Quick FactsOverview
About Hellulaug Hot Spring
Hellulaug Hot Spring, Iceland is a small natural geothermal pool tucked into the coastline just off Route 60 at the mouth of Vatnsfjordur fjord in the Westfjords, near the tiny village of Flokalundur. The pool faces the Atlantic and offers open views across the fjord and surrounding mountains. It measures roughly 3 to 4 metres in diameter and sits around 60 centimetres deep, holding enough space for a small group of bathers at a time. The water temperature holds consistently at around 38 degrees Celsius year-round, making it comfortable for extended soaking in most weather conditions.
Hellulaug sits within sight of the Vatnsfjordur campsite and is just off the main Westfjords highway, making it one of the more accessible wild hot springs in the region. A small donation canister near the parking area collects contributions toward pool maintenance, and the pool is cleaned and serviced regularly by local volunteers. No formal facilities are available on site. The pool is hidden from the road by a slight rise in terrain, so visitors parking in the small lot need to walk a short distance down toward the shore to find it. Flokalundur takes its name from Hrafna-Floki, the Norse explorer credited with naming Iceland, who wintered in Vatnsfjordur in the 9th century.
Location & Access
Getting to Hellulaug Hot Spring
Hellulaug Hot Spring is located directly off Route 60 (Vestfjardavegur), the main road through the Westfjords, about 1.5 km west of the Flokalundur village and hotel. A small parking area is on the roadside, and the pool is a short walk of a few minutes down toward the shoreline. The pool itself is partially hidden by the terrain and is not clearly visible from the road, so look for the parking area and then follow the path to the water's edge.
From Reykjavik, the drive takes approximately four to five hours. Head north on Route 1 past Bifrost, then turn left onto Route 60 heading into the Westfjords. Continue for approximately 215 km along Route 60 until you reach Flokalundur. The route includes sections of gravel road and follows narrow fjord roads throughout the Westfjords, so allow extra time, particularly in wet or icy conditions. A two-wheel-drive vehicle is generally sufficient in summer; winter driving in the Westfjords requires extra caution and road condition checks before departure. Hellulaug is also reachable from the Brjanslakur ferry terminal, which connects to Stykkisholmur on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, making it a natural first stop for visitors arriving by ferry from the south. The ferry terminal is only a few minutes from the pool by road.
Suitability & Accessibility
Who Hellulaug Suits
Hellulaug Hot Spring suits visitors who are already exploring the Westfjords and want a free, uncrowded, and genuinely wild coastal soaking stop without commercial infrastructure. It works best for road-trippers and campervan travelers who value ease of access combined with a remote atmosphere, as the pool is literally beside the main road but still feels secluded. Solo travelers and couples are well matched to the intimate pool size. Families with older children can visit comfortably, as the pool is shallow and contained.
For those seeking free hot springs in Iceland that require no hiking and sit in a dramatic coastal setting, Hellulaug is one of the best options in the Westfjords. The fjord views, the proximity to the shore, and the likely sighting of seabirds such as Arctic terns add to the experience beyond the soak itself. Budget travelers benefit from the free access and the lack of booking requirements.
Wheelchair access is not confirmed. The path from the road to the pool involves a short descent on uneven ground without documented step-free infrastructure. Visitors with mobility requirements should assess the terrain before committing to the site. No changing facilities exist on site; visitors change in their vehicles or come prepared with a swimsuit already on. There are no showers, no toilets, and no equipment available, so everything needed must be brought along.
Safety & Etiquette
Hellulaug Hot Spring Safety Tips
Hellulaug Hot Spring is generally safe for soaking, with the main considerations being the remote coastal setting, lack of any on-site supervision or facilities, the proximity of the pool edge to the shore, and the challenging driving conditions on the Westfjords road network. No lifeguard or attendant is present at any time.
The pool temperature holds at around 38 degrees Celsius and is generally comfortable for all ages, but test the water before entering, particularly after a period of high geothermal activity, as temperatures can occasionally fluctuate. The pool edge faces toward the sea and sits on a rocky shoreline; do not lean heavily on the outer wall or step beyond the pool structure, as the ground drops away toward the water below. Keep children close at all times near the pool edge and the coastal rocks.
No changing facilities exist at Hellulaug. Change in your vehicle before arriving or wear your swimsuit under your clothes. Bring a towel, warm windproof layers, and traction sandals; the path to the pool can be slippery in wet weather and the coastal wind accelerates heat loss when exiting the water. Bring your own drinking water and any snacks, as there are no services at the pool itself. The nearest services, including food, fuel, and toilets, are at the Flokalundur hotel approximately 1.5 km away. In winter, road conditions on Route 60 in the Westfjords can deteriorate rapidly with ice, snow, and strong winds; always check conditions before departing and carry emergency supplies in the vehicle.
