About This Experience

After days of waterfalls and lava fields, sinking into a natural hot spring in the middle of the Icelandic countryside felt like exactly what we needed. Hrunalaug is nothing like the Blue Lagoon — there's no changing facility beyond a basic screen, no café, no music. Just three small stone-lined pools fed by geothermal water, set in a grassy hollow with views of farmland and distant mountains.

The main pool sits at about 38-40°C, warm enough to melt tension out of hiking-tired legs. A smaller pool is slightly cooler, and a third is warmer. The water has a faint mineral smell but is clear, and the bottom is a mix of natural gravel and stone. We lay there watching clouds drift past, steam rising around us, and didn't say much for an hour.

The site is privately managed by the local landowner, who has carefully maintained it as a low-key, respectful bathing spot. Capacity is limited by the 90-minute timed entry, which keeps it peaceful.

What to Expect

Book your slot in advance through hrunalaug.is — walk-ins are not accepted. Entry costs about 3,000 ISK per person. You get a 90-minute window, strictly enforced.

From the small parking area, it's a flat 5-minute walk across a field to the pools. There's a basic wooden changing screen but no enclosed changing room. Bring a towel and wear your swimsuit under your clothes for the easiest transition.

The pools are small — the main one fits maybe 6-8 people comfortably. On busy days, you may share with others. Early morning slots tend to be quietest.

Practical Tips

• Booking required — visit hrunalaug.is to reserve a 90-minute slot
• Entry fee is approximately 3,000 ISK per adult
• Bring your own towel; no facilities for rental
• No glass containers, soaps, or drones permitted
• Wear swimsuit under clothes — the changing screen is basic
• The drive from Reykjavik takes about 1.5 hours via Route 30
• Can be combined with a Golden Circle day trip (Geysir is 30 minutes northeast)
• Water temperature varies between pools: 32-40°C