If you have been planning a trip to Iceland recently, you have probably noticed that wellness lagoons and geothermal bathing experiences seem to be everywhere. From the famous Blue Lagoon to newer destinations like Laugarás Lagoon, Hvammsvík Hot Springs and now Reykjaböð opening summer 2026. Iceland’s geothermal wellness scene has become one of the country’s biggest travel trends.
But what is it that makes them so special?
The answer is actually quite simple. In Iceland, geothermal bathing is not just a tourist activity it is deeply connected to the country’s lifestyle and culture. Because Iceland sits on a volcanically active area, naturally heated water rises from beneath the earth’s surface and is used across the country for heating homes, geothermal greenhouses, swimming pools, and wellness lagoons. For visitors, geothermal bathing has become one of the most popular ways to experience Icelandic nature and culture at the same time.
This creates an experience that feels uniquely Icelandic. You are not just visiting a spa. You are stepping into a culture built around geothermal energy, nature, relaxation, and the outdoors.
Another reason these lagoons have become so popular is the scenery. Few places in the world offer the chance to sit in warm geothermal water while surrounded by lava fields, mountains, rivers, fjords, or the Atlantic Ocean. Each lagoon feels completely different depending on where it is located.
let´s take a look at Wellness Lagoons around Reykjavík: perfect for a day trip.
hVAMMSVÍK hot springs
Located in Hvalfjörður, North of Reykjavík, Hvammsvík Hot Springs offers a more rugged and nature-connected experience. Surrounded by mountains, black sand shoreline, and the Atlantic Ocean, Hvammsvík allows guests to move between geothermal pools and the ocean itself. It is around 45 minutes from Reykjavík and approximately one hour from Keflavík Airport.
After bathing, many visitors stop at Storm Bistro for their well-known wonderful seafood soup while overlooking the fjord. Hvammsvík also hosts different Wellness and outdoor activities throughout the year, including guided sea swimming sessions, Wim Hof experiences, and kayaking.
Sky lagoon
Located in Kópavogur, in the capital area, Sky Lagoon has quickly become one of Iceland’s most popular modern wellness destinations. Only around 15 minutes from downtown Reykjavík and about 45 minutes from Keflavík Airport, Sky Lagoon is known for its oceanfront infinity lagoon and seven-step wellness ritual inspired by Icelandic bathing traditions.
laugarás lagoon
Laugarás Lagoon is one of Iceland’s newer wellness destinations, located in South Iceland in Laugarás, a small village known for its geothermal greenhouses and peaceful countryside surroundings. Set beside the Hvítá river, the lagoon offers a calm atmosphere connected to nature, including the Forest Pool area. Laugarás Lagoon is around one hour and twenty minutes from Reykjavík and approximately one hour and fifty minutes from Keflavík Airport. An important part of the experience is the on-site restaurant, Ylja, named after the Icelandic word for warmth. Led by renowned chef Gísli Matt, the restaurant focuses on seasonal Icelandic cuisine using ingredients from nearby geothermal greenhouses and local fisheries.
Laugarvatn fONTANA
Located beside Lake Laugarvatn, Laugarvatn Fontana combines geothermal baths, steam rooms, and lake views. The area is also known for geothermal baking, where traditional Icelandic rye bread is baked underground using geothermal heat. Fontana is around one hour from Reykjavík and about one and a half hours from Keflavík Airport.
Reykjaböð hot springs
Hveragerði is one of Iceland’s best-known geothermal towns, filled with steam vents, geothermal greenhouses, and hiking trails. Visitors exploring Reykjadalur Valley can walk through steaming hillsides and geothermal areas before relaxing in naturally heated water. Reykjabod will combine geothermal bathing with hiking and outdoor experiences in South Iceland.
secret lagoon
Reykjabod Hot springs opening summer 2026
Secret lagoon
Secret Lagoon in Flúðir offers a more traditional geothermal bathing experience. Surrounded by bubbling hot springs and natural geothermal activity, the lagoon has a simpler and more local atmosphere compared to some of Iceland’s larger spa destinations. It is located around one hour and twenty minutes from Reykjavík and approximately one hour and forty minutes from Keflavík Airport.
krauma
Located by Deildartunguhver, Europe’s most powerful hot spring, Krauma offers a quieter and more minimal geothermal experience. The baths use naturally heated water mixed with glacial water for a comfortable temperature. Krauma is around one hour and thirty minutes from Reykjavík and approximately two hours from Keflavík Airport.
Blue lagoon
The Blue Lagoon is probably Iceland’s most famous geothermal spa and often the first stop for visitors arriving in Iceland. Located on the Reykjanes Peninsula, it is around 45 minutes from Reykjavík and only 20 minutes from Keflavík Airport.
One of the reasons the Blue Lagoon became so famous is its unique geothermal seawater, rich in silica, algae, and minerals. The silica gives the water its well-known milky blue color and is also used in the lagoon’s popular in-water face masks. The algae and mineral-rich water are believed to have skin benefits, which helped turn the Blue Lagoon into not only a wellness destination, but also a globally recognized skincare brand.
Combined with the dramatic lava field surroundings, spa experiences, restaurants, and easy access from the airport, the Blue Lagoon has become one of Iceland’s most iconic attractions.
Why Iceland is ideal for a Wellness Layover or stopover
The blue lagoon retreat
Located beside the Blue Lagoon, The Retreat offers a more private and luxury-focused wellness experience. Built into the volcanic lava landscape, the retreat includes luxury suites, a subterranean spa, private bathing areas, and fine dining. It is also around 45 minutes from Reykjavík and about 20 minutes from Keflavík Airport. Guests can also book access to the Retreat Spa without staying overnight, making it possible to experience the more exclusive side of the Blue Lagoon as part of a day trip. Please contact us for booking arrangements.
