Hvammsvík Hot Springs Reykjavik: Geothermal Pools & Ocean Dip

Eight Geothermal Pools Where the Fjord Meets Naturally Heated Water

You gain entry to eight naturally heated geothermal pools with views of the fjord and surrounding mountains, plus access to the Atlantic Ocean for a cold dip. The Comfort admission option includes a rental towel, wading shoes, and one drink at the swim-up bar. An on-site bistro serves seafood soup and other meals (no reservations). Free parking and a steam room are included. Plan 2–3 hours for a full visit.

Is this one for you?Right for anyone wanting to soak in geothermal pools without arranging transport, entry, or timing — the site handles the logistics so you just show up and bathe. The mix of hot pools and cold ocean access works year-round, and the on-site bistro means you can stay as long as you want without leaving to eat.

What’s included

• Your visit includes admission to all eight geothermal pools, access to the Atlantic Ocean, use of the steam room, and access to changing facilities with private lockers and showers.
• Free SUP and paddle boards are available in summer (weather permitting).
• The on-site Stormur Bistro & Bar is open for food and drink purchases with no table reservations.
• Free parking is included.
• If you choose Comfort admission, you also receive a rental towel, rental wading shoes, and one drink per person at the swim-up bar.

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Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Relax at Hvammsvík Hot Springs

• Arrive at Hvammsvík Hot Springs
• Use Classic changing rooms
• Enjoy geothermal pools
• Take cold dip in Atlantic Ocean
• Observe local wildlife
• Use SUP and paddle boards (summer)
• Visit Stormur Bistro & Bar
• Try seafood or vegan soup

The Experience

There's something that pulls at you the moment you see Hvammsvík — the way the steam rises off the pools in winter, or how the light sits on the water in summer. It's not just the warmth. It's that you're standing in a geothermal oasis on Iceland's rugged coast, and the Atlantic Ocean is right there, cold and real, a few meters away. The springs are heated naturally by the Earth's core, which means they stay the same temperature whether you're visiting in snow or endless daylight. Eight pools sit on the site, each one a different temperature, so you move between them the way you'd move through rooms in a house — finding the one that feels right.

The setup at Hvammsvík is straightforward. You get access to the Classic changing rooms with private lockers, showers, and the site's own shampoo and conditioner. If you want to skip the logistics, the Comfort admission adds a rental towel, wading shoes, and one drink at the swim-up bar. The pools themselves are the main event — you wade in, let the heat settle into your shoulders, and watch the fjord and mountains across the water. In summer, SUP and paddle boards are free if the weather holds. The cold plunge into the Atlantic is optional but most people do it, that sharp gasp of salt water that makes the hot pools feel even better when you climb back in.

The on-site Stormur Bistro serves the seafood soup Hvammsvík is known for — it comes with sourdough bread and butter, and they've got vegan versions too. There's smoked arctic char on sourdough, carrot cake, roast beef sandwiches. No table reservations, so you order and eat when you can find a spot, which keeps things casual. Free parking is on site, and the entrance and bistro are wheelchair accessible, though the pools themselves have a 10-year age minimum and aren't accessible by wheelchair. The steam room is included, and you can lock your belongings while you're in the water.

Getting there from Reykjavik takes about 45 minutes by car, which is why most people either rent and drive or book a separate transfer. The site sits in that raw Icelandic landscape — not manicured, not trying to be anything other than what it is. You're not paying for luxury here; you're paying for access to geothermal water, a view, and the chance to float between hot and cold without arranging it yourself.

Top questions

How warm are the pools at Hvammsvík?

The pools vary in temperature, naturally heated by geothermal activity. They stay consistent year-round, whether you visit in winter or summer.

Can I swim in the Atlantic Ocean?

Yes, you have access to the Atlantic Ocean directly from the pools. It's cold, but most visitors take a dip after soaking in the hot water.

Is there food at Hvammsvík?

Yes, the on-site Stormur Bistro & Bar serves seafood soup, sourdough sandwiches, vegan options, and desserts. No table reservations available.

Are SUP and paddle boards included?

Yes, they're free in summer, weather permitting. They're not available in winter.

What's the difference between Classic and Comfort admission?

Comfort admission includes a rental towel, rental wading shoes, and one drink per person at the swim-up bar. Classic admission gives you access to the pools and changing facilities without these extras.

Is Hvammsvík wheelchair accessible?

The entrance and bistro are wheelchair accessible. The pools themselves are not accessible by wheelchair, and there's a 10-year age minimum for pool entry.

Is there parking at Hvammsvík?

Yes, free parking is available on site.

How far is Hvammsvík from Reykjavik?

It's approximately 45 minutes by car from Reykjavik.

Can I bring children?

Children aged 10 and older can use the pools. Infants and small children can be brought in a pram or stroller, but cannot enter the pools.

Are service animals allowed?

Yes, service animals are allowed on site.