Hvammsvík Hot Springs: The Complete Guide from Reykjavík

Hvammsvík Hot Springs lies on the shore of Hvalfjörður, the long "whale fjord" north of Reykjavík. Geothermal water fills a series of natural pools right at the edge of the sea, some of them so close to the shore that the tide flows in and changes their temperature through the day. With mountains on every side and few buildings in sight, it feels far more remote than its 45-minute distance from the capital suggests.

It opened to the public in 2022 and has quickly become a favourite for travellers who want a quieter, more natural experience than the large lagoons. This guide covers how it works, when to go and how to get there without driving yourself.

Hvammsvík at a glance

• Where: on the southern shore of Hvalfjörður, about 70 km and 45 minutes by car from Reykjavík.
• What: several natural geothermal pools of different temperatures on the fjord shore, plus changing facilities and a small restaurant and bar.
• Tides: the pools nearest the sea change with the tide; at high tide sea water mixes in, at low tide they are warmer and shallower.
• Booking: entry is by pre-booked time slot; book online before you go, especially in summer and at weekends.
• Time to allow: most visitors stay 1.5 to 3 hours.
• Without a car: our private Hvammsvík tour includes the drive there and back and up to 3 hours of waiting, for 55,000 kr per car (up to 4 people).

What it is like

After you check in and change, you walk out to the pools along the shore. Each pool has its own temperature, from pleasantly warm to properly hot, and you can move between them as you like. The atmosphere is quiet and unhurried: no swim-up bars or crowds, just steam, sea birds and the fjord.

The setting changes with the weather and the tide. On a clear day you look across the water to the mountains on the other side of the fjord; in winter you may sit in hot water with snow on the hills around you, and on dark evenings there is a chance of northern lights.

• Hot pools: several, at different temperatures.
• The fjord: brave visitors take a cold dip in the sea between hot soaks.
• Facilities: changing rooms with showers, lockers, and a restaurant and bar serving food and drinks.
• Rentals: towels and robes can usually be rented; check what is included in your ticket when you book.

Understanding the tides

The tide is what makes Hvammsvík special. At high tide, sea water flows into the lowest pools and cools them; some may be partly covered. At low tide, the pools are warmer and you see more of the shore. Neither is better: high tide is dramatic, low tide is cosy. If you have a preference, check the tide times for Hvalfjörður before you book your slot.

Best time to visit

• Summer (June to August): long, bright evenings and mild air. Book ahead; weekends sell out.
• Autumn and spring: fewer people, dramatic light and the first or last snow on the mountains.
• Winter (November to March): short days, snow and a chance of northern lights on clear evenings. The road along the fjord can be icy; a driver who knows it makes the trip relaxed.
• Time of day: weekday mornings are quietest; late afternoon is popular for the light.

What to bring

• Swimwear.
• A towel and robe, or rent them on site.
• A warm hat for the pools in winter; your head gets cold while your body stays warm.
• Flip-flops or pool shoes for walking between the pools.
• A waterproof phone pouch if you want photos.
• Warm, dry clothes for afterwards.

As at all Icelandic pools, you shower without swimwear before entering. It is part of the culture and keeps the water clean without heavy chemicals. Read more in our Iceland hot springs guide.

Hvammsvík, the Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon?

• Hvammsvík: natural pools on a fjord shore, quiet and close to nature, 45 minutes from Reykjavík.
• Blue Lagoon: the famous milky-blue lagoon in a lava field, 20 minutes from the airport, more facilities and more people.
• Sky Lagoon: an infinity-edge lagoon with a ritual and a sea view, inside the capital area.
• Secret Lagoon: a historic natural pool in Flúðir, easy to combine with the Golden Circle.

See our comparison of the Blue Lagoon and Sky Lagoon and our Secret Lagoon guide.

Getting to Hvammsvík from Reykjavík

Hvammsvík is reached by the Ring Road north from Reykjavík and then the road along Hvalfjörður. There is no regular public transport to the hot springs, so most visitors drive or book a private transfer.

• By rental car: about 45 minutes; the last section follows the fjord road, which is narrow and can be icy in winter.
• By taxi: possible, but a metered return trip with waiting time is expensive.
• By private tour: your driver picks you up at your hotel, waits while you bathe and drives you back.

Our Hvammsvík Hot Springs tour costs 55,000 kr per car for up to 4 people, including the drive there and back and up to 3 hours of waiting time. Pick-up times are flexible through the day. Book your hot spring slot first, then choose a pick-up that gets you there in good time.

Up to 3 h waiting · private

Hvammsvík Hot Springs

Hvalfjörður · Hvammsvík hot springs · up to 3 h waiting

Car

1–4 people

55,000 kr

Van

5–7 people

On request

Book this tour

Combine Hvammsvík with more of West Iceland

Hvalfjörður is the gateway to West Iceland. On a longer private day, you can combine Hvammsvík with the Glymur waterfall area (in summer, for hikers), the town of Borgarnes, or the Silver Circle with Hraunfossar and Deildartunguhver. Message us on WhatsApp at +354 777 3949 for a fixed price on a custom route.

About Hvalfjörður

Hvalfjörður is one of the longest fjords in the southwest of Iceland, around 30 km deep. Its name means "whale fjord". During the Second World War it was an important anchorage for Allied naval convoys in the North Atlantic, and you can still see traces of that time along the shore.

Since 1998 a tunnel under the fjord has shortened the drive north from Reykjavík, and the old road around the fjord has become a quiet scenic route. Hvammsvík lies on that road, which is why the setting feels so peaceful: through traffic uses the tunnel.

A relaxed half day

1. 13:00 pick-up at your hotel in Reykjavík.
2. 13:45 arrive at Hvammsvík, check in and change.
3. 14:00 to 16:30 soak in the pools, try a cold dip in the fjord, have a drink or a light meal.
4. 16:45 your driver is waiting; drive back along the fjord with a stop for photos if the light is good.
5. 17:30 back at your hotel, relaxed and ready for dinner.

In winter, a slot that ends after dark gives a chance of northern lights on the drive back, if the sky is clear.

Pool etiquette in Iceland

• Shower without swimwear before entering the pools, using soap; the changing rooms explain where.
• Keep the pools calm: talking is fine, loud music is not.
• Do not bring glass into the pool area.
• Drink water: hot water dehydrates you faster than you expect.
• If you feel dizzy, sit on the edge and cool down for a few minutes.

Hvammsvík with children

The calm setting and the different pool temperatures make Hvammsvík a good choice for families. Small children usually enjoy the cooler pools; the hottest ones are best for adults. Check the age rules and children's prices when you book, and bring a warm hat for the walk between the pools in winter. We provide child seats free of charge on our tours.

Photography tips

• Use a waterproof pouch; steam and splashes are everywhere.
• The best light is in the late afternoon in summer and around sunset in winter.
• Ask before photographing other bathers; many people come for privacy.
• Steam looks most dramatic on cold, still days.

About our private tours

We have been driving travellers around Iceland for ten years, and we go everywhere in the country, not only to Reykjavík. Every tour is private for your group, with hotel pick-up, a fixed price per car and free cancellation up to 24 hours before.

FAQ

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