One of the first questions visitors ask is how warm the water actually is. The happy answer is that most Icelandic bathing water sits in a comfortable, lingering range that you can stay in for a good while. The detail is worth knowing, though, because wild springs vary and a few hot sources are far too hot to enter.
The comfortable bathing range
Developed lagoons and town pools keep their water at a steady, pleasant warmth, usually somewhere in the high thirties Celsius, which is close to a warm bath and easy to enjoy for a long soak. Many places offer several pools so you can choose a gentle warm one or a hotter pot. The big spas, such as the Blue Lagoon and the calm Earth Lagoon in the north, are managed to stay in this reliable, welcoming zone all year.
Hotter pots and cooler rivers
Within a single pool complex you will often find a range, from a mild pool up to a hot pot that runs noticeably warmer for a short, invigorating sit. Natural bathing spots can sit a little cooler, especially flowing ones. The famous Reykjadalur hot river is a fine example, warmer where the hot water enters and cooler downstream, so you simply walk along it to find the spot that suits you.
When the water is too hot to enter
It is important to know that some geothermal sources are scalding at the point they surface, far above bathing heat. These are for looking, not for touching. In wild areas, never assume a steaming pool is safe; test gently by hand first, follow any signs, and where a source is known to be very hot, admire it from the path. A guide is invaluable for finding the safe, bathable spots.
The rule of thumb is simple: if you cannot rest your hand in it comfortably, do not get in.
Staying comfortable and safe
- Ease in gradually and let your body adjust before settling.
- Take cool breaks every so often, especially in the hotter pots.
- Drink water before and after, since warm bathing is gently dehydrating.
- Test wild water by hand and move along a hot river to find your ideal warmth.
- Go guided in the backcountry, where someone who knows the springs keeps it safe and easy.
Soak at the perfect warmth
From steady warm lagoons to wild rivers you can dial in, find your ideal soak. Checkout is handled securely through Bókun.
Explore the hot springsRead on with the Icelandic hot pot explained, the best time to visit hot springs, or the geology behind it all in why Iceland has so many hot springs.