Welcome to the rural district in South Iceland!
Are you looking for a refreshing dip at the Hrunalaug Hot Springs? Then you have come at the best place. Is it worth it? What is the entrance fee? What about the dress code?
Stick with us, and we’ll give you all the answers, INSIDER TIPS and tricks to get the most out of your visit!
Let’s go ahead and get started.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Opening Hours and Price: Hrunalaug Hot Springs are open from 8:00 AM to 11:30 PM in summer and 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM in winter, with an entrance fee of €17 for adults, €10 for kids aged 12–16, and free entry for kids 11 and younger.
- Location: Located in southwestern Iceland, Hrunalaug Hot Springs are just off the Golden Circle route, 18 miles from the Strokkur geyser and 69 miles from Reykjavik, accessible via Routes 30 and 344.
- Temperatures in the Baths: The water temperature at Hrunalaug Hot Springs ranges from 32°C to 40°C, providing a consistently hot bathing experience year-round.
Where Is Hrunalaug Hot Spring Located In Iceland?
Hrunalaug Hot Spring is located in the southwestern part of Iceland. The hot springs are less than FIVE minutes off the Golden Circle tour, so you won’t have to detour far. A visit to the hot spring is perfect for a short road tour break!
In fact, the Hrunalaug Hot Spring is only 18 miles (30 kilometers) away from the Strokkur geyser and the Geysir geothermal area, and it sits 69 miles (111.8 kilometers) from Reykjavik.
To reach the hot spring, follow Route 30 along the Golden Circle and turn onto 344 shortly after passing the town of Fludir.
Google Maps should take you directly to the parking lot.
KEEP IN MIND: Close to the Hrunalaug Hot Spring lies Iceland’s oldest outdoor pool, Secret Lagoon.
‘Hrunalaug,’ What’s In A Name?
“Hrunalaug” may sound like a bit of a mouthful, but it is a mix of the words ‘hruni‘ (farm) and ‘laug‘ (pools). Quite fitting, as the Hrunalaug hot spring is actually located on a farm.
Why Hrunalaug?
A reason that we love to visit Hrunalaug hot spring so much is that it is actually HOT! The water hovers around 38°C (100°F ) all year round. Many hot springs in Iceland are just “warm” and not as hot as you like, but this is not the case when you have time to visit Hrunalaug hot springs!
The lovely little Hrunalaug Natural Hot Pool in South Iceland is a bit off the beaten path, meaning the chances are high that you are ALONE at the hot spring!
The Hrunalaug natural hot spring is also surrounded by beautiful NATURAL scenery, with views of the nearby mountains and countryside.
Don’t just take our word for it; even CNN called the Hrunalaug Hot Spring worth a visit!
The appeal of natural hot springs in Iceland, including Hrunalaug, lies in their unique geological origins due to volcanic activity (more on this below!).
INSIDE TIP: The Hrunalaug hot spring does not count as 1 hot spring, but 3 separate ones on private property where you can relax! The temperature ranges from 32 degrees to 40 degrees at the hottest one!
KEEP IN MIND: Most people spend around peak hours to 1.5 hours in the water, so plan accordingly.
Check out some beautiful images from the Hrunalaug hot spring below!
Opening Hours
Below, you can find the opening times of the Hrunalaug natural hot spring!
- Summer: Open from 8:00 AM to 11:30 PM daily (May–September)
- Winter: Open from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM daily (October–April)
You can find more information on the official Hrunalaug website!
Entrance Fee To The Hrunalaug Hot Spring
- Adults: €17 (2500 ISK)
- Kids (12–16 years old): €10 (1500 ISK)
- Kids (11 and younger): Free entry
When you are visiting, please do NOT skip paying the fee. The fee must be paid in CASH and is how the local farmer who owns the Hrunalaug hot springs keeps up the land.
Practical Tips
The good news is, there’s no strict dress code for the Hrunalaug natural hot spring. However, since it’s a natural hot spring and not a public pool, you should keep in mind a few things:
- Places in the hot spring: The small pool can fit about three to four people comfortably. While the larger pool can fit up to seven people.
- Service house: there is a service house located next to the parking lot, offering restroom facilities for added convenience Towels are available for rent, and we offer a selection of coffee, sodas, and sweets for purchase before or after your visit.
- Nudity is NOT allowed: Icelanders are known for their liberal attitude towards nudity, but that doesn’t mean you can strip down at the Hrunalaug hot spring. SWIMSUITS are a must.
- Dress for the weather: Iceland’s climate is notorious for being UNPREDICTABLE. Even on a sunny day, it can get chilly. So make sure to bring a towel and a warm robe or jacket to wear after soaking in the hot spring.
- Avoid jewelry: Jewelry can easily get lost in the hot spring and can be damaging to the environment. It’s best to leave it at home or in a safe place.
There are no official changing rooms when you are visiting Hrunalaug Hot Spring. For more privacy, you must use the makeshift private changing rooms here, like an old sheep shed, or change in your car or under towels. But don’t worry—there are not many people around!
Where To Stay
Below is our list of recommended accommodations close to the Hrunalaug hot springs. We stayed in Hotel Ranga, which has been an absolute luxury blast!
You can check the accommodations yourself using our interactive widget below!
Luxury
Hotel Húsafell is a luxurious choice. The hotel provides a cozy retreat close to the popular Hrunalaug Hot Spring for $300 – $500 USD per night. However, even though the price is high, the luxury and stunning location make it a worthwhile splurge for a comfortable stay near the hot springs.
Mid-range
If you are looking for a more affordable option, Guesthouse Raudaskrida is a great choice. Located just 15 minutes away from Hrunalaug, this charming guesthouse offers cozy rooms and a delicious breakfast at an average cost of $100 USD per night.
Budget
If you’re on a budget, Fossatún Camping Pods are a unique and affordable option. These cozy pods provide all the basic amenities you need for a comfortable stay, starting at just $50 USD per night.
When we travel, we always use Booking.com to book all our accommodations. It has the best prices and flexible cancellation policies, depending on the accommodation we choose.
Where Does The Water Come From?
Iceland is situated on top of a VOLCANIC hot spot, which means that there are plenty of geothermal springs and pools all around the country.
The water in these pools is HEATED NATURALLY by the earth’s magma, which makes it the perfect temperature, for a warm waters relaxing experience.
DO YOU KNOW: Most hot springs smell really funny, discover here why!
Nearby Attractions
There are several interesting places to visit close to the Hrunalaug Hot Spring, including geysers, cities, and natural attractions. If you are off-road driving with a camper van, you should definitely add these to your itinerary.
Just a stone’s throw away from Hrunalaug is the Geysir geothermal area, where you can witness one of the most spectacular natural wonders on the planet: geysers erupting like Old Faithful on steroids! Don’t miss the famous Strokkur geyser, which shoots water up to 30 meters in the air every few minutes. It’s like a game of “whack-a-mole,” but with boiling hot water!
If you’re more of a waterfall aficionado, then you’re in luck! Gullfoss, also known as the “GOLDEN WATERFALL,” is a jaw-dropping two-tiered waterfall located just a short drive from Hrunalaug. And if that’s not enough, you can also visit Seljalandsfoss, where you can walk behind the cascading water for a once-in-a-lifetime photo opp.
If you are interested in history, nature and culture, Thingvellir National Park is a must-see. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site as the park boasts a stunning rift valley where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates meet, making for some incredible photo opportunities.
Now, if you’re craving a bit of city life, then you simply must visit Reykjavik, the capital city of Iceland. This vibrant and cosmopolitan city is just a short drive from Hrunalaug, and it’s packed with great restaurants, funky shops, and world-class museums. Plus, it’s a great base for exploring other nearby attractions, like the famous Blue Lagoon geothermal spa.
If you want a truly SPECIAL ACTIVITY in Reykjavik, then you should book the NORTHERN LIGHTS tour with BusTravel Iceland. Check out their page here!
Conclusion
If you are planning on visiting the island sometime in the future, you better remember to visit Hrunalaug Hot Spring to your trip itinerary.
It offers incredible views over the Icelandic landscape and is located in such a setting that you’ll think you’ve been transported into a scene from The Hobbit.
We’d love to hear your comments on your experience. Drop them below!
