Iceland, nicknamed the 'Land of Fire and Ice’, is a Nordic nation known for its diverse and somewhat alien landscapes. The country is best known for being a snow-cloaked paradise, enticing winter lovers with its iceberg-filled lagoons and Northern Lights sightings. But the Scandi hotspot also plays host to a lot of geothermal activity, too, and there are plenty of steaming hot springs to bathe in. Of course, donning a swimsuit for a dip in the natural waters seem like an almost ludicrous suggestion in an Arctic country, but trust us on this one. Read on for our roundup of some of the best hot springs in Iceland to tick off on your next trip north…
1
Sky Lagoon Reykjavik
Up first on the list of the best hot springs in Iceland is a seriously scenic spot which offers dramatic coastal views over the North Atlantic and is located just minutes from Reykjavík’s city centre. At Sky Lagoon, guests have the chance to relax, unwind and sunset watch from the warm waters. And, if you’re really lucky, you could be one of the lucky few to catch a sighting of the famous Northern Lights as they dance above the springs. For the ultimate pampering experience, take part in their seven-step ritual towards deeper relaxation which combines the healing powers of the warm and cold water, steam, dry heat and fresh Icelandic air to bring you a sense of wellbeing inside and out.
2
Forest Lagoon
The Forest Lagoon, nestled in Vaðlaskógur (you guessed it) forest, is a geothermal spa just a few minutes' drive from Akureyri. It boasts infinity pools, swim bars, cold tubs and saunas for a complete immersion into the natural healing powers of this secluded spot. The warm waters are sourced from the mountain that looms behind the forest lagoon and were discovered during a tunnelling project turned restful retreat initiative. Now you can enjoy the serene surroundings with the forest's tranquillity acting as the perfect backdrop.
3
Geo Sea Geothermal Baths
The list of the best hot springs in Iceland would be incomplete without mentioning the wonders of Geosea, a world-class geothermal bathing mecca in the north of the country which beckons relaxation lovers from far and wide. Perched along a western-facing cliffside – overlooking the magnificent Skjálfandi Bay and with the Arctic Circle lying to the north – these hot spring baths offer guests a stupidly stunning vantage point for whale watching and Northern Lights spotting. Plus, the waters are said to contain a rare mineral-rich seawater.
4
Vök Baths
Reconnect, decompress and enjoy the floating infinity pools of Vök Baths, found on the waters of Lake Urriðavatn in East Iceland. This hot spring may have come from humble beginnings, with the warm waters once used for clothes washing, but now the age-old Icelandic tradition of bathing in a natural geothermal pool has incorporated some seriously swish modern amenities including an infinity pool, sauna, cold water spray tunnel, tea bar, pool bar and on-site restaurant.
5
Gamla Laugin
Last up on our list of the best hot springs in Iceland is Gamla Laugin, also known as ‘The Secret Lagoon’. It’s an iconic location and said to be one of the oldest swimming spots in Iceland, giving visitors a chance to reconnect with the country’s rich heritage. Positioned in a highly active geothermal area, with a geyser that erupts every few minutes, you can be confident that the waters will be a warm contrast to the snow crunching surroundings during winter. But with great hot springs come great volumes of visitors, so be sure to book in advance to avoid walking away disappointed. Another thing worth noting is the requirement to shower starkers before entering Gamla Laugin. Icelanders are very, very serious about this rule and it’s considered quite the faux pas to avoid stripping down and showering before taking a dip in the warm lagoon – certainly something to bare (we couldn’t help ourselves) in mind.