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Iceland’s Best Geothermal Lagoons: Which One Should You Visit?

Iceland’s Geothermal Baths Explained

Which One Should You Choose?

Tips For Your Visit

Iceland is a land of fire and ice, where glaciers meet volcanoes, and geothermal energy bubbles just beneath the surface. Among its most irresistible attractions are its geothermal lagoons, natural (and sometimes luxurious) hot springs that offer the perfect mix of relaxation, adventure, and breathtaking scenery. From world-famous resorts to hidden gems tucked into the countryside, each lagoon has its own unique charm, making it tough to choose which one to visit. In this guide, we’ll compare five of Iceland’s top lagoons: Blue Lagoon, Sky Lagoon, Hvammsvík, Laugarás Lagoon, and Secret Lagoon. We’ll help you decide which soak suits you best!

Northern Lights over Blue Lagoon, Iceland

Northern Lights over Blue Lagoon

Blue Lagoon: The Iconic Spa Experience

Sky Lagoon: Modern Icelandic Wellness

Hvammsvík Hot Springs: Nature’s Hot Tubs

Laugarás Lagoon: The New Gem in the Golden Circle Experience

Secret Lagoon: Classic & Budget-Friendly

So… Which Lagoon is Best?

1. Blue Lagoon: The Iconic Spa Experience

If there’s one name everyone knows, it’s the Blue Lagoon, Iceland’s most famous geothermal spa. Nestled in a lava field near Grindavík, this striking milky-blue pool is fed by geothermal water rich in silica, minerals, and algae that are legendary for your skin.

Why it’s great

  • World-famous, huge lagoon with surreal blue water.
  • Includes a silica mud mask with most tickets.
  • Restaurants, bars, and luxury spa add-ons make it more than just a soak.
  • Close to Keflavík Airport: great for a stopover!

Ideal for: First-time visitors, spa lovers, and anyone looking for an iconic Iceland experience.

2. Sky Lagoon: Modern Icelandic Wellness

Just out of Reykjavík, Sky Lagoon blends geothermal bathing with Icelandic tradition and stunning ocean views. It’s known for the 7-Step Ritual, a series of saunas, cold plunges, and steam experiences designed to elevate wellness.

Why it’s great

  • Spectacular infinity-edge pool overlooking the sea.
  • The Ritual makes the experience feel more like a wellness journey than just a soak.
  • Tends to feel calmer and more adult-focused than Blue Lagoon.

Ideal for: Wellness-first visitors and those who want dramatic views straight into the ocean.

The infinity pool at Sky Lagoon at sunset seen from the cliff above. Reykjavík can be seen in the distance.

The infinity pool at Sky Lagoon

Hvammsvík hot pools and blue water seen from above

Hvammsvík hot pools seen from above

3. Hvammsvík Hot Springs: Nature’s Hot Tubs

Want raw nature and relaxation? Hvammsvík Hot Springs sits on the edge of Hvalfjörður (Whale Fjord), with multiple natural pools, steam baths, and even access to ocean swims. It’s less polished than the big spa resorts, but that’s part of its charm.

Why it’s great

  • Multiple pools at various temperatures, some heated, some ocean-cooled.
  • Stunning fjord scenery and often very peaceful.
  • Nearby hiking and outdoor options make it a full-day adventure.

Ideal for: Nature lovers and travelers who want Icelandic scenery with their soak.

Laugarás Lagoon

Laugarás Lagoon

4. Laugarás Lagoon: The New Gem in the Golden Circle Experience

One of the newest geothermal lagoons in Iceland, Laugarás Lagoon offers a two-level lagoon, waterfall feature, forest pool, saunas, and swim-up bars, quickly becoming a must-visit stop on the Golden Circle route.

Why it’s great

  • Enjoy it in combination with the Golden Circle + Laugarás Lagoon Combo Deal
  • Unique waterfall feature.
  • Multiple bathing experiences in one place (sauna, cold plunge, forest pool).
  • On-site dining elevates the experience.

Ideal for: Golden Circle travelers and those who want a fresh, varied experience.

5. Secret Lagoon: Classic & Budget-Friendly

If authenticity is your vibe, Secret Lagoon (Gamla Laugin) in Flúðir is Iceland’s oldest geothermal bathing spot, dating back to 1891. It’s simple, rustic, and tucked into nature with hot springs constantly bubbling and even a mini geyser nearby. Very easy to enjoy as a relaxing stop on the Golden Circle route!

Why it’s great

  • A relaxing add-on in your Golden Circle + Secret Lagoon Combo Deal
  • More affordable than the mega resorts.
  • Classic Icelandic feel: natural steam, simpler facilities, countryside charm.
  • Easy to combine with Golden Circle sightseeing.

Ideal for: Budget travelers and lovers of authentic hot spring culture.

Visitor enjoying a drink at Secret Lagoon

Visitor enjoying a drink at Secret Lagoon

Family relaxing at the Blue Lagoon

Family relaxing at the Blue Lagoon

So… Which Lagoon is Best?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, it depends on your priorities:

Tips for Your Visit

  • Book ahead: the lagoons reach their maximum capacity quickly, so it is always best to secure your time slot
  • Combine with sightseeing: Some lagoons just work great with Golden Circle combo deals.
  • Go at sunset for unforgettable views, especially at Sky Lagoon or Hvammsvík.

If you’re short on time, do Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon. If you have a bit more adventure in your plans, Hvammsvík, Golden Circle with Secret Lagoon or Golden Circle with Laugarás Lagoon might just steal your heart. 

Visitors relaxing at Sky Lagoon

Relaxing sunset at Sky Lagoon

Join us on a guided Northern Lights Tour

Skip the stress of winter driving in the dark and join a group of like-minded adventurers on a guided Northern Lights hunt.
NORTHERN LIGHTS SMALL GROUP SUPERJEEP TOUR WITH PHOTOGRAPHER

NORTHERN LIGHTS SMALL GROUP SUPERJEEP TOUR WITH PHOTOGRAPHER

NORTHERN LIGHTS SUPERJEEP TOUR

NORTHERN LIGHTS SUPERJEEP TOUR

N. 1 NORTHERN LIGHTS MINIBUS TOUR

N. 1 NORTHERN LIGHTS MINIBUS TOUR

PRIVATE NORTHERN LIGHTS TOUR WITH PROFESSIONAL PHOTOS

PRIVATE NORTHERN LIGHTS TOUR WITH PROFESSIONAL PHOTOS

GOLDEN CIRCLE, BLUE LAGOON & NORTHERN LIGHTS

GOLDEN CIRCLE, BLUE LAGOON & NORTHERN LIGHTS

FAQ about the Northern Lights

When can I see northern lights in Iceland ?
The northern lights season in Iceland begins in late August and continues through mid/late April. During this long period, Iceland experiences sufficient darkness for the Aurora to be visible at night. However, chances of experiencing the northern lights vary depending on the time of year. Find out which months are the best for seeing the Aurora here.
Why can't I see any northern lights in the summer ?
To be able to see the northern lights you need sufficient darkness. During summer we have what we call the “midnight sun”, meaning that there are no hours of actual nighttime darkness. These conditions are perfect for late night hiking and exploring, but make it impossible for us to observe the Aurora in Iceland between May and early August. Want to know more about light conditions in Iceland? Check the sun graph and learn about twilight and dusk in Iceland.
What time do the northern lights show up?
Northern lights are statistically often seen between 9:00pm and 1:00am, but they may appear at any time as long as it is dark (and the sky clear). During the winter months, when the hours of light are limited, the northern lights can often appear as early at 7:00pm. As the exact time of an Aurora display cannot be predicted, keep your eyes at the sky. And remember, patience is key!    
How long do the northern lights last?
Auroras can last any time between few minutes and hours. Each northern lights display is different, and varies in duration. Furthermore, the northern lights are not always visible for the entire duration of a single Auroral episode: they often change in intensity throughout a single display, and can go from very bright to incredibly faint, to the point they are hardly visible at all any more. Learn more about how the northern lights behave duration-wise here.
Can I see the northern lights when it is cloudy?
Well, that depends. First of all, Iceland is well-known for its unpredictable weather: the fact that it is cloudy now does not mean that the sky will still be cloudy 5 minutes from now. As long as we can find some gaps in the cloud cover, some windows of clear sky – there’s hope. And, even when it’s cloudy, keep in mind that not all clouds are the same. For example, high clouds are often see-through and do not necessarily disrupt our view. Rule of thumb: if you can see the stars, you can potentially see the northern lights too. Once again, keep your eyes at the sky and check the forecast regularly for the most reliable prediction.
Do the northern lights only appear when it is cold?
The northern lights season in Iceland starts in late summer. As you can imagine, this means that you don’t need cold temperatures to see an Aurora (although you should not expect t-shirt weather at night in Iceland, not even in August). The northern lights happen way above the weather systems, and are not influenced by weather systems and temperature fluctuations in the lower atmosphere. Find out more here.
Are the northern lights visible all over Iceland?
Iceland is located within the so called “aurora belt“, the area where the northern lights are typically seen. In the Arctic region, the belt extends between 60°N and 70°N latitude. As Iceland in its entirety is included between 63°N and 67°N, and therefore well within the aurora belt, chances of seeing the northern lights are virtually the same everywhere around the island – if weather allows. That said, the likelihood of witnessing the northern lights is higher away from the city lights, and some areas around the country are especially scenic. Here are our favourite locations for northern lights spotting in Iceland.
Are the northern lights really colourful?
The northern lights happen in a variety of colours. Green is by far the most common, but the Aurora can also appear in vibrant shades of pink, purple, red, violet and blue.
To the naked eye though, the northern lights can look quite faint, and at times be perceived as white or grey-ish. This is due to limitations in our night vision.
Camera devices instead can capture a more truthful version of the colours, as, in most cases, it possible to adjust the device settings in order to better adapt to the night time conditions.
Find more about how to improve your night vision and learn how to take great Aurora shots here.
Are the northern lights going to disappear in future?
No, the northern lights are not going anywhere!
The Aurora has been visible in the Arctic for centuries, and that is not going to change any times soon.
What is true is that the solar activity, which is responsabile for the occurrence of the northern lights on our planet, changes over time, following an eleven-year cycle.
During each solar cycle, the Sun goes from a peak to a minimum of activity. During the peak, the so called “solar maximum“, we can expect enhanced activity and, potentially, stronger northern lights visible from unusual latitudes (in the northern hemisphere, this means Auroras being spotted further south than usual). While, during the solar minimum, such unusually strong occurrences become rarer.
Still, at Arctic latitudes the northern lights can be see clearly throughout the whole cycle. And Iceland, being well within the “Aurora belt”, is and will remain the perfect destination for northern lights hunting!
What is the BZ value?
The Bz value is part of the Interplanetary Magnetic Field (IMF), which is the magnetic field carried by the solar wind coming from the Sun.
Why does it matter for the Northern Lights? Earth’s magnetic field points north. If the solar wind’s magnetic field (Bz) points south (a negative Bz), it connects with Earth’s field and lets charged solar particles into the atmosphere. This interaction helps create the northern lights. If instead, Bz is positive (northward), the fields don’t connect well, and fewer particles get in — meaning weaker or no aurora.
Think of Bz like an ON/OFF switch: negative Bz (south) = ON, good chance of Aurora soon. Positive Bz (north) = OFF, Aurora less likely.
Learn more about Bz and how the forecast works here.
Which are the best forecast apps and websites for Northern Lights hunting?

Chasing the Northern Lights is all about timing, clear skies, and up-to-date aurora forecasts. These tools help you know when and where there’s a good chance of seeing the aurora — so you can plan your night the smart way. For the best results, we recommend using more than one source, as different forecasts interpret data differently.

WEB FORECASTS

TOP MOBILE APPS

  • My Aurora Forecast – Offers real-time KP index, global aurora maps, push alerts and multi-day forecasts — great for travelers and serious aurora watchers alike.
    And don’t forget to unable notifications, so you’ll get alerts when aurora activity spikes.
    📍App Store
    📍 Google Play

By following this guide, you’ll be well-prepared to experience one of nature’s most magical displays. Whether you’re planning your trip or already in Iceland, the Aurora awaits!