It’s the least touristy area in the country, wilder than others, where you can truly feel the vibe of an isolated sub-arctic place. Because it’s not a part of the Ring Road, or Road 1, many tourists overlook the Westfjords.
Only about 10% of Iceland’s visitors explore this part of the Fire and Ice country. Some areas of the Westfjords aren’t even accessible by car, which actually adds to the charm of this rural Icelandic region, often boasting untouched beauty.
It offers a great escape from the crowded tourist attractions, making you feel as if you’re at the edge of the Earth.
If you love hot springs, you’re in for a real treat. Almost every town boasts a hot tub or a heated swimming pool. Pools and hot springs are integral to Icelandic culture and are usually free to enter.
It’s recommended to check with local authorities, such as tourism information centers, or the owners of specific hot pots for updated information regarding their accessibility, potential closures, or restrictions.
The list I’ve prepared features the most recommended hot springs locations in the Westfjords, but I also strongly advise always asking locals for any secret spots you might find nearby.
Surprising road conditions
Westfjords could be described as a great maze of fjords and peninsulas surrounded by mountains. Although more and more dirt roads are getting fixed and paved, better to be an experienced driver and rent a proper 4×4 vehicle when getting around Westfjords. Distances are long. It might happen that you drive the perfect asphalt road for a longer while that will suddenly turn into a dirt or pothole madness.
Spring and summer are the best times to come to Westfjords to explore the wildlife and experience midnight sun. Winters here are very extreme and driving becomes even worse. Many of roads stay closed. Unless you pay a visit to a local living in this part of the country, don’t bother coming here in winter.
Bear in mind that travelling around Westfjords is also time consuming. As long as the roads are in pretty good shape in the North, other areas can be troublesome. Plan well your trips during the daytime so that at least you can enjoy the incredible views.
Are hot springs Westfjords safe to visit?
Do your research and check other travellers’ reviews before you go as not all the hot springs are safe.
Very often hot springs in volcanic areas are at or near the boiling point. By entering these springs you might get seriously injured. Some of them might contain dangerous bacteria or have strong currents.
The majority of unsafe hot springs in Iceland have a warning sign that travellers should follow. In addition, unsafe hot springs always have a fence around them that are not easy to break.
Respect the Icelandic nature
Westfjords are populated with over 7 thousand people and 50% of them live in the capital in Ísafjörður. The rest of inhabitants live in small towns or farms. The nature here is characterized by deep fjords, steep cliffs and rugged mountains without abundant flat areas. There aren’t many green flat areas and farmland isn’t abundant.
When driving here you might get a feeling there are more geothermal pools than actual housings. Many hot springs located on private land are closing down because of disrespectful tourists leaving toilet paper, rotting wet clothes or other trash scattered around. Remember not to leave a single trace behind you. remember to leave no trace.
The list of Westfjords hot springs to enjoy in summer
Most of the free hot springs lie near the main roads along the peninsula coastline, ensuring easy access. The list features only the spots where you have permission to bathe. Check the Google map to find the exact locations of artificial hot springs, hot pools, natural hot springs, or mountain hot tubes.
Hellulaug hot spring nestled by the beach in Vatnsfjörður
GPS: 65.57715, -23.15948
Hellulaug, a geothermal rocky pool, sits right on the beach, offering amazing open-air views of the ocean. When you soak in the hot spring and gaze at the fjord, it feels like you’re in an infinity pool extending to the ocean. The temperature of the pool remains at 38°C (100,4 F). It hides behind Road 62, 200m before the Hótel Flókalundur.
A parking lot, located just two minutes’ walk from the pool, is available, but no showers, shelter, or changing facilities are provided. A small stone wall, commonly used as a changing spot, stands just before the pool’s entrance.
While you can use the pool for free, it’s appreciated if you contribute to its upkeep by leaving a donation in the box. With a capacity for up to 10 people, it’s relatively small. If you prefer to enjoy it alone, it’s recommended to visit in the evening.
Situated facing the Vatnsfjörður fjord, which is connected to the Breiðafjörður Bay, part of the Atlantic Ocean, Hellulaug is a 5-hour drive from Reykjavik and a 6-hour drive from Akureyri.
Near Hellulaug, you’ll find Slivafoss, a lovely cascading waterfall, just off Highway 60 leading to Latrabjarg cliffs. Take a break there and listen to the soothing sounds of the cascades.
Krosslaug & Birkimelur Pool on the south coast of the Westfjords peninsula
GPS: 65.51961, -23.40533, type Birkimelur Swimming Pool on Google Maps
The seashore and Vatnsfjörður fjord offer a peaceful setting where one can spend hours admiring the view and searching for Westfjords birds. The location showcases its best views at sunset.
Two geothermal pools, both filled with pleasantly warm water at 37°C, await visitors. The first pool, constructed of turf and stones in the early 21st century by a Youth Association to teach children swimming, still stands on-site.
The new pool, Sundlaugin Laugarnesi Birkimel, currently operational and open every summer, was built around 1950. An entrance fee of 1500kr for adults applies. Bathroom facilities are not available, and changing rooms may be inaccessible when staff is absent. It is unlikely to find many people swimming in the pool.
Situated on the Laugarnes peninsula coastline near Vatnsfjörður fjord, the location is conveniently positioned 300 meters from the fishing river Móra and the valley Mórudalur.
Near Krosslaug Hot Spring, within a 200-meter walking distance from the pools, lies the kid-friendly Bjarkarholt guesthouse. The beautiful sandy beach Barðastrandarsandur is just 11km away. Vatnsfjörður nature reserve is steps away, offering diverse fauna including foxes, minks, and seals. In August or September, Arctic blueberries can be found in the vicinity.
For accommodation near Krosslaug, consider the beautiful sleeping huts at Melanes campsite, located near the sandy beach and 5 km away from Rauðisandur.
Most visitors said that even in the summer season there are not many people.
Reykjafjarðarlaug & Pool on the Arnarfjordur fjord
GPS: 65.62320877605379, -23.46914278813489
A beautiful view of the mountains awaits you at this intimate relaxation spot. In addition to the natural hot spring, which boasts very hot water, you’ll discover a geothermal swimming pool alongside Arnarfjörður fjord, featuring regulated water temperature.
In the concrete swimming pool, expect comforting water at a temperature of 32°C, while the natural hot spring offers temperatures 10-15°C higher. Facilities, including changing rooms and toilets, are conveniently located just a few meters from the pools, and entrance is free of charge.
Some travelers may find the swimming pool less satisfactory due to the presence of thick algae or the water temperature. While it’s not maintained as a commercial pool, the breathtaking views should compensate for any minor inconveniences.
This spot is visible from road 63, which traverses the Arnarfjordur area, and remains open year-round.
Nearby attractions include the Fossfjörður Waterfall (6 km away), Cafe & Restaurant Vegamot Bildudal (20 km away), and the Abandoned Barn Fossfjörður (5 km away). The closest guesthouse, Gistihúsið við Höfnina, offering views of the port, is located 20 kilometers away, along with sea angling opportunities in Arnarfjörður provided by Westfjords Adventures.
Pollurinn, an uncrowded alternative to Blue Lagoon
GPS: 65°39’36.1″N 23°54’52.9″W
Four concrete geothermal pools of different sizes remain open all year round free of charge. The temperature typically ranges from 40 to 45 °C. It serves as an ideal spot after a hike, easily accessible by car.
Facilities such as showers and changing rooms are available onsite, and the parking spot is visible from the pool. The area adjacent to the pools is paved. The inhabitants of the nearest village of Tálknafjörður, who maintain Pollurinn, utilize the geothermal hot water to heat up the hot tubs and their houses.
A beautiful sandy beach adorned with moss-covered stones, large shells, clear water, and serene tranquility is nearby.
Location: A few kilometers from the village of Tálknafjörður, on Talknafjardarvegur road leading hikers to Tálknafjörður Trails.
Nearby attractions include kayaking in Patreksfjörður with Westfjords Adventures, Sveinseyri sandy beach, Cafe Dunhagi offering fresh and locally sourced cuisine, an interesting Self Service Fresh Fish spot, Bruarpotturinn geothermal pool, Hnjotur Folk Museum, Rauðisandur red sands beach—a unique exception to the pitch-black sand beaches in Iceland (50 km), and Látrabjarg (78 km).
Two scennic waterfalls worth seeing are: Fossfjörður (35 km) and Gljúfurárfoss Waterfall (95 km).
There are also two scenic spots neabry:
- Bolafjall Útsýnispallur (24 km) with a newly constructed scenic platform on the edge of the mountain. The view is fantastic, especially when the sky is clear. The spot is situated next to a NATO radar station totally worth a slow drive up the hill from town.
- Svalvogaviti with an orange lighthouse is a microadventure for adventurous hikers who really know how to drive on gravel roads
Krossneslaug hot tub & Pool, where remoteness meets relaxation
GPS: 65.91711, -22.34193
Directly situated on the sea with a sensational view over the North Atlantic, this location may evoke a feeling of being at the end of the world. However, hundreds of tourists visit here every day during the summer season, making it definitely worth the trip. It underwent renovation in 2022 and offers the chance to witness icebergs gliding by or whales passing through, if you’re lucky.
There is a small parking lot above the bath, close to the road. One artificial “infinity” pool with a temperature of around 34°C and one hot tub with a temperature reaching around 40°C are available. Its coastal location allows for relaxation with a view of the sea.
Situated on the East side of Westfjords, right by the coastline dirt road Fellsvegur, which is classified as an F-road.
Nearby Krossneslaug, visitors can enjoy traditional Icelandic fish soup or lamb steak along with local draft beer at the quaint Kaffi Norðurfjörður restaurant.
For accommodations nearby, consider the authentic Mýrartunga cabins.
Three hot tubs near Drangsnes with varying temperatures
GPS: 65.688186, -21.448258
Three hot pots, naturally heated by geothermal activity, offer stunning views of the surrounding ocean with rugged cliffs, rock formations, and crashing waves. Situated in a rural area, the hot pots have minimal facilities such as toilets and showers. The focus remains on the natural beauty of the surroundings. While soaking in the warm water, chances are you may spot whales.
The hot pots are located right along the shore in the middle of the fishing town Drangsnes on the west coast of Steingrímsfjörður.
Nearby attractions include Grimsey Island Nature Reserve, Baejarvotn lake, Hamarsvotn lake, and Kaldrananeskirkja. There is as well one beautiful place, perfect for a picnic spot, Tröð, a scenic lookout point, known for its breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape
Accommodations nearby include the fantastic wooden house Mýrartunga, situated an hour away from Pottarnir and Drangsnesi hot springs, as well as the Hveravík campground.
Hörgshlíðarlaug geothermal pool at the edge of Mjoifjordur
GPS: 65.84528, -22.61212
Situated on a private farmer’s land (Hörgshlíð) in the middle of nowhere, this stop provides a refreshingly scenic view of Mjóifjörður fjords during a cold and long drive.
Entry is free of charge, but all visitors must seek permission from the owner to use the pool. The pool, which maintains a constant temperature of 40°C all year round, is basic yet inviting, measuring 2 x 6 meters with a depth of 80 cm.
Since May 2023, there has been a newly constructed windproof and clean changing room adjacent to the recently repainted pool. Visitors are encouraged to first immerse themselves in the cold waters of the Arctic Ocean before warming up in the pool.
Located 138 km south of Ísafjörður in the northern Westfjords, Hörgshlíðarlaug hot pots offer proximity to several attractions. Just a few steps from the parking lot are the Gervidalsá waterfalls, ideal for berry picking.
Additionally, 12 km from the hot pool, there is a Red bench providing a vantage point to observe sunbathing seals. Saltverk, located 24 km away, is known for producing mineral-rich Icelandic sea salt using geothermal hot springs.
Traveling towards Ísafjörður, visitors can enjoy lunch at the charming café Litlibær before visiting the Arctic Fox Centre in Súðavík.
For accommodation nearby, Heydalur offers a picturesque setting nestled at the bottom of a quaint fjord on farmland. Guests have the option to rent a hotel room, private cottage, or space on a campground.
With luck, visitors may spot whales or seals. The 3-star hotel provides additional amenities such as an indoor pool, horse riding, and kayaking opportunities.
