Landmannalaugar Natural Hot Spring (The People's Pools)
The water that rises here has been traveling upward through volcanic rock since the Torfajökull system last erupted in 1477, and it arrives warm enough to sit in while snow dusts the rhyolite ridges above you. The pool itself is unengineered — no tiles, no chemicals, no roped-off lanes — just a shallow confluence of geothermal water and a cold stream, calibrated by nature to something close to a bath.
Landmannalaugar sits 180 kilometres east of Reykjavik in the Fjallabak Nature Reserve, reached only by rough F-roads that require a 4WD. That friction is part of what keeps it honest. The mountains here run through improbable colours — ochre, green, deep burgundy — and the lava field that edges the campsite dates to the same 15th-century eruption that heated the water beneath your feet.
💛 What travellers fall for
People who return tend to arrive the night before, pitch a tent while it's still light, and walk to the pool early before the day buses come in. The shower block is a five-minute walk from the water — bring coins for the 500 ISK shower, which you're required to take before entering. The green bus known as the Mountain Mall sells sandwiches if you've forgotten lunch.
The story behind Landmannalaugar Natural Hot Spring (The People's Pools)
Shepherds have rested at this spot since medieval times, warming up after long crossings of the Highlands while their flocks grazed the surrounding slopes. The name — the people's pools — came from that tradition: a place that belonged to whoever was passing through.
The Torfajökull volcanic system produced the landscape visitors walk through today, including the Laugahraun lava field, formed in an eruption around 1477. Fjallabak Nature Reserve was established in 1979 to protect the volcanic terrain, geothermal areas, and fragile vegetation. The Icelandic Touring Association built the hut that still stands here in 1969; it sleeps 80 and remains the social centre of the campsite.
Good to know
F-roads typically open late June and close early September; check conditions before you go. A 4WD is non-negotiable, and rental agreements usually prohibit F-roads in standard cars. A daily bus runs from Reykjavik from June 10 to September 15, departing at 7:15 AM. Parking reservations are required in 2026 between June 20 and September 14. Bring all food and fuel — there are none on site.
Summer at Landmannalaugar — the only season you can reach it — runs June through September, with July the warmest month at around 14°C (58°F). Wind and rain arrive without much warning at any point; layers and waterproofs are worth carrying even on a clear morning.
Where is Landmannalaugar Natural Hot Spring (The People's Pools)?
More tickets & tours for Landmannalaugar Natural Hot Spring (The People's Pools)
Book directly at the provider
What travellers say about Landmannalaugar Natural Hot Spring (The People's Pools)
Did a 209 mile run/walk trek across Iceland in Aug. 2024. Landmannalaugar Huts provided one day of much-needed respite along the way and it was lovely!
Amazing! We debated for a long time whether to make the trek out here or not, given we aren’t big hikers. We’re so glad we did! The mountains are incredible! The whole vibe around the camp with hikers coming and going is really cool. And the thermal river was our favorite hot spring in all of Iceland! Highly highly recommend!
This bathing place is incredible! you have to pay for parking (1200 kronas i believe), and we were told you have to reserve it in advance, but we booked it the same day. Be aware, the drive is extremely difficult, requires 4x4, and fording rivers. but then you are rewarded with free baths, the water is very clear and continuously flowing. The setting is STUNNING! there are bathrooms, also a changing area next to the bath. if you combine this with a hike, which was incredibly beautiful too, it's totally worth the effort getting here.
Hot spring in nature with sheep around! The only bath you get free over there. Beware of not being too close to the hot water area. It's definitely great to soak at night when the atmosphere is chilling!
We happened upon this spot by googling natural hot springs and then drove 4.5hrs to drive here, 2hrs on a dirt road (such fun!) with ever changing landscapes, and about 8 river / stream crossings. And it was 100% worth it!! It is close to a camping spot so expect friendly people and perhaps some noisy kids. Camp toilet facilities and an open dressing room in front of the hot spring.
More of Iceland
Discover where to stay, what to do and the best deals for your trip.
Explore Iceland →More attractions in Iceland
All of Iceland →
Background adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA) · map data © OpenStreetMap contributors · ratings & place photos via Google · other photos with per-image credit. Ticket links may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.