TOP 10 SPAS IN ICELAND
Iceland is famous for its spectacular landscapes and volcanic activity but also for its history and traditions. One of them, which is still pretty common nowadays, is to bathe in all the hot springs you can find across the country. They can be found in the middle of nowhere with stunning landscapes but luckily for you, you can also find some spas where to relax and enjoy this view from. We listed for you 10 famous spas across the whole country for you to discover. If you are prepared to do the Ring Road, here are some additional stops to finish the day on the perfect note!
1° Blue lagoon
The most famous of them all: the Blue Lagoon. It usually is the place the majority of the travellers heard about before coming to Iceland. This artificial lagoon is filled by geothermal water. Located on the Reykjanes peninsula, when arriving to Iceland or before leaving Iceland or when going to the volcano Fagradalsfjall, it can be the occasion for you to try it out. For sure it is very touristy but the lagoon still is rather spacious. With the “cheapest” tickets, you get one drink and one mask included. There is a bar where you can buy some drinks of your choice in addition to the one you already have included in your tickets. On the other side of the lagoon, there is another bar but for the silica masks and other masks. You get the silica one included in your ticket but you can pay extra to try 3 other masks. The towels are provided.
2° Sky lagoon
This bright new lagoon near Reykjavik, only 15minutes drive from the city center, opened last April 2021 and is the newest gem in the country. The lagoon is smaller than the Blue Lagoon, but appears to be a bit more luxurious, with lava rock style, a waterfall and a view over the ocean. There are different packages you can purchase. We would highly recommend you to go for the one with the 7 steps rituals. This ritual offers you the possibility to access a sauna, scrub, rain shower and steam shower. There is a bar you can go to while chilling in the water to buy some drinks of your choice and you can stay there as long as you want, enjoying the view over the bay. The towels are provided by the lagoon.
3° Secret lagoon
The Secret lagoon is a little bit different from the previous lagoons in terms of price but also in terms of history. It is the very first swimming pool of the whole country, built in 1891. Filled by natural warm water coming from the hot springs and geysers around the area, this lagoon is a little bit more authentic than the other spas you will see in Iceland. You can visit this lagoon when doing the Golden Circle tour. It is the perfect way to end your day! We recommend you bring your own towels or you can rent one.
4° Myvatn Nature Baths
Located in the North of the island, this spa will most likely make you think of the Blue Lagoon. Both of them seem similar as for both of them there is the presence of silica and other minerals in the water, reflecting the light and giving it this characteristic blue color. It is less crowded than the Blue Lagoon since not all the travellers are going up to the North part of Iceland. Staying there is very pleasant, offering you a view over Myvatn lake. There also is a bar in case you would like to buy something to drink and we recommend you to bring your own towel or you can rent one there.
5° Geosea Geothermal Sea Baths
In the city of Husavik, in the North, only 1h drive away from Akureyri, you will find the GeoSea geothermal sea spa. The peculiarity of this spa is the composition of the water: a union between mineral-rich sea water and heat from the Icelandic grounds. This spa is not really big, it feels cosier with some locals going there. You will have a view over the ocean from any place in the baths. Husavik being the world’s capital for whale watching, you might even get the chance to see some from your relaxation spot. And with the Arctic Circle right in front of you, you may get the chance to see Northern Lights in wintertime. We recommend you bring your own towel or rent one there.
6° Vök Baths
Located in the East part of the country. The Vök baths are floating pools on the lake Urriðavatn. As there are less hot springs in the East of the country, when travelling in this area, you might want to stop by. Another particularity of this place is the tisane made from local herbs brewed with hot spring water from the lake. We recommend you bring your own towel or rent one there.
7° Krauma
If you head to the North or to Snaefellsnes, Krauma is on your way! The hot water running in this spa is flooding from Deildartunguhver, which has the highest flow rate of hot springs in Europe. Krauma hot spring pumps about 180 liters of 100°C water per second. One of the peculiarities of this spa is that there are no chemicals put in the water to keep it clean, as the flow is so fast, the water is replaced constantly.
8° Fontana
If you did the Golden Circle, you most likely passed by Laugarvatn, where this spa is located. The area is full of geothermal activity which is used for the steam room for instance. You will get the chance to experience being in a steam room with a slatted floor allowing the steam from a hot string right under the room to enter. Hence, you will be able to hear, feel and smell the natural steam which has healing powers. Another interesting characteristic from the hot springs around the lake, they are making the sand very hot and the water warm by the beach but colder the further you go. This is also why the area is famous for its rye bread cooked buried in the sand where the hot springs are. You can even visit the place and try out some of this delicious rye bread!
9° Husafell Canyon Baths
This spa is a little bit particular as you can only access it through a tour. You are picked up at the Húsafell Activity Centre and drive to the beginning of the trail. A guide is accompanying you during the whole process, guiding you through the hiking trail, watching the Langifoss waterfall, and then reaching the canyon baths where you will have some time to relax in one of the two hot springs built in the canyon. The whole tour lasts for 2 hours, you cannot stay as long as you want in the hot spring.
10° Beer spa
A spa out of the ordinary, it can be quite surprising to hear from this at first but you read this correctly. Indeed, in Iceland, near Akureyri, you can go to a spa to dip in a whole bath of beer. More precisely, the bath is not just filled only with beer but also mixed up with water, hops and yeast. There are a total of 7 baths in the spa for up to two people each so you can decide if you wish to go for a single bath or a couple bath. Since the beer water in the bath is not drinkable, it is possible to bring kids there. However, for the visitors older than 20 years old, near the bath there is a beer draught. It is quite an experience all year round, why not try it next time you come?
