Quick FactsOverview
About Gudrunarlaug
Gudrunarlaug, Iceland is a small stone-built geothermal pool in the Saelingsdalur valley of the Dalir region in West Iceland, named after Gudrun Osvifursdottir, the central figure of the Laxdaela Saga, one of the most widely read Icelandic sagas of the medieval period. The pool sits on a gentle hill above Laugar farm, with open views across the quiet volcanic valley. It is free to use year-round and accommodates roughly six to eight people in a single shallow circular pool that runs at around 42 degrees Celsius.
The original hot spring at this location was in use for centuries and is mentioned both in the Laxdaela Saga and in Sturlunga Saga, which describes it as a well-used communal bath. According to the saga, Gudrun spent considerable time at the pool and held a significant meeting there with Gestur Oddleifsson, during which he interpreted her four dreams as predictions of her four marriages, each of which came true. The original pool was destroyed by a landslide in the 19th century. In 2009, a new pool was constructed near the same site, built to evoke the character of the original, with stone walls and a small turf-roofed changing hut beside it. The hut serves as the only facility on site.
Location & Access
Getting to Gudrunarlaug
Gudrunarlaug is at Laugar in Saelingsdalur, approximately 20 km from Budardalur and 166 km from Reykjavik. From Reykjavik, take Route 1 north to Borgarnes, then follow Route 60 west. Look for the turn onto Route 589 (Saelingsdalsvegur) and drive approximately 3 km into the valley to reach Laugar farm. Park at the farm, then walk a short path of around five minutes uphill to the pool, which is visible above the farm buildings. The pool is not difficult to find once you are at Laugar.
The drive from Reykjavik takes approximately two hours and ten minutes under normal conditions. From Budardalur, which has fuel and basic services, the drive along Route 60 and then Route 589 takes around 20 to 25 minutes. The roads leading to Gudrunarlaug are paved on Route 60 and well-maintained on Route 589, making the site accessible to standard passenger vehicles in all seasons. In winter, road conditions should be checked before departure as the valley can be affected by snow and ice, though the route does not require a four-wheel-drive vehicle under normal winter conditions. There is camping available near Laugar farm at the adjacent Dalahotel campsite, and the hotel itself is within walking distance of the pool.
Suitability & Accessibility
Who Gudrunarlaug Suits
Gudrunarlaug suits visitors who want a free, quiet, and historically rooted hot spring experience in West Iceland without facilities or commercial infrastructure. The pool is best suited to couples, solo travellers, and small groups who enjoy the combination of geothermal bathing and Icelandic literary history, and who are comfortable with a simple outdoor setting that requires them to bring everything they need. It is a strong option for anyone driving Route 60 through the Dalir region who wants a calm detour rather than a managed spa stop.
Families with children are welcome. The pool is shallow and not deep enough to pose a drowning risk for young children with supervision, and the temperature at around 42 degrees Celsius is warm but manageable for brief family soaks. The setting is calm and contained rather than wild or remote, which makes it less demanding than fully off-grid hot springs. The short walk from the car park to the pool is easy enough for most ages. For those seeking free hot springs in Iceland that offer a meaningful connection to the country's saga heritage, Gudrunarlaug is one of the most directly documented examples, with written sources placing Gudrun herself at this site over a thousand years ago.
Wheelchair access is not confirmed. The path from the farm to the pool is a short rural track with uneven ground, and the pool entry involves stone steps. Visitors with significant mobility requirements should assess conditions on arrival or contact the nearby Dalahotel for local information.
Safety & Etiquette
Gudrunarlaug Safety Tips
Gudrunarlaug is generally safe for soaking, with the main considerations being the water temperature, uneven ground around the pool, and the absence of any on-site supervision or facilities beyond the changing hut. There is no attendant and no emergency equipment present, so visitors manage their own wellbeing throughout their visit.
The pool runs at around 42 degrees Celsius, which is warm enough to cause discomfort if you enter too quickly. Test the water with your hand before settling in, and limit initial soak times to around 10 to 15 minutes until you are accustomed to the heat. Geothermal soaking at this temperature can cause dehydration and light-headedness, especially after a long drive; drink water before and after your soak and take regular breaks. If you feel dizzy or overheated, exit the pool and rest in the cool air before re-entering.
The ground around the pool is rural and can be muddy or slippery depending on weather. Traction sandals are advisable for the walk from the changing hut to the pool edge. Stone pool walls are the most common point of contact for minor injuries; move slowly when entering and exiting. There are no showers at the site, so rinse off as thoroughly as you can before entering the pool, in keeping with Icelandic bathing etiquette. Do not use soap or shampoo in the pool. Pack out all litter, as the site has no waste management infrastructure. In winter, the access path can be icy; wear appropriate footwear for the walk from the car. Bring warm layers to put on immediately after your soak, as the valley can be cold and windy once you leave the water.
