Hellulaug Hot Spring: The Ultimate Guide (Hidden Gem)

If you're heading to Iceland anytime soon, you can't leave Hellulaug Hot Spring off of your itinerary. Iceland is full of wonders, some of which are well-known, such as the Blue Lagoon and the (not so) Secret Lagoon, but others are off the radar, at least at the moment, meaning zero queues and entry fees, and the ability to enjoy the natural beauty of the country without 1400 other people flashing their cameras in your face or standing in your way.

Hellulaug Hot Spring is one of these places. It is one of the best natural geothermal pools in Iceland for swimming and bathing. The temperature of the hot spring is around 38°C (100°F) at all times, meaning once you're in, you definitely won't want to get out again.

This hidden gem won't stay hidden forever, so visit it while it's still magical and untouched.

Where Is Hellulaug Hot Spring?

Hellulaug Hot Spring is located in Vatnsfjörður, which is on the South Coast of the Westfjords, in Iceland, and is roughly 4 hours drive from the capital city of Reykjavik.

When Is The Best Time To Visit Hellulaug?

You can visit the Hellulaug Hot Spring year-round and enjoy the same warm temperature regardless of whether you visit in June or October. 

While the pool itself isn't affected by the weather, the roads leading to it are. The drive can be difficult depending on the conditions, and as such, unless you're an extremely confident driver or you have a lot of experience driving in icy and slippery conditions, you may wish to visit outside of the wintertime, which is October-March.

The climate of Iceland is relatively chilly, with long, snowy winters that average around 1°C (34°F) and short summers that only reach up to 12°C (54°F) in the summer. Don't be put off by the cold conditions- as long as you're well prepared, Iceland is a fantastic destination to visit at any time of year. 

What's Special About Hellulaug Hot Spring?

The magic of Hellulaug Hot Spring is in its secrecy. It is not a major tourist attraction like other hot springs in Iceland such as the Blue Lagoon, which in our opinion makes it one of the best hot springs in Iceland.

While you may see photos of friends and family enjoying the Blue Lagoon in what looks like peace and tranquility, that is far from reality. The pool is always busy, and in our opinion, that's not how any hot spring or geothermal pool experience should be.

The water in a hot spring feels healing and powerful, which is why we think you should be able to relax, and rejuvenate, which is hard to do with people all around you, shouting and squealing.

At Hellulaug, you don't need to worry about this. Because it's not yet (and hopefully never will be) a tourist attraction, you also don't need to pay an entrance fee to enter. While this is great, on the flip side, there are no changing facilities, meaning you should come prepared with your swimwear under your clothes or change in your car before entering the spring. Don't worry, it's quiet enough that you're unlikely to give anyone an accidental flashing. 

Hellulaug is suitable for everyone as there's no hiking involved to get to the hot spring. It's located just a few meters from the parking lot, down a small cliff, which makes it easier to enjoy and gives you even more reasons to visit.

Another reason you must visit Hellulaug Hot Spring is the setting. What makes it so special and the best of the Westfjords hot springs is that it's located right by the seaside, giving you epic ocean views and the calm sounds of the sea as you bathe in the spring.

The geothermal pool is 60cm deep and just 3 or 4 meters in diameter, but as it's likely you won't have to share it with anyone, you won't need to worry about not having enough room.

The pool itself is regularly cleaned and well-maintained, and it's donations that enable this to be done, so if you enjoy the hot springs and want to help keep the pool clean and enjoyable for all, consider contributing a small donation as you leave.

How To Get To Hellulaug Hot Spring

Although Google Maps tell us that Hellulaug Hot Spring is a 4-hour drive from the capital of Reykjavik, we'd advise you to add an extra hour to that time, as some of the journey is made on gravel roads where you will have to drive slowly.

Unfortunately, there is no public transport to Hellulaug, so your only option is to drive.

In order to get to the geothermal pool, use the coordinates 65.577975, -23.159152 in Google maps or your sat nav to direct you.

If driving from Reykjavik, you'll need to take the ring road northbound, then take a left turn onto Road 60, just after you pass Bifröst. Road 60 is also called Vestfjarðavegur. This highway will lead you all the way to the hot spring, but be careful of the gravel as you drive.

Things To Do Near Hellulaug Hot Spring

While you're in Vatnsfjörður visiting the Hellulaug Hot Spring, you might want to check out other attractions within the area. When in Iceland, you don't need to look far for outstanding natural beauty. 

Dynjandi waterfall- This is the biggest waterfall in the West Fjordlands at almost 199 meters high. Although it is only a 15-minute hike to reach Dynjandi, if you've got a bit of extra time on your hands, it's worth extending your walk to check out the 6 other waterfalls along the way.

Lignite Canyon- Lignite Canyon was dubbed a natural phenomenon back in 1975 and added to the Icelandic environment protection list. You must be accompanied by a ranger to hike the canyon, but visiting the exhibition is free and anyone can enter.

Flatey Island- No trip to the West Fjords would be complete without a visit to Flatey Island. The remote island is just 2 miles long and its charm is in its seclusion. You can enjoy taking a stroll along the island, where you'll see puffins and arctic terns. You can only access Flatey Island by ferry between June and August.

Final Thoughts

If you're looking to venture out of Reykjavik and enjoy some less-known but incredible hot springs in Iceland, then get ready to appreciate some of the country’s stunning scenery undisturbed, all while enjoying bathing in a warm outdoor pool, at one of the best hot springs in Westfjords, Hellulaug. If you’re looking for a travel buddy who also loves relaxing in hot springs, consider joining our community of female travelers from around the globe and connect with travel lovers like you!

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