At Geysir, the water is so hot it would scald you in seconds. Signs warn you to stay on the path, and the brilliant blue pools are strictly for looking at.
But the heat that drives Strokkur also warms some of the best bathing spots in Iceland. Within half an hour of the main Golden Circle stops, you can soak in a 130-year-old village pool or steam above hissing vents by a lake. You could also float in a brand-new lagoon or sit in a warm river in the hills.
Here are the hot springs and geothermal pools on and near the Golden Circle, and how to choose the right one for your day.
Can You Swim in Hot Springs on the Golden Circle?
Yes, but not at Geysir itself. The hot springs in the Geysir geothermal area are close to boiling and dangerous to touch.
A boiling blue hot spring in the Geysir area, beautiful to look at but far too hot to touch.
Instead, you bathe in geothermal pools that mix spring water to a safe temperature. The main options on or near the route are:
- Secret Lagoon* in Flúðir
- Laugarvatn Fontana* by the lake at Laugarvatn
- Laugarás Lagoon* beside the Hvítá river at Laugarás
- Hrunalaug*, a tiny natural pool near Flúðir
- Reykjadalur*, a warm river above Hveragerði
The Secret Lagoon (Flúðir)
The Secret Lagoon, known locally as Gamla Laugin ("the old pool"), is the oldest swimming pool in Iceland. It was built in 1891 and reopened to visitors in 2014 after decades of neglect.
The Secret Lagoon, with its changing building and the natural pool fed by the hot springs beside it.
The water stays at around 38 to 40°C all year, fed by hot springs at the pool's edge. A small geyser erupts beside the water every few minutes. The bottom is gravel, the facilities are simple and the atmosphere is relaxed.
Our page on the Secret Lagoon in Flúðir covers opening times, towels and what to bring.
Best for: a natural, unfussy soak with a bit of history, and the easiest pool to combine with Gullfoss.
Laugarvatn Fontana
Laugarvatn Fontana sits on the shore of Laugarvatn lake, between Þingvellir and Geysir. Its steam rooms are built directly over natural hot springs. Grilles in the floor let you hear the ground hissing below you.
Bathers in one of the pools at Laugarvatn Fontana, with the lake just beyond the stones.
There are several outdoor pools and hot tubs, and the lake is right there for a cold dip. A bath house has stood here since 1929, and the current building opened in 2011.
One of the natural steam baths at Fontana, heated by the hot springs beneath the floor.
Fontana is also famous for its rye bread, baked for 24 hours in the hot black sand by the lake. You can join a short tour to dig it up and taste it warm. See Laugarvatn Fontana's lakeside baths for details of the bread tour.
Best for: steam baths, a cold lake plunge and a stop between Þingvellir and Geysir.
Laugarás Lagoon
Laugarás Lagoon is the newest bathing spot on the Golden Circle, opened in 2025 on the banks of the Hvítá river. It is a two-level lagoon, with an upper and a lower pool linked by a waterfall.
The waterfall linking the upper and lower pools at Laugarás Lagoon.
There is a cold plunge pool fed by glacial water from the Hvítá, as well as two saunas and swim-up bars. The Ylja restaurant serves seasonal food from local farms and greenhouses.
Guests must be at least eight years old, and booking ahead is strongly advised. Prices and packages are listed on Laugarás Lagoon's booking page.
Best for: a polished, modern spa experience with river views and a good restaurant.
Our guide to Laugarás Lagoon's two-tier pools has more on the facilities.
Hrunalaug
Hrunalaug is a tiny natural hot spring on a farm near Flúðir, with stone pools and a little turf-roofed hut. The water is about 37 to 38°C, and visits are limited to 90 minutes.
Hrunalaug, a small family-owned hot spring near Flúðir.
It charges a small entrance fee, and there is no booking system, so it can be busy at peak times. Check Hrunalaug's price list for current fees and opening hours.
Reykjadalur Hot River
Reykjadalur is different from the others: a warm river in a steaming valley above Hveragerði, reached on foot. The trail is about 3 kilometres each way, and bathing is free.
The boardwalk and changing screens beside the warm river at Reykjadalur.
Boardwalks and changing screens line the bathing area, and the water gets warmer the further upstream you go. Read our page on the warm river at Reykjadalur before you go.
Best for: a free, active day with a hike and a wild soak, on the southern loop via Hveragerði.
Which Golden Circle Hot Spring Should You Choose?
It depends on where you are on the route and what kind of soak you want:
- On a classic Þingvellir, Geysir and Gullfoss loop:* Fontana fits between Þingvellir and Geysir. The Secret Lagoon and Laugarás are easy detours on the way back from Gullfoss.
- For history and simplicity:* the Secret Lagoon.
- For steam and a cold lake plunge:* Laugarvatn Fontana.
- For a modern spa and fine food:* Laugarás Lagoon.
- For a free, wild experience:* Reykjadalur, if you have time to hike.
The northern lights over the pools at Fontana on a clear winter night.
In winter, an evening soak under dark skies gives you a chance of seeing the northern lights from the water. Check Fontana's opening hours and the other pools' times before planning a late visit.
Hot Spring Etiquette in Iceland
Icelandic pools have clear rules, and following them keeps the water clean without heavy chemicals:
- Shower before you swim.* You must wash without a swimsuit before entering any pool.
- Keep your voice down.* Most people come to relax.
- Leave no trace* at natural spots like Hrunalaug and Reykjadalur.
- Stay hydrated.* Long soaks in hot water can make you dizzy.
The Secret Lagoon at night, with steam rising off the water under the lights.
Golden Circle Tours With a Hot Spring Soak
If you would rather leave the driving to someone else, several tours combine the classic stops with a soak. Our Golden Circle and Secret Lagoon combo guide explains how that day works.
A guided day also means nobody has to drive home after a long, warm soak.
For something newer, the Golden Circle with Laugarás Lagoon tour includes your lagoon admission.
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