Gudlaug Hot Tub Travel Guide

Gudlaug, spelled Guðlaug in Icelandic, is a man-made geothermal pool on Langisandur beach in Akranes, West Iceland.

Travel enthusiasts often visit Gudlaug hot tub on self-drive tours around the Western region. Guided tours on the finest spots in the area, such as this private West Iceland and ice cave tour, are also available.

The name Gudlaug translates to the "pool of god" in English, but the origin of this name is unknown. Perhaps the name is attributed to the godly view of the North Atlantic Ocean from the hot tub or the heavenly water of the pool.

About Gudlaug Hot Tub

The hot tub comprises a three-level oval structure made of concrete. The bottom tier contains cool water, the middle with warm geothermal water, and the top serves as a viewing deck. 

These three parts are connected by a staircase and surrounded by the sea wall's large boulders. The pool was designed this way to evoke an inviting connection between the hot tub and the beach.

The design is also a nod to the town's nautical history, with the wood-imprinted concrete signifying a ship's hull and the viewing deck appearing like the bow of a ship.

Architects built this bathing site using marine-grade concrete, making it durable enough to withstand crashing waves. 

Designed by a skilled team who had previously worked on other pool projects, such as the world-famous Blue Lagoon, the pool is inspired by the ancient Icelandic tradition of bathing in geothermal hot springs.

The architects wanted the hot tub to be built right by the beach to connect with the sea and land. However, as with any structure built on a beach, this project was a challenging task at first. 

Thankfully, the construction team decided to split the construction process over two seasons, thus overcoming the drawback. Now, Gudlaug hot tub draws visitors from all over the world and boosts the local economy. 

What Makes Gudlaug Hot Tub Special?

Gudlaug hot tub, which opened in December 2018, has become a significant attraction site in West Iceland. The pool is a perfect spot for visitors who want a unique geothermal bathing experience. 

Another reason why Gudlaug is so special is that it overlooks the beach, providing a breathtaking view of the magnificent North Atlantic shoreline. Because the tide is constantly changing, every visit to Gudlaug offers a unique experience.

Furthermore, Gudlaug's water originates from Deildartunguhver hot spring, the highest-flowing hot spring in Europe. The geothermal water is untreated and funneled through the top tier, which then overflows into the second level, where the water is cooler. 

The geothermal hot tub is also free and open to the public.

How to Get to Gudlaug Hot Tub?

Akranes town, where Gudlaug hot tub is located, lies approximately 31.07 miles (50 kilometers) from Reykjavik City. Visitors coming from the capital will have to drive for about 50 minutes to reach the pool. 

They can start driving on Sudurgata to Hringbraut/Route 49, then continue on Route 49. After that, they must take Thjodvegur 1, Thjodvegur, and Hvalfjardargong to Kalmansbraut/Route 51 and continue driving on Kalmansbraut. Finally, they must go to Hofdabraut in Akranes, which is the nearest point to Gudlaug hot tub.

Other Popular Sites Nearby

Aside from the Gudlaug hot tub, other notable sites in West Iceland include the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, Snaefellsjokull glacier, Kirkjufell mountain, Gerduberg cliffs, and many more. The region is also home to Iceland's capital, Reykjavik City.