Pollurinn
Pollurinn
Pollurinn
simple-thermal · Westfjords
Hotter than 85% 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
Moderate — a short ride from a station
About this spring
This modest community bathing spot features three simple, rectangular concrete pools set into a green mountain slope. The site overlooks the serene waters of the Tálknafjörður fjord and offers an incredible vantage point for spotting low-flying sea birds. A rustic wooden shed stands nearby to provide basic changing facilities and wind shelter for bathers.
Highlights
History
The local municipality developed these basic hillside pools to capture geothermal water that was brought to the surface during exploration drilling.
It has served as a central social hub for the small, isolated fishing community of Tálknafjörður for decades. The pools are fully maintained by local volunteers who keep the water clean and open to travelers exploring the western fjords.
Local guide
Perched on a grassy mountain slope overlooking the quiet village of Tálknafjörður, Pollurinn offers an authentic local welcome. The site consists of three modest, rectangular concrete pools and a rustic wooden changing shed built by the community. The view from the elevated hillside across the deep, calm fjord is absolutely spectacular.
The bathing experience is casual, warm, and deeply embedded in local Westfjords culture. The three pools are maintained at different temperatures, allowing you to choose between a mild swim or a very hot soak. It is a favorite gathering spot for local fishermen and residents who come to chat about the day's catch. The soothing water helps wash away the exhaustion of driving along the winding fjord roads.
The site is entirely free, but there is a small donation box near the changing shed to help locals cover maintenance costs. Bring your own towels, toiletries, and a plastic bag for your wet gear. The wooden changing shed is basic but provides essential protection from the biting coastal winds.
Visit during the late afternoon when the sun begins to dip lower over the mountains, casting beautiful reflections across the fjord water. It is a fantastic, uncommercialized stop that gives you a true taste of rural Icelandic hospitality. There are simple groceries and fuel options down in the main village of Tálknafjörður.
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
This world-famous geothermal spa features striking milky-blue waters rich in silica and sulfur. The massive lagoon is surrounded by a dramatic, pitch-black mossy lava field on the Reykjanes Peninsula. Modern architectural facilities seamlessly blend luxury wellness with the raw volcanic environment.
This beautiful alkaline bathing complex overlooks the volcanic terrain and craters of the Lake Mývatn region. The steaming blue pools are supplied with mineral-rich water drawn from depths of up to 2500 meters. Visitors can enjoy sweeping panoramic vistas of the surrounding geothermal landscapes while they soak.
This historic open-air pool utilizes a continuously flowing natural hot spring that feeds a stone-lined basin. A small active geyser erupts nearby every few minutes, casting thin plumes of steam across the pastoral landscape. The water remains perfectly warm year-round and maintains an authentic, old-world Icelandic atmosphere.
This luxury oceanfront geothermal spa features a dramatic seventy-meter infinity edge overlooking the cold waters of the Atlantic Ocean. The architectural design incorporates traditional Icelandic turf walls to replicate the aesthetic of historical coastal homesteads. A multi-step wellness ritual takes guests through steam rooms and cold plunges cut into artificial volcanic rock walls.
Amenities
Getting there
Drive along the main gravel road through the town of Tálknafjörður, continue along the coastline for about three kilometers, and follow the track uphill.
Location & nearby
Tálknafjörður, Westfjords
More springs in Westfjords
FREEThis rugged, natural rock pool sits hidden right on the rocky shoreline of the remote Vatnsfjörður fjord. The basin is cut directly into the coastal cliffs and offers bathers panoramic views across the cold ocean water toward the Westfjords horizon. The spring water flows silently from a rock crevice and remains beautifully warm and clear throughout the year.
Common questions
What is the water temperature at Pollurinn?▾
The water temperature at Pollurinn ranges up to 42°C (minimum around 36°C).
Is Pollurinn free to visit?▾
Yes, Pollurinn is free to visit.
Is Pollurinn a public or private bath?▾
Pollurinn is a public bathing spring.
Are tattoos allowed at Pollurinn?▾
Yes, Pollurinn welcomes visitors with tattoos.