Five steaming baths in Iceland

Reykjadalur

A few kilometers east of Reykjavik and a half hour hike north from the town of Hveragerdi is a small valley where the hot springs heat the cold Reykjadalsa stream that flows down from the mountains. On the way, you will pass springs that are too hot to bathe in, so beware.

Blue Lagoon

No list of Icelandic baths is complete without the Blue Lagoon. Tourist trap or not, you shouldn’t miss the experience of floating around in the steamy, milky turquoise waters, surrounded by lava rocks as black as coal. The water’s beneficial properties are well documented and the geothermal mud from the baths is also sold in skin care products.

Krossneslaug

These inaccessible outdoor baths in the northern Westfjords also boast one of Iceland’s most spectacular views of the Atlantic waves as they crash over black lava rock. Krossneslaug was built in the 1950s by local farmers and takes its water from the nearby hot springs. The unstaffed baths are open 24 hours a day, with an honesty box for the entrance charge.

Sundhöllin

Reykjavik’s oldest baths are also the city’s nicest. From its two warm outdoor pools, you can look out over the city as you soak in 39 and 42 degree waters. Tired legs and aching backs will enjoy being massaged by the underwater jets. The recently renovated baths also have a 25m pool and a steam room.

Laugardalslaug

By far Reykjavik’s best bathing facilities are to be found at Laugardalslaug. Not only does it have Iceland’s largest swimming pool, but you can also swim all year round in its heated outdoor pools. There are also seven “hot pots”, a saltwater bath, an 86m-long water slide, a hot tub, steam room, sun lamps, a gym, and a spa.

Text by Eva Paulsen