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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Travel
Liam Gilliver

Iceland's best hot springs that aren't the Blue Lagoon - including a hidden cave

There are so many incredible places to visit in Iceland - and its ridiculously beautiful hot springs are no exception.

A huge part of Icelandic culture and dating back as far as the Viking settlement, they're also said to offer a myriad of health benefits such as boosting blood circulation. (There's a reason why many locals believe hot springs are key to their good mood and low-stress levels!).

If you're planning on visiting Iceland, and can't wait to submerge yourself in 38-degree water - you've probably got the Blue Lagoon on your bucket list with its turquoise waters and misty backdrops that can be found all over social media.

While it's definitely earned its reputation as one of Iceland's must-visit spots, there are also plenty of other hot springs intrepid explorers won't want to miss out on - check out our top picks below.

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Myvatn Nature Baths

Myvatn Baths is a must-see if you're dying for an Instagram selfie in sulphur blue water... (Liam Gilliver)

Nestled in the north of Iceland, surrounded by Mars-like landscapes and smoking geysers, Myvatn Nature Baths is arguably the Blue Lagoon's biggest rival.

The man-made hot spring offers the same mystique blue waters heated to a relaxing 36-40 degrees but is often less crowded and more intimate than the Blue Lagoon.

It also boasts a swim-up bar, hot tub, steam rooms and a restaurant. But, just like the Blue Lagoon - entrance can cost you up to 5,000 IKR (just under £30) in the peak seasons.

Vok Baths

At Vok Baths - you can go straight from 38-degree water to the plunging temperatures of the lake... (Liam Gilliver)

Vok Baths may not have that sulphur-blue water tourists seem to love - but it does have an edge on all its competitors...

Located in the east, Vok Baths features Iceland's only floating infinity pools: with temperatures building up from 38 degrees to 41!

If the high temps get too much, don't worry, as visitors can jump straight into the wild Urridavatn Lake to cool down. It's like your very own plunge pool - if you're brave enough...

Vok Baths also features a pool bar, bistro, steam bath and cold mist showers. But this idyllic attraction comes with a hefty price tag of at least £35.

Krosslaug

If you travel up to the Westfjords, these heated pools are a must-do (Liam Gilliver)
If you're lucky, you could even get a glimpse of Snaefellsjokull Glacier (Liam Gilliver)

What's better than a free hot spring? TWO free hot springs!

If you manage to make your way to the Westfjords (which I very much recommend you do) you'll quickly stumble across the Krosslaug geothermal pools.

Looking out at the Snaefellsjokull Glacier - these heated pools are hidden away from the hustle and bustle, so there's a good chance you'll have these to yourself if you get there early.

Just a quick warning - there are few pools in Iceland with the same name - so make sure you're heading to the one in the Westfjords. It's located just off the famous Ring Road.

Drangsnes hot pots

The drinks holder mean you just HAVE to sit, relax, and open a can beer... (Liam Gilliver)

Staying in the unspoilt Westfjords, where sheep own the roads and the Greenland sea follows you everywhere, also lies the Drangsnes Hot Pots.

They're pretty easy to miss - so make sure you slow down when Google Maps says you're nearby.

These three mini heated pools are located along the shoreline and are a great way to meet locals, relax and have a beer. There are also some stunning views of the sea (if you're lucky, you may even spot a seal or two).

There's no set fee to visit the Drangsnes Hot Pots, but you can donate to the honesty box to help maintain its upkeep.

Krauma Natural Geothermal Baths

Are you daring enough to try the plunge pool? (Krauma Geothermal Baths)
Krauma will leave you feeling completely zen - just bring your own towel to avoid extra costs! (Krauma Geothermal Baths)

If you're only in Iceland for a few days - you might not have enough time to fit the Fjords into your itinerary. Fear not - Krauma Natural Geothermal Baths is only an hour's drive from Reykjavik.

Open all year round, Krauma's hot water originates in Europe’s most powerful hot spring Deildartunguhver, at a sizzling 100°C.

Boasting five warm baths, with temperatures up to 40-degrees, a titillating ice pool for the adrenaline junkies, two steam rooms and a relaxation room - Krauma is the epitome of paradise.

Adult entry is around £26 (4,500 IKR) but is well worth it. Make sure you bring your own towel to avoid the 900ISK fee.

Grjótagjá

The cave's water are surprisingly warm and clear - but entrance can be rather risky (Liam Gilliver)

Only in Iceland can you stumble across a cave complete with a geothermal pool. This is one you cannot miss - but be careful as entering the water can be a little dangerous (It's effectively stairs held on by a rope).

The water isn't as warm as Myvatn Nature Baths which is only a few minutes drive away - but it's one you need to tick off your bucket list.

Grjótagjá is off the beaten track and you're almost guaranteed to be the only ones there ( or at least the only person willing to take the dark plunge).

Fosslaug (near Reykjafoss)

Only in Iceland can you walk two minutes from a waterfall to find a stunning natural hot spring... (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Okay - we warned you this may be a bit confusing. Fosslaug Hot Spring (the one near Reykjafoss waterfall) is different to the one located in the Westfjords - but is equally dreamy.

There's a free car park just a ten-minute walk away from the waterfall. After you've taken in the breathtaking views, continue walking and you'll find this cosy natural hot spring.

It may feel a little cooler than some of the man-made baths, but it's still hot enough to enjoy an hour or two relaxing and has some unbeatable views of the river and rocky terrain.

This place can get a little crowded, so it's best to avoid busy times or peak seasons.

Geosea

Geosea is located in Husavik - a small town ideal for whale watching and sailing (Geothermal Sea Baths)

Geosea is like the Blue Lagoon's older, more sophisticated sibling. There's no cloudy blue waters or foaming face masks - just stretches of warm water, a swim-up bar, and glass steam room.

It's situated in the small fishing town of Husavik (great for whale watching, sailing, and escaping the business of Rejkavic) and offers stunning views of the ocean.

Can you imagine bathing in 39-degree water watching the Northern Lights dance in the sky?

Adult entrance is roughly £26 (beer, towels, and swimsuit not included) but many companies offer discount coupons if you book onto one of their tours.

Where's top of your list to visit in Iceland? Let us know in the comments below.

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