Horgshlidarlaug Hot Spring Travel Guide

Horgshlidarlaug, Hörgshlíðarlaug in Icelandic, is a man-made and privately owned geothermal pool situated by the sea in Iceland's Westfjords region.

Horgshlidarlaug hot spring is relatively small, so no tours officially stop there. But visitors can easily add it to a self-drive tour itinerary around the Westfjords, such as this 10-day off-the-beaten-path summer road trip.

The spring is free of charge, but it's located within a private property, so visitors must get permission to go for a soak. While it may seem awkward to ask for permission, visitors shouldn't worry because the owner allows outsiders on the premises and lets them use the pool.

About Horgshlidarlaug Hot Spring 

The pool is built in concrete and filled with geothermally heated water from two sources and cold water from a third. 

This small hot spring, which is 19.69 feet (6 meters) long and 6.56 feet (2 meters) wide, can fit small groups. Visitors can also stand in the pool, as it's approximately 31.50 inches (80 centimeters) deep. 

The parking lot is nearby, and a small changing room is next to the pool. However, visitors should bring their swimsuits and towels as there is no nearby facility to rent or buy them. 

The water is kept hot year-round, and visitors are always welcome. It's not very busy, and visitors likely won't have to wait long for their turn for a soak, even at the busiest times.

Moreover, unlike most natural hot springs in Iceland, which are usually left alone in their natural state, the privately owned Horgshlidarlaug pool is kept reasonably well. Therefore, visitors are also expected to maintain its cleanliness during and after use.

A Stunning View from the Hot Spring

Situated at the edge of Mjoifjordur in the Westfjords, Horgshlidarlaug hot spring offers a marvelous view of the fjord with its narrow sea and surrounding mountains, which visitors can enjoy right from the comfort of the pool. At times, seals can also be spotted on the shore.

Since the spring is located by the sea, visitors like to take a dip in the pool's hot water and enjoy the stunning vista before stepping out into the cold sea.

Horgshlidarlaug's remote location makes it a great place to relax without worrying about having too many tourists around. It rarely gets crowded, so visitors can soak in the pool for as long as they want.

How to Get to Horgshlidarlaug 

Horgshlidarlaug hot spring is located about 211 miles (340 kilometers) away from Reykjavik and is well worth visiting if you're in the Icelandic Westfjords.

To reach Horgshlidarlaug hot spring, you can either turn south from Route 61 or Route 633 and turn on the road north to the hot springs. There should be signs on Route 633 pointing toward the hot spring. 

Visitors may also follow the GPS coordinates: 65.84528, -22.61212 to find the hot spring faster since the place can be easily overlooked. 

Other Notable Sites Nearby

The Westfjords region is filled with things to do and see, and visitors can spend a day or two here. There are other Westfjords attractions, beaches, small towns, and charming landscapes that visitors can explore at their leisure, including the Dynjandi waterfalls, Raudasandur beach, and Latrabjarg cliffs. 

Visitors love to take photos at the Dynjandi waterfalls, considered the Jewel of the Westfjords, because of its unique trapezoidal shape and stunning landscapes. 

Raudasandur beach is famous for its red and golden sand, instead of black sand, which is more common in Iceland. 

Finally, bird enthusiasts flock to the Latrabjarg cliffs to watch many kinds of birds, such as Skuas, Arctic Terns, Guillemots, Eider Ducks, Razorbills, and of course, the Atlantic Puffins.