Hot Springs in the Highlands: Bathing in Iceland's Interior

Iceland's highland interior harbours some of the country's most pristine and extraordinary geothermal pools, far removed from the crowds that flock to the Blue Lagoon and Reykjavík's thermal baths. These natural hot springs, scattered across the dramatic volcanic landscape of the central highlands, offer intrepid travellers the chance to soak in waters heated by the Earth's core whilst surrounded by some of the most spectacular wilderness on the planet.

The Highland Geothermal Phenomenon

The Icelandic highlands sit atop the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet and slowly drift apart. This geological activity creates an abundance of geothermal features, from bubbling mud pots to natural hot springs that maintain temperatures between 38°C and 42°C year-round. Unlike their coastal counterparts, these highland springs remain largely undeveloped, offering an authentic wilderness bathing experience.

The water in these springs is typically crystal clear, having filtered through layers of volcanic rock over decades or centuries. Many contain beneficial minerals including silica, sulphur, and various trace elements that Icelanders have long believed possess healing properties.

Landmannalaugar: The Highland Jewel

Landmannalaugar stands as Iceland's most famous highland hot spring destination, situated 188 kilometres southeast of Reykjavík in the Fjallabak Nature Reserve. The name translates to "People's Pools," reflecting centuries of use by highland travellers seeking respite from harsh journeys across the interior.

The main bathing area consists of a natural pool formed by a dam built across a warm stream, creating a bathing area roughly 50 metres long and varying in depth from 0.5 to 1.2 metres. Water temperature remains consistently between 36°C and 40°C, fed by numerous hot springs emerging from the rhyolite mountains that give Landmannalaugar its distinctive rainbow-coloured landscape.

Getting to Landmannalaugar

Highland buses operated by Reykjavík Excursions run daily services from mid-June to mid-September, with tickets costing 8,900 ISK (€60) each way from Reykjavík BSÍ terminal. The journey takes approximately 4 hours via the Fjallabak route (F208), crossing several rivers and traversing rough highland tracks.

Four-wheel-drive vehicles can access Landmannalaugar via Route F208 from the south or F224 from the north. Both routes require river crossings and should only be attempted by experienced highland drivers with properly equipped 4WD vehicles.

Hveravellir: The Oasis of the Interior

Located along the Kjölur highland route (F35), 213 kilometres from Reykjavík, Hveravellir offers a more secluded hot spring experience. This geothermal area, whose name means "Hot Spring Plains," features multiple natural pools scattered across a small valley surrounded by glaciers and volcanic peaks.

The main bathing pool, known as Blahver (Blue Spring), maintains a temperature of 37°C to 39°C and offers stunning views of Langjökull glacier to the west and Hofsjökull to the east. A second, smaller pool called Eyvindarhver reaches temperatures of 40°C to 42°C and provides a more intimate bathing experience.

Hveravellir holds particular historical significance as the hideout of 18th-century outlaw Eyvindur Jónsson and his wife Halla, who spent winters here during their 20-year exile. The couple constructed makeshift shelters using the geothermal heat, and remnants of their dwellings can still be seen.

Accessing Hveravellir

The Kjölur route remains passable to regular vehicles during summer months, making Hveravellir more accessible than many highland destinations. Highland buses operate daily services from June to September, with return tickets costing 12,500 ISK (€85) from Reykjavík. The journey takes approximately 5.5 hours each way.

Self-drivers can reach Hveravellir via Route F35, which crosses the interior plateau between Langjökull and Hofsjökull glaciers. The road is generally suitable for 2WD vehicles during summer, though conditions can change rapidly.

Veiðivötn: The Angler's Hot Springs

The Veiðivötn area, known as "Fishing Lakes," contains numerous small hot springs scattered around pristine highland lakes 190 kilometres northeast of Reykjavík. These lesser-known pools offer the ultimate wilderness bathing experience, accessible only to those willing to hike across pathless terrain.

The most accessible spring, located near Lake Veiðivötn itself, provides a small but perfectly formed bathing pool with temperatures around 38°C. The setting is spectacular, with views across the lake to the Torfajökull volcanic system and the colourful rhyolite peaks of Landmannalaugar in the distance.

Essential Highland Bathing Tips

Timing Your Visit

Highland hot springs are accessible only during the summer months, typically from late June to early September. Weather conditions can be extreme even in summer, with temperatures dropping below freezing and snow possible at any time.

The best conditions generally occur in July and August, though even then, visitors should be prepared for rapidly changing weather. Highland temperatures can vary by 20°C or more within a single day.

What to Bring

Pack quick-dry towels, warm clothing layers, waterproof gear, and sturdy footwear. Many highland springs lack changing facilities, so consider wearing swimwear under your clothes. Bring flip-flops or water shoes for walking around rocky pool edges.

Safety Considerations

Never bathe alone in highland hot springs, and always inform others of your travel plans. Weather conditions can deteriorate rapidly, and rescue services may be hours away. Check road conditions and weather forecasts before departing, and consider hiring experienced highland guides for your first visit.

Test water temperature gradually, as some springs can be dangerously hot. Be aware that highland streams can be cold enough to cause hypothermia within minutes if you accidentally slip from a warm pool.

The Ultimate Highland Bathing Experience

Bathing in Iceland's highland hot springs offers more than mere relaxation—it's a profound connection with the raw geological forces that shape our planet. Whether soaking in Landmannalaugar's rainbow-coloured amphitheatre, floating in Hveravellir's glacier-view pools, or discovering hidden springs in the Veiðivötn wilderness, these experiences create memories that last a lifetime.

The highland hot springs represent Iceland at its most elemental: untamed, powerful, and hauntingly beautiful. For those seeking authentic wilderness experiences away from tourist crowds, these geothermal oases provide the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation in one of Earth's last great wildernesses.

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