Written by locals at Iceland Travel Guide · Checked by Heiða · Updated October 2026
ENGLANDSHVERIR IN SHORT
Englandshverir is a small, lukewarm natural hot spring on a river in Lundarreykjadalur, West Iceland, reached by a gravel road and a short walk. It is little known, free, has no facilities and no signs, and is best from May to mid-October. Expect around 1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes from Reykjavík, plus 10–15 minutes on foot. GPS: 64.49027, -21.17833.
Englandshverir is a series of natural pools beside a river, out in open moorland. You cannot see them from the road or from a distance, and there are no signs, no changing rooms and no crowds. The warm water rises along the river bank and feeds the pools, the largest of which is big enough for a small group.
The water is lukewarm rather than hot, at around 37 degrees Celsius, with warmer patches higher up. It is more of a long, gentle soak than a hot bath, and plenty of visitors simply sit on the bank with their feet in the water. The minerals can stain light swimwear, so wear something dark.
The main challenge is finding it. The route follows a gravel road, then a short walk, and you have to get across the river, either over a pipe bridge or on foot through the water. That is part of the fun for most visitors, but it is not for everyone. Few people come, so you may well have the place to yourself.
Quick facts
GPS64.49027, -21.17833
RegionWest Iceland, Lundarreykjadalur area
From ReykjavíkRoughly 1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes by car
RoadRoute 52, with a gravel section; potholes are common
WalkAbout 500 m each way, 10–15 minutes, easy, with a river to cross by pipe bridge or on foot
SignpostingNone; look for the red pipe bridge and the small pump house
WaterAround 37 °C, warmer higher up
EntryFree, open all day
FacilitiesNone: no changing rooms, toilets or bins
Best timeMay to mid-October, when the road is snow-free
How to get to Englandshverir
By carDrive to Borgarfjörður, then take Route 52 into the Lundarreykjadalur valley. The last part is gravel, with potholes. Park near the small pump house, without blocking the track, then follow the blue-topped posts on foot to the pools. From Reykjavík it takes about an hour and a half, so it works as a day trip.
4x4 or normal car?A high-clearance or 4x4 vehicle is recommended, especially after rain. A careful driver in an ordinary car can manage in dry summer weather.
By public transportThere is no public transport to the spring. You need a car or a private tour.
The walkThe path crosses loose stones, grass and boggy ground. A red metal pipe crosses the river as a makeshift bridge. If you prefer to wade, the river is ankle to knee deep in normal summer conditions, so bring waterproof shoes or sandals.
The area is remote and there is no signal in places. Save the route offline, and turn back if the river is high after heavy rain.
How to find Englandshverir, step by step
There are no signboards, only a few small posts on the walk in, so know what to look for before you arrive.
Step 1: Park by the pump houseOnce you are at the GPS point, look for two things: a red metal pipe across the river and a small pump house close to it. When you see them, you are in the right place. Park nearby, clear of the track.
Step 2: Do not count on the pump housePeople often take the pump house for a changing room. It is not one. There is nowhere to change, so arrive with your swimsuit on under your clothes.
Step 3: Cross the pipe bridgeClimb up to the pipe and cross it one person at a time. It is not high, but it is narrow and can be wet, so take it slowly. If you do not like the look of it, wade across when the river is low.
Step 4: The poolsOn the other side you will see the main pool straight away, fed by the hot springs just beside it. It is fairly large and lukewarm, good for a soak or a footbath while you sit and listen to the river.
Leave the pipe and the pump house alone, and leave everything as you found it.
Best time to visit Englandshverir
Summer (June–August)The best time. The road is dry, days are long and the water level in the river is usually low.
Winter (November–April)Not recommended. The gravel road may be blocked by snow or ice, and the river crossing is risky.
May to mid-October is the practical window.
Safety and practical tips
Put the GPS point 64.49027, -21.17833 into your map before you leave. There are no signs.
Bring a swimsuit, towel and dry clothes. There are no changing rooms.
Wear dark swimwear. The minerals can stain light fabric.
Take everything back with you, including rubbish. Leave no trace.
Cross the pipe bridge one at a time, and do not wade the river in high water.
Do not go alone in poor weather. The road is remote and mobile signal can be weak.
Respect landowners and stay on the marked route.
Facilities and accessibility
None. There are no changing rooms, toilets or bins at Englandshverir. The nearest services are in Reykholt, Borgarnes and at Húsafell.
Base yourself in Borgarnes, Reykholt or Húsafell, which have hotels, guesthouses and restaurants.
Englandshverir FAQ
Is Englandshverir hot enough for bathing?
It is lukewarm, about 37 degrees, so it is pleasant for a long soak rather than a hot bath.
Is it free?
Yes, there is no entry fee and no opening hours.
Do I need a 4x4?
A 4x4 or high-clearance car is recommended. Ordinary cars may manage in dry summer weather if driven slowly.
Are there changing rooms?
No. There are no facilities, so change discreetly and take your rubbish with you.
When is the best time to go?
May to mid-October, when the road is clear of snow.
How do I find Englandshverir?
Use the GPS point 64.49027, -21.17833. Park by the small pump house, cross the river on the red pipe bridge, and the pools are just on the other side.
Is it suitable for families?
Yes, for a calm outing in good weather. The walk is short and easy and the water is only lukewarm, but the pipe bridge and the river need care with children.
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