Húsafell Canyon Baths hike: geothermal pools from the highlands

Walk to a waterfall, then soak in hot springs carved into a canyon

This hiking tour from Húsafell Activity Centre combines a guided walk through the Icelandic Highlands with a soak in the Húsafell Canyon Baths, a geothermal pool complex built into a remote canyon. The 2-hour outing includes transport from the activity centre, a local English-speaking guide, and entry to the pools; the hike passes Langifoss waterfall and a glacial stream, and you'll learn about Iceland's renewable energy and climate change's impact on the country's glaciers. The route adjusts for weather.

The Experience

The tour starts with a short drive from Húsafell Activity Centre to the trailhead in the remote highlands. Your local guide leads a relaxed walk through terrain most visitors never reach—not the crowded tourist routes, but the kind of landscape that makes Iceland feel genuinely remote. You'll cross an icy stream of glacial meltwater, see the site of Okjökull (Iceland's first glacier officially lost to climate change), and stand in front of Langifoss, a two-tiered waterfall that rises above the surrounding terrain.

The hike is the setup; the Canyon Baths are the payoff. Built by locals with care for the landscape, the pools sit in a canyon with views of mountains and glaciers. You choose between two geothermal pools—one at 30°C (86°F), another at 41°C (105°F)—or plunge into a cold spring at 10°C (50°F). You get roughly half an hour to soak, breathe the pure air, and let the day settle before heading back to the activity centre. The whole outing takes about two hours from start to finish, and it runs year-round; the guide adjusts the route if snow, ice, mud or water makes the planned path unsafe.

What’s included

• Transport from Húsafell Activity Centre to the trailhead and back.
• a local guide leading the walk in English.
• entry to all three geothermal pools at the Canyon Baths.

Good to know

Easy physical levelNot for heart conditions

Operated by Húsafell Canyon Baths

Is this one for you?Book this if you want an English-speaking guide leading you through highland hiking and geothermal soaking in one outing, rather than coordinating separate activities.

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Top questions

What's the walk like on this hike from Húsafell?

The hike is a relaxed 2-hour walk through the Icelandic Highlands, not a strenuous climb. You cross a glacial stream, pass the site of Okjökull glacier, and reach Langifoss waterfall—natural wonders most guidebooks don't cover. The guide adjusts the route for weather, so the exact path can change depending on snow, ice or water conditions on the day.

Can I bring my kids on the Húsafell Canyon Baths tour?

Yes, children are welcome from age 5 and up. The relaxed pace of the walk and the choice of pool temperatures make it accessible for families, though you'll need to bring swimwear and a towel for each child.

What are the geothermal pools actually like?

The Húsafell Canyon Baths are three separate pools built into a canyon with views of mountains and glaciers. Two are heated geothermal pools—one at 30°C (86°F) and one at 41°C (105°F)—and one is a cold-water spring at 10°C (50°F). You soak for about half an hour after the hike, so you can choose which temperature suits you.

Is this tour suitable if I'm not very fit?

The walk is described as relaxed and is suitable for all physical fitness levels. It's not a strenuous hike, though it does involve walking through highland terrain and crossing a glacial stream. If you have poor cardiovascular health, this tour is not recommended.

What does the tour include?

The tour includes transport to and from Húsafell Activity Centre, a local English-speaking guide for the full outing, and entry to the geothermal pools. You'll need to bring your own swimsuit, towel, and warm, waterproof outdoor clothing plus hiking boots.