If you have the chance to combine a hot spring experience with the northern lights, I say grab it!
This is not some travel brochure fantasy. It’s real. And if you time it right, you can be chest-deep in geothermal water with green ribbons flickering overhead and your hair freezing at the tips (don’t worry, it’s all part of the ol' Icelandic charm).
So, let me walk you through some of the best hot spring experiences in Iceland where you can combine relaxation with skywatching.
Discover the Auroras
on a 5-Day Northern Lights Hunt
Blue Lagoon
Let’s talk about one of Iceland’s biggest headliners: the Blue Lagoon, a full geothermal experience built right into a lava field in the Reykjanes Peninsula, where the ground steams and the earth smells a little like eggs (that’s the sulfur, totally normal).
The lagoon itself is man-made but filled with naturally heated seawater pulled from 2,000 meters underground, where it’s rich in silica, algae, and minerals. That pale blue, almost milky water color? It’s caused by the high silica content reflecting sunlight. The water stays around 37–39°C (98–102°F), making it incredibly inviting even when the air is icy cold.
If you’re hoping to see the northern lights while you soak, timing and conditions are everything. The lagoon is open until 9 PM in winter, which isn't ideal given that prime aurora time is between 10 PM and 2 AM. It still gives you a shot at catching the aurora, especially in the darker aurora months from October through March. You’ll need clear skies and active solar weather, but it absolutely happens, especially when the aurora shows up early in the night. There’s no heavy artificial lighting surrounding the lagoon, which helps minimize light pollution just enough for viewing when conditions line up.
That said, the Blue Lagoon is not exactly remote. It’s only 20 minutes from Keflavík Airport and about 45 minutes from Reykjavík, which makes it super accessible but also popular. You must book in advance as walk-ins are not a thing here. The site includes changing facilities, showers, a café, restaurant, swim-up bar, and even two luxury hotels (the Silica and the Retreat) for those who want a northern light hotel stay overnight. If you do book a room, you can request a wake-up call if the aurora appears after dark.
- Winter Opening Hours: 08:00–22:00
- Distance from Reykjavík: Approximately 50 km (45-minute drive)
- Address: Norðurljósavegur 9, 240 Grindavík
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Sky Lagoon
Sky Lagoon is one of Reykjavík’s newest geothermal spas and, if you ask me, it’s also one of the most beautifully designed places to soak in Iceland. It sits right at the edge of the Atlantic Ocean in Kársnes Harbor, just a short drive from downtown which makes it one of the best places to go in Reykjavík to see the northern lights. You’re not far from the city here, but when you sink into that 70-meter infinity pool with the waves crashing beyond the edge, you feel worlds away.
Unlike the mineral-rich, milky waters of the Blue Lagoon, Sky Lagoon’s geothermal pool has clear, sea-infused water. It’s naturally heated, kept at that cozy sweet spot around 38–40°C (100–104°F). The big feature here is the Seven-Step Ritual, a mix of cold plunge, sauna, fog mist, and body scrub that’s meant to boost circulation and make you feel like your most refreshed self.
For northern lights chasers, Sky Lagoon can work under the right conditions. Because it’s closer to Reykjavík, you’ll still get some light pollution from the city, especially if there’s cloud cover or haze. But when the skies are clear and the KP index is strong, I’ve seen auroras shimmer right above the ocean. The best viewing angle is from the edge of the pool looking northwest, so grab a spot there and keep an eye out. The staff won’t announce northern lights sightings over the speaker, so it’s up to you to monitor the skies.
The lagoon is open late into the evening most nights, usually until 10 PM, which gives you a fair shot at seeing early aurora activity during winter. One tip: bring a waterproof phone pouch if you want to take photos without having to get out and dry off your hands every five minutes.
Facilities here are sleek and modern: there are indoor showers and changing rooms, a bar with drinks and snacks you can take into the water, and a bistro in case you want a warm meal before heading out.
- Winter Opening Hours: 12:00–22:00
- Distance from Reykjavík: Approximately 8 km (15-minute drive)
- Address: Vesturvör 44-48, 200 Kópavogur
Hvammsvík Hot Springs
Hvammsvík isn’t your typical spa experience, this place is all about blending into the wild. Set deep in Hvalfjörður (which translates to Whale Fjord), Hvammsvík Hot Springs feels remote but is actually just a 45-minute drive from Reykjavík. It’s a pocket of quiet in a fjord that most tourists skip, which for some adds to the charm.
There are eight natural pools here, all built directly into the shoreline where geothermal water meets the cold Atlantic. You’re bathing in a mix of hot spring water and seawater that rises and falls with the tide. The pools range in temperature, from warm and toasty to “I need to breathe through this” cold, perfect for contrast bathing if you’re into that. You can hop between them until you find your sweet spot.
This place is also a dream for northern lights viewing as there’s almost no artificial light in the area, and the mountains behind you block light from nearby towns. Although keep in mind that the hot springs are only open until 9 PM which is the earliest end of aurora activity. You may want to stay in the batch until closing and then stick around for the northern lights to appear.
The facilities have a cozy indoor steam bath, outdoor showers (some with sea views), and a lovely little café and bar called Stormur where you can grab local beer, hot soup, or homemade skyr with berries.
Do keep in mind that while the roads to Hvammsvík are paved and well-maintained, conditions can change quickly in winter. Always check road.is and vedur.is before heading out. And book ahead as entry is limited to keep the place quiet and serene.
- Winter Opening Hours: 09:00–21:00 (last entry at 19:30)
- Distance from Reykjavík: Approximately 56 km (45-minute drive)
- Address: Hvammsvík, 276 Kjósarhreppur
Forest Lagoon
Tucked into the hillside just outside Akureyri, Forest Lagoon (or Skógarböðin in Icelandic) is where luxury meets the quiet beauty of North Iceland’s fjord landscapes. This geothermal spa opened its doors in 2022, and while it’s still relatively new, it’s already earned a reputation for offering one of the most atmospheric bathing experiences in the country. And it’s one of my top northern lights spots in the north.
Let’s start with the setting. Forest Lagoon sits on the edge of Vaðlaskógur forest, just a few minutes from downtown Akureyri. That means you're soaking in 40°C water, surrounded by pine and birch trees, looking out over Eyjafjörður the longest fjord in Iceland. The lagoon is built into the slope of the hill, so you’ve got layered pools and unobstructed views west across the water. When the aurora shows up, especially on clear and crisp winter nights, the lights can reflect across the fjord.
There are two large infinity-edge pools (one hotter, one a little cooler), a cold plunge pool, a dry Finnish sauna with fjord-facing windows, and a cozy café inside the main building. The atmosphere is more relaxed and low-key than the bigger spas like Blue or Sky Lagoon. It doesn’t try too hard and just nails that peaceful, quiet soak after a snowy day.
One of the big bonuses here is how little light pollution there is. Akureyri is a city by Icelandic standards, but Forest Lagoon is tucked just far enough from the town lights that you get a dark sky. And since it’s open until midnight during the winter season, you’ve got a solid window to catch the aurora without ever leaving the pool. No need to drive into the mountains just sit still and look up.
My tip? Go mid-week if you can. It’s quieter, and you’ll have a better chance of snagging a prime edge seat in the water.
- Winter Opening Hours: 10:00–24:00
- Distance from Reykjavík: Approximately 390 km (5-hour drive)
- Address: Vaðlaskógur, 605 Akureyri
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Laugarvatn Fontana
Laugarvatn Fontana is a geothermal spa that wraps itself around Lake Laugarvatn, about halfway between Þingvellir and Geysir. And while it doesn’t get the same international fame as the Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon, it’s got some authentic Icelandic charm that I absolutely love. This place has been a bathing spot for locals for generations, and you can feel that deep-rooted connection to the landscape as soon as you step in.
Unlike natural hot pools, Fontana is a purpose-built wellness center sitting directly on top of bubbling geothermal vents. Temperatures vary depending on nature’s mood, but you can expect 40–50°C (104–122°F) in the steam and a comfortable 38–40°C (100–104°F) in the pools.
You’ll find multiple interconnected pools outside, each at a slightly different temperature, plus a dry sauna with a panoramic lake view. And if you’re feeling brave (or just want to reset your system), you can walk straight into the cold lake from the spa deck.
Now, let’s talk northern lights. Laugarvatn is a tiny village, and that’s great news for aurora watchers. With very little light pollution and a wide-open view over the lake, you’ve got excellent conditions when the aurora forecast is looking good. The spa stays open until 9 PM in winter, so while your window is a bit shorter than some of the late-night lagoons, you still stand a decent chance of catching the early show, especially in November through February when the nights are long and dark.
You’ll want to book ahead, especially if you’re timing your visit as a break along the Golden Circle drive. And definitely try the locally baked rye bread, which they actually cook underground using geothermal steam. It’s sweet, dense, and served warm with creamy Icelandic butter. Perfect post-soak snack.
- Winter Opening Hours: 11:00–21:00
- Distance from Reykjavík: Approximately 74 km (1-hour drive)
- Address: Hverabraut 1, 840 Laugarvatn
Hoffell Hot Tubs
Hoffell isn’t a spa, and it’s definitely not fancy but that’s exactly why I love it. Tucked in the lowlands just north of Höfn which has northern lights view spots, these five rustic hot tubs sit on a quiet farm with views that stretch toward Hoffellsjökull, a glacial tongue that’s part of the mighty Vatnajökull ice cap. It’s a slice of southeast serenity where you can soak in pure geothermal water while gazing out across mossy lava fields, glaciers, and on a good night, a sky streaked with northern lights.
The tubs themselves are simple, small round pools built into wooden decking, with water temperatures ranging from warm to hot. They’re fed by nearby geothermal boreholes, and each tub can comfortably fit 3–6 people. There are no saunas, cold plunges, or lounges here. What you get is the basics: hot water, fresh air, and silence.
The experience is incredibly peaceful, especially if you visit after dark. With almost zero light pollution and wide-open sky in every direction, aurora visibility here can be outstanding. In fact, some of my favorite northern lights memories have been made right here wrapped in a towel, steam rising all around, snow crunching underfoot, and green ribbons flickering over the mountains.
Now, the hot tubs used to be open 24 hours with just a simple box on site with a pay-what-you-can honor system. However, with increased people traffic as more people learned about the place the owners introduced opening hours and a fixed price to improve the facilities. Today, there’s a small fee to use the tubs, which you’ll pay on-site and the tubs are open until 9 PM.
A quick heads-up if you’re visiting in winter: the roads to Hoffell are paved but narrow, and weather in the southeast can turn quickly. Always check road.is and vedur.is before heading out, especially if there’s snow in the forecast. And while the hot tubs themselves are accessible, the area around them can get icy, so wear good boots and tread carefully.
The Hoffell Hot Tubs are also only about 45 minutes from Diamond Beach, a northern light viewspot.
- Winter Opening Hours: 10:00–21:00
- Distance from Reykjavík: Approximately 460 km (6-hour drive)
- Address: Hoffell, 781 Höfn í Hornafirði
Hellulaug Hot Spring
First thing first, don't confuse this thermal bath with Krosslaug, about 20 minutes away, and make sure to choose the right Google Maps location to reach Hellulaug. There are two locations marked on Google maps and one of them is wrong. The correct location is listed on the map and in a link below.
Now that's sorted, if you’ve ever wanted to sit in a natural geothermal pool with nothing but the ocean in front of you and the stars (or hopefully the northern lights) above you, Hellulaug is exactly that. This tiny, undeveloped hot spring sits tucked beneath a grassy bluff just outside the little Westfjords village of Flókalundur. You won’t find fences or lighting or even changing rooms, just a rocky path leading down to a pool carved into the landscape, quietly bubbling away next to the sea.
The spring holds a steady temperature of around 38–40°C (100–104°F), and it comfortably fits 4–6 people. What makes it so special, aside from the setting, is that you’re soaking just steps from the Atlantic Ocean, with views across Breiðafjörður bay. On clear winter nights, the horizon feels endless, and the dark skies make this a fantastic location for aurora watching, assuming you can get here safely.
And this is where I need to be real with you. Hellulaug is in the Westfjords, which means it’s pretty far from just about everything. The road in winter can be icy so if you’re not used to driving on snowy mountain roads with little to no shoulder, I would skip this one unless you’re traveling with someone experienced or checking road conditions obsessively. You’ll want to use both road.is and vedur.is to check conditions before you even consider the trip.
That said, if you do make it here on a calm, clear winter night, it’s pure magic. No crowds. No buildings. Just geothermal warmth and maybe the aurora dancing on the horizon. Bring your own towel, a flashlight (there’s no lighting at all), and shoes you don’t mind walking on wet rocks in.
There are no fees to use Hellulaug, and it’s open year-round, but again this one’s for the confident winter driver or summer traveler. Please don’t take unnecessary risks to get here in sketchy weather. It’ll still be waiting another time.
- Winter Opening Hours: Open 24/7
- Distance from Reykjavík: Approximately 220 km (3.5-hour drive)
- Address: Hellulaug, 451 Flókalundur
Seljavallalaug Swimming Pool
Seljavallalaug is one of Iceland’s oldest swimming pools, built back in 1923 and nestled into a narrow valley at the base of steep, mossy mountains near the Eyjafjallajökull volcano. It’s long, narrow, and fed by a natural hot spring that seeps into one end of the pool. The location is visually stunning, imagine tall black cliffs rising around you, the sound of a stream trickling nearby, and just the occasional bleat of a sheep to keep you company.
Now, let me set expectations. This is not a spa. There’s no admission fee, no reception desk, and no changing room that I’d recommend actually using (it’s more of a crumbling concrete hut). The water is warm, not hot, hovering around 20–30°C (68–86°F), depending on the season and how much runoff is entering the pool. In summer it can feel lovely after a hike. In winter? Let’s just say it’s more for the brave.
To get there, you’ll drive east along Route 1 until you’re past Seljalandsfoss waterfall (but before you hit Skógafoss. From the small parking lot, it’s about a 15–20 minute walk each way, depending on conditions. The path winds along the valley floor, crisscrossing small streams and gravel trails. It’s not a technically difficult hike, but in winter, it can get muddy, icy, and very slippery. You’ll want proper boots, layers, and a flashlight if you’re heading there in the dark (which, in Icelandic winter, is most of the time).
The valley has no light pollution but once in the pool you are surrounded by tall cliffs and mountains which do limit your view, unlike other hot spring on this list. However, if the aurora is active and the skies are clear, you’ll see the colorful aurora borealis ripple above you, and it’s simply beautiful. That said, you’re a 20-minute hike from your car, so think carefully about timing, safety, and how cold you’ll be getting out of the water.
Seljavallalaug is also close to Vík where you can see the northern lights and a few black sand beaches good for northern light spotting.
- Winter Opening Hours: Open 24/7
- Distance from Reykjavík: Approximately 150 km (2-hour drive)
- Address: Seljavallalaug, 861 Hvolsvöllur
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Reykjadalur Hot Springs
Reykjadalur, which translates to “Steam Valley,” is a geothermal area tucked into the mountains above the town of Hvveragerði, about 40 minutes from Reykjavík. The valley is famous for its bubbling mud pots, steamy vents, and a warm river that winds its way through grassy slopes and rocky hills. It’s completely natural, no buildings, no bars, no spa music playing in the background. Just you, the mountains, and some seriously magical water.
The big draw here is the river itself. It’s heated by geothermal activity beneath the surface, and as you hike upstream, you’ll find wooden boardwalks and small privacy screens where people strip down and ease into the current. The temperature varies by location — warmer upstream, cooler downstream — so walk around until you find your perfect spot.
Getting there requires a hike of about 3 kilometers (roughly 1.9 miles) from the parking lot to the bathing area. In summer, it’s a straightforward 45–60 minute walk. In winter, it’s a different story. The path becomes slippery, snowy, and sometimes icy, with steep sections that can be tricky. This is not a beginner-friendly hike in winter unless you’re prepared with the right gear: proper boots, crampons if it’s icy, headlamp, warm layers, and ideally, someone who’s done it before. The reward is worth it but only if it’s safe.
Northern lights viewing here can be incredible. There’s very little artificial light in the valley, and the wide open sky gives you panoramic views in all directions. If the forecast looks good, and you’re willing to make the hike, you could end up soaking in geothermal water with the aurora swirling overhead. Just don’t expect to have it all to yourself as locals know this spot well.
There are no changing facilities or toilets at the springs themselves, so come prepared. A dry bag for your clothes and towel is a must, especially in wet or snowy weather. And keep in mind that you’ll need to hike back down in the dark (again) so don’t forget a flashlight or headlamp, and know that your phone light won’t cut it.
- Winter Opening Hours: Open 24/7
- Distance from Reykjavík: Approximately 45 km (45-minute drive)
- Address: Reykjadalur, 810 Hvveragerði
When Can You See the Northern Lights from a Hot Spring?
If you’re hoping to catch the northern lights from a hot spring, the timing game gets a little more nuanced than just “any clear winter night.” You’ll need to balance aurora forecasts, daylight hours, and hot spring opening times.
Let’s start with the basics: the northern lights are visible in Iceland from late August to mid-April, but the best chance to see them is usually between October and March, when the nights are longest and darkest. That 10 PM to 2 AM window is still the best time to see the auroras, but here’s where it gets tricky because most staffed hot springs close earlier than that.
Spots like Sky Lagoon, Laugarvatn Fontana, and even the Blue Lagoon typically close between 9 and 10 PM in winter. That means you’ll need a good solar forecast and some luck for the aurora to appear on the earlier side of the evening. It’s not impossible, but you’ll want to time your swim with care, especially if aurora hunting is your main goal.
Now, if you want to stretch your chances beyond regular hours, look toward the more rustic and remote options. Hvammsvík stays open until 10 PM (with the last entry at 7:30), and Forest Lagoon is open as late as midnight during winter, giving you a generous window. Spots like Hellulaug, Reykjadalur, and Seljavallalaug are open 24/7 year-round (though unstaffed), so you can spend time in total darkness whenever the skies look promising, as long as it’s safe to get there.
I think everyone visiting Iceland should give combining geothermal relaxation with beautiful northern lights a shot. It's a quintessential Icelandic experience in my opinion. Simply choose a hot spring that excites you and follow the northern light forecast.
Book a Guided Northern Lights Winter Tour
If your Iceland plans include spotting the northern lights, Travel Reykjavík offers winter tours that make it easy. The 3- and 5-day Northern Lights Hunts even include optional time at the Blue Lagoon, while the 2- and 4-day Ice Cave & Aurora Adventures combine natural wonders with remote overnight stays ideal for aurora viewing.
Prefer a more personalized plan? Our private aurora tours include a driver-guide who follows the forecast to give you the best shot at the lights.