Quick FactsOverview
About Grettislaug Hot Springs
Grettislaug Hot Springs, Iceland are two geothermal stone pools on the Reykjastraend coast of Skagafjordur in North Iceland, set above the shoreline with views of Drangey Island and the surrounding fjord mountains. The site includes pools named Grettislaug and Jarlslaug, managed as part of a small guesthouse and camping facility at Reykir farm, and is open seasonally from April to October. It is one of the most historically significant thermal bathing spots in Iceland, tied directly to the medieval Icelandic sagas.
The name Grettislaug refers to Grettir Asmundarson, the outlaw hero of Grettis Saga, one of the most celebrated Icelandic sagas of the 13th and 14th centuries. According to the saga, Grettir swam 7.5 km from Drangey Island through icy waters to the mainland and bathed in this hot spring to recover. Visitors can look directly out at Drangey from the water. A geothermal pool in Iceland with this combination of coastal setting, saga history, and modest entry fee is unusual, and it draws visitors interested in the quieter side of Icelandic geothermal culture away from the larger commercial lagoons.
Location & Access
Getting to Grettislaug Hot Springs
Grettislaug Hot Springs is at Reykir farm on Reykjastraend, reached by driving Route 748 from the Ring Road, with the final section of Road 748 unpaved but manageable in a standard passenger vehicle. From the Ring Road junction, the drive to the pools takes around 20 to 25 minutes. The site is approximately 25 km north of Saudarkrokur, the nearest town, and roughly 135 km from Akureyri, a drive of about one hour and 45 minutes. From Reykjavik, the journey is around 300 km and takes approximately four hours via Route 1 and Route 748. Parking is available at the site at no charge.
The road out to Reykjastraend is scenic but remote. Fuel should be topped up in Saudarkrokur before heading out, as there are no services on the peninsula. Mobile signal can be unreliable on the approach road. In wet conditions the unpaved section of Road 748 requires care; the road does not require a four-wheel-drive vehicle in normal summer conditions but mud and loose gravel can slow progress. The site is open April to October and is not maintained in winter. Visiting outside this window is not advisable. The remoteness ensures it remains uncrowded compared to more accessible geothermal pools on the Ring Road.
Suitability & Accessibility
Who Grettislaug Suits
Grettislaug Hot Springs suits travellers who want a quiet, historically connected, and unpretentious geothermal soaking experience in North Iceland rather than a managed spa or high-traffic lagoon. The site works best for road trippers willing to detour off the Ring Road, for couples and solo visitors who enjoy natural coastal settings, and for anyone with an interest in Icelandic saga literature and the connection to Grettir the Strong. Families with children are also welcome, as the pools are contained and the site is managed with café and shower facilities.
For those seeking family hot springs near Saudarkrokur with camping options and basic café service, Grettislaug fits well. The two pools give groups a choice of where to soak. The site is quieter on weekday mornings and during shoulder season months, and budget travellers will find the entry fee modest relative to larger spa facilities in the country.
Wheelchair access is not confirmed. The path from parking to the pools involves outdoor coastal terrain and stone steps. Visitors with significant mobility limitations should contact the site before visiting. Swimwear is required. Bring your own towel, as rentals are not confirmed. Showers are available on site, which adds practical value for visitors continuing to drive after their soak.
Safety & Etiquette
Grettislaug Hot Springs Safety Tips
Grettislaug Hot Springs is generally safe for soaking, with the main considerations being water temperature, the exposed coastal setting, and the remoteness of the Reykjastraend peninsula. No lifeguard is present and the facility is managed by a small guesthouse operation, so all visitors are responsible for their own wellbeing in and around the pools.
Both pools run at around 39 degrees Celsius. Always test the water before entering, and be aware that temperatures can vary with seasonal changes in flow. Extended soaking causes dehydration; drink water between sessions and take regular breaks. The coastal setting is exposed to North Iceland weather, which changes quickly; bring warm windproof layers to put on after exiting the water, as ocean air cools a wet body rapidly even in summer. In spring and autumn, temperatures around the pools can drop near freezing between sessions, so layering up immediately after exiting is important.
The access road includes an unpaved section that can become muddy in wet conditions; check road conditions before departure, especially in early April or late October. Remove silver and copper jewellery before entering as geothermal mineral water causes tarnishing. Showering before entering is standard Icelandic bathing etiquette and showers are on site. Do not use soap or shampoo in the pools themselves. The nearest fuel and full services are in Saudarkrokur, approximately 25 km away; plan accordingly before heading out to the peninsula.
