Geothermal spas in Iceland

Icelanders have bathed in geothermal hot water since the land was settled in the 870s. Hot water coming from the ground is one of the country’s most valuable natural sources. To lie in the hot natural water after a long day is a luxury that many enjoy every day, mostly in outdoor swimming pools that are in every town in Iceland.

Today we have many geothermal spas that have been built up and are great tourist attractions. First to mention is probably the Blue lagoon in Reykjanes peninsula. The hot water comes from a depth down to 2000 meters and has some healing effects on certain skin diseases. Other geothermal spas have clear water, but also coming from the ground like the Secret lagoon in Fluðir and there are geothermal spas in every part of the country. 

In Myvatn are Myvatn nature baths, in Borgarfjörður is Krauma, in Húsavik is Geosea Sea baths, close to Egilsstaðir is Vok baths. Then there are some entrepreneurs that made Bjorbodin beer spa, close to Akureyri. Actually not directly from the ground, but beer made from Icelandic water and then made into a spa.

In Iceland there are also more than 30 outdoor hot pools or hot rivers, where there are no or very limited facilities. You just have to take off your clothes and dip in. The two most famous are probably Landmannalaugar and Reykjadalsá in Hengill mountain area.