Sturlungalaug Hot Spring | Best Hidden Hot Spring in Iceland
West IcelandWild hot springFree entryRough farm track
Written by locals at Iceland Travel Guide · Checked by Heiða · Updated October 2026
STURLUNGALAUG IN SHORT
Sturlungalaug is a pair of natural hot pools in the hills at the eastern edge of the Snæfellsnes peninsula in West Iceland. It is free, but there are no signs, no facilities and the last part is a rough farm track of about 6 km. Allow 1–2 hours including the drive in.
Sturlungalaug (also called Guðmundarlaug) is a wild hot spring. There are two pools side by side, one larger and one smaller, in a wide grassy field with lava fields and mountains around it. The larger pool is roughly 3 by 7 metres and the water is about 40°C. The edges are turf and the bottom is soft mud, so the water is cloudy, not clear. Many natural pools in Iceland are like this.
There is no café, no ticket office and no sign to the pools. That is the appeal for many people, and also the reason to plan carefully. You reach it along a gravel farm track that crosses private land and passes through gates, so you are a guest on someone’s farm.
Because it is remote and the track is rough, it is much quieter than pools closer to the main roads. If you want something easier in the same area, Landbrotalaug is a short drive away.
Quick facts
GPS64.86961, -22.28377
TypeNatural hot spring, two pools
WaterAbout 40°C
Larger poolRoughly 3 x 7 m, room for 8–10 people
RegionWest Iceland, eastern edge of Snæfellsnes
RoadRoute 54, then Route 55, then about 6 km of gravel farm track
Vehicle4x4 or high-clearance car recommended
EntryFree
FacilitiesNone. A small hut or shelter for changing may stand a short way off
Time needed1–2 hours including the track
How to get to Sturlungalaug
By carLeave Route 54 onto Route 55, then turn onto the gravel farm track towards the Syðri-Rauðamelur farm. Follow it for about 6 km. The pools are behind a small hill, near a small parking area. There are no signs, so download an offline map before you go.
GatesYou will pass through farm gates. Close every gate behind you, exactly as you found it, so livestock cannot wander.
On footYou can also walk in from Route 55. Expect roughly an hour each way over rough ground.
By public transportThere is no public transport to the pools.
The track can be very muddy and can have deep puddles after rain or snowmelt. In winter, do not attempt it in a normal car. If in doubt, turn back or choose an easier pool.
How to find Sturlungalaug
No sign points to the hot spring, and it is hard to pick out on a map. These are the steps from the main road. Save the GPS point before you leave, because you may lose signal on the way.
Step 1: Route 54 to Route 55From Snæfellsnesvegur (Route 54), turn onto Route 55 and follow it along the valley Heydalur.
Step 2: Turn off at RauðhálsarAt Rauðhálsar, leave Route 55 on the gravel track that passes north of the crater. From here the road is bumpy and slow.
Step 3: Syðri-Rauðamelur farmLook for the sign that says Syðri-Rauðamelur and keep following the track past the farm. Close each gate behind you.
Step 4: The parking area and gateThe track ends at a small parking area with a gate. The pools are a short walk from here, south-east of the crater Syðri-Rauðamelskúla. You will not see them at first, as they sit behind a small hill.
Step 5: ChangingA couple of hundred metres from the pool there is a borehole and a small hut where people change. Do not count on the hut being open or usable. Changing by the car works just as well.
There are no shops anywhere near. Pack food, drinks, swimwear, towels and a dry set of warm clothes before you leave Route 54.
Best time to visit Sturlungalaug
Summer (June–August)The track is at its driest and the light lasts late into the evening. This is the easiest time to visit.
Winter (November–March)A hot pool in snow is memorable, but the track can be icy or snowed in and daylight is short. Only go with a suitable 4x4 and check road conditions on umferdin.is.
Safety and practical tips
Bring swimwear, towels, warm clothes and a bag for wet things. There is nothing on site.
Bring food and drinks. There is no shop, café or fuel anywhere near the pools.
Close every farm gate behind you, and do not leave the track or pitch a tent on farmland.
The pool floor is muddy. Wear sandals or shoes you do not mind getting dirty.
Take all rubbish with you and do not use soap or shampoo in the water.
Mobile signal may be poor. Tell someone where you are going and check the weather on vedur.is.
Facilities and accessibility
None. There are no toilets, showers or shops at the pools, and no service nearby. Fuel, food and toilets are in Borgarnes, Stykkishólmur and along Route 54.
Stay in Stykkishólmur, Grundarfjörður or Borgarnes, or in a guesthouse or farm stay along Snæfellsnes. There is nothing to stay at by the pools themselves.
Sturlungalaug FAQ
Where is Sturlungalaug hot spring?
In West Iceland at the eastern edge of the Snæfellsnes peninsula, off Route 55 (Heydalur) near the farm Syðri-Rauðamelur. The pools are south-east of the crater Syðri-Rauðamelskúla, at GPS 64.86961, -22.28377.
Is Sturlungalaug free?
Yes. There is no charge, but the track crosses private land, so respect the gates and the landowners.
Do I need a 4x4?
A 4x4 or high-clearance car is strongly recommended for the last 6 km. A normal car may manage in dry summer weather, but the track is rough.
Are there changing rooms?
No proper facilities. A small hut by a borehole a couple of hundred metres away is sometimes used for changing, but bring a towel and be ready to change by the car.
How hot is the water?
Around 40°C, like a warm bath.
Is it the same as Guðmundarlaug?
Yes. Sturlungalaug is also known as Guðmundarlaug.
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