Our List of The Best Thermal Pools to Visit in Iceland 🇮🇸

Steam, Scenery, and Standouts

Over the years, we’ve visited some of Iceland’s most memorable geothermal spots. From famous lagoons to smaller, local favorites, each location has its own character—defined by the setting, the design, and the overall experience. In this list, we’re highlighting a few locations we have really enjoyed, with tips on what to expect and what makes each one worth a visit.

There’s also a new location we’re excited to check out: Laugarás Lagoon, a thermal spa opening in August along the Golden Circle with forest saunas, river views, and a waterfall-fed pool.

Here's a look at what makes these places special and why you might want to add one (or a few) to your itinerary.

The Blue Lagoon – Iconic, Luxurious, Unmissable

Location: Near Keflavík Airport (about 45 minutes from Reykjavík)


The Blue Lagoon is the original dream soak. Step into milky blue water, surrounded by black lava rocks and drifting mineral mist, and it’s easy to forget the crowds. Yes, it’s famous. Yes, it’s pricey. But it delivers.


♨️ The lagoon is man-made, but the water is naturally heated by geothermal energy from a nearby power plant.

What I love: The in-water bar, the silky feel of the water, the face masks.


Pro tip: Visit early or late in the day for fewer people. And don’t miss Lava Restaurant, built right into the lava rock. The food is incredible, the windows frame the landscape perfectly, and the whole experience feels like fine dining in Iceland.

Geosea – Oceanside Serenity in the North

Location: Húsavík, North Iceland


You float in a steaming pool as the Arctic Ocean stretches out in front of you…and somehow, you’re warm. Geosea isn’t just beautiful, it’s poetic. Perched on a cliff above Skjálfandi Bay, the pools offer stunning views and soul-level calm.

What I love: We loved it all. In fact, we loved it so much, we canceled an entire day of excursions just to go back to Geosea another time. The sea water is rich in minerals, gentle on the skin, and totally unique.


Pro tip: Go in the evening for golden light and fewer visitors. Just relax and stay as long as you can.

♨️ This is a geothermal seawater spa using naturally heated ocean water.

Sky Lagoon – Sleek, Stylish, and Surprisingly Intimate

Location: Just outside Reykjavík


Sky Lagoon combines Icelandic tradition with modern minimalism. Lava stone, turf walls, and clean architectural lines set the tone, while the infinity-edge pool looks out over the Atlantic.


What I love: The 7-step ritual—a series of hot, cold, steam, and scrub—leaves you feeling like you’ve been completely reset.


Pro tip: Book the Sky Pass for access to the full ritual. It’s beautifully done, deeply relaxing, and perfect just before sunset.

♨️ Sky Lagoon is man-made but uses naturally heated geothermal water.

Mývatn Nature Baths

Location: North Iceland, near Lake Mývatn

Often called the “Blue Lagoon of the North,” Mývatn Nature Baths is quieter, less expensive, and much less crowded than some of the other geothermal pools. It’s a simple setup with great views of lava fields and surrounding hills.

What I love: Warm blue water, plenty of space to relax, and a more low-key feel than the bigger spas near Reykjavík.

Pro tip: If you’re already exploring the north, Mývatn is absolutely worth a stop. The scenery feels otherworldly, with blue water and volcanic landscape views. The sulphur smell is definitely noticeable at first, but it fades quickly once you settle in.

♨️ Mývatn Baths are true geothermal hot springs, naturally heated by volcanic activity.

Vök Baths – Floating Peace on a Glacier-Fed Lake

Location: East Iceland, near Egilsstaðir
Vök

Vök Baths are built directly on Lake Urriðavatn. There are floating wooden pools that let you soak in warm water while the cool lake drifts quietly beneath. It’s minimalist, modern, and completely serene.

What I love: The floating design makes it feel like you’re part of the lake itself.


Pro tip: Try the lake dip if you’re feeling brave. A local convinced my husband to take the plunge, and him jumping back into the hot pool afterward was unforgettable. Also, don’t skip the tea bar. They serve herbal blends brewed with 75°C geothermal water from the lake—unique, local, and included with admission.

♨️ Vök is a geothermal hot spring spa, and its water is naturally heated.

Laugarás Lagoon – A New Way to Soak in the Golden Circle

Location: South Iceland, in the village of Laugarás

Opening in August 2025, Laugarás Lagoon is Iceland’s first cascading waterfall lagoon and a major new addition to the Golden Circle. This two-story thermal spa is set along the Hvítá River in the village of Laugarás, a peaceful area known for its geothermal activity and green landscapes. Built with locally sourced wood and wide glass panels, the spa blends into its surroundings and opens up views of river, sky, and forest. You’ll find warm geothermal pools, a waterfall-fed lagoon, a secluded grotto, two forest-side saunas, cold plunge pools, and even swim-up bars for mid-soak refreshment.

What I think I’ll love: The waterfall feature looks stunning, and the layout—spanning forest, river, and sky—feels like a spa carved right into the landscape.

There’s also a culinary side to the experience. Laugarás is home to Ylja Restaurant, led by acclaimed Icelandic chef Gísli Matt (formerly of Slippurinn), who’s known for blending local, seasonal ingredients with bold, modern flavors. Think wild herbs, fire-cooked seafood, and produce straight from nearby geothermal greenhouses.

Pro tip: Book ahead, especially in summer. This is a brand-new destination and likely to be popular fast. Bookings open from 15th August 2025, and after reviewing the website, we’d recommend the Ösp package—a full experience with spa entry, a two-course seasonal meal at Ylja, and access to a private changing area.

♨️ Laugarás is heated by the area’s naturally flowing geothermal water, maintained between 38 and 40°C. The lagoon is built on a geothermal hotspot, and the water is sourced on-site—meaning no added chemicals, just clean, mineral-rich heat straight from the ground

Geothermal bathing in Iceland is more than a warm-up. It’s a ritual. A way to slow down and feel the land. Each pool tells a different story—some dramatic, some quiet—but all of them offer something lasting.

Whether you’re floating in seawater at Geosea, soaking in volcanic silence at Mývatn, or trying Iceland’s newest spa at Laugarás Lagoon, these thermal baths aren’t just a break from travel. They are the reason to travel. And if you’re lucky, one of them will be so good, you’ll cancel your plans just to come back.