There are dozens of hot springs in Iceland, and 59 are accessible to the public.
You may or may not have found yourself lost in online travel forums, or confusing paid sponsorships for certain spas, or, more than likely, got hypnotised by short-form reels on your phone telling you multiple different ‘best’ hot springs in Iceland, adding more decision fatigue to your plate as you plan your Iceland trip.
It’s hard not to get overwhelmed.
From someone who has been there and has a borderline unhealthy love for spa culture, I’m your man. “Best” is subjective in cases like this.
So, with a “different strokes for different folks” attitude, I am going to let you know which hot springs in Iceland are the best for what kind of vibe you’re looking for.
Here are the best hot springs in Iceland based on different travel styles:
Blue Lagoon (Best for first-timers/iconic experience)
Let’s get the most famous one out of the way first, and I don’t mean that in a negative sense. I loved it here.
I just mean it’s famous for good reason, and even the teenage contrarian who tries to evoke its spirit in me now and then will admit it lived up to its hype. The neon-blue water, surrounded by both old and newer volcanic black rock, is iconic, and the mineral-rich mix leaves your skin feeling noticeably better by the time you’re done.
It’s relatively easy to access thanks to the multiple daily shuttles for the 45-minute journey from Reykjavik, and the facilities are outstanding.
In short, it’s touristy, but it’s worth it. Be honest with yourself, if you like being the centre of attention, or you prioritise the best photos on holiday, and you don’t mind large crowds, then Blue Lagoon is your spiritual hot spring in Iceland.
Sky Lagoon (Best for luxury/views)
The Sky Lagoon was genuinely one of the best spa experiences I’ve ever had in the world. It’s cleaner, more premium, quieter than the rowdy Blue Lagoon, and the infinity ocean views are magnificent.
It’s also incredibly easy to get to, sitting just outside Reykjavik, around 10–15 minutes by car, which makes it the most convenient option on this list.
While it’s smaller than the Blue Lagoon, it never feels cramped. If anything, the more intimate layout works in its favour.
The real standout is the Seven-Step Ritual, known locally as “Skjól” (meaning “shelter” or “refuge”), which elevates the experience. No phones, minimal talking, and a proper focus on slowing down, it forces you to switch off in a way most places don’t.
The view of the ocean from the sauna is mesmerising, if that’s what heaven is when we die… I am good to bow out tomorrow!
If you’re after a more premium, relaxed experience without the crowds, this is the one to go for.
Hvammsvik (Best “natural but comfortable” option)
Hvammsvik spa is the perfect balance of feeling more natural while not sacrificing too much of your comfort. That said, the facilities aren’t as impressive as the Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon in terms of organisation and food, so bear that in mind.
Set along the coastline, about 40 minutes from Reykjavik, providing a more natural, immersive ocean-side experience, eight geothermal pools, each at a different temperature, are built directly onto the shoreline of a glacial fjord.
It’s a beauty.
There are a few practical trade-offs. Robes and slippers aren’t included. The paths between pools can be rocky underfoot, and if you want food, you’ll need to change rather than drifting in and out as you can elsewhere.
Still, that’s part of the appeal: Hvammsvik feels less staged, more raw, providing ocean access, making you feel more connected to the landscape. It’s less polished than the top two hot springs in Iceland, and it doesn’t pretend to be anything else.
Secret Lagoon (Best value/less hype)
The Secret Lagoon is the oldest hot spring in Iceland, known locally as “Gamla Laugin.” The vibe is cheap and cheerful, more relaxed and authentic.
If you’re less fussed about the luxury levels and just want a no-nonsense hot spring experience, then the Secret Lagoon is one of the best-value options in Iceland.
Located in the small village of Flúðir along the Golden Circle, it’s easy to combine with other stops in the area without feeling rushed, which makes it a very practical choice.
You won’t get infinity pools or luxury changing rooms, but you will get a range of different hot waters, a natural setting, and generally fewer crowds compared to the bigger-name spots.
If you’re looking to experience Icelandic hot springs without spending a small fortune, this is a very easy choice.
Reykjadalur (Best natural adventure option)
Reykjadalur is by far the least convenient option for hot springs in Iceland, but it’s certainly the most rewarding.
This isn’t a normal spa you rock up to fresh from the car park; you’ll need to hike for it. The trail to the spa takes around 45-60 minutes each way, winding through a gorgeous geothermal valley before you reach your hot springs of choice.
My only pet peeve with Reykjadalur was that the river was rather shallow, which made seating awkward. Feeling uncomfortable in a spa setting seems a little paradoxical.
This spa option requires more effort in both physical exertion and planning, but the “you’ve got to earn it” aspect brings a quirky addition to your experience, if you’re that way inclined.
Laugarás Lagoon (New and Worth Watching)
Laugarás Lagoon is one of the newer additions to Iceland’s geothermal spa scene, and it’s already starting to get some attention.
Located along the Golden Circle, it’s an easy stop if you’re already exploring that part of the country, which makes it a practical option to keep on your radar.
Being newer, it has a more modern, well-designed feel than some of the older spots, with a focus on comfort and layout rather than on the sheer rawness of nature.
At the same time, it doesn’t yet have the same crowds or hype as places like the Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon, which is part of the appeal. Ironically, the secret is already out on the so-called “Secret Lagoon,” so although this may not share its name, it may be one of the lesser-known spas in Iceland at the moment.
It’s probably not the first place you need to prioritise if you’re short on time, but if you like the idea of trying somewhere a bit newer before it fully blows up, it’s definitely one to watch for the future.
How to Choose The Right Hot Spring in Iceland (For You)
With so many options on this glorious island, the easiest way to decide is to match the experience to what you actually want from it:
- First time in Iceland: Go to the Blue Lagoon. It’s the celebrity spa. A true Icelandic icon, easy, and delivers the full experience.
- Want something more premium and intimate: Sky Lagoon. Cleaner, quieter, and more refined with incredible ocean views.
- Want something natural and earned: Reykjadalur. A hike, a river, and a much more raw experience.
- Want the budget option: Secret Lagoon. Simple, relaxed, and far cheaper than the big-name spots.
- Want a balance of comfort and nature: Hvammsvik. Less polished, more immersive, but still comfortable.
- Want something newer and less crowded: Laugarás Lagoon. Modern, well-designed, and still under the radar (for now).
You don’t need to visit all of them, but if you want to, I fully endorse your decision. If time is of the essence, it simply depends on the kind of experience you’re after and your personality, too.
Blue Lagoon vs Sky Lagoon (Quick Take)
Realistically, most people don’t have unlimited time when planning a trip to Iceland and when it comes to the topic of which geothermal spa, the list is usually whittled down to the two big guns: Blue Lagoon and Sky Lagoon.
So if you’re stuck choosing between the two, you’re not alone.
The short version:
- Blue Lagoon is the iconic, first-time experience
- Sky Lagoon is the more premium, relaxed option
If you want the full breakdown, including price, experience, and which one is actually better depending on your priorities, I’ve compared Blue Lagoon vs Sky Lagoon in detail here.
Are Iceland Hot Springs Worth It?
Iceland’s hot springs are absolutely worth the hype… at least from my perspective as someone who actively seeks out spa experiences around the world.
That said, they’re not for everyone. Some people would rather spend their time hiking or exploring the incredible scenery, and don’t quite see the appeal of sitting in hot water for a couple of hours.
Luckily, with Iceland, you can do both!
If hot springs are your thing, then no spa on this list is a bad option; you’ll get to experience a deep-rooted local tradition while feeling relaxed, surrounded by a contrast of impressive landscapes.
And if you’re still on the fence about the bigger picture, I’ve broken down whether Iceland is actually worth visiting here.
Please do not overthink it; pick one and get in.
