When planning a trip to Iceland, nearly every guidebook, article, and travel agent will recommend visiting one of the many hot springs in the country. Bathing in Iceland’s warm waters is a popular pastime for travelers and locals alike, and during my most recent trip to the Land of Fire and Ice, I wanted to immerse myself (pun intended) in the swimming pool culture that the country is known for.
After weeks of research and planning, I embarked on my very own hot springs crawl. Unlike a typical bar crawl, which often results in a dazed and confused feeling, my hot springs crawl spanned the course of a week and left me refreshed and rejuvenated. Here’s my itinerary for the top hot springs near Reykjavík.
Blue Lagoon: The Standout Speciality Bar
You know that one bar in your city that has great drinks, superb service, and an awesome ambience? That’s the Blue Lagoon. A must-visit, the Blue Lagoon is not just a great spot for a hot springs crawl but also for any Iceland itinerary. The world-famous thermal spa is one of the most popular attractions in the country, and it undoubtedly lives up to the hype. The milky-blue water, alongside the surrounding mossy green and jet black lava, creates a magical setting. Plus, all visitors are treated to a beverage (a healthy smoothie or glass of prosecco) as well as a treatment at the swim-up mask bar. Because of its proximity to Reykjavik’s main airport Keflavik, the Blue Lagoon is an ideal first or last stop on a trip and the perfect place to recharge after a long flight.
Sky Lagoon: The New Rooftop Lounge
After dropping off my bags and settling in at the Sand Hotel in Reykjavík, I ventured out to the second stop on my hot springs crawl: the recently opened Sky Lagoon. Even though the Sky Lagoon is within close driving distance of the city center, it’s cleverly designed to make you feel like you’ve traveled to a remote hideaway while still offering all the elements needed for a luxury spa retreat. In addition, the entrance fee includes drink tickets for the swim-up bar and admission to a seven-step spa ritual, which consists of a glacier pool, sauna, body scrub, and steam room. I especially loved the infinity edge of the lagoon, which showcased a gorgeous view of the Kársnes Harbour below.
Sundhöllin: The Local Pub
The third stop on my hot springs crawl was a geothermal swimming pool located in the heart of the capital. In an effort to promote public sports and a healthy lifestyle, Reykjavík runs seven public thermal pools throughout the city for citizens and visitors to enjoy. During my visit to Sundhöllin, which translates to the “Swimming Palace,” I found it to be the oldest of Reykjavik’s public bathhouses. In addition to the indoor and outdoor swimming pools, Sundhöllin features hot tubs, steam rooms, saunas, and an ice bath for optimal exercise or relaxation. The vibrant atmosphere reminded me of a local pub or beer garden, perfect for friends gathering after work or on the weekend for a casual soak or swim.
Reykjadalur Valley Hot Spring River: The Neighborhood Dive Bar
One thing I always try to do while traveling is escape the tourist traps and visit spots frequented by locals. Therefore, I asked ToursByLocals to help me find an off-the-radar hot spring. My amazing tour guide, Dofri, took me to the fourth stop on my crawl: the Reykjadalur Valley hot spring river, which has become a favorite hangout for locals. Groups of friends and families spread out through the seemingly endless geothermal river, sipping on local beers and soaking in the natural water. Although it’s not the easiest place to reach—you have to drive about 45 minutes outside of the city, then hike through the Reykjadalur Valley—it’s well worth the trek.
Secret Lagoon: The Speakeasy
The Secret Lagoon, known locally as Gamla Laugin, is one of the oldest swimming pools in Iceland. Located along the Golden Circle route, this not-so-secret lagoon is the quintessential Icelandic hot spring and the fifth and final stop on my crawl. I floated in the warm, natural waters for about an hour; however, the tranquil mood at Gamla Laugin made it feel as though I had been there all day by the time I got out. The Secret Lagoon was the perfect finish to an incredible week of lagoon hopping, marking my hot springs crawl a resounding success.
Explore the rich hot springs culture of Iceland to experience relaxation and rejuvenation like never before!
