Overview
A tidy, modern soak built around a powerhouse hot spring
Krauma is a developed geothermal bath complex beside Deildartunguhver in West Iceland. The operator is clear about what you’re getting: multiple warm pools plus a cold plunge, sauna options, and indoor spaces that make the visit comfortable in any season. Pool temperatures are posted as a range, with warm pools around 37-41°C (99-106°F) and a cold plunge listed at 5-10°C (41-50°F).
What makes it different
This is not a single rustic pool in a field. It’s designed. That’s a plus when the wind is sharp or you want an easy stop without muddy boots. It also sits right by one of Iceland’s most impressive hot spring sites, so you can pair “look at the force of it” with “now soak in a controlled temperature.”
How it feels on the ground
Expect a calm, spa-like mood with families mixed in. It’s a solid pick when you want clean facilities and a predictable experience, and it’s one of the easier West Iceland baths to fit into a day route.
Location & Access
Where it is
Krauma is near Deildartunguhver, with the address listed as Deildartunguhver, 320 Reykholt (Road 50). The operator also provides GPS coordinates, included below for mapping.
By car
This is drive-up access, no hike. It’s about 97 km from Reykjavík by the operator’s listing, and it works well as a West Iceland day trip when roads are clear. In winter, build in extra time for weather and daylight, and treat the parking area and walkways as potentially icy.
Opening hours
They publish daily hours and specific holiday closures (for example, closures on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day). Check the current notice if you’re traveling around late December or early January.
What to bring
Swimsuit, plus a towel and robe if you prefer your own. Rentals are listed by the operator. Traction sandals are still worth packing, even in well-built facilities, because wet stone and tiled floors stay slick.
Tickets
Prices are published by age category. If you’re arriving at a popular time, booking ahead keeps the visit smooth, especially if your day includes multiple West Iceland stops.
Suitability & Accessibility
Krauma suits travelers who want the hot springs experience without the “figure it out as you go” part. You get managed temperatures, changing rooms, and clearly structured pool areas.
Families
Family friendly, with children’s pricing listed by the operator. Kids still do best with shorter soak rounds and warm layers between dips, especially in windy conditions.
Couples and solo travelers
Couples tend to like Krauma for the calm layout and the option to mix hot pools with a cold plunge. Solo travelers appreciate that it’s easy to do on your own, with no hiking and a predictable on-site flow.
Mobility and accessibility
The operator states the facilities are designed and constructed to ensure full accessibility to all guests. That’s unusually direct. Even so, water entry often involves pool edges and wet transitions, so it’s still smart to ask about the easiest entry point if you have specific needs.
Expectations vs reality
Think “modern geothermal bath complex,” not “wild hot spring.” If you want raw nature, pick something else. If you want comfort and clean logistics, this is a strong match.
Safety & Etiquette
Hot and cold contrast is optional
With warm pools and a cold plunge available, it’s easy to overdo the contrast. If you’re not used to cold immersion, try the cold pool briefly or skip it. Your day will still be great.
Slips happen in nice places too
Stone decks, showers, and stairs stay wet. Traction sandals help, and moving slowly is normal here. Keep your hands free when you walk between pools.
Shower etiquette
Plan on a proper wash before soaking. In Iceland, that’s part of the shared-pool norm, and it keeps the water pleasant for everyone. Take the extra minute and you’ll feel better in the pool, too.
Heat pacing
Do rounds, not marathons. If you feel dizzy or unusually tired, get out, cool down, and drink water. Warm water can mask how hard your body is working.
Respect quiet zones
Keep voices lower in sauna and indoor relaxation spaces. It goes best when you treat the shared areas like a library mood, not a bar mood.
General care
Keep glass out of wet areas, keep phones secured (wet hands drop things), and store bags so walkways stay clear for others and for mobility access.
FAQs
What are Krauma’s opening hours?
The operator lists geothermal bath hours as 11:00 to 21:00 daily, with specific holiday variations and closures (including Christmas Day and New Year’s Day). Check the current notice before you travel in late December or early January.
How warm are the pools?
Krauma lists warm pools in the 37-41°C range and a cold plunge around 5-10°C. You can mix and match based on how you feel.
Is it suitable for kids?
Yes. Children’s pricing is published, and the layout is controlled and predictable. Keep kids to shorter soak rounds and watch footing on wet stone.
Is it wheelchair accessible?
The operator states the facilities are designed and constructed to ensure full accessibility. If you need step-free water entry, it’s still worth asking which pool has the easiest access and what the current route looks like from parking to changing rooms.
Do I need to bring my own towel?
You can bring your own, or use on-site rentals. Bringing your own towel and a warm layer makes the walk between buildings and pools more comfortable.