Quick FactsOverview
About Krauma Geothermal Baths
Krauma Geothermal Baths, Iceland is a purpose-built geothermal spa located directly beside Deildartunguhver, the highest-flow hot spring in Europe, in the Borgarfjordur region of West Iceland. The facility opened in 2017 and draws water directly from Deildartunguhver, which emerges from the ground at close to 100 degrees Celsius. The water is cooled by mixing with cold glacial water to reach bathing temperatures of 37 to 42 degrees Celsius across five warm outdoor pools. A sixth pool is a cold plunge at 5 to 10 degrees Celsius. No chlorine or other chemicals are added; the constant rapid flow rate of the spring keeps the water clean.
In addition to the six outdoor pools, Krauma offers two saunas, a steam bath, an infrared cabin, and a relaxation room with soft seating and a fireplace. An on-site restaurant seats 70 indoors and 70 on a terrace, serving Icelandic cuisine from locally sourced ingredients. Changing rooms are equipped with lockers, showers, and toiletries. Swimsuits and towels are available to rent. The facility is open daily from 11:00 to 21:00 year-round, with closures on Christmas Day and New Year's Day.
Location & Access
Getting to Krauma Geothermal Baths
Krauma Geothermal Baths is at Deildartunguhver, 320 Reykholt, directly off Road 50 in the Borgarfjordur region of West Iceland, approximately 97 to 105 km from Reykjavik, a drive of around one and a half hours. From Reykjavik, take Route 1 north through the Hvalfjordur tunnel, continue through Borgarnes, and then turn east onto Route 50 toward Reykholt. The spa is well-signposted and sits immediately adjacent to the Deildartunguhver hot spring viewing area. Free parking is available with space for approximately 50 cars and EV charging stations are provided. No 4WD is required; the entire route is paved.
From Borgarnes, the drive east on Route 50 to Krauma takes around 35 to 40 minutes. The nearest village is Reykholt, approximately 2 km away. Online booking is recommended, especially during summer months from June through August and on weekends, as the pool area is intentionally kept at a manageable scale. The Silver Circle route connects Krauma with other geothermal sites and hot springs in the Borgarfjordur region. Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls are approximately 10 km east of Krauma, Vidgelmir lava cave is around 25 km away, and Reykholt village is 2 km from the baths.
Suitability & Accessibility
Who Krauma Suits
Krauma Geothermal Baths suits travelers driving West Iceland who want a comfortable, well-facilitated geothermal spa stop with multiple pool temperatures, saunas, and a restaurant in a single location. It works well as part of a Silver Circle day trip from Reykjavik or as a relaxation stop when combining visits to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula and the Borgarfjordur region. The facility is smaller and quieter than the Blue Lagoon, and it suits visitors who prefer a calmer setting with easier logistics and lower entry cost.
Krauma is accessible hot springs in Iceland with full facilities for visitors with mobility needs. The operator states the facility is designed and constructed to ensure full accessibility to all guests, with accessible changing rooms and pool facilities. Families with children are welcome; children under 10 enter free when accompanied by a paying adult. Older children who enjoy contrast bathing between warm pools and the cold plunge will find the multi-pool layout engaging over a two to four hour visit.
Solo travelers and couples appreciate the calm, structured setting and the option to move between pools at their own pace. The relaxation room with a fireplace is well-suited to extending a visit beyond the pool time, and the on-site restaurant means no need to leave the site before or after soaking.
Safety & Etiquette
Krauma Geothermal Baths Safety Tips
Krauma Geothermal Baths is generally safe as a staffed commercial facility, with the main safety considerations being the temperature range across six pools, the cold plunge contrast effect, and wet pool deck surfaces. Staff are on site during opening hours and the facility operates to commercial wellness standards.
The warm pools run from 37 to 42 degrees Celsius; choose your pool based on how you feel and move between them rather than sitting in the hottest option continuously. The cold plunge runs at 5 to 10 degrees Celsius; immerse briefly and exit if you feel discomfort in your chest or breathing. Alternating between warm and cold is effective for circulation but increases cardiovascular demand; anyone with heart conditions should consult a doctor before attempting contrast bathing. Extended soaking in warm water causes dehydration; drink water between sessions and take breaks in the relaxation room.
Pool decks and walkways between facilities can be slippery when wet; traction sandals or water shoes are recommended. The outdoor pool area is exposed to West Iceland weather; bring a warm layer for the walk between changing rooms and pools, particularly outside summer. The facility requires a pre-entry shower without swimsuit, which is standard at Icelandic pools and is enforced; showering facilities with toiletries are provided in the changing rooms. Krauma is closed on Christmas Day and New Year's Day; check the official website at krauma.is if visiting in late December or early January to confirm current hours.
