Hrunalaug Hot Spring; A Hot Commodity Here in Iceland

One of the best things about being the Land of Fire and Ice is that we have hot springs all over the country. This is because all the volcanic activity on the island heats up our underground water supply. These natural hot springs are used in a variety of ways.

One can either visit them in their original form and natural surroundings or wherever they are utilized as part of geothermal pools. One of the hot springs that can still be enjoyed in its natural surroundings, even though it’s been given a bit of a makeover, is Hrunalaug Hot Spring.

If you are planning on visiting the island sometime in the future, you better remember to add Hrunalaug Natural Hot Spring to your trip itinerary. It offers incredible views over the Icelandic landscape and is located in such a quaint setting that you’ll think you’ve been transported into a scene from the Hobbit.

Intrigued? Read on if you want to learn more about what to expect from a visit to Hrunalaug.

What Makes Hrunalaug Natural Hot Spring So Special?

Hrunalaug should not be confused with the Secret Lagoon that is found close by, but it definitely counts as one of Iceland’s best-kept secrets. And since not too many people know about it, it’s the one local attraction where you still have a chance to have the entire hot spring to yourself.

This intimate stone-walled hot spring gives you a front-row seat to Iceland’s untamed natural beauty. And, although it’s the same hot spring, you will find three “walled off” pools there. The pool, which looks like it has a little house over it, was built in 1935 and was used to bathe sheep in (don’t worry, you won’t be sharing, this practice stopped in the 1980s already).

The oldest and original pool was built by the farmer who owned the land back then (1890) so his family could wash their laundry and take baths. Then there is the biggest of the pools (we say big, but it can still only accommodate up to about 7 people). This pool was built by the current owner because of the growing demand amongst locals and visitors alike.

The water here ranges from 32 to 40 degrees Celsius, so Hrunalaug really puts the hot into hot spring. Although kept as natural as possible, the hot spring now boasts brand-new facilities in the form of toilets and changing rooms.

Where is Hrunalaug Hot Spring in Iceland?

Hrunalaug Hot Spring can be found near the town of Fludir in the south of Iceland. It’s roughly a 1.5-hour drive from the capital city in Reykjavík, which makes it possible to visit as a day trip during the months when we have more daylight hours. But since it’s located so conveniently close to the popular Golden Circle route, most prefer to make it a stop along their road trip.

How to Get to Hrunalaug Hot Spring

You will essentially have two ways of visiting Hrunalaug Hot Spring:

By Going on a Tour

We have loads of tour operators and guides here on the island that offer existing tour packages that include Hrunalaug Hot Spring as a destination or stop. You can also opt to book a customized private tour.

By Driving Yourself

This stays the best way to explore the island in our books and gives you full control over your time and itinerary. Driving to Hrunalaug Hot Spring is quite easy. Take Road 344 before turning off at the sign that says Hruni right before you arrive at the town of Fludi.

Continue on this road for about 3 kilometers before turning off at Road 345 (the sign will also read Hruni). Then turn right when you see the sign to Solheimar. Continue for about 400 meters before you reach the Hrunalaug Hot Spring parking lot.

How Much Does it Cost to Visit Hrunalaug Hot Spring?

The entrance fee for adults is roughly $15. For children between the ages of 12 to 16, it’s $11. For children aged 11 and under there is no charge. Payments can be made on-site using cash or cards.

When is the Best Time to Visit Hrunalaug Hot Spring?

Hrunalaug Hot Spring is open to the public all year round, although operating hours change according to seasons. Many prefer to visit during the summer months, when the weather is nice and you have plenty of daylight hours.

Others, especially locals, swear by hot spring visits during the colder months of the year (the contrast between the extreme heat of the pools and the extreme cold on the outside is a strange combination that just works).

It’s also an other-worldly experience to sit in a steaming hot spring looking over the Icelandic landscape covered in a thick blanket of snow. But whatever your preference, please take note of the following operating hours throughout the year:

• Summertime (15 May to 14 August): 08:00 – 23:30

• Fall (15 August to 14 November): 09:00 – 21:00

• Winter (15 November to 31 March): 10:00 – 20:00

• Spring (1 April to 14 May): 09:00 – 21:00

*Times are subject to change due to weather conditions, so please keep a close eye on the Icelandic weather forecast, and contact Hrunalaug Hot Spring before heading out.

How Much Time Do You Need for a Visit to Hrunalaug Hot Spring?

Most people spend roughly 1.5 - 2 hours at Hrunalaug Hot Spring, but it really is up to you. The entrance fee is per day and there really is no time limit, although it’s nice to be respectful of others and not hog the hot spring all day long.

Things to Do & See Near Hrunalaug Natural Hot Spring

As part of the Golden Circle, you will find a lot of Iceland’s most famous attractions around Hrunalaug Hot Spring. These are a few things you can consider adding to your trip itinerary:

• Thingvellir National Park

• Gullfoss Waterfall

• Diving or snorkeling the Silfra Fissure

• Geysir

• Taking a dip at Laugarvatn Fontana (if you want to continue your hot spring adventure)

• Fridheimar Tomato Farm and restaurant (incredible dishes made from local ingredients and you can even try tomato beer!) 
  

Hrunalaug Hot Spring; A Nice Resting Stop On a Golden Circle Road Trip

Hrunalaug Hot Spring makes the ideal pit stop on a Golden Circle road trip. Not only is it a breathtaking setting, but the warm waters also soothe any achy muscles from sitting for long stretches at a time.

For a more comfortable road trip whilst taking care of both your transport and accommodation, we recommend that you rent a campervan in Iceland upon arrival. This makes for the best budget-friendly Iceland adventure (and even gives you your own private changing rooms at Hrunalaug).