Capacity
~4 people
Very small — visit early to avoid waiting
Hrunalaug: Tiny Historic Hot Pot Near Flúðir
A tiny historic hot pot on private farmland near Flúðir — an intimate soak with room for only a handful of visitors.
Updated February 1, 2026By the Iceland.org Travel Team
Location
Near Flúðir
South Iceland • Private land
Hrunalaug is a small natural hot pot located on private farmland near the village of Flúðir in South Iceland. The stone-lined pool has been used for bathing for centuries, fed by a natural geothermal spring that keeps the water at a comfortable soaking temperature around 38–40°C. With space for only about 3–4 people, it offers an intimate and authentic Icelandic hot spring experience. The landowner allows visitors in exchange for a small donation, and a modest wooden changing shelter is the only facility.
Safety + sourcing
Last updated: 2026-02-01
This is private land — always leave a donation, keep quiet, and leave no trace. Respect any closures posted by the landowner.
Sources to check
Cost
Donation
About 1,000 ISK per person is customary
Location
Near Flúðir
South Iceland, accessible from the Golden Circle
What to Expect
Intimate Stone Basin at 38-40°C
A hand-built stone-lined pool holding 38-40°C geothermal water with room for only 3-4 bathers at a time
Second Hotter Pool
A smaller adjacent pool fits 1-2 people and runs hotter, offering a choice of bathing temperatures
Centuries of Bathing History
Used by local farmers for bathing long before Iceland built its municipal pool culture -- one of the oldest active bathing sites in the country
No Facilities -- Bring Everything
No changing rooms, toilets, or showers. Bring a towel, wear your swimsuit under clothes, and carry out all rubbish
Donation Expected (~1,000 ISK)
The landowner requests approximately 1,000 ISK (~$7 USD) per person via an honor box at the site to maintain access
Golden Circle Side Trip
Located 10 minutes from Flúðir, easily combined with the Golden Circle route or a visit to the Secret Lagoon nearby
Getting There
From Flúðir village, drive north on Route 30 for about 3 km and look for a small gravel turnoff on the right (may be signposted). The nearest town is Flúðir (3 km). The drive from Reykjavík is approximately 100 km (1.5 hours) via Route 1 east then Route 30 south. No 4WD is needed -- the final gravel track is short and manageable in a regular car. Parking is extremely limited with space for only 3-4 cars at a small pull-off area. The hot pot is a short 2-minute walk from where you park. Combine with the Secret Lagoon in Flúðir (5 minutes), or add to a Golden Circle day trip via Geysir (30 minutes) and Gullfoss (40 minutes).
Best Time to Visit
Accessible year-round, though timing is crucial due to the tiny size. June through August: longest daylight and warmest air, but this is also when the most tourists visit -- arrive before 8 AM for the best chance of having the pool to yourself. September through October: fewer visitors, cooler air makes the warm water feel more luxurious. November through March: winter soaks under starry skies can be magical, with potential for northern lights. The gravel road may be icy -- check conditions. April through May: quiet shoulder season with returning daylight. Weekday mornings are consistently the least crowded in any season.
Planning help
Hrunalaug FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.