Welcome to Iceland.
In this blog post, we’ll cover EVERYTHING you need to know about the Hrunalaug hot springs including how much it costs, the dress code, how to get there…
EVEN BETTER: We give you many inside tips and tricks to get the most out of your visit!
Let’s get started.
‘Hrunalaug’, what’s in a name?
First of all, let’s talk about the name. “Hrunalaug” may sound like a bit of a mouthful, but it is actually a mix of the words ‘hruni‘ (hill) and ‘Hrunakirkja‘ (church) that are both close to the Hrunalaug hot spring in Iceland.
Hrunalaug hot spring has crystal clear water that hovers around 38°C (100°F), making it the perfect spot to take a dip in the winter and admire the Icelandic wilderness.
Just take a look at the TripAdvisor page and see how people enjoy the Hrunalaug hot spring!
And if you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of the NORTHERN LIGHTS across the sky during your soak. We’re not kidding!
Location of the Hrunalaug Hot Spring
Location of the Hrunalaug Hot SpringHrunalaug Hot Spring is located in the southwestern part of Iceland, not too far from the town of Flúðir.
It’s a bit OFF THE BEATEN PATH, so you’ll need to navigate some unpaved roads and gravel paths to get there, but trust us – it’s worth the journey (it’s not a dangerous road).
There are no big signs or flashy billboards pointing the way, which only adds to the sense of adventure and discovery.
And don’t be afraid to ask the locals for help – Icelanders are known for their friendly and helpful nature, and they’ll be more than happy to point you in the right direction.
As you can see, the owners have now fully refurbished the pools with lovely tiles! The small building next to the pools now has toilets and there is an employee present for any inquiries you might have! All the more reason to go visit it!
Why Hrunalaug?
Now, you might be wondering what sets the Hrunalaug hot spring apart from all the other hot springs in Iceland.
Well, for starters, it’s a bit off the beaten path, which means that it’s not as crowded as some of the more popular hot springs.
It’s also surrounded by beautiful NATURAL scenery, with views of the nearby mountains and countryside.
But perhaps the best thing about Hrunalaug is the sense of tranquility that you’ll experience when you soak in its warm waters.
INSIDE TIP: The Hrunalaug hot spring does not count 1, but 3 hot springs where you can relax!
Transport
First, book your flight to Reykjavik and prepare yourself for the views from 30,000 feet.
Once you’ve landed, it’s time to hit the road. Don’t be intimidated by the idea of driving in Iceland – the roads are WELL-MAINTANED and the scenery is worth the effort. If you don’t want to drive in Iceland, you can book your private transport via the local travel agency, Friends and Family Travel Iceland. You can check out their website here.
The best company to rent a car from is rentalcars.com. They list over 900 car companies worldwide.
The drive from Reykjavik to Hrunalaug Hot Spring is approximately 100 kilometers (60 miles) and takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes, depending on traffic and road conditions.
Hours of operation
The hot springs are open in 2023 from 8:00 AM- 23:30 PM every day in summer (May – September).
In the winter (October – April) you can find yourself bathing between 9:00 AM – 20:00 PM.
Cost
The cost for an adult is 14 dollars (since 2023).
For kids between 12 – 16 years, they charge you 10 dollars.
Kids aged 11 and younger have free entry.
There used to be a donation box in the small building, but the owners have decided to remove it.
Where to Stay
Below, we list our recommended accommodations for a nice stay close to the hot springs.
Luxury:
Hotel Ranga is a luxury option known for its upscale services and warm hospitality, it offers a comfortable stay near the Hrunalaug Hot Spring.
Mid-Budget:
The ION Adventure Hotel is a mid-budget accommodation that promises a unique and adventurous experience. Its location makes it ideal for those who wish to explore the Hrunalaug Hot Spring and other local attractions.
Budget:
For budget-conscious travelers, there are vacation rentals available through Airbnb in Hrunalaug, with prices starting from $20 per night. This allows you to enjoy the natural beauty of Iceland without breaking the bank.
Restaurants
Are you also hungry after a few hours of enjoying the hrunalaug hruni hot springs?
Below we list five restaurants near Hrunalaug:
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Fludasveppir Farmers Bistro (2.14 mi): Known for its farm-to-table concept, this bistro offers fresh, local cuisine.
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Minilik (1.93 mi): This restaurant provides a unique dining experience with Ethiopian cuisine.
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Friðheimar (6.61 mi): A greenhouse restaurant that specializes in tomato-based dishes.
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Restaurant Mika (6.68 mi): Known for its chocolates and local Icelandic dishes.
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Kaffihus Grund (1.99 mi): A cozy café offering light meals and homemade pastries.
Dress code
The good news is, there’s no strict dress code for the hot spring. However, since it’s a natural hot spring and not a public pool, you should keep in mind a few things:
1. 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, and wearing any clothing is encouraged.
2. 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.
3. Be respectful: The Hrunalaug hot spring is a beautiful and serene place that should be treated with respect. Avoid wearing any offensive or inappropriate clothing and be mindful of other visitors’ comfort levels.
4. 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.
Safety first
Before you take a dip in the Hrunalaug hot spring, it’s important to know the safety rules.
- No diving: As tempting as it might be, diving is not allowed in the hot spring. The water depth can vary, and the bottom may not be visible, so it’s best to take a cautious approach and enter the water slowly.
- Soak time: While there is no strict limit on how long you can stay in the hot spring, the organisation recommendeds visitors to limit their soak to around 90 minutes to give others a chance to enjoy it too. Plus, spending too long in hot water can lead to dehydration and other health issues, so be sure to stay hydrated and take breaks when needed.
- Don’t drink the water: Even though the water looks crystal clear and inviting, it’s not safe to drink. The water may contain harmful bacteria that can cause illness, so keep your mouth closed and stick to drinking bottled water.
- No jumping or splashing: The Hrunalaug hot spring is a peaceful and tranquil place, so avoid any roughhousing or horseplay that could disturb other visitors’ relaxation.
- Keep an eye on children: Children are more susceptible to accidents, so keep a watchful eye on them and make sure they follow the safety rules.
- Follow the guidelines: The Hrunalaug hot spring has guidelines posted for visitors to follow. Make sure to read and follow these guidelines to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all.
Photography
You’ll definitely want to take pictures of your visit to the hot springs! Make sure you’re respectful of other visitors and wildlife while doing so.
Where does the water come from?
Ah, that’s the magic of geothermal activity.
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 for a relaxing and rejuvenating bathing experience.
This is SUPER SPECIAL about Hrunalaug:Â
Most hot springs smell really funny, but NOT Hrunalaug. What is really interesting is that this hot spring is made up of rainy water which is naturally heated up by the earth’s magma. SO NO WEIRD SMELL!
Nearby Attractions
There are several interesting places to visit in the vicinity of Hrunalaug Hot Spring, including geysers, cities, and natural attractions.
Let’s start with geysers, shall we?
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.
But wait, there’s more! For those interested in history and culture, Þingvellir National Park is a must-see. Not only is it a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but it’s also home to the Alþingi, the world’s oldest parliamentary institution. Plus, 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 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!
Final Tips and Tricks
There are some essentials you should bring along to make sure you have a splashing good time!
First off, don’t forget to pack a towel! While there are no rental towels available on-site, you’ll definitely want to bring something to dry off with after your soak. Plus, a towel can also serve as a makeshift changing room if you’re feeling a bit shy.
Another must-have item is a swimsuit or other appropriate swimwear. Skinny dipping is not allowed in the Hrunalaug hot spring, so make sure you’re covered up!
If you’re planning on staying for a while, you may also want to bring a water bottle and some snacks. The nearest town, Flúðir, is a bit of a trek away, so it’s best to come prepared. Take a look at which must-have travel accessories you need for a destination like this.
And lastly, make sure you bring a sense of adventure and respect for the natural surroundings. Hrunalaug is a beautiful and serene place, and we want to keep it that way for future generations to enjoy.
Conclusion
So that’s it, that’s our full guide to hrunalaug hot spring. We hope you enjoy your stay there!
We’d love to hear your comments on your experience. Drop them below!
