The small and solitary Hellulaug Hot Spring is located in Iceland’s remote Westfjords. It’s in the little town of Flokalundur, near the head of the Vatnsfjordur fjord, and looks out over the Atlantic Ocean.
While soaking in the hot springs, visitors may gaze out over the fjord in search of marine birds like Arctic terns. The Hellulaug Hot Spring maintains a consistent, warm temperature all year, so you can visit regardless of the month or season.
Visitors may park their cars in a small lot next to the hot spring and walk a short distance to the water. Even though there is no charge to enter the pool, there is a donation box for those who want to contribute to its upkeep.
Mineral Hot Pool
The Hellulaug Pool feeds a 4m-by-3m/13-by-10-foot cozy bath and is roughly 20-30 inches/50 to 70 cm deep. The pool is concealed from view from the road by a slight elevation in the terrain. Because of this, you may have the pool to yourself rather often. These thermal springs are a hidden gem; getting there doesn’t even involve hiking from the parking area.
Geothermal activity heats the pool water naturally, and consistently high temperatures of approximately 100 °F/38 °C are the norm. In the absence of locker rooms and showers, most visitors to the hot spring change in their cars before heading off.
This is not a clothing-optional pool, and Icelandic culture discourages anyone from not wearing proper swimming attire. Remember to pack warm clothes and towels, especially if you’re visiting in the winter, since there aren’t any provided. Another excellent suggestion is to have a thermos of hot soup or tea waiting for you when you come out of the water.
Getting There
The only way to get to Hellulaug is by car since no public transportation goes there. From Reykjavik, go north on Route 1 until you pass Bifrost. Turn left onto the beautiful Route 60. (also called Vestfjardavegur). Hellulaug Hot Spring can be found after traveling another approximately 130 miles/215 kilometers.
The coordinates 65.577975, -23.159152 will also get you there if you plug them into Google Maps or a GPS device.
Nearby Camping
Hellulaug lies not far from the popular Vatnsfjörur camping area of Flókalundur, where the first Icelandic settler spent the winter. Tent sites, parking, and stunning scenery are some of the perks of spending the night out here in nature.
Details
Address: HRGR+W4P, Vestfjarðarvegur, 451 Flókalundur, Iceland
GPS Coordinates: 65.577975, -23.159152
Forest Lagoon – Akureyri, Iceland