The northern coastline of Iceland is full of hidden gems, from tiny fishing villages and stunning fjords to rugged volcanic craters and natural hot springs. One of the best places to enjoy the Land of Fire and Ice’s geothermal activity in northern Iceland is at the Hauganes Hot Tubs, a unique series of pools (including one that looks like a Viking ship!) in a small fishing village, overlooking the Eyjafjörður fjord and the surrounding snow-capped mountains.
So if you want to soak in these beautiful pools yourself, here’s everything you need to know about the Hauganes Hot Tubs in northern Iceland.
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What are the Hauganes Hot Tubs?
Iceland has tons of hot springs sprinkled across the country, which are either commercialized ones, like Sky Lagoon, or natural ones that have remained largely untouched, like the nearby Fosslaug.
Hauganes Hot Tubs are commercialized, with natural geothermally heated water that’s pumped into four manmade pools that look similar to hot tubs (plus the aforementioned Viking ship, of course!). Still, it’s definitely on the simpler side, as compared to some of the bougier hot springs, like Hvammsvik Hot Springs, which have swim-up bars, steam rooms, and cafes.
Instead, Hauganes Hot Tubs are a series of simple pools that are located right along the waterfront, with a small black sand beach to their right hand side, if you want to do a cold plunge.
Where are the Hauganes Hot Tubs?
Hauganes Hot Tubs are located here, in the small fishing village of Hauganes. Here is how far these tubs are from some popular spots in Iceland:
- Akureyri: 30 minutes
- Husavik: 1 hour and 30 minutes
- Reykjavik: 5 hours
Hauganes is located along the western coastline of the Eyjafjörður fjord, which is one of the best places in Iceland to spot whales in the summertime (and is WAY less crowded than the whale watching capital of the country, Husavik). In fact, if you’re visiting from May through September, I’d suggest combining a visit to the Hauganes Hot Tubs, with taking a whale watching tour in town, like this option, which sails around the surrounding fjord.
Do the Hauganes Hot Tubs cost?
Yes, the Hauganes Hot Tubs used to only charge a nominal entrance fee, but, with the explosion of tourism in Iceland, most attractions, including these pools, have significantly increased their admission prices.
The hot tubs charge 2500 ISK per adult and 1000 ISK per kid (6-12 years old). Given the limited amenities here, I think this is a bit on the steep side, but it’s still a LOT cheaper than the Blue Lagoon or most other commercialized hot springs in Iceland.
There’s a small office at the entrance of the hot tubs, which I assume is manned with someone to collect fees during busier periods, but, when I visited, the office was locked and empty, so payment was through a QR code. Other than being a bit finicky, the online payment process was pretty straightforward.
Facilities at Hauganes Hot Tubs
Near the admission office, there is a bathroom facility that looks like it was made out of a shipping container. The bathrooms are heated and were immaculately clean when I visited.
Once you enter the gated area where the pools are, there are changing rooms for both men and women, where you can keep your clothes or any other items you bring with you. Unlike some hot springs in Iceland, there are no lockers here, so you might want to leave any valuables you have in your vehicle or at your hotel.
There is a shower with hot water near the men’s changing facility, which you’re required to use before getting into the pools. Please don’t skip this step—it’s important in Icelandic culture to shower before getting into a public pool (it’s actually mandated under Icelandic law to shower fully naked before entering a public pool).
What to expect when visiting the Hauganes Hot Tubs
There are three regular hot tub-sized pools, which range in temperature from about 99-101°F (37-38 °F). When I visited, the hottest pool was closest to the entrance gate, with the pools getting progressively colder. Each of these tubs could comfortably fit 3-4 people.
The Viking ship is the farthest from the entrance gate and is closer to heated swimming pool temperature (around 98°F or 36°C) and much larger than the other pools, comfortably fitting at least 10 people. From reading other people’s reports, the Viking ship can close down in the wintertime, when the temperature is too frosty to enjoy this cooler water.
The tubs look out into the fjord, with jaw-dropping views of the surrounding snow-capped mountains. In the summertime, I’ve even read that, in the summertime, you can even see whales spouting in the nearby water—how epic would it be to watch whales whilst soaking in a Viking ship?!
When we visited the Hauganes Hot Tubs, it was a rainy week, with lots of low hanging clouds, so, unfortunately, we didn’t get to see the surrounding landscape at its most epic (and, sadly, did not spot any whales)—so I guess we’ll just have to come back someday!
As mentioned above, there are steps near the entrance gate that lead down to a small black sand beach if you want to do a polar plunge in the chilly Atlantic water of Eyjafjörður. For what it’s worth, this black sand beach is the only south-facing beach in northern Iceland and, accordingly, is reported to have some of the warmest waters in this part of the country, especially in the summertime. So, if you’re a brave soul, give it a try!
When to visit Hauganes Hot Tubs
The Hauganes Hot Tubs are open year-round from 9 AM–8 PM.
The most popular time to visit is in the summertime, when there’s seemingly endless hours of daylight, thanks to the Midnight Sun, and clearer weather. Plus, you’ll have the best chance of seeing whales in the surrounding fjord during the warmer months.
This is also the busiest time in the country, which is accompanied by higher prices for hotels and rental cars. You also may have to share the Hauganes Hot Tubs with other visitors.
For what it’s worth, I visited in early September. There were three friends enjoying the tubs when I first arrived, but they left quickly after my arrival. Afterwards, I had the tubs totally to myself for the following two hours, until we left for our next adventure around Iceland. So, even in the warmer months, you may luck out and get the pools to yourself!
Winter can be a spectacular time to visit, getting to soak in the steamy water whilst looking out at the snow-covered mountains. Plus, this is the best chance you’ll have at getting to spot the Northern Lights! The only downside I’d flag with visiting during this period of time is that the Viking ship (which is my favorite part of the Hauganes Hot Tubs) may be closed, due to its colder water.
Tips for visiting Hauganes Hot Tubs
Get lunch nearby
Right across from the parking area is Baccalá Bar, which serves up Icelandic classics, like fish and chips, and locally brewed beer. It’s definitely on the pricier (as is pretty much everything in Iceland!), but, with its incredibly fresh ingredients and friendly staff, it’s one of the most authentic restaurants you’ll find in the country.
You can camp here
Right next to the hot tubs is the Hauganes Camping Area, a campsite for both tent campers and those in RVs, like campervans, that’s open during the summer months.
It costs 2,400 ISK per person per night, which is in line with most campground fees we encountered during our two week trip around the Ring Road of Iceland. The campground offers a washing machine, bathrooms, shower facilities, and sinks to clean any dishes you might have.
Admission to the hot tubs is not included, but it’s just a five or so minute walk from the campsite to the pools!
I hope you enjoy your time soaking in the Hauganes Hot Tubs—I mean, where else in the world can you relax in a Viking ship hot tub?! Do you have any questions about planning your visit to this unique spot? Let us know in the comments below!
