The hot springs of Iceland’s Geothermal Attractions have been a popular way to soak and rejuvenate since Viking times. The island’s unique position straddling the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where North American and Eurasian tectonic plates collide, has made it a geological hotbed of activity. Groundwater naturally heated by volcanic sources seeps through fissures and crevices to form hot springs, geysers (pictured), fumaroles, mud pools, and other natural phenomena that are awe-inspiring to behold.
For a hot-pool experience that merges effortlessly with its spectacular surrounds, look no further than the Secret Lagoon in Husafell. Here, three pools of varying temperatures sit tucked away in a canyon setting, overlooking glaciers and mountains. The pools have been built using locally sourced materials and the changing rooms are constructed from upcycled timber, so they seamlessly blend into their natural surroundings.
Nature’s Hot Springs: Exploring the Magic of Iceland’s Geothermal Attractions
Another stunning hot pool experience is Krossneslaug, which is located in the tiny town of Strandir. This 1950s pool is a favorite among locals and boasts an admission fee of 1,000 ISK per person. The pool’s name stems from a story in the Saga of Grettir, who soothed his aching bones here after sailing to Iceland.
A trip to Namaskard, a geological area situated near Myvatn Lake, will feel like you have stepped onto another planet. This mineral-rich site is home to a vast selection of bubbling mud pools and sulfurous solfataras, which ooze with a distinctly red colouring. It’s worth spending a couple of hours here to walk around the fumaroles, hot springs and mud pools to get a full understanding of the power and force of nature that lies beneath Iceland’s surface.