Lagoons and Hot Springs in Iceland
Iceland's geothermal lagoons range from the Blue Lagoon's silica water to small countryside pools and free natural hot springs. We sell 8 experiences from 7 operators, typically 8-hour days, from about ISK 7,000.
Lagoons & Hot Springs tours
8 tours
Lagoons & Hot SpringsCold & Hot: Silfra Snorkeling & Sky Lagoon - with Snorkeling Photos
From $288
Lagoons & Hot SpringsForest Lagoon Admission Ticket, Akureyri, North Iceland
From $54
Lagoons & Hot SpringsGlymur Waterfall Hike & Hvammsvík Nature Baths - PRIVATE TOUR
8 hours · 09:00 departure · Private tour
From $1,483
Lagoons & Hot SpringsGoðafoss and the Forest Lagoon
From $190
Lagoons & Hot SpringsGufufoss and Vök Baths: Shore Excursion from Seyðisfjörður
From $2,009
Lagoons & Hot SpringsHvammsvík Hot Spring with bus transfer from and to Reykjavík
From $123
Lagoons & Hot SpringsPrivate Blue Lagoon Tour with Comfort Admission
Private 4-hour round trip · Reykjavík hotel pickup and return · About 2 hours at the Blue Lagoon
From $1,000
Lagoons & Hot SpringsReykjaböð Hot Springs: Classic Admission Pass
From $57
About lagoons & hot springs in Iceland
Why does Iceland have so many hot springs?
Iceland sits on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where two tectonic plates separate and magma rises close to the surface. Groundwater heated by that magma emerges as hot springs across the country. The same geology supplies roughly 85 percent of Icelandic homes with geothermal heating and makes a hot soak an everyday routine rather than a luxury.
Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon?
The Blue Lagoon is the famous one: milky silica-rich water on the Reykjanes peninsula, 20 minutes from Keflavík airport, which makes it the natural stop on an arrival or departure day. Sky Lagoon is closer to central Reykjavík, opened in 2021, and is built around an infinity edge facing the North Atlantic with a seven-step ritual. Blue Lagoon is larger and busier; Sky Lagoon is more convenient from the city.
Are there free natural hot springs?
Yes. Reykjadalur, a 3 km uphill walk from Hveragerði, is a hot river you sit in, and it costs nothing. Others include Hrunalaug and Landbrotalaug, which are small and easily overwhelmed. Free springs have no showers, lifeguards or changing facilities, and temperatures are not regulated — check with your hand before getting in.
What is the etiquette at Icelandic pools?
You must shower naked with soap before entering any Icelandic pool or lagoon. This is not optional and is enforced by attendants, because Icelandic pools use far less chlorine than most countries and rely on bathers being clean. Signs by the showers mark the areas to wash. It surprises many visitors and is the single most important thing to know before you go.
What do lagoon experiences cost?
Prices on this page start around ISK 7,000 and reach roughly ISK 279,000 for private full-day combinations. Blue Lagoon and Sky Lagoon admission sits in the middle and is usually sold with transfers from Reykjavík. Municipal swimming pools are the value option at a fraction of the price, and locals use them far more than the famous lagoons.
Frequently asked questions
Do you have to shower naked before entering an Icelandic lagoon?
Yes. Showering naked with soap before entering is mandatory at every Icelandic pool and lagoon, and attendants enforce it. Icelandic pools use minimal chlorine, so bather hygiene does the work instead.
Is the Blue Lagoon worth it?
It depends on what you want. The water, setting and facilities are genuinely impressive, and it is the easiest stop between Keflavík airport and Reykjavík. It is also the most expensive and most crowded option in Iceland, and locals rarely go. If you want the icon, it delivers; if you want a quiet soak, choose elsewhere.
Do I need to book the Blue Lagoon in advance?
Yes — it is pre-booked by timed slot and regularly sells out days ahead in summer and over Christmas and New Year. Walk-up entry is not reliable.
What is the water temperature?
Blue Lagoon and Sky Lagoon both sit around 38–40°C, roughly the temperature of a warm bath. Natural springs vary widely and are unregulated, which is why you should test with a hand before entering.
Will the water damage my hair or jewellery?
Silica dries hair badly and can leave it matted for days. Use the free conditioner provided and tie hair up. Remove silver jewellery, which the minerals will tarnish.
Can you visit a lagoon on the way to or from the airport?
Yes, and it is the most efficient way to do it. The Blue Lagoon is about 20 minutes from Keflavík airport and 45 minutes from Reykjavík, and it has luggage storage for exactly this reason.
Are there free hot springs in Iceland?
Yes. Reykjadalur hot river above Hveragerði is the best known, reached by a 3 km walk and free to use. Facilities are minimal to non-existent, so bring a towel and expect no changing room.
Are lagoons suitable for children?
Municipal pools are very family-friendly and cheap. Sky Lagoon is adults-only from age 12, and Blue Lagoon admits children from 2 with restrictions. Check the individual venue before booking.
What should I bring?
A swimsuit and a towel, though towels can be rented or are included at the major lagoons. Bring flip-flops for walking between changing room and water, and a water bottle — geothermal heat dehydrates you faster than you expect.
Can you drink alcohol in the lagoons?
Yes, at the commercial lagoons, which have in-water bars and use a wristband system to limit drinks. Alcohol combined with hot water dehydrates quickly, so most venues cap it at two or three.
Is the Blue Lagoon natural?
Not entirely. The water is genuinely geothermal and mineral-rich, but the lagoon is fed by the neighbouring Svartsengi geothermal power plant, which draws superheated water from underground and passes it on after generating electricity. The lagoon formed accidentally from that runoff in the 1970s.
Have volcanic eruptions affected the Blue Lagoon?
Yes. Eruptions on the Reykjanes peninsula since 2023 have caused temporary closures and evacuations at short notice. The site reopens when authorities allow it. Check current status before travelling, and keep the booking flexible.
What is a good alternative to the Blue Lagoon?
Sky Lagoon for a comparable experience closer to Reykjavík; the Secret Lagoon at Flúðir on the Golden Circle for something older and simpler; Laugarvatn Fontana for lake bathing; or any municipal pool, such as Laugardalslaug, for the genuinely local version at a fraction of the cost.