What to Expect at Hvammsvík Hot Springs in Iceland

Hvammsvík natural hot springs near Reykjavik combine wild nature with spa comforts

Picture it: you slip into a hot tub heated by natural geothermal waters, lay back on a smooth wet rock with your beverage of choice and look up at snow-capped mountains, thrilled at your decision to come to Iceland. There are two ways you can make this happiness happen. You can get in the car and drive out in search of one of Iceland’s many natural “hot pots” — small thermal pools dotting the countryside, usually at the end of a hike. Or you can visit Hvammsík Hot Springs, where the local experience is available in a comfortable spa environment.

Hvammsvík is an easy day trip from Reykjavik, so if you’re making a list of hot springs in Iceland to visit, read my full honest review of my experience before you go, or just jump to the info (hours, prices, etc.)

Myself and photographer were guests of the Hvammsvík spa, who did not review or approve this post. Opinions are my own.

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What are the Hvammsvík Hot Springs?

Hvammsvík is a series of eight natural hot pools located on farmland at the edge of the North Atlantic Ocean in the protected inlet of Hvalfjörðu (“Whale fjord”), about an hour’s drive north from the city of Reykjavik.

This is a private day spa offering access to the hot pools, a swim-up bar, steam room and beach, with an on-site restaurant. It also has luxury cabin accommodation at the same site.

First impressions: What a great road trip!

The drive to Hvammsvík Hot Springs was a highlight of my visit to Iceland. Just far enough to feel like you are in the remote countryside, but close enough to comfortably drive out, enjoy the spa at your leisure, and return to Reykjavik.

On our way to Hvammsvík my friend and I cranked local rock radio and enjoyed every twist and turn of the highway, which gradually revealed the beauty of this area – coastline on one side, the Esja mountain on the other. Turning off the main road at the sign for Hvammsvík, it’s a very short drive to the entrance of the spa. The sun was out but so was the wind, and I felt like we were in the wild already. I later learned the land here has been a human dwelling place for more than 1000 years.

The entrance is through a rustic but modern Scandinavian-style building where you get your assigned locker and rented swim shoes (if you paid for that tier) before hitting the showers and change room. Like all Icelandic spas, you must wash with soap naked before getting into your swimsuit. Hvammsvík has both private and open shower areas, and an area for your towel to hang out in while you use the pools. There’s a map of the venue but you don’t really need it as all the pools are in one area.

What facilities are at Hvammsvík

The main attraction at Hvammsvík Hot Springs is the eight hot pools, descending from the main building down a hill to the beach.

Each pool is slightly different in size and temperature, some of which changes depending on the tides. All the geothermal water comes from the ground before it is pumped into the pools, it has been cooled down with cold water from the sea, to between 36°C/97°F to 40°C/104°F.  Now you just have to decide which one to step into first. We thought we’d start at the top and work our way down but then just ended up letting our mood decide where to take us.

The landscape is naturally rocky – manicured but not paved over, with ropes to help guide you in and out of the pools. The one closest to the ocean—“Ocean Plunge Pool” on the map— is not heated, it’s the temperature of the ocean. I got in it because I was determined to set foot in all of them, but I much preferred the traditional way to cold plunge: run right into the ocean! Because honesty how often so I get to do that? Not often enough!

Strangers cheered each other on for this cold challenge and most seemed to enjoy it as much as I did. I found my first cold plunge a bit unsatisfying because the hot pools didn’t actually get me hot enough to want a cold dip. (Did I mention it was super windy out?). For that, I used their Steam Room, which was a perfect way to work up a good sweat, then briskly scoot back down into the cold waters, which was refreshing and fun.

In warmer weather I may have walked along the cool black sand but preferred to head back up to the pools and grab a drink.

Hvammsvík feels very much like you’re at a private beach in Iceland with some friends.

A Swim-Up Bar with Mountain Views

Apart from the cold ocean dip, this was my favourite part of the visit.

Grabbed a non-alcoholic prosecco to “cheers” with and just lazed in the lounge pool, with views of the surrounding mountains. The pools here at small, for sitting in, not swimming or floating. Also, for conversation. My fellow bathers were from France, from USA, and from Iceland, and everyone was just chilling in their own space, soaking our cares away in this beautiful scenic spot. I don’t know what it’s like in high season but on our day there was more than enough room for everyone. That said, my fave pool was the one best suited for two.
 
I can’t say enough about the natural beauty of this location. As someone who would love a more adventurous trip in Iceland but didn’t have the time or budget to go caving or drive the entire island, this was such a great way to experience some of the wilderness that Iceland is famous for in a relaxing way.

Hvammsvík Hot Springs Review: Final Thoughts

Yes, you could do something similar for free, I know that. But this is just so pretty, and more convenient.

After our soak we enjoyed incredible soups in the café. (Seriously, how did Iceland get so good at soups?) Then we took the long way back to Reykjavik with pitstops for dramatic waterfalls and a drive through a 5km undersea tunnel, a feat of modern engineering.  All in, it was a super relaxing day and a completely different experience than the main tourist spas like Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon.

During summer, they offer stand-up paddles, and during winter, you may get lucky and see the Northern Lights. I would highly advise advance reservations if you’re visiting during these times as the word is already out on this place and they seem committed to keeping it intimate, with small capacity.

If you want to do Icelandic hot springs like a local, but without a long hike, or changing out of your wet suit on the side of the road, Hvammsvík is the spot.

Know Before You Go

My last visit was April 2025. Please check for the latest information on their website, https://hvammsvik.com.

Where: Hvammsvík Nature Resort & Hot Springs are located in the middle of the Hvalfjörður ( “Whale fjord”), on route 47, the last part of the drive in on a gravel road.  No car? You can book a transfer. If visiting the winter months, they highly suggest a 4×4 vehicle

When: Daily from 10:30am to 8:30pm. Once entered, you can stay as long as you like. Our visit in the pools lasted about 90 minutes. They stay open year-round as long as the roads are open.

Who: Children under 10 not permitted. Ages 11-18 must by accompanied by a guardian (18 years or older). Due to the natural landscape, Hvammsvik is not accessible for those with wheelchairs or mobility limitations.

What To Bring: Just your swimsuit. They provide towels and hairdryers. I don’t usually recommend a camera at spas, but this place is camera friendly (just make it a discrete phone camera and be mindful of other guests’ space and privacy.) Do not pack flip-flops—the lagoon is accessed directly from change rooms everyone goes bare foot. This is actually a very positive environmental choice as there’s no daily laundering of robes or slippers that you’re not going to use anyway.

How Much: $85-$140 CDN in low season and $105-$160 in high season. There are three tiers of Hvammsvik tickets. You get the same access to pools and facilities, it just depends on how many amenities you need. Basic entry is called “Natural” and probably best for locals or those on a budget—no locker or towel provided, just a safety box for any valuables. Next up is “Classic” which includes private lockers and access to private changing room. We chose “Comfort” which has everything you could need: lockers, change room, towel, swim shoes (excellent for the rocky ocean and natural pools) plus a drink at the bar.

I hope you’ve enjoyed reading my Hvammsvík Hot Springs review. Please let me know if you go in the comments!