Top 7 Geothermal Lagoons Near Reykjavík: Which One to Visit?

A soak in warm geothermal water is one of the things most people come to Iceland for, and you don't have to go far to find it. Some of the country's best lagoons are less than an hour from Reykjavík, and the rest make an easy day trip.

They are not all alike. Some are polished spas with rituals and robes, others are a handful of hot pools by a fjord or a lake. Here is how seven of them compare, and which one might suit you.

A Quick Guide to the Top Geothermal Lagoons Near Reykjavík

The Best Geothermal Lagoons Near Reykjavík

1. Sky Lagoon

Sky Lagoon sits on the shoreline in Kópavogur, about 15 minutes from the centre of Reykjavík. Its turf-clad buildings take their cue from traditional Icelandic architecture, and the infinity edge pool appears to meet the North Atlantic. Being the closest lagoon to the city, it fits easily into an afternoon or an evening after dinner.

A visit includes the Skjól Ritual, seven steps that take you from the warm lagoon to a cold plunge, a sauna overlooking the ocean, a cool mist, a body scrub, a steam room and finally a small glass of crowberry elixir.

Location: Kópavogur, Greater Reykjavík Area‍

Opening hours: Daily, with hours that vary by season‍

Getting there: Free parking on site. A short taxi, transfer or bus ride from the city centre

2. Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon is the one everyone has heard of. Its milky-blue water, coloured by silica, algae and minerals, sits in a black lava field on the Reykjanes Peninsula, about 45 minutes from Reykjavík and 20 from Keflavík Airport. Many visitors stop on the way to or from their flight.

The Comfort package includes a silica mud mask and a drink at the in-water bar. If you want to go further, there are in-water treatments, the separate Retreat Spa, and Moss, the restaurant with a Michelin star.

Location: Grindavík, Reykjanes Peninsula. ‍

Opening hours: Open daily, usually 07:00 to 23:00. ‍

Getting there: Parking on site, and scheduled transfers from Reykjavík and the airport.

3. Hvammsvík Hot Springs

Hvammsvík is quieter and wilder. Eight natural hot pools line the shore of Hvalfjörður, and some sit low enough that the tide washes in, so their temperature shifts through the day. Between soaks you can take a cold dip in the sea, order a drink at the swim-up bar or eat at Stormur Bistro. Keep an eye on the water, as harbour seals sometimes swim past.

Location: Hvalfjörður, West Iceland.

Opening hours: Open daily, 10:00 to 22:00.

Getting there: The last stretch is a gravel road, so take it slowly. Transfers from Reykjavík are available.

4. Reykjaböð Hot Springs

Reykjaböð opened in September 2026 below Reykjadalur, near Hveragerði. Bathing in the valley's hot river used to mean an hour's walk uphill. Now the same geothermal water fills a lagoon between turf-roofed buildings, 35 minutes from Reykjavík and just off the Ring Road.

Classic Admission gives you two hours in the lagoon and the outdoor area, with a sauna, cold plunge and Kneipp pool. Signature Admission adds the indoor Bathhouse, ten rooms that range from a snow room at around minus 10°C to an 85°C sauna, along with a robe and a drink. There is an in-water bar, and Réttir, the bistro, serves light seasonal food.

Location: Hveragerði, South Iceland.

Opening hours: Open daily, usually 10:00 to 22:00, closing at 21:00 Monday to Thursday in winter.

Getting there: Parking on site, or book with a transfer or a South Coast tour.

5. Laugarás Lagoon

Laugarás Lagoon opened in autumn 2025 in a small village on the Hvítá River, along the Golden Circle. It is built on two levels, with a 6.6-metre waterfall between them that you can walk through. Down below, the Forest Pool is tucked in among the trees.

Tickets are named after Icelandic trees. Birki covers the lagoon, Lerki adds a towel and a drink, and Ösp includes a two-course meal at Ylja, where chef Gísli Matt cooks with whatever is in season. Out in the countryside, away from city lights, it is also a good place to watch for the northern lights.

Location: Laugarás, South Iceland.

Opening hours: Open daily, 10:00 to 22:00 in summer and 10:00 to 21:00 in winter.

Getting there: Parking on site, and included in some Golden Circle tours. There is no public bus.

6. Laugarvatn Fontana

Laugarvatn Fontana is on the lakeshore at Laugarvatn, between Þingvellir and Geysir. The steam rooms are built right over the hot springs, and you can hear the ground bubbling under the wooden floor. It is relaxed rather than fancy, and one of the better-value stops on the Golden Circle.

Don't leave without trying the rye bread. It bakes in the hot ground for about 24 hours, and on the bakery tour you watch it being dug up, then eat it warm with butter. The tour is booked separately. Afterwards, the warm pools look out over the lake, and the lake itself is there for anyone brave enough for a cold dip.

Location: Laugarvatn, South Iceland.

Opening hours: Open daily, usually 10:00 to 21:00.

Getting there: Parking on site, and included in some Golden Circle tours.

7. Krauma

Krauma is in Borgarfjörður, West Iceland, next to Deildartunguhver, the most powerful hot spring in Europe. The water comes out close to boiling and is cooled before it reaches the pools. No chemicals are added, as the constant flow keeps it clean.

There are five hot pools, from around 37 to 42°C, and one cold one, plus two saunas, a steam room and a relaxation room with an open fire. The restaurant uses vegetables from greenhouses nearby. Add the Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls, a short drive away, and you have a full day in the west.

Location: Deildartunguhver, near Reykholt, West Iceland

‍Opening hours: Daily, 11:00 to 21:00

‍Getting there: By car via Route 1 and Route 50, about 25 minutes from Borgarnes

A note on Secret Lagoon

You will often see Secret Lagoon in Flúðir on lists like this one. It dates from 1891 and is said to be Iceland's oldest swimming pool. It is one simple pool with a path past small hot springs and a little geyser, so think of it as a quick, inexpensive soak rather than a spa. At ISK 4,500 for adults, with no minimum age, it can work well for families on the Golden Circle.

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Tips for Enjoying the Geothermal Lagoons Near Reykjavík

• Put conditioner in your hair before you get in, and leave silver jewellery in your locker. The minerals, especially at the Blue Lagoon, are hard on both.
• Plan the lagoon around the rest of your day. Krauma suits a trip to Borgarfjörður, Reykjaböð the South Coast, and Laugarás or Fontana the Golden Circle.
• Stay in Reykjavík and you can reach all seven as day trips. ODDSSON Downtown and ODDSSON Midtown are both close to the main roads and tour pick-up points.

Which Geothermal Lagoon Near Reykjavík Should You Visit?

It depends on what you want from the day. For the classic, go to the Blue Lagoon. For the sea view and the ritual, choose Sky Lagoon. Hvammsvík is the one for quiet and nature, Reykjaböð for a proper bathhouse close to town, and Laugarás for a lagoon and a good meal on the Golden Circle. Families and anyone after good value will like Fontana, and Krauma is worth the drive if you are heading west.

All seven are within a day trip of Reykjavík, so you can spend the afternoon in warm water and still be back in the city for dinner.

FAQs Geothermal Lagoons Near Reykjavík

Is Reykjavík close to the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. It is about 45 minutes by car from downtown Reykjavík, and scheduled transfers run throughout the day.

Which geothermal lagoon is closest to Reykjavík?

Sky Lagoon in Kópavogur, around 15 minutes from the city centre. Reykjaböð is about 35 minutes away, and the Blue Lagoon and Hvammsvík about 45.

Which is better, Sky Lagoon or Blue Lagoon Reykjavík?

It depends on what you are after. The Blue Lagoon is known for its milky-blue water and lava field setting. Sky Lagoon has the ocean views, the Skjól Ritual and the shorter journey from Reykjavík.

Which geothermal lagoons are on the Golden Circle?

Laugarás Lagoon, Laugarvatn Fontana and Secret Lagoon are all on or just off the route, so they are easy to combine with Þingvellir National Park, Geysir and Gullfoss.

Can you visit a geothermal lagoon near Reykjavík without a car?

Yes. Sky Lagoon is a short taxi or bus ride from the centre. The Blue Lagoon, Hvammsvík and Reykjaböð all offer transfers from Reykjavík, and Laugarás, Fontana, Secret Lagoon and Krauma are included in some guided day tours.

Do I need to book geothermal lagoons near Reykjavík in advance?

We would recommend it. Most lagoons sell entry by time slot, and evenings, weekends, holidays and the summer months fill up quickly.

Which geothermal lagoon near Reykjavík is best for families?

Fontana, Krauma and Secret Lagoon welcome children of any age, and the Blue Lagoon from age two. Laugarás Lagoon accepts children from eight and Reykjaböð from ten, while Sky Lagoon is for ages 12 and up.

What are the newest geothermal lagoons near Reykjavík?

Laugarás Lagoon opened on the Golden Circle in autumn 2025, and Reykjaböð opened near Hveragerði in September 2026.

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