Water Temperature
36–40°C
Comfortable bathing temperature from a natural geothermal source
Hrunalaug: Small Natural Hot Pot in South Iceland
A tiny, historic natural hot pot near Fl\u00fa\u00f0ir\u2014a hand-built stone basin fed by a geothermal spring for an intimate bathing experience.
Updated February 1, 2026By the Iceland.org Travel Team
Location
Near Fl\u00fa\u00f0ir
South Iceland \u2022 Private land
Hrunalaug is a small, charming natural hot pot located on private farmland near the village of Fl\u00fa\u00f0ir in South Iceland. The bathing pool is a hand-built stone basin fed by a geothermal spring, large enough for just a handful of people at a time. Its intimate size and rural setting make it one of the most authentic natural bathing experiences in Iceland\u2014far from the crowds of commercial hot springs. The hot pot has been used for bathing for centuries and is believed to have served local farmers long before modern swimming pools existed. A small donation is requested to help the landowner maintain the site. Hrunalaug sits in the geothermally active area around Fl\u00fa\u00f0ir, the same zone that feeds the nearby Secret Lagoon at Fl\u00fa\u00f0ir.
Safety + sourcing
Last updated: 2026-02-01
Private land\u2014a donation is requested. Very small pool\u2014be respectful of other visitors. No facilities. The geothermal source is natural and unregulated.
Sources to check
Capacity
3–4 people
Tiny stone basin—may need to wait if others are bathing
Distance
~100 km
From Reykjavík via Route 1 and Route 30, about 1.5 hours
What to Expect
Stone Basin at 36-40°C
A hand-built stone basin fed by a geothermal spring at 36-40°C. The water flows in from the source and exits through an overflow, maintaining consistent temperature
Second Hotter Pool (1-2 people)
A tiny adjacent hot pot runs hotter than the main basin and fits only 1-2 people -- perfect for those wanting more heat
Donation Expected (~1,000 ISK)
The landowner maintains the pool and requests approximately 1,000 ISK (~$7 USD) per person via an honor box at the site
No Facilities Whatsoever
No changing rooms, toilets, showers, or any infrastructure. Bring a towel, wear your swimsuit under clothes, and carry out all rubbish
Private Farmland Etiquette
This is private land -- keep voices low, respect any closures, leave no trace, and always donate. Sheep may be grazing nearby
Golden Circle Detour
Located 3 km from Flúðir village, easily combined with the Golden Circle route. The Secret Lagoon is a 5-minute drive away for a commercial alternative
Getting There
From Reykjavík, drive east on Route 1 then south on Route 30 toward Flúðir. Hrunalaug is approximately 100 km from Reykjavík (1.5 hours). Look for a small gravel track off Route 30 about 3 km north of Flúðir village (it may be signed). No 4WD is required. Parking is extremely limited -- just a small pull-off area for 3-4 cars. The hot pot is a 2-minute walk from the parking spot. The nearest town is Flúðir (3 km) with a grocery store and fuel. Combine with the Secret Lagoon in Flúðir (5 minutes), Geysir (30 minutes), and Gullfoss (40 minutes) on a Golden Circle day trip.
Best Time to Visit
Accessible year-round. June through August: arrive before 8 AM for the best chance of finding the pool empty, as summer afternoons can see a steady stream of visitors. September through October: fewer tourists, cooler air enhances the bathing experience. November through March: winter bathing is magical -- soaking in warm geothermal water surrounded by snow-covered farmland, with northern lights potential on clear evenings. The gravel access road may be icy, so drive carefully. April through May: quiet shoulder season with returning daylight. The pool is small enough that even 2-3 other visitors feels crowded, so timing your visit is essential.
Planning help
Hrunalaug FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.