Soaking up Iceland
Driving the Ring Road in Iceland is one of those trips that leaves a mark. It’s not just the epic waterfalls, wild weather, and endless lava fields—it’s the way the landscape constantly surprises you. Around every bend is something jaw-dropping. But if you asked me to sum up my favorite part of the trip? It would be the lagoons.
Over the course of my road trip, I stopped at five different geothermal lagoons, each with its own vibe, story, and reason to remember. They weren’t just places to relax (though I did plenty of that); they became part of the rhythm of the journey—warm, steamy pauses between long drives and chilly hikes. Here’s how they each stood out.
1. Secret Lagoon – The Quiet Original
Tucked away in the small village of Flúðir, the Secret Lagoon was the first soak of the trip and set the tone perfectly. It’s not trying to be flashy, and that’s what I loved about it. Built in 1891, this is Iceland’s oldest swimming pool, and it still feels like a local secret.
You can see steam rising from natural hot springs just steps from the pool, and there’s even a little bubbling geyser nearby that puts on a show every few minutes. The water isn’t overly hot, but just warm enough to make you forget about any wind or rain in the air. If you’re looking for authenticity without the big crowds, this is the one.
2. Sky Lagoon – The Luxury Cliffside Soak
On the opposite end of the spectrum is the Sky Lagoon, just a few minutes from Reykjavik. If Secret Lagoon was rustic and low-key, Sky Lagoon was sleek, modern, and straight out of a spa commercial.
Built right into the edge of a cliff overlooking the North Atlantic, the infinity-style edge gives you the illusion of soaking right into the sea. I timed my visit for sunset, and the golden light across the water was unreal. The “7-step ritual” was a highlight—hot soak, cold plunge, sauna, and more. It felt a bit like a wellness retreat disguised as a public pool.
It was more polished than I usually go for, but I’ve got to admit: they nailed the atmosphere. It felt like a reward after a few days of camping and long drives.
3. Blue Lagoon – Touristy? Yes. Worth It? Also Yes.
Ah, the Blue Lagoon. It’s the one everyone talks about—and for good reason. The color alone looks like someone turned up the saturation slider on real life. Milky blue, surrounded by black lava rock, it’s probably the most photographed pool in Iceland.
I’ll be honest, I was a little hesitant. I’d heard it could get crowded and a bit commercial. And yeah, it was busy—but it was still 100% worth the stop. There’s just something surreal about floating through that water with steam rising around you and the blue stretching in every direction. The silica masks they hand out? Actually kind of fun. Plus, it’s practically right next to Keflavík Airport, so it’s an easy in-or-out option for any trip.
Would I go again? I think so. But maybe I’d go earlier in the day or book one of the quieter premium options.
4. Myvatn Nature Baths – North Iceland’s Hidden Gem
By the time I made it up to Lake Mývatn, I was pretty far from the crowds of the south. This region has a totally different feel—more lunar, with steam vents and volcanic rock everywhere. The Mývatn Nature Baths felt like Iceland’s answer to the Blue Lagoon, but with fewer people and more stars (literally—if you time it right, this is a great spot for catching the northern lights).
The water here is geothermal and mineral-rich, with that same cloudy blue look, but the setting is more rugged. I loved that it was quieter, and there were moments I had whole sections of the pool to myself. After a long day exploring lava fields and hiking to Hverir’s steaming mud pots, this was the perfect soak.
5. Forest Lagoon – My Unexpected Favorite
And now for my favorite of them all: Forest Lagoon. Tucked into the hillside just outside of Akureyri, this place caught me off guard—in the best way.
After days of dramatic black sand beaches, glaciers, and wide-open landscapes, stepping into Forest Lagoon felt like entering a completely different country. Trees! Pine-scented air! It was cozy, woodsy, and peaceful in a way that hit just right. There’s something about being surrounded by forest while soaking in warm water that made this feel personal. Like a retreat for the soul.
The architecture was stunning too—minimalist but warm, with big glass windows and clean lines. The bar built into the pool didn’t hurt either. I stayed here longer than I intended, sipping a cold drink and watching the clouds roll over the fjord below.
If I could bottle up the vibe of one place on the trip and take it home, it would be this.
Final Thoughts: More Than Just a Dip
Each lagoon along the Ring Road offered something unique: history, luxury, serenity, or simply a good warm-up from the cold. But they all shared that magical Icelandic mix of geothermal heat and striking surroundings.
If you’re planning a trip around Iceland, I seriously recommend spacing out your lagoon visits. They break up the drive perfectly and let you experience the country in such a visceral way. You’re not just looking at the landscape—you’re soaking in it. Literally.
And while they’re all worth a visit, if you can only pick one? Let me gently nudge you toward Forest Lagoon. You might not see it on every list, but it ended up being my personal highlight. Just one of those places that felt like a quiet moment in a trip full of wow.
Already dreaming of a return trip—and the next soak.