One of the wonderful things in Iceland is that there are plenty of hot pots all around the country and most of them are free (beware, not many things are free in Iceland ;)).
The most famous geothermal spa, is, of course, the Blue Lagoon. It is one of the most visited places in Iceland and it is known for its beautiful crystal water surrounded by rocky lava views. However, it is also the most expensive pool of the country (entrance fee starts from 5400 ISK, as of September 2018) and tickets must be booked in advance. In addition, not everyone knows that this lagoon isn’t natural but was actually man-made.
After reviewing many blogs, reading tons of reviews on the internet and speaking to friends that have been there, we decided not to visit the Blue Lagoon. Nevertheless, if you want to see at least the famous crystal waters as we did, you can still do that! In fact, there is a pathway just on the left of the entrance that leads you to other crystal lakes and rocky lava views (but you cannot bath in them of course). See below the pictures.
It’s a lot less crowded and you can still see the magnificent colors of the Blue Lagoon!
We are sure that if you visit this place you will leave with a great experience to tell your family and friends back home. Yet, if you are a person like us that prefer less crowded, less touristy and more authentic places, we recommend you to save your money and visit one (or more 🙂 ) of the other hot spots and geothermal spas around Iceland.
In particular, for geothermal spas with shower and changing rooms, we recommend:
- Secret Lagoon in Flúðir (Golden Circle): this is the oldest geothermal pool in Iceland. Unfortunately, is not a secret anymore but the owner keeps it natural and it makes the perfect stop after a day visiting the Golden Circle. We suggest to go after 6pm so that it will be less crowded.
Entrance cost for adults is 3000 ISK from January 2019
For more information on this area, visit our post Golden Circle.
- Myvatn Nature Baths in Myvatn (North East area): this one is the perfect alternative to the Blue Lagoon. It also has crystal waters and beautiful views and it is also man-made. It is definitely less crowded and a bit less expensive.
Entrance cost varies by period but is between 4500 and 5000 ISK for adults
For more information on this area, visit our post North Iceland and Myvatn.
Remember to bring your own towel to any spa you’re visiting, so you won’t need to pay additional ISK for it.
For more natural hot spots with less or none structures, but for more local experience we suggest the following:
- Hrunalaug in Flúðir (Golden Circle): not far away from the more known Secret Lagoon and only 5 minutes walking from the parking. Entrance is free but you can make a donation for 1000 ISK per person to the people that maintain this spot.
- Seljavellir (South Iceland): small swimming pool built around natural hot waters and not far from the (in)famous volcano Eyjafjallajökull. About 20 minutes walking from the parking.
- Kvika (just outside Reykjavik): is a footbath created by the artist Ólöf Nordal. It is a favourite spot for locals to unwind and relax.
Iceland has plenty of free and paying hot spots. It’s quite impossible to visit all of them, especially on a first-time trip. So have a look at the different ones on the internet and then choose the one you prefer 🙂
The most useful website that you can use to find hot pots and pools is Hotpoticeland. This website provide GPS coordinates, pictures and multiple information about all hot spots, pools as well as gas station (also very important if you are renting a car! More information on this subject here) in the overall country.
Have fun!! 🙂