Landbrotalaug Hot Spring Travel Guide

The Landbrotalaug hot spring is a small, natural hot pool on the Snaefellsnes peninsula. 

You can visit this hot spring as part of a self-drive tour of West Iceland. It's the perfect place for a quick break from driving. Alternatively, ask to add it to a private tour of the Snaefellsnes peninsula.

The Landbrotalaug hot spring is only big enough for two people (or three small ones!), so it's a great place to come if you're looking for romance during your Icelandic adventure. There's also a larger pool here. It's big enough for groups to take a quick dip, but the water comes from a hose, so it isn't a natural hot spring.

What Makes the Landbrotalaug Hot Spring Special?

The Landbrotalaug hot spring is small and secluded, surrounded by beautiful mountains — it's an incredible place to visit. Its remote location means there are no amenities such as changing rooms or bathrooms, but it has a fantastic atmosphere and is an excellent place for a romantic soak or a break from driving.

When you arrive at the hot springs car park, you'll need to walk across a shallow lake to reach the hot pot. Many visitors choose to bring waterproof shoes to protect their feet. The spring is hidden behind a small stone wall so you can relax in the geothermal waters without onlookers. 

If you're traveling as a group, or if there are other visitors in the spring when you arrive, you can take turns soaking in the small hot spring and the larger pool. 

Where Is the Landbrotalaug Hot Spring?

The Landbratalaug hot spring is in West Iceland, on the eastern edge of the Snaefellsnes peninsula. It's approximately 70 miles (around 115 kilometers) north of Reykjavik. 

This hot spring is off the beaten track with a middle-of-nowhere feel. It's not as easy to reach as many other hot spring bathing areas, but it's worth it for the rustic solitude here.

Follow the Ring Road northbound to reach the hot pot from the Icelandic capital. When you get to the town of Borganes, turn onto Route 54, which goes to the Snaefellsnes peninsula. Continue until you pass the Eldborg crater, then take the dirt track until you reach the hot springs car park. 

Since part of the route is unpaved, you may want to hire a 4X4 to make your journey easier.

Are There Other Attractions Near the Landbrotalaug Hot Spring?

Thanks to the convenient location of the Landbratalaug hot spring (between Reykjavik and the Snaefellsnes peninsula), there are several exciting attractions near the pool.

If you're keen to discover another nearby hidden bathing spot, check out Sturlungalaug hot spring, just 6.1 miles (9.8 kilometers) away.

The Eldborg Crater

Photo from Flickr, Creative Commons, by Herman Beun. No edits made.

The Eldborg Crater is an active volcanic crater just five miles (around nine kilometers) from the Landbrotalaug geothermal pool. This volcano's activity is what creates the geothermal heat in the pool.

It's a beautiful place to go hiking — don't worry, it hasn't erupted for thousands of years. When you've finished your hike to the crater, you can relax in the nearby Landbrotalaug hot spring.

The Gerduberg Cliffs

Another nearby natural attraction is the Gerduberg Cliffs. These cliffs are a fantastic place to take some beautiful photos, as they have an unusual hexagonal shape. 

They almost look like people must have carved them, but they are a natural feature caused by rapidly cooling lava.

Stykkisholmur

The town of Stykkisholmur, the largest settlement on the Snaefellsnes peninsula, makes a good base for people exploring the rest of the region. It's a well-equipped town with plenty of shops, restaurants, and hotels, but it also provides easy access to the ferry port that can take you to Flatey Island or the Westfjords. 

From Stykkisholmur, you can easily reach the most impressive sights of Snaefellsnes, including the Snaefellsjokull National Park and the black-sand beach of Djupalonssandur.