Picture this: a personal sized hot pot with a view of the mountains in Iceland’s countryside. If you can find Landbrotalaug Hot Spring and luck is on your side, you will have a memory to last for a lifetime.
The Snaefellsnes Peninsula is only 1½ hours north from Reykjavík and it is filled with the most unimaginable landscapes, it is one of my favorite parts of the country. To track down the hot spring you’ll need to do a little research because there is no signage anywhere nearby, but I can help you with that. Eldborg Crater is a good indication of how close you are, and it looks like a great place to hike before or after your soak. Off of the main road 54 there is a gravel turn off marked Stóra Hraun, this is the road that leads to the hot springs.
If you put these coordinates in your GPS: N64 49.923 W22 19.130 the route will lead you down this road and to your destination. Driving is fine in any vehicle, you’ll pass by an abandoned farm which assures your going the right way.
The farmers name is Skjálg and you should treat the land with respect, always pick up after yourself, because it is a so wonderful that they let the public use this amazing place. A large gravel lot with portajohns and a trash can is the end of the road.
There is no changing room so come prepared and wear your bathing suit under your clothes. When we got to the parking lot, only one other car was there. This is a good judge of whether you will be getting a soak any time soon, so cross your fingers for fewer cars. There are two hot pots to choose from and finding the best one isn’t exactly obvious. Follow these directions to help you out on your treasure hunt: Heading away from your car, turn right on the path. This will lead you to a collection of rocks to hop over the pond upon.
The view after crossing the rocks shows how close this spot is to the parking lot.
Just beyond a pile of rocks, which you can use as a marker for the hot pot, is one of the most magical places in all of Iceland.
So very tiny the hot pot only fits two, or three really close friends! The pool is deliciously deep with water up to your neck and the temperature varies from 97°-104°F.
I could have spent an eternity in this place, but consider myself exceedingly lucky to have scored this gem all to myself for 30 minutes in the middle of the day! After that, a bunch of cars began piling into the lot and it was time to let others enjoy their turn. You may get lucky like we did, but if you want to experience this place without a crowd I recommend visiting early in the morning or late at night. If this pot is full with a line of people waiting, you may want to check out the other hot pot on the far side of the pond.
Head along the deep red path for a few moments and it will lead you there.
Pipes feed a pool that won’t cover much more than your legs, this is the shallow of the two hot springs, though bigger so more people can sit in it.
Either way you won’t leave without a hot spring experience!
Pro-tips for natural hot springs:
+Wear hiking sandals (and socks to keep your toes cozy if you want to be really fashionable) which makes changing easier, without sacrificing sturdy footwear on your walk to the hot springs.
+Wear clothes that are easy to change in and out of and your bathing suit underneath them.
+Earmuffs or a beanie will keep your head warm while you soak in Iceland’s cold environment.
+Don’t forget to bring a towel!
+A plastic bag is great to throw your bathing suit in after changing.