Grettislaug
Grettislaug
Grettislaug
simple-thermal · Northwest
Hotter than 60% of Iceland springs (n=20).
More acidic than 40% of Iceland springs (n=20).
Mineral profile
Bar width reflects listing order, not measured concentration.
Suitability
At a glance
Getting there
Remote — over 5km from the nearest station
Cost
Low
About this spring
This traditional pair of circular pools is built entirely from smooth, hand-stacked volcanic stones on the edge of the Skagafjörður shoreline. The water is supplied by a natural hot spring vent and smells faintly of earthy minerals and sea salt. The coastal location is constantly swept by ocean breezes and offers beautiful views across the bay toward Drangey Island.
Highlights
History
The pool is named after the legendary Icelandic saga hero Grettir the Strong, who supposedly swam kilometers from Drangey Island and warmed his frozen limbs here.
The original medieval pool was completely destroyed by a massive sea storm in the early twentieth century. A local farmer painstakingly rebuilt the current stone structures by hand in 1992 to honor the historical texts.
Local guide
Driving to the absolute end of the unpaved Route 748 brings you to a wild, wind-swept peninsula on the shores of Skagafjörður. Here, you will find a historic pair of circular pools built entirely from hand-stacked volcanic stones. The site feels incredibly remote, positioned right where the green farmlands meet the freezing northern ocean waves.
The soaking experience is rich with history and old-world charm. The water is heated by a natural hot spring vent and carries a faint, clean mineral scent that relaxes your body instantly. As you sit protected from the ocean wind by the thick stone walls, you can look out across the bay at the massive shape of Drangey Island. The wild, untamed energy of the northern coast pairs beautifully with the steady warmth of the water.
There is a small entrance fee collected by the resident farming family to maintain the area, payable by cash or card at the small coffee shack. Basic wooden changing shacks are located right next to the pools, but they are unheated, so be prepared for a brisk change. Bring your own towel and warm layers.
The optimal time to visit is during the summer months when the gravel access road is smooth and easy to navigate. It is a legendary stop for history buffs who want to experience the exact waters mentioned in the medieval Icelandic sagas. The small campground on-site offers a fantastic place to pitch a tent right by the sea.
Mineral chemistry
Simple thermal springs have lower dissolved mineral content but are valued for the pure therapeutic effect of heat immersion itself — easing muscle tension and improving circulation. Considered the gentlest introduction to hot spring bathing.
Standard precautions apply: avoid bathing within 30 minutes of eating, keep soaks to 10–15 minutes for first-timers, and hydrate before and after.
Similar springs
These exclusive, stone-lined thermal pools are tucked deep inside a remote volcanic canyon at the edge of the Icelandic highlands. The pools are built from local basalt stones to mirror the raw geological formations of the surrounding cliffs and rivers. The surrounding wilderness features striking views of rushing glacial streams and distant snowfields.
This charming, small geothermal pool sits nestled into a grassy hillside on a private historic farmstead. The pool walls are crafted from rough, moss-covered stone boulders that blend seamlessly into the surrounding green valley pasture. A tiny turf-roofed stone hut stands at the water's edge to serve as a rustic, historical changing shelter.
FREEThis rustic, twenty-five-meter concrete swimming pool sits hidden deep inside a narrow, dramatic mountain valley. The water is fed by a natural hot spring trickling down from the volcanic slopes of the infamous Eyjafjallajökull glacier. A simple, weathered concrete changing shack sits at the pool edge with no staff, electricity, or modern amenities.
FREEThis completely natural geothermal river flows gently past the edge of the vibrant Laugahraun lava field in the southern highlands. Cold water streams mix with boiling volcanic vents to create an ideal, shifting temperature zone for weary hikers. The pool is surrounded by stunning, multi-colored rhyolite mountains that glow with hues of orange, yellow, and green.
Amenities
Getting there
Drive north from Sauðárkrókur along the unpaved gravel Route 748 for roughly forty-two kilometers until you reach the very end of the peninsula.
Location & nearby
Reykir, Skagafjörður
More springs in Northwest
FREEThis rustic, natural geothermal pool sits nestled into a smoking highland oasis between the Langjökull and Hofsjökull glaciers. The pool features stone-paved edges and sits surrounded by a vibrant field of roaring fumaroles, multi-colored sinter deposits, and clear azure boiling pools. It represents one of the most remote and iconic wilderness bathing experiences in the rugged interior of the country.
This striking architectural infinity swimming pool sits cut into the grassy bluffs overlooking the waters of Skagafjörður. The clever design makes the warm geothermal water appear to merge seamlessly with the cold fjord below. Bathers can look out directly toward the steep, uninhabited basalt cliffs of Drangey Island on the horizon.
FREEThis completely natural hot spring pool is built from rough river stones and turf directly along the banks of the rushing Svartá river. The pool sits just a few meters away from the dramatic Reykjafoss waterfall, allowing bathers to hear the roaring cascade while soaking. The remote setting offers an untouched, peaceful bathing experience amidst the rolling hills of Skagafjörður.
Common questions
What is the water temperature at Grettislaug?▾
The water temperature at Grettislaug ranges up to 41°C (minimum around 39°C).
Is Grettislaug free to visit?▾
Grettislaug charges an entrance fee in ISK.
Is Grettislaug a public or private bath?▾
Grettislaug is a public bathing spring.
Are tattoos allowed at Grettislaug?▾
Yes, Grettislaug welcomes visitors with tattoos.