Iceland's Hot Springs in Autumn: Soaks by Region

Autumn brings fewer crowds, cooler air and geothermal pools framed by golden moss and early snow—here's where to soak from Reykjavík to the Eastfjords.

Reykjavík & Reykjanes: City Pools and Coastal Steam

In Reykjavík, start with the public pools: Laugardalslaug (Laugardalur valley, 10 minutes from downtown) has a 50 m outdoor lap pool, hot pots and a steam room; entry is about ISK 1,100. Vesturbæjarlaug, near the University of Iceland, is smaller and local, while Sundhöllin in the city centre (Barónsstígur) has a rooftop hot pot with views over the old town. All are open year-round, but in September and October they are quiet on weekday mornings, when the water temperature is a steady 38–40°C.

Just outside the city, the Reykjanes Peninsula offers the Blue Lagoon (47 km from Reykjavík, 45 minutes by car) and the newer Sky Lagoon (7 km south of downtown, 15 minutes). Both are commercial and require booking; expect ISK 6,000–10,000 depending on package. The Blue Lagoon's silica mud and lava fields are iconic, but Sky Lagoon's infinity edge over the North Atlantic feels more intimate. For a natural soak, drive 20 minutes to Gunnuhver—the hot spring is fenced off, but the steam vents and lighthouse at Reykjanesviti make a worthwhile stop.

West Iceland: Krauma and the Sagas

Krauma, near Reykholt in Borgarfjörður (about 100 km north of Reykjavík, 1 hour 20 minutes via Route 1), is a geothermal bath built next to Deildartunguhver, Europe's most powerful hot spring. The pools are fed directly from the spring, and the facility includes a cold tub and steam room. Entry is around ISK 5,500. It is smaller and less crowded than the Blue Lagoon, and the surrounding area—Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls, and the Víðgelmir lava cave—makes a full day trip. Best months are September and October, before snow closes some gravel roads.

For a wilder soak, the geothermal pool at Landbrotalaug on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula is a tiny, two-person spring just off Route 54; it is free but often busy with photographers. Nearby, the town of Stykkishólmur has a public pool with hot pots (ISK 950). If you want to stay overnight, accommodation in Borgarnes (30 minutes from Krauma) ranges from guesthouses to the Hotel Borgarnes, with rates from ISK 18,000–25,000 in autumn. I would book Krauma and stay in Borgarnes to split the drive.

North Iceland: Mývatn and Akureyri

Mývatn Nature Baths (about 100 km east of Akureyri, 1 hour 20 minutes) sit in a volcanic landscape of pseudocraters and steam vents. The water is mineral-rich and milky blue, and the facility has changing rooms, a café and two pools. Entry is about ISK 4,500. In autumn, the surrounding birch scrub turns copper, and the light is softer. It is less commercial than the Blue Lagoon, and the drive from Akureyri passes the Goðafoss waterfall and the Skjálfandi Bay, where you might spot seals at the mouth of the Laxá river. Best months: September to mid-October.

Akureyri itself has the Akureyri Swimming Pool (Þingvallastræti), with a 25 m outdoor pool, hot pots and a waterslide; entry is about ISK 950. The town is a good base for exploring the north: the geothermal area at Hverir (near Mývatn) and the lava fields of Dimmuborgir are within an hour's drive. For accommodation, Akureyri offers hotels like Hotel Kea and many guesthouses, with autumn rates from ISK 15,000–22,000. I would stay two nights in Akureyri to allow a full day at Mývatn and another at the coast.

East and South: The Hidden Soaks

The Eastfjords are quieter, but you can find geothermal pools in unexpected places. The town of Egilsstaðir has a public pool (ISK 950) with hot pots, and the nearby Vök Baths (on Lake Urriðavatn, 5 km from town) are a modern floating geothermal facility with two pools and a cold plunge. Entry is about ISK 5,900. The setting is serene: in autumn, the surrounding heath turns red and the lake reflects the snow-dusted mountains. It is a 6.5-hour drive from Reykjavík (about 650 km via Route 1), so plan an overnight in Egilsstaðir or nearby guesthouses, with rates from ISK 14,000–20,000.

In the south, the classic stop is the Secret Lagoon at Flúðir (100 km from Reykjavík, 1 hour 15 minutes), a natural hot spring with a small pool and a steam room; entry is about ISK 3,300. It is less developed than the Blue Lagoon and often paired with the Golden Circle. Further east, near Vík, the geothermal pool at Seljavallalaug (free, but rustic and sometimes cold) is a 20-minute walk from the parking area. For a comfortable stay, Hvolsvöllur and Vík have hotels and guesthouses with autumn rates from ISK 16,000–24,000. I would book the Secret Lagoon and stay in Hvolsvöllur to avoid a long drive back to Reykjavík.

Questions, answered

What should I pack for hot springs in autumn?

Bring a swimsuit, a quick-dry towel, and a waterproof bag for wet clothes. Waterproof sandals help on slippery decks. A warm hat and fleece are useful for the walk between pool and changing room; temperatures can be 5–10°C.

Are the hot springs crowded in autumn?

September and October are shoulder season, so pools are quieter than in summer. The Blue Lagoon and Sky Lagoon still fill up, so book a time slot. Natural pools like Landbrotalaug may have a few visitors but rarely a crowd.

Do I need to book accommodation in advance?

Yes, especially in Akureyri and Egilsstaðir, where autumn availability is limited. Book 2–4 weeks ahead for the best rates. Many guesthouses close in November, so check opening dates before planning a late-autumn trip.

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