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Nauteyrarlaug hot spring

WestfjordsHot springFree entrySummer best
Written by locals at Iceland Travel Guide · Checked by Heiða · Updated October 2026
NAUTEYRARLAUG IN SHORT

Nauteyrarlaug is a small natural hot spring beside Route 635 at Nauteyri in Ísafjarðardjúp, Westfjords. The water is about 40 to 42°C, and there is a small hut for changing. It is off the main tourist routes, so it is often quiet. Bring your own food and towels.

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About Nauteyrarlaug

Nauteyrarlaug is a stone-built pool by the fjord at Nauteyri. It is a local favourite, and because it lies off the usual routes it is often empty. The water is warm rather than hot, at about 40 to 42°C, which makes it comfortable for a longer soak.

There is a small hut for changing clothes right beside the pool. Some years ago a fish farming company drilled for hot water nearby, and that cut off the natural flow to the pool. The fix was a pipe, so the water now runs straight from the hot source into the pool and stays clean.

Besides the stone pool there is also a hot tub close by, so there are two places to soak. The temperature can shift a little with the weather.

There are no cafés or shops close by, so bring what you need. Nauteyri lies deep in the Westfjords, with long fjord drives on the way.

Quick facts

Water temperatureAbout 40 to 42°C
RegionWestfjords, Ísafjarðardjúp, at Nauteyri
RoadRoute 635 (Snæfjallastrandarvegur), off Route 61
GPS65.91711, -22.34193
EntryFree (no fee found at time of writing)
ChangingSmall hut by the pool
Opening hoursOpen all year, no supervision
ShowersNone known. Rinse before bathing if you can
Time neededAbout 1 hour plus driving

How to get to Nauteyrarlaug

By carTake Route 61 along Ísafjarðardjúp and turn onto Route 635, which runs north along the coast to Nauteyri. Drive past the church, Nauteyrarkirkja, until you reach the fish farm, then take the left turn just after it. Coordinates: 65.91711, -22.34193.
By public transportThere is no practical public transport to the spring. You will need a car.
ParkingThere is space to stop close to the pool. No parking fee is known.

Westfjords roads are mostly gravel and can be slippery in bad weather. Route 61 is the main road but the fjord drives are slow, so plan more time than the map suggests.

How to find Nauteyrarlaug

There are no big signs, so it helps to know the landmarks.

Step 1: Turn onto Route 635Leave Route 61 where Route 635 branches off along the east side of Ísafjarðardjúp.
Step 2: Pass the churchKeep going past Nauteyrarkirkja, the small church at Nauteyri.
Step 3: Left after the fish farmContinue until you see the salmon farm. Take the left turn straight after it.
Step 4: The pool and the hot tubThe hot tub is only 20 to 30 metres from the turn, with the stone pool and the changing hut close by.

This is a remote spot with no shop or café for a long way. Bring your own food, drinks and anything else you need, and take everything back out with you.

Best time to visit Nauteyrarlaug

Summer (June–September)The best time. Roads are open, days are long and the pool is pleasant in the light evenings.
Winter (October–April)Bathing in the snow is possible, but the road may be icy and daylight is short. Check road conditions on umferdin.is before you go.

Safety and practical tips

  • Respect the pool. Take all rubbish with you and do not bring glass.
  • Shower or rinse beforehand if possible, and keep soap out of the water.
  • Bring towels, a swimsuit and a warm layer. The hut is small.
  • Bring food and water. There is nowhere to buy them nearby.
  • Do not stay in the water for too long, and watch children at all times.
  • Check the road and weather before driving in the Westfjords.

Facilities and accessibility

A small changing hut is beside the pool. There are no toilets, cafés or shops at the spring. Fuel and food are available in Ísafjörður, and there is a hot tub nearby.

On the map

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Nearby places worth a stop

ÍsafjörðurÍsafjörðurMain town in the WestfjordsHólmavíkHólmavíkVillage on the way to the south
Drangsnes hot tubsSeaside hot tubs on the Strandir coastHörgshlíðarlaugHörgshlíðarlaugSmall shoreline pool in Mjóifjörður, also in ÍsafjarðardjúpGvendarlaugGvendarlaugHistoric spring and pool in Bjarnarfjörður

Where to stay near Nauteyrarlaug

Ísafjörður has the most hotels, guesthouses and restaurants in the Westfjords. There are also smaller guesthouses and campsites along Ísafjarðardjúp and in Hólmavík.

Nauteyrarlaug FAQ

How hot is Nauteyrarlaug?

About 40 to 42°C, which is warm and comfortable for a long soak.

Is it free?

No fee has been found, and the pool is unsupervised. Check locally if you are unsure.

Is there a changing room?

There is a small hut for changing. There are no showers known at the site.

Is it busy?

Usually not. It is off the main route and used mostly by locals and a few travellers.

How do I find it?

Drive Route 61 to the Route 635 junction, follow Route 635 past the church at Nauteyri to the fish farm, and take the left turn just after it. The hot tub is 20 to 30 metres from the turn.

More places in Westfjords