Not every hot spring in Iceland needs to come with a high entrance fee or luxury changing rooms. In fact, some of the country’s most memorable geothermal experiences are completely free and feel far more connected to nature.
Sometimes you want a simple soak in warm water after a day of driving. Other times, you are there purely for the spectacle, watching steaming, boiling pools that are far too hot to bathe in safely. Iceland offers both.
If you are traveling on a budget, planning a self-drive trip, or renting a cheap car in Iceland, these free hot springs are perfect stops along the way. Here are our top picks for free hot springs in Iceland, including where to find them and what to expect.
1. Reykjadalur Hot Spring River
Reykjadalur is Iceland’s most famous hot spring river and one of the best free geothermal bathing spots near Reykjavík. Located outside the town of Hveragerði, it is an ideal cheap stop on a self-drive itinerary.
After parking, you will hike through “Steam Valley” passing bubbling vents and rising steam before reaching the section of the river that is safe for bathing. Wooden boardwalks mark the best spots to enter the water.
Good to know:
- Easy access by car from Reykjavík
- Popular year-round
- Free, but expect a short hike
2. Hellulaug Hot Spring
Tucked away in the Westfjords, Hellulaug is a small, natural hot pool right by the ocean, it has no facilities, no changing rooms, and no entrance fee, just warm geothermal water and dramatic coastal views.
This is a classic example of Iceland’s back-to-nature hot springs and a rewarding stop if you are exploring the Westfjords by rental car.
Good to know:
- Easy roadside stop
- Best enjoyed respectfully and quietly
- Ideal for summer road trips
Photo by Maite Elorza in Flickr
3. Landmannalaugar Hot Springs
Set among colorful rhyolite mountains, Landmannalaugar is one of Iceland’s most scenic geothermal bathing areas. The warm pool here is a highlight for hikers and day visitors alike.
Access requires driving on F-roads, so a 4×4 rental car is essential, and the area is only open during summer.
Good to know
4. Laugavallalaug Hot Spring
Laugavallalaug is one of East Iceland’s hidden gems, combining geothermal water with a nearby waterfall for an unforgettable natural setting.
You can drive close with a 4×4 from Egilsstaðir, making this a quieter alternative to Iceland’s more famous hot springs.
Good to know:
- East Iceland location
- Limited facilities
- Access can be rough
5. Geysir Geothermal Area
The Geysir area is not a bathing spot, but it is one of Iceland’s most impressive geothermal landscapes. Strokkur erupts every few minutes, and the surrounding area is dotted with boiling hot pools
All bathing is strictly forbidden here, but it is a must-see stop on the Golden Circle.
Good to know:
- Free to visit
- Clearly marked safety zones
- Easy access by car
6. Grjótagjá Cave
Grjótagjá is a famous lava cave hot spring near Lake Mývatn. While the water temperature is too high for bathing and swimming is not allowed, the cave itself is stunning.
Game of Thrones fans will recognize it as a filming location from the series.
Good to know:
- No bathing allowed
- Short walk from parking
- Best combined with Mývatn sights
Photo by Will.in on Flickr
7. Snorralaug Hot Spring
Snorralaug is one of Iceland’s oldest documented hot springs, located in West Iceland. It is historically significant rather than a bathing spot, as water temperatures can change quickly.
This pool is closely linked to medieval writer and politician Snorri Sturluson.
Good to know:
- Small and shallow
- Viewing only
- Historical importance
Photo by Paul Hutchinson on Flickr
8. Bláhver Hot Spring
Bláhver, near Lake Mývatn, is a striking blue geothermal pool that looks almost unreal. The vivid color makes it extremely photogenic, but the water is dangerously hot and bathing is not allowed.
There are safer hot springs nearby if you want to soak after admiring the view.
Good to know:
- Viewing only
- Very fragile edges
- Stay on marked paths
Photo by Siegfried Makedanz on Flickr
9. Seljavallalaug
Seljavallalaug is one of Iceland’s oldest swimming pools and one of the most popular free hot springs stops on the South Coast. Built in 1923 and tucked into a narrow valley beneath steep mountains, it feels wonderfully remote despite being relatively easy to reach by car.
From the parking area, a short and mostly flat walk leads you to the pool. While the water is no longer naturally heated by a strong hot spring and temperatures can vary, it is still a unique place to soak, especially after a day of exploring nearby waterfalls.
Good to know:
- Easy access by rental car
- Short walk from the parking area
- Water temperature varies depending on season and conditions
FAQ: Free Hot Springs in Iceland
- Are free hot springs in Iceland safe?
Some are safe for bathing while others are for viewing only. Always follow warning signs and never enter water that is marked as too hot or unstable.
- Do I need a 4×4 to visit free hot springs?
Not all of them. Places like Reykjadalur and Geysir are accessible with a standard 2WD car. Highland hot springs such as Landmannalaugar require a 4×4 and are only open in summer.
- Are free hot springs really free?
Yes. There is no entrance fee, but facilities are minimal or non-existent, and you are expected to respect nature and leave no trace.
- Can I visit hot springs in Iceland in winter?
Some free hot springs are accessible year-round, but road conditions and weather can limit access. Always check road conditions before driving.
- Is it cheaper to explore hot springs with a rental car?
Absolutely. A rental car lets you avoid tour costs and reach remote hot springs on your own schedule, making it one of the most cheap ways to explore Iceland.
- Are free hot springs really free?
Explore Iceland’s Hot Springs at Your Own Pace
Whether you are soaking in a warm river near Reykjavík or stopping to admire steaming pools in remote corners of the country, Iceland’s free hot springs prove that unforgettable experiences do not have to come with a high price tag. Many of these spots are best explored in a self-drive trip, where having a rental car gives you the freedom to stop when you want and explore beyond the main tourist routes. By choosing a cheap car rental in Iceland with Firefly, you can build your itinerary around nature, travel at your own pace and enjoy Iceland’s geothermal wonders in a more relaxed and a cheap way.
