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, with room for only a handful of bathers.
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. There is space for only about 3–4 people at a time. The landowner allows visitors in exchange for a small donation, and a modest wooden changing shelter is the only facility.
Sources and last reviewed
Last reviewed: 2026-03-03
This is private land: always leave a donation, keep quiet, and leave no trace. Respect any closures posted by the landowner.
Pages are reviewed for practical usefulness, source quality, and volatile claims before publication.
Official 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
Small 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, so you can pick your temperature
Centuries of Bathing History
Used by local farmers for bathing long before Iceland built its municipal pool culture, and 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 matters because the pool is so small. June through August: longest daylight and warmest air, but also the most visitors, so arrive before 8 AM for the best chance of having the pool to yourself. September through October: fewer visitors, and the warm water feels even better in cooler air. November through March: winter soaks under dark skies, 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 the least crowded in any season.
Planning help
Hrunalaug FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.