Quick FactsOverview
About Hrunalaug Hot Spring
Hrunalaug Hot Spring, Iceland is a historic private-farmland geothermal pool near the village of Fludir in South Iceland, consisting of three natural stone pools at temperatures ranging from 32 to 40 degrees Celsius. The oldest pool was built around 1890 by a farmer at the As farm as a washing and bathing pool. A second was added in 1935, originally for sheep, and a third visitor-focused pool was completed in 2017. The main pool was renovated in 2023. Entry is paid and the site operates with seasonal hours and a 90-minute visit limit per group.
Hrunalaug sits just off the Golden Circle route, less than five minutes from Route 30, making it one of the most accessible rural hot spring stops in South Iceland. The three pools each run at a different temperature, from the coolest at around 32 degrees to the hottest at around 40 degrees. The pools are surrounded by open Icelandic farmland with views of rolling hills and grazing sheep. A service house at the parking area provides restrooms and basic refreshments, and two small changing huts are positioned near the pools. No showers are on site.
Location & Access
Getting to Hrunalaug Hot Spring
Hrunalaug Hot Spring is near Fludir in the Hrunamannahreppur region of South Iceland, approximately 111 km from Reykjavik, a drive of around one and a half hours. From Reykjavik, take the Ring Road east toward Selfoss, then turn north onto Route 30. After passing near Fludir, turn right onto Route 344 (Hrunavegur), a gravel road requiring careful driving. Follow Route 344, then turn right onto Kaldabaksvegur, and then right again at the Solheimar sign to reach the parking area. GPS coordinates 64.1332992, -20.2614987 bring you directly to the lot. From the parking area, a short path of around five minutes leads over a low rise to the pools.
Hrunalaug is close to several Golden Circle attractions. Gullfoss waterfall is approximately 32 km away, the Geysir geothermal area is around 30 km away, and the Secret Lagoon in Fludir is just a few minutes by road. A standard passenger vehicle handles the route in normal conditions; the gravel section of Route 344 requires reduced speed. In winter the gravel section can become icy and should be treated with appropriate caution. No booking is required and payment is made on arrival by card or cash. The site enforces a 90-minute visit limit during busy periods to manage the small pool capacity.
Suitability & Accessibility
Who Hrunalaug Suits
Hrunalaug Hot Spring suits visitors already driving the Golden Circle or passing through South Iceland who want a quiet countryside hot spring stop with genuine warmth and historical character. The three pools at different temperatures serve a range of preferences within a single group, and the open farmland setting is quite different from the volcanic or coastal environments of many other Icelandic hot spring sites. Couples, solo travelers, and families with children are all welcome, and children under 10 enter free.
For those seeking family hot springs near Fludir with a structured but informal atmosphere, Hrunalaug is a practical choice. The stone-walled pools are contained rather than open water, and the site has a service house with restrooms at the parking area plus two small changing huts near the pools. The 90-minute visit limit keeps the site from becoming too crowded even in peak season. Arriving early in the day or outside the main Golden Circle rush hours gives the best chance of a quiet soak.
Wheelchair access is not available at this site. The operator explicitly states the hot spring is not accessible for wheelchair users. The path from the parking area to the pools involves uneven ground and natural terrain. Visitors without mobility limitations should note there are no showers on site; bring your own towel or rent one, and plan to change in one of the small huts near the pools or in your vehicle.
Safety & Etiquette
Hrunalaug Hot Spring Safety Tips
Hrunalaug Hot Spring is generally safe for soaking, with the main considerations being the high temperature of the hottest pool, uneven stone edges around the pools, the lack of showers, and the privately owned setting that requires visitors to be self-sufficient. There is no lifeguard on site. An attendant is present during operating hours in warmer months; in winter the honor system applies for payment.
The three pools run at temperatures from approximately 32 to 40 degrees Celsius. The hottest pool at around 40 degrees is near the upper limit of comfortable soaking; enter gradually and limit sessions to 15 to 20 minutes before cooling down. Extended exposure causes dehydration and light-headedness. Bring your own water supply as none is provided, drink before and after your soak, and exit the pool immediately if you feel dizzy or overheated. The 90-minute visit limit helps prevent overexposure in the hot temperatures.
Stone pool walls and surrounding ground are wet and can be slippery. Move slowly when entering and exiting each pool. Traction sandals help significantly on wet rock surfaces. Glass containers are prohibited. Do not use soap or shampoo in the pools. The pools are on private property; the operating family asks all visitors to practise leave-no-trace principles and take all litter when they leave. The site has temporarily closed in the past when visitors did not follow site rules, so respectful behaviour from every visitor matters for keeping it open.
