5 Iceland Hot Springs Along The Ring Road
From Hidden Natural Pools to Luxury Lagoons
Iceland’s Ring Road is packed with jaw-dropping landscapes, waterfalls, and geothermal wonders—but one of the best parts of an Iceland road trip is soaking in its incredible hot springs. During our 8-night journey in July, we made it our mission to visit as many as we could. Despite Iceland’s “summer,” the cool temperatures made every warm soak feel extra magical for two San Diegans.
Iceland has more than 60 accessible hot springs along the Ring Road. We managed to visit five, each with its own personality—from quiet, natural hideaways to iconic lagoon spas. Here’s a polished guide to all five, including what to expect, tips, and honest impressions.
For a complete guide to help you plan your Iceland trip check out: Iceland Travel Guide
1. Hrunalaug Hot Spring
A Natural gem to End Day One
Location: Near Flúðir
Type: Natural, rustic, small
Best for: Seclusion, nature lovers, cozy atmosphere
After a busy first day exploring Þingvellir National Park, Öxarárfoss, Strokkur, and Gullfoss, we ended our night at Hrunalaug, a tiny geothermal pool surrounded by grassy fields and a charming turf-roofed hut.
Because we were still on California time—and because Iceland’s summer light never truly disappears—we arrived at 12:30 a.m. to almost full daylight. After chatting with a few locals who eventually left, we had the pool entirely to ourselves. Quiet, warm, and peaceful… it was a magical way to begin our trip.
Important Update:
Hrunalaug now has:
- Hours: 9 a.m. – 11 p.m.
- 1.5-hour time limit
- Entry fee: ~$23
- Changing huts + towel rentals
- Small drinks & snack sales
- Find updated information at https://hrunalaug.is/
Still absolutely worth the stop!
2. Mývatn Nature Baths
Iceland’s Northern Blue Lagoon—with Fewer Crowds
Location: Mývatn region
Type: Modern, man-made lagoon
Best for: Scenic views, spacious pools, amenities
On Day 4, after hiking down into the gorgeous turquoise Stuðlagil Canyon, we visited the Mývatn Nature Baths. We booked ahead (tickets from ~$60) and arrived around 10 p.m., which turned out to be the perfect time—quiet, relaxing, and beautiful.
Floating in warm milky water with views of Lake Mývatn and the volcanic crater Hverfjall felt unreal. We enjoyed:
- A swim-up bar
- Steam rooms
- Showers + lockers
- A scenic main lagoon perfect for drifting around with a drink
- For more information and to prebook tickets visit: https://www.earthlagoon.is/book-ticket
It’s a soothing stop before or after exploring the Mývatn geothermal area.
3. Sturlungalaug Hot Spring
A Tiny Hidden Pool Worth the Hunt
Location: Remote farmland on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Type: Natural, very small, remote
Best for: Absolute solitude, adventure seekers, authentic Iceland
Two days later, we went searching for the tiny Sturlungalaug Hot Spring. This is the kind of place that doesn’t “just appear” while driving—you really have to search for it. Using GPS coordinates and driving through multiple gates and gravel roads, we eventually found it in a completely open meadow with mountains surrounding us.
Coordinates we used:
64.869597, -22.283878
When we arrived, a small group was already in the pool, so we cooked “breakfast” (at 4 p.m., of course) in the van while we waited. Once it was free, we jumped in, cracked open some beers, and soaked under wide, quiet sunny skies.
There’s also a freezing pool next to it—a must-try if you enjoy cold plunges.
This experience felt like classic Iceland: quiet, untouched, and completely surreal.
4. Sky Lagoon
A Modern Oceanside Spa With a Signature Ritual
Location: Reykjavík
Type: Luxury lagoon spa
Best for: Amenities, spa experience, ocean views
On Day 7, we treated ourselves to a more luxurious experience at Sky Lagoon, one of Iceland’s newest and most beautiful lagoons. Even around 7:30 p.m., it was lively, but much calmer than midday crowds.
We floated around the infinity-style lagoon, grabbed drinks from the swim-up bar, and waited until the line for the 7-step ritual died down.
By 9 p.m., the line was gone. Perfect timing.
We booked the $110 package, which included:
- The warm lagoon
- A cold plunge
- Sauna with an epic ocean view
- A –41°F mist
- Sky Lagoon exfoliating scrub
- A 115°F steam room
- A refreshing Icelandic juice
For more information and to pre book tickets visit: https://www.skylagoon.com/
We stayed until nearly 11 p.m. and loved every second.
5. Blue Lagoon
The Iconic Icelandic Experience to End the Trip
Location: Near Keflavík / Airport area
Type: Luxury lagoon spa
Best for: First-time visitors, spa lovers, classic Iceland photos
We saved the most famous hot spring for last. On our final evening, we booked 6 p.m. dinner reservations at the Blue Lagoon’s restaurant (a treat after a week of road-trip meals!) and hit the lagoon around 7:30 p.m. The evening light made everything extra dreamy.
Our $80 tickets included:
- One drink from the swim-up bar
- A silica mud mask
- Full access to the massive geothermal lagoon
We grabbed drinks, snagged some gorgeous sunset photos around 10 p.m., did our mud masks, and stayed until closing. Despite its popularity, we found plenty of quiet corners and loved ending the trip here.
For more information and to buy tickets visit: https://www.bluelagoon.com/
Final Thoughts: Which Hot Spring Was the Best?
Each of these hot springs offered something completely different, making it tough to choose a favorite.
Best Natural Experience:
- Hrunalaug – cozy, peaceful, surrounded by grassy fields
- Sturlungalaug – remote and magical, perfect for true solitude
Best for Comfort & Amenities:
- Mývatn Nature Baths – beautiful views, fewer crowds
- Sky Lagoon – the best spa ritual
- Blue Lagoon – iconic and unforgettable
Together, these five hot springs added so much relaxation, joy, and variety to our Ring Road adventure. Whether you’re looking for total seclusion or luxurious spa vibes, Iceland has a hot spring that will steal your heart.
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