Krauma Geothermal Baths

What to expect

Krauma sits right next to Deildartunguhver, a field of boiling springs in Reykholtsdalur, West Iceland. The spring releases about 180 litres of water every second at close to boiling point, which makes it the highest-flow hot spring in Europe. Much of it heats homes in Borgarnes and Akranes through long pipelines. A small share goes to Krauma.

The spa is low and modern, with the steaming spring in full view from the pools. There are six outdoor pools: five warm and one cold. Water from the spring is far too hot to bathe in, so Krauma cools it through heat exchangers before it reaches the pools. No chlorine or other chemicals go in. The operator relies on the constant, large flow of fresh spring water through the pools to keep them clean.

People here have used the spring for a long time. About 80 to 90 years ago, the farm at Deildartunga already used the spring: a wooden pipe of about 600 m carried steam to the old farmhouse for heating, cooking, showers and a steam bath.

It is a smaller, calmer place than the big lagoons near Reykjavík. You get a row of pools at different temperatures, the hiss of the spring behind the fence, and farmland and low hills around you.

The pools and facilities

• Five warm pools, between 99 and 106°F37 and 41°C. Move along the row to find the temperature you like.
• A cold plunge pool, between 41 and 50°F5 and 10°C.
• Two saunas, an infrared cabin and a steam bath.
• A relaxation room with loungers, quiet music and an open fire.
• Changing rooms with a personal locker for each guest.

The restaurant seats about 70 people inside and 70 on the terrace in good weather. It cooks with local farm produce and looks out over Deildartunguhver. You can book a table through Dineout.

Prices and booking

Prices listed by Krauma in October 2026:

• Adults (17 and over): ISK 7,900
• Teens (13 to 16): ISK 4,160
• Children (0 to 12): ISK 500
• Seniors (67 and over) and disabled visitors: ISK 5,790
• Rentals: towel ISK 1,400, swimwear ISK 1,400, bathrobe ISK 1,800

Regular visitors can buy a 10-visit clip card for ISK 67,000, a winter pass (1 October to 31 March) for ISK 42,000, or a one-year pass for ISK 74,900. Gift vouchers are also sold.

Book online through the Krauma website. Krauma does not publish a walk-in policy, so book ahead for summer weekends and anything around holidays.

Hours: The baths and restaurant open daily from 11:00 to 21:00. On 24 and 31 December they close at 16:00, and they are closed on 25 December and 1 January.

Getting there

Krauma’s address is Deildartunguhver, 320 Reykholt, on Route 50. It is about 97 km (60 miles) from Reykjavík.

• From Reykjavík: Take Route 1 north, through the Hvalfjörður tunnel, toward Borgarnes. Near Borgarnes, turn onto Route 50 (Borgarfjarðarbraut) and follow it inland into Reykholtsdalur. Deildartunguhver is signed from the road.
• From Reykholt: The spa is about 6 km (4 miles) west of the village.
• From Húsafell: Come down the valley toward Reykholt and carry on west.

The car park is right outside, and the hot spring is a few steps away. You need a car or a tour to get here, since Krauma does not list any bus service.

When to go

Krauma is open all year. Summer brings long evenings and more tour groups, especially in the middle of the day. In winter the steam from Deildartunguhver rolls across the pools, it is dark by late afternoon, and on a clear night you have a chance of northern lights before closing. Roads in Borgarfjörður are main routes and usually cleared quickly, but check umferdin.is in a storm.

Rules and etiquette

• Shower without your swimsuit before you go in. This is the rule at every pool and spa in Iceland, and staff expect it.
• Swimsuits on in the pools.
• Bring or rent a towel. Towels are not included in the entry price.
• No soap or shampoo in the pools. Wash in the showers, not in the water.
• Children: Krauma prices children from birth, but it does not publish an age limit or child supervision rules. Keep young children close, since the hottest pool reaches 106°F41°C.

Where to stay nearby

Krauma has no rooms of its own.

• Reykholt, about 6 km (4 miles) east, is the nearest village, with a hotel and the historic church site of the medieval writer Snorri Sturluson.
• Húsafell, further up the valley toward Langjökull, has a hotel and a campsite.
• Borgarnes, on Route 1, has the widest choice of hotels, guesthouses, shops and fuel in the area.

Safety notes

• Boiling water at Deildartunguhver: The spring comes out at about 207-212°F97-100°C. Stay behind the railings and on the paths, and hold children’s hands.
• Hot pools: Start in a cooler pool and work up. Get out if you feel dizzy, and drink water.
• Cold plunge: At 41-50°F5-10°C, it is a shock to the body. Go in slowly, and skip it if you have heart problems.
• Winter driving: Route 1 and Route 50 can be icy. Allow extra time after dark.

Nearby stops worth adding

Start with Deildartunguhver itself. It is free to look at from the paths beside the car park, and the warm ground around it is the only place in the world where the fern Struthiopteris fallax grows. Look, but do not step off the path to find it. Hraunfossar, the waterfalls that pour out of a lava field into the Hvítá river, are further up the valley past Reykholt and make an easy pairing with a soak.