Quick FactsOverview
About Landbrotalaug
Landbrotalaug Iceland is a free natural geothermal pool located on the eastern edge of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula in West Iceland, approximately 115 kilometres from Reykjavik and around 70 kilometres from Borgarnes. The pool is tucked among lava fields, moss-covered rocks, and rolling open hills close to the Eldborg Crater, one of the most visually striking volcanic craters in western Iceland. The setting is genuinely remote and secluded, with no commercial infrastructure of any kind. The spring sits on a small private property, and the owner has historically permitted public access. The pool was closed to visitors for a period and reopened in 2024, so visitors should take particular care to leave the site in good condition to ensure continued access.
The main soaking pool is small, fitting two to three people comfortably. It maintains a consistent temperature of around 38 degrees Celsius, heated by shallow intrusions of magma beneath the surface. A second larger pool also exists nearby, fed by water from a hose rather than a direct natural spring, and is big enough for a group to use briefly. The natural pool is the one most visitors come for. The surroundings of moss-covered lava and open mountain views make it one of the more visually compelling natural hot springs in Iceland for its size. The Eldborg Crater is approximately 9 kilometres away and is a frequent combination visit. The spring is one of the best-known small geothermal pools near Borgarnes and is mentioned in most guides to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula.
There are no changing rooms, toilets, or other facilities at the site. Visitors should arrive prepared with everything they need. A small stream must be crossed on the path from the car park to the pool, and stepping stones are usually present, though waterproof footwear makes the crossing more reliable. The pool is open at all hours and is free to enter year-round.
Location & Access
Getting to Landbrotalaug
Landbrotalaug is located off Route 54 on the eastern side of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, near the Eldborg Crater. From Reykjavik, follow Route 1 north to Borgarnes, then turn onto Route 54 heading west toward Stykkisholmur. Continue along Route 54 until you pass the Eldborg Crater on your left, then look for a small gravel road turnoff leading to a modest car park. There is no signpost for Landbrotalaug at the road, so using GPS coordinates is essential. The coordinates are 64.832217, -22.318500, or you can enter N64 degrees 49.933, W22 degrees 19.110 into a compatible GPS device.
The access road is a short unpaved gravel track that is well maintained relative to many Icelandic rural roads. It is accessible in a standard 2WD car in most conditions, unlike some nearby wild springs that require 4WD. The car park has space for around five to ten vehicles. From the car park, a short path leads to the pool, crossing a small stream along the way. The walk takes a few minutes at a gentle pace. Waterproof or sturdy shoes are recommended given the stream crossing and the uneven rocky ground. The drive from Reykjavik takes approximately one hour and forty-five minutes. Visitors looking for hot springs near Borgarnes will find Landbrotalaug one of the easiest to reach in the area for standard vehicles, making it a practical addition to a Snaefellsnes day route from the capital.
Suitability & Accessibility
Who Should Visit Landbrotalaug
Landbrotalaug suits couples, solo travellers, and small groups of two to three people who want an intimate and uncommercialised natural geothermal pool experience on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. The pool's small size is its defining characteristic: it fits only two to three people, which means it naturally filters out larger groups and creates a genuinely private soaking experience when timed well. It is regularly cited as one of the most romantic natural hot springs in Iceland precisely because of this intimacy. Visitors planning a proposal, anniversary trip, or simply a quiet break from driving the peninsula will find it well suited to those purposes.
Families with young children may find the pool challenging given its very small size and the lack of any facilities. The access, however, is easier than at Sturlungalaug, as a 2WD car can reach the car park and the walk is short and relatively flat. The pool itself is not shallow in the way a children's paddling pool would be, and adult supervision is essential for any child near the water. For visitors looking for natural hot springs in Iceland that are accessible without a 4WD vehicle, Landbrotalaug is one of the more practical options on Snaefellsnes. The best visiting times are early morning or late evening, when the likelihood of finding the pool occupied by others is lowest. On clear winter nights, the remote location away from light pollution makes it a viable spot to combine with Northern Lights viewing.
Safety & Etiquette
Safety and Etiquette at Landbrotalaug
Landbrotalaug is a remote natural pool with no staff, no signage at the pool itself, and no emergency services within easy reach. The site is on private property and public access depends on the goodwill of the landowner. This means visitor behaviour directly affects whether the pool remains open. Leave no trace entirely: take all rubbish with you, do not damage the surrounding vegetation or rock surfaces, and treat the site as you would want to find it. This is especially important given that the pool was previously closed and only reopened in 2024.
Test the water temperature before entering, as the pool can vary in temperature at different points and on different days. The temperature at source can be higher than the average soaking temperature of around 38 degrees. If the water feels uncomfortably hot at any point, wait for it to mix and cool slightly before re-entering. Do not spend extended periods in the pool without taking breaks to cool down. The stream crossing on the path to the pool involves stepping on wet rocks, which can be slippery, so take care crossing in both directions. The access road can become icy or muddy in autumn and winter, and while a 2WD car can normally reach the car park in summer, conditions should be checked in advance via the Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration. Do not attempt the access road in snowbound conditions without a 4WD vehicle. There are no toilets at the site, so plan your visit timing accordingly. The car park is small and shared, so arrive prepared to wait briefly if it is occupied.
