Iceland’s Blue Lagoon may be the country’s most famous hot spring, but this bubbling retreat, located just 50 minutes from Reykjavik, has a storied history, resident seals, and gorgeous fjord views.
Along with whale watching and taking in cinematic landscapes, soaking in geothermal hot springs is one of the best things you can do while in Iceland—and there’s one hot spring where you can do all three.
Located 50 minutes north of Reykjavik off Ring Road, Hvammsvík Hot Springs sits on a hilly peninsula that juts out into the waters of the picturesque Hvalfjörður (Whale Fjord). Set on a 1,200-acre estate, this remote nature resort (which opened in 2022 with a modernist bathhouse and beachfront baths) may seem like the only hint of human habitation around—but the site has deep roots in Icelandic history. It was first settled by the Vikings in the 11th century, and served as an Allied naval base (codenamed “Falcon Beach) during World War II.
Now, however, it’s a serene place to soak in toasty waters amid Iceland’s stunning scenery.
Fronted by the fjord’s sculpted walls and sheltered waters, eight rock-rimmed natural hot springs sit right by the shore, ranging from a lukewarm 95 degrees Fahrenheit to a sizzling 104 degrees. Bathers can cool off in some of the lower pools, where lapping waves keep the temperatures mild (at high tide, some even become completely submerged), or walk down the beach for a salty cold plunge into the Atlantic Ocean.
While you’re relaxing, you can watch the waves for curious seals—they’re so common, the staff call them the “supervisors” and “quality managers.” And if you’re really lucky, you may see whales. Despite its name, Whale Fjord isn’t known for whale watching, and it used to be the site of a whaling station. But staff say whales have been spotted in the area, with humpbacks finally making a return after a 25-year absence.
For night sky enthusiasts, the hot springs are from enough from Reykjavík to have only low levels of light pollution, and the night skies are clear enough for the northern lights in winter.
Amenities in the art-filled bathhouse include showers and changing areas (both communal and private), a geothermal sauna, a swim-up bar slinging drinks like cocktails and seaweed-derived wellness shots, and a bistro for Icelandic eats like seafood stew and open-faced sourdough sandwiches. Activities such as ocean swimming sessions and stand-up paddle boarding, as well as Wim Hof breathing and cold endurance classes, are on offer. Guests can also try their hand at the stone-lifting Atlas Challenge to win prizes like complimentary drinks and even free admission for a year.
If you don’t want to make the drive back to Reykjavik, a number of historic farmhouses and cabins—tastefully updated to preserve their heritage while having modern creature comforts—provide places to rest your head overnight. Perched atop an elevated rise with panoramic views from its private hot spring and glass-walled living room, the Hilltop House not only has the best views on the property, but also the coolest backstory. Originally built by the British Navy, the cabin is said to have been the site of secret meetings held by Winston Churchill.
Weather permitting (this is Iceland, after all), Hvammsvík Hot Springs is open daily throughout the year. Admission starts around $65 USD and includes unlimited hot springs and sauna access. To reach Hvammsvík, you’ll either need a rental car or you can book transfers with a tour operator like Reykjavik Excursions.
