I firmly believe there are few things more comforting than dipping your toes in a geothermal pool or relaxing in sauna. And if there’s one country that takes bath/pool time seriously, it’s Iceland. On my latest trip to the country, I was lucky enough to stop at several different pools to enjoy some much needed R&R.

Blue Lagoon

This is hands down the most well-known pool in Iceland. Blue Lagoon is featured in so many travel blogs and commercials, and honestly for a good reason. It’s a solid option that’s very convenient for most people as there are plenty of buses that take you directly to/from the airport to the pool, and then buses that take you to/from the city center. Plus, it’s a nice facility and it has luggage storage. (Note: buses and storage cost extra.)

Because it’s so well-known, it obviously comes with a bit of a higher cost and bigger crowds. Therefore, if you do end up going to the Blue Lagoon, I recommend getting there right away when they open. I did this the last time I was there and I had sections to myself for quite a bit before everyone started trickling in.

Be sure to shower before and after going into the pool and put a TON of conditioner in your hair before getting into the pool.

• Location: Norðurljósavegur 9, 240 Grindavík
• Entrance Cost: $65+
• Pro (“Comfort” only):
  • Silica mud mask
  • 1 free drink, in-pool bar
  • Ample showers and lockers
  • Towel included
• Cons (“Comfort” only):
  • Very crowded
  • More expensive than other options
  • Very few spots to sit and relax comfortably

Mývatn Nature Baths

This bath is located in the northeast of Iceland in Myvatn, which is a nature reserve. And the landscape is as stunning as you’d expect, giving a really great view as you soak. The temperature of the baths was quite nice and it really was the perfect temperature to grab a beer and catch up with people.

In addition to the baths, there are also some steam baths which were a nice change of pace between dips in the pools. The steam rises directly through the floor with temperatures to up to 113°F and 100% humidity. Right outside the steam baths were some outdoor showers, so you could cool down quickly and go back to enjoying the heat of the room.

When I arrived in Iceland this time, I noticed there were a lot more ads for this bath, so I wasn’t too shocked at the amount of people there when I arrived. It was a pretty solid mix of locals and tourists from the sound of it. But while it’s a decent sized pool, there were quite a few people there when I arrived, which meant there weren’t a ton of areas to sit and relax unfortunately.

• Location: Jarðbaðshólar, 660 Mývatn
• Cost: $41+ (entrance only)
• Pros:
  • Cheaper than other pools
  • Relax
• Cons:
  • Towel not included
  • Small locker room

Vök Baths

I really saved the best for last here because this bath was SO NICE. Vök Baths is on the east cost of Iceland, just outside of downtown Egilsstaðir. Unlike the other baths I’ve been to in Iceland, this one is a series of floating geothermal pools that are located right on the bank of Urriðavatn lake.

Something that really set this place a part from me is the opportunity to take a dip in the actual lake from the hot tubs. As someone who grew up taking dips in icy Lake Superior, it was like a blast from the past. I love the feeling of jumping into an ice cold body of water and the relaxation you feel once you’re able to get your breath under control and really just be in the moment while you float there. But this lake jump is totally optional, so you can just focus on relaxation in the warm and hot baths if that’s more your speed.

The vibe at this pool is much different from the other ones I went to on this trip. It felt much more locals based and people were very chill. It was really about hanging out with friends and family, and relaxation. I was in heaven here. I would 100% go back here in a heartbeat.

A cool fact about this place is that east Iceland isn’t as well-known for it’s geothermal heat as other parts of the country are, so this place really stands out. But the pools are naturally heated by the lake and the water is pure enough to be able to drink it.

• Location: Lake Urriðavatn, Route 925 Hróarstunguvegur, 701 Egilsstaðir
• Entrance Cost: ~$48 (6,490 ISK)
• Pros:
  • Free tea
  • In-pool bar
  • Less crowded
• Cons:
  • Towels can be rented for extra (~$7; 990 ISK)

General Bath Etiquette

Some of these may feel like a given, but you’d be surprised how many people skipped past them while I was there. So, just to be safe, here are some good tips to keep in mind if you visit a bath:

• Shower (naked) before and after you go into the baths
• Leave plenty of conditioner in your hair
• Bring flip flops & a towel (the one they’ll give you will probably not be enough)
• Drink lots of water
• Pack snacks — most pools have a bistro set up with limited food items for purchase. But those aren’t always open, so plan in advance what/where you’ll eat, if needed.
• Relax respectfully — people are there to sit back and enjoy, so try not to talk loudly or splash around