reykjavík port often include Blue Lagoon stops.

Multi-day tours frequently schedule hot spring time between sightseeing days. This provides rest after activities like ice cave exploration or snowmobile tours.

Small group tours sometimes include geothermal bathing as part of longer itineraries. Check specific programmes for included stops.

Self-drive visitors can plan routes to include multiple hot springs. Self-drive tours offer flexibility for spontaneous stops at natural sites.

Our verdict

Iceland's geothermal lagoons offer year round bathing in naturally heated water. Established sites like Blue Lagoon and Secret Lagoon provide reliable facilities and safety. Natural hot springs require more planning and carry higher risks. Always check safetravel.is and road.is before attempting wild sites.

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Frequently asked questions

What temperature is the water at Blue Lagoon?

The water temperature in the bathing and swimming area of the Blue Lagoon averages 37-39°C year round. The water comes from the nearby Svartsengi geothermal power station and renews completely every two days.

Can children swim at Blue Lagoon?

Children aged eight and under may enter Blue Lagoon but must wear arm floaters, provided free of charge. Children under two years old are not allowed entry.

Where is Secret Lagoon located?

Secret Lagoon is located at Hvammsvegur, 845 Flúðir. The pool was built in 1891 and is Iceland's oldest swimming pool.

How often does Blue Lagoon water change?

The water at Blue Lagoon renews completely every two days. Despite no artificial disinfection, it contains no fecal bacteria, environmental bacteria, fungi, or plants.

Is Blue Lagoon wheelchair accessible?

Blue Lagoon is accessible for wheelchair users with a ramp that extends into the water and a shower chair. Guests must shower before entering, with communal facilities separated by gender.

Geothermal Lagoons and Natural Hot Springs in Iceland