The Hvammsvík Hot Springs
There are countless hot springs in Iceland, and this latest addition the list in Hvammsvík opened very recently, in July 2022.
Barely 6 months after the grand opening of Hvammsvík, the hot springs were listed by TimeOut magazine as the No.1 destination to visit in 2023!
What is Hvammsvík?
Hvammsvík Bay was designed for a spa experience in the wild, with eight natural hot spring pools with varying temperatures. Ideally located facing the Atlantic Ocean, the Hvammsvík hot springs offer a unique experience where water from geothermal springs mixes with sea water.
The pools are pockets of hot water in the cold ocean and are therefore exposed to tides, so the water level varies depending on the time of day. This makes for a unique experience every time you visit.
The water in the pools is drawn from a spring located 1,400 meters underground and as it mixes with the cool Atlantic waters, averages temperatures that vary between 36°C and 42°C depending on the pool.
The pools are therefore a mixture of heated fresh water and cold salt water, which means no need for chemicals to keep the pools clean!
Many visitors enjoy this hot/cold combo, taking advantage of the sea water just a few meters away to cool off after a short soak in the hot pool. The panorama of the bay laid out before you as you relax in the pools is absolutely exceptional, with the ocean and mountains in the background.
How to get there
The Hvammsvík Hot Springs are located near Reykjavík in the Mosfellsdalur Valley, just 45 minutes from the Icelandic capital.
The Mosfellsdalur plains are beautifully picturesque, and the valley leads streight to Hvalfjörður, the whale fjord, known for its famous Glymur Waterfall located about 15 km to the east.
By car
From Reykjavík, take the ring road northwards, then branch off on the smaller Road 47 just before the tunnel that leads to Akranes. The 47 runs along the coast of the whale fjord so keep driving with that stellar view for about fifteen kilometers.
On site, you'll find a small car park located right in front of the quite noticeable black building of the Hvammsvík springs.
By bus
You can also get there by bus from Reykjavík with organized tours that package an entry ticket to the pools as well as transport to and from the capital:
Amenities, rates, and opening hours
The changing rooms in Hvammsvík
The first important thing to note is that entry is prohibited to any under the age of 12, and teenagers aged 12 to 18 must come accompanied by an adult.
The place can accommodate no less than 124 visitors and is equipped, as any pool, with lockers and showers. It is also possible to rent towels and swimsuits on site, in case you forgot to pack your speedoes.
Opening hours
The establishment welcomes visitors every day of the year, as Hvammsvík is indeed open 7 days a week come rain or shine!
- Opening hours: 11AM to 10PM
It is important to note that the last bell for entry in the evening is 8:30PM at the latest so you are ready to leave the pools by 10:00PM.
Reservations
After that TimeOut magazine listing, this place is hugely popular so remember to book your Hvammsvík springs spa day well in advance. New visitor can go in batches every 30 minutes, and once you're in you can stay as long as you want.
Food and accommodation
The restaurant in Hvammsvík with a magnificent view of the bay
On site, there is a bistro/bar, the “Stormur”, which offers delicious seafood soup as well as sandwiches and a seasonal menu. The restaurant can accommodate 35 people.
Finally, the establishment also offers overnight stays on-site and can accommodate up to 26 visitors in rooms scattered across multiple houses:
- Hilltop house
- Lake house
- Club house
- Farm house
