The Culture of Hot Springs and Geothermal Pools in Iceland
In Iceland, soaking in warm, geothermal water is more than relaxation –
it is a way of life. From natural hot springs hidden in the hills to
beautifully designed public pools in everytown, bathing culture is woven deeply into the everyday rhythm of Icelanders. It is where friends meet after work, families come to unwind, and strangers exchange stories while watching the steam rise into the cold air. For locals, these waters are not a luxury but a daily ritual, a place to reconnect with nature, with each other, and with themselves.
The area surrounding Selfoss is one of the best places in the country to experience this tradition. The geothermal valley of Reykjadalur, with its warm river running through the mountains above Hveragerði, offers an unforgettable natural bath reached by a scenic hike. Nearby, the historic Secret Lagoon in Flúðir, Iceland’s oldest geothermal pool, invites visitors to soak in mineral-rich water surrounded by bubbling hot springs. At Laugarvatn Fontana, geothermal pools and steam baths sit beside a serene lakeshore, blending wellness with the landscape in a uniquely Icelandic way.
Even the public pools in the region carry the same spirit of warmth and community. Sundhöll Selfoss, Laugaskarð in Hveragerði, and the seaside pools in Stokkseyri and Árnes offer hot tubs, steam rooms, and naturally heated outdoor pools that stay warm all year round. For many Icelanders, these places are as essential as cafés or parks – a gathering point where life slows down and conversation flows as effortlessly as the warm water around you.
Whether you choose a natural hot spring, a quiet village pool, or a larger geothermal bathing complex, the experience is always the same: a feeling of calm, clarity, and connection. Here on the South Coast – between Þingvellir National Park, Þorlákshöfn, and the black coastline near Ölfus – geothermal water is part of the landscape and the culture. It invites every traveler to pause, breathe, and discover why Icelanders cherish this tradition so deeply.
A CATALOGUE OF SWIMMING POOLS AND HOT POTS
Beyond the places listed above, there are also small, wild hot springs and private jacuzzis at various guesthouses – spots that rarely appear in official catalogs yet offer a glimpse into the authentic geothermal experience of Iceland. It is always worth asking local residents for their recommendations as well; Icelanders are often happy to share their favorite hidden locations, many of which are quieter, more atmospheric, and sometimes even more beautiful than those found in guidebooks.
Secret Lagoon / Gamla Laugin (Flúðir)
The oldest geothermal pool in Iceland, dating back to 1891. Today it operates as an open-air lagoon filled with naturally hot, mineral-rich water, surrounded by bubbling geothermal springs. It offers a calm, traditional atmosphere and a unique look into the early history of Icelandic bathing culture.
Distance from Selfoss: approx. 47–48 km (around 40 minutes by car).
Laugarvatn Fontana Geothermal Baths (Laugarvatn)
A lakeside complex featuring geothermal pools, hot tubs, and steam baths heated directly by natural geothermal activity. Visitors can enjoy the warm water and then take a refreshing “cold dip” in Lake Laugarvatn — a combination many Icelanders consider the perfect balance for body and mind.
Distance from Selfoss: approx. 39–40 km.
Reykjadalur Hot Spring River (Hveragerði)
A natural hot river flowing through a geothermal valley above Hveragerði — a true “wild bathing” experience reached by a scenic 3-kilometre hike from the parking area. The warm water blends beautifully with the mountain landscape, offering one of the most authentic geothermal encounters in Iceland.
Distance from Selfoss: approx. 16–18 km toward Hveragerði.
Hveragerði – Geothermal Area / Geothermal Park
Located in the heart of Hveragerði, this small geothermal park features steaming vents and bubbling hot springs. Some experiences include geothermal foot baths or small natural bathing spots. While not a large lagoon, it offers an intimate glimpse into everyday geothermal life in the town and its long tradition of using natural hot water.
Distance from Selfoss: approx. 14–15 km.
Selfoss Swimming Pool / Sundhöll Selfoss (Selfoss)
A large complex in the center of Selfoss: a 25-meter outdoor pool, an 18-meter indoor pool, children’s pools, slides, a sauna, a steam bath, and both hot and cold tubs.
Laugaskarð Swimming Pool (Hveragerði)
A pool located in the Laugaskarð district above Hveragerði – for many years the largest swimming pool in Iceland. It features a 50-meter pool, a children’s pool, a jacuzzi, hot tubs, and a natural steam bath, all heated geothermally.
Approx. 15–20 minutes’ drive from Selfoss.
Stokkseyri Swimming Pool (Stokkseyri)
A small village pool by the coast in Stokkseyri: an 18-meter outdoor pool, a slide, a children’s pool, and two hot jacuzzis. Everything is heated with geothermal water.
Árnes Swimming Pool / Neslaug (Árnes)
A small, local geothermal swimming pool located next to the campsite in Árnes; it includes a small pool and a hot tub.
Located approx. 40–45 km east of Selfos