Hotpots and swimming pools in Iceland

Hotpots and swimming pools in Iceland

No trip to Iceland is complete without a bath, whether it's in one of the local swimming pools, the sea, or one of the natural hotpots. Perhaps the most famous attraction in Iceland is the Blue Lagoon, a geothermal spa in the south, near Keflavik Airport. If you only have a short time in Iceland, you can have a good time here. However, my heart belongs to the small and natural alternatives, such as the geothermal beach Nauthólsvík. This one is also located south of an airport, but the domestic airport in Reykjavík. For 3-4€, you can sit in the hot pool here, and if you're brave, you can cool off in the icy Atlantic in between. Another highlight is the geothermal river in Reykjadalur. The Secret Lagoon, located about 20km south of Gullfoss on Road 30, is no longer as secret as it used to be. You can find a great list of swimming pools, hot pots, and more here.

Behavior in Hot Springs in Iceland

Hot springs are primarily for relaxation and accordingly not amusement parks. It should be quiet and relaxed here. Therefore, one should also behave during the arrival and departure. Especially when hiking to the springs, you should be quiet on the way and when leaving the bathing area. Since the springs are mostly left natural, the rule applies here - as everywhere in Iceland: please leave the place as you would like to find it: clean, undamaged, and orderly. This means, above all, not leaving any traces behind and ideally no visible signs. For example, if it has rained heavily and you have to enter via a meadow, you should walk carefully to avoid damaging it sustainably. Of course, you don't throw stones or other objects into the water. Unfortunately, vandalism is also an issue today, which is particularly sad. I think it is natural to treat these historic places with the utmost respect and not to damage them in any way.

How Do I Find the Most Beautiful Hot Springs in Iceland?

Hot springs are primarily for relaxation and accordingly not amusement parks. It should be quiet and relaxed here. Therefore, one should also behave during the arrival and departure. Especially when hiking to the springs, you should be quiet on the way and when leaving the bathing area. Since the springs are mostly left natural, the rule applies here - as everywhere in Iceland: please leave the place as you would like to find it: clean, undamaged, and orderly. This means, above all, not leaving any traces behind and ideally no visible signs. For example, if it has rained heavily and you have to enter via a meadow, you should walk carefully to avoid damaging it sustainably. Of course, you don't throw stones or other objects into the water. Unfortunately, vandalism is also an issue today, which is particularly sad. I think it is natural to treat these historic places with the utmost respect and not to damage them in any way.