Iceland is the ultimate destination for hardy adventurers seeking awe-inspiring scenery and varied terrain. Known for its extreme contrasts and dramatic landscapes, the “land of fire and ice” is home to some of the best hiking trails in the world and an ever-expanding collection of geothermal spas and lagoons. There is no better way to reward an epic day of active adventure than in steaming, mineral-rich geothermal water…
Credit - Reykjaböð
Reykjaböð
Reykjaböð Hot Springs is a new natural geothermal wellness retreat, located at the base of the Reykjadalur hiking trail near the Hengill volcanic mountain range, offering views of steam vents and mountains.
It features a 900-square-meter outdoor hot spring lagoon maintained between 37°C and 40°C (98.6°F–104°F), a KLAFS event sauna, a cold plunge pool, a Kneipp pool, and an indoor/outdoor bar. The indoor spa area features 10 sensory thermal spaces, with a herbal pool, sauna, steam bath, experience showers, float pool, a fire pit, and a Snowroom by TechnoAlpin.
Hot Springs Pass (Classic Admission) from 8,900 ISK including access to the main geothermal lagoon, event sauna, cold plunge, Kneipp pool, changing facilities, and a provided towel.
Hot Springs & Bathhouse Pass (Signature Admission) from 16,900 ISK, adding full access to the 10-space Nordic bathhouse spa.
Age Requirements: Must be at least 10 years old for the classic pass and 18 years old for the signature bathhouse pass.
Credit - Secret Lagoon
Secret Lagoon
Known as the oldest natural swimming pool in Iceland (built in 1891), this Golden Circle spot features warm 38 - 40°C water naturally rich in sulfur, continuously flowing, replaced every 24 hours, a small bubbling geyser nearby, and a more rustic, historic atmosphere.
Unlike commercial luxury spots like the Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon, the Secret Lagoon offers a rustic, low-key, and family-friendly rural experience.
It features modern, clean changing rooms, showers (nude showering before entry is mandatory), swimsuit spinner, towel rental, a small bar/café area, and a walking path around the hot spring vents.
Pay a visit to Flúðasveppir Farmer’s Bistro for lunch, for an all-you-can-eat creamy mushroom soup from farm-grown mushrooms and local greenhouse produce.
Sightseeing spots nearby include; Gullfoss ("Golden Falls") - a famous two-tiered waterfall on the Hvítá River and Kerið - a striking volcanic crater lake.
Pricing from 4,500 ISK for adults.
Age Requirements: The Secret Lagoon has no minimum age limit and welcomes babies and children of all ages.
Credit - Laugaras Lagoon
Laugaras Lagoon
A two-story geothermal spa located along the banks of the Hvítá River in the village of Laugarás, along Iceland’s Golden Circle route.
It features an upper lagoon with panoramic views that connects to a lower lagoon by a cascading waterfall, a sauna house with dry saunas and steam baths, a secluded grotto with seating, a forest pool, and a cold plunge pool.
There are two swim-up bars where guests can purchase drinks using a scanned wristband. Geothermal water is maintained between 38°C and 40°C, while the cold plunge pool sits around 10°C to 12°C.
At the Galleri boutique space located in the reception area, peruse their signature Rjóður skincare line, developed in collaboration with designer Sonja Bent of the fragrance studio Nordic Angan, the line is inspired by the native Icelandic flora growing directly around the lagoon's forest pool.
Enhance your stay with a meal at Ylja - the an on-site restaurant overseen by chef Gísli Matt, serving seasonal New Nordic dishes with ingredients from local Icelandic farms and greenhouses. Alternatively, there’s Friðheimar - a wholesome, family-run greenhouse tomato farm, serving a tomato-focused farm-to-table menu inside a geothermal greenhouse.
Birki (Standard) - 6,900 – 9,900 ISK - Full access to the lagoon pools, saunas, cold plunge, and changing rooms. Towels and drinks are not included.
Age Requirements: Children under 5 are not permitted, and children aged 5 to 15 must be accompanied by an adult.
Credit - Forest Lagoon
Forest Lagoon
A geothermal spa located in the Vaðlaskógur forest near Akureyri in North Iceland, overlooking the Eyjafjörður fjord.
Built into the hillside using timber-clad architecture by Basalt Architects, the geothermal spa is embedded right inside Vaðaskógur, a rare Icelandic birch and pine forest. It features gentle woodland trails and walking loops winding through the trees and near the Fnjóská River.
Discover two geothermal infinity pools (around 37°C to 40°C) with three swim-up bars, Finnish dry sauna with fjord views and an 11°C cold plunge pool.
The Forest Bistro serves light meals, lunch, and dinner.
Standard entry from 7,490 ISK Includes basic access to the pools, lockers, and sauna.
Children (Under 6): Free admission, but they must be included in your booking and cannot enter the lagoon after 6:30pm. Children (Under 12): Not permitted in the lagoon after 8:00 pm.
Credit - Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon
Iceland’s most famous geothermal spa is nestled within a black lava field on Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula, a short distance from Keflavík International Airport.
The milky-blue water is a geothermal byproduct of the nearby Svartsengi Power Plant, maintained at a warm 37°C to 39°C. The striking colour is caused by tiny suspended silica particles that scatter and reflect light, creating that opaque, almost otherworldly turquoise appearance.
The lagoon features secluded coves, submerged benches, a quiet zone, and a massage waterfall. A swim-up bar offers a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, and a mask bar provides silica white mineral mud and algae masks.
Experience dry saunas with panoramic views, steam rooms, and a cold plunge pool / colder lagoon and modern changing areas with private shower cubicles.
Continue your experience at the Lava Restaurant, the Michelin-starred Moss Restaurant, or the luxury Retreat Hotel - a minimalist property designed by Basalt Architects using stone, wood, and glass that integrates directly into the surrounding volcanic terrain. The ideal base for your active, Icelandic adventure.