09 Jun Best Hidden Hot Springs in Southern Iceland

Let me start off by saying this was an incredible find. We hoped our Iceland trip would be full of adventures and memories, but little did we know that we would actually stumble onto a couple of hidden gems along our way. One of these hidden gems was two small, circular hot springs just past Seljavallalaug Pool along the river. I would argue they are the best hidden hot springs in southern Iceland. Now, you might ask how we first found out about these beautiful yet hidden hot springs. I will spill all of my secrets below – so keep reading! 

Contents:

1) Location and Directions

2) General Visitor Information

3) How We Discovered the Hidden Hot Springs in Iceland

4) Our Experience 

5) Another Option: Seljavallalaug Pool

6) Recommended Items to Bring

1) Location and Directions 

I know I know…this is the information you came here for! Therefore, I will not keep you in suspense any longer. I will lay out in detail how to arrive at the best hidden hot springs in southern Iceland.

The hidden hot springs are located in southern Iceland, just five minutes past Seljavallalaug Pool. For nearby lodging, I recommend the South Iceland Guesthouse. On the other hand, book a room at one of the most romantic hotels in Iceland if you want to turn your trip into a romantic getaway.

Park at a Designated Lot

First, drive to Seljavallalaug Pool. There are two parking lots available: (1) Swimming Pool Car Park (2) Seljavallalaug Bílastæði. The first lot is a marked parking lot. If you park here, it is then about a 30 minute walk to Seljavallalaug Pool. The second lot is not necessarily marked (as of when I visited in August 2021), but there is room to pull off the road. No cars were parked here when we arrived, but we must have started a trend because there were many other cars parked beside us when we left. The walk to the pool from this lot is around 20 minutes.

Walk to and Arrive at Seljavallalaug Pool 

Second, walk to Seljavallalaug Pool, whether that be from the first lot or the second. There is somewhat of a path for a portion of the walk, but most of it is unmarked. However, do not fear – you will (most likely) not get lost. All you have to do is follow along the river. The walk is fairly flat, though do be wary it is rocky. Wear proper shoes and watch where you walk. 

Third, arrive at Seljavallalaug Pool. Take a quick dip here or use the changing rooms to put on your swimsuit. A word of warning: the changing rooms are not in the best condition as previous visitors have not picked up after themselves nor taken care of the building.

Seljavallalaug Pool and surrounding scenery

Continue Past Seljavallalaug Pool and Arrive at Hidden Hot Springs in Iceland

Fourth, continue past Seljavallalaug Pool. Other visitors might wonder where you are headed, but you will be on your way to a more private relaxation session. Walk on the left side of the river for about five minutes. After a few minutes, we came to a point where the river covered the walkway. In other words, the river spanned the entire length of the valley. We peeked around the bend and saw the pools waiting for us on the other side.

Therefore, we decided to walk through the river, hugging the mountain on the left side. The water was not high, as it rose only slightly above our ankles. Although, the water was C.O.L.D. Walking through the water took about 30 seconds, but that was enough for my feet to start hurting from the cold. Nevertheless, it was all worth it because we then arrived at the best hidden hot springs in southern Iceland! 

As a side note, please consider the strength of the river before continuing. If the current is too strong or it looks dangerous in any way, do not continue. Discovering some hidden springs is not worth sacrificing your safety. However, if the river is safe enough, you can continue along.

Pointing to one of the hidden hot springs

2) General Visitor Information – Hidden Hot Springs Iceland

These hidden hot springs in southern Iceland are open to the public all day, every day. You can thus visit at 3:00pm or 3:00am. However, I would recommend visiting in the daytime so you can easily find your way to them and enjoy the surrounding scenery. 

Furthermore, there are no entrance or parking fees for either Seljavallalaug Pool or the hidden hot springs further down the path. 

Lastly, I would recommend that you visit in the summer season. The ground will be covered in snow and/or ice in the winter season (and possibly extending into the spring and autumn seasons as well), which will make it much more difficult to access the hidden hot springs. For example, the road to reach the parking lot for Seljavallalaug Pool might be a bit difficult to traverse in snowy and icy conditions. Additionally, you will need to wear crampons, which are spikes that attach to the bottom of your shoes if you would like to walk to Seljavallalaug Pool and possibly also the hidden hot springs.

The view while walking to the hidden hot springs

3) How We Discovered the Hidden Hot Springs in Iceland

I did a lot of research on Iceland before our trip began. My type A personality means that I love to learn as much as possible about a country and its attractions, excursions, and other offerings before the trip. I did not see a single thing mentioned online about the hidden springs throughout all of my research. However, fast forward to us in Iceland at the Seljavallalaug Pool parking lot. I checked the google reviews under Seljavallalaug Swimming Pool one more time to make sure we knew how to walk to the pool from there. While it turned out to be a pretty easy and straightforward walk, I am always happy to double check.

But this time as I was scrolling through the comments, I noticed one review in particular. It mentioned that just a few minutes past Seljavallalaug Pool are two small yet somewhat hidden pools. They said most people do not even know they exist, and thus they enjoyed them in complete privacy. The review contained no directions, but we decided to try our luck. I would say it worked out very well.

These were not the only hidden gems we discovered in Iceland. If you are curious about the others, check out this article: 4 Hidden Gems in Iceland.

Rocks outlining the hidden hot springs

4) Our Experience

My boyfriend and I had a great experience. How could we not at (what I denote as) the best hidden hot springs in southern Iceland. I would highly recommend anyone already visiting Seljavallalaug Pool to give the hidden springs a chance. Even if you had not planned a stop in the area, consider making this one! 

However, this area of southern Iceland does hold a variety of popular and beautiful attractions. I thus recommend you try to make time to stop at Skógafoss Waterfall as well as the Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach if possible. Or you can take the easier (but more expensive) route of booking a south coast tour.

Almost Turned Back

When we were on our way to the hidden hot springs, there was a moment when we almost turned back. The river covered the entire valley, and we could barely see the pools around the corner. We wondered whether they were even actually there. However, we then noticed a red piece of clothing on a rock. We knew this had to be the right spot and continued on the way. That being said, do not fear if you cannot clearly see them at first. They are around a small bend, which makes it difficult to view them before arriving. 

Enjoying the Hidden Hot Springs in Iceland

After we arrived, the two other individuals already there left about five minutes later. We then had the two hot springs all to ourselves for the remainder of our visit. One is up against the mountain while the other is right along the river. Both are similar in dimensions, but the one along the river is slightly larger and deeper. For some estimates, they were around five feet wide by five feet long by one foot deep. We started in the slightly smaller pool against the mountain due to the fact the other pool was occupied. Once the other individuals left, we moved to the larger pool for the rest of our time. 

The temperature was fantastic. We would lay in the water for about 10 to 15 minutes before needing a break. Just a minute or two outside in the cold Iceland air was enough for us. Then we would go right back to laying in the pool. 

Relaxing in the hidden hot springs, appreciating the view

5) Another Option: Seljavallalaug Pool

Consider stopping and enjoying Seljavallalaug Pool since you are already passing by it to arrive at the best hidden hot springs in southern Iceland. For a bit of history, it is the oldest human-made pool in Iceland. Many years ago Iceland required students to learn how to swim within their educational requirements, and thus in 1923 a man built this pool. While the pool is not natural, the water within it does flow from a natural hot spring. Take a quick dip and relax in the warm waters. Additionally, you can take some fantastic photos at this location. 

For more information: What to Know Before Visiting Seljavallalaug Pool in Iceland.

Seljavallalaug Pool with the changing rooms in the background

6) Recommended Items to Bring

The items below are specific to the best hidden hot springs in Iceland. However, I have also crafted a list of general hiking essentials for Iceland and road trip essentials for Iceland.

Items for Swimming

1. Swimsuit: You are definitely going to want to bring a swimsuit so you can relax in the warm waters of the hidden hot springs. We changed into swimsuits in our car due to the fact the changing rooms at Seljavallalaug Pool are not in the best condition. 

2. Towel: You will greatly appreciate a towel and the warmth it provides during the walk back to the car in a wet bathing suit (if not utilizing the changing rooms). Travel towels, such as the green Rainleaf microfiber towel, are specifically designed to conserve space and dry quickly for greater convenience while traveling.

3. Waterproof phone case: Pack a waterproof phone case if you plan to hold your phone while in Seljavallalaug Pool or the hidden hot springs further down the path. It is all too easy to accidentally lose your grip and drop the phone in the water.

Items for Hiking 

4. Hiking shoes, flip flops, and/or rain boots: If you do not want to get your socks wet, then you might want to opt for flip flops while walking back to your car. Yes, your feet will probably be a bit cold. Otherwise, bring along an extra pair of socks for your hiking shoes. On the other hand, you can wear rain boots if you walk all the way to the hidden springs so that you can walk through the river without getting your feet and ankles wet. 

5. Crampons: You only need crampons in the winter months if there is snow or ice on the ground. Crampons are spikes that attach to the bottom of shoes.

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Head to my favorite Iceland attraction: Hiking to Stuðlagil Canyon.

Or check out some of the country’s best waterfalls: 4 Best Waterfalls in Iceland.