GEOTHERMAL GOLDFISH POND IN SHORTThe geothermal goldfish pond in Húsavík is a small, naturally warm pond about 2 km south of the town in North Iceland, known for the goldfish that live in it. The water is around 20–30°C, and some people bathe in it. It is free to visit, open all year, has no facilities, and is worth 15–20 minutes unless you plan to get in.
About Geothermal Goldfish Pond
The Kaldbakstjarnir ponds, a short way south of Húsavík off Route 85, are warmed by geothermal water, and at some point locals released unwanted pet goldfish into one of them. Enough survived the warm water to keep the population going, and it is now described as one of the world's most northerly goldfish colonies, a strange, almost accidental attraction rather than anything the town built on purpose.
It is a low-key stop: a quiet pond with steam rising off it in cool weather, a short walk from a small car park, and no ticket booth or visitor centre. Some visitors bathe in the warmer parts of the pond, though there are no facilities, marked bathing zones or supervision, so treat it as an unofficial dip rather than a managed hot spring.
Locals know it as the Kaldbakur pond. It lies in a slight hollow in the land, so you cannot see it from the main road, which is one reason few visitors find it. Besides the goldfish you will see water plants and algae. On a still, sunny day the bright orange fish are easy to spot, and children enjoy watching them.
The water is lukewarm rather than hot. It is cooler than the other geothermal pools in the area, at roughly 20 to 30°C, and it changes with the weather. That makes a sunny summer day the best time for a dip. Locals have long bathed here, and you may meet a few from Húsavík who have stopped by. They are a good source of tips on what else to see in the area.
Quick facts
RegionNorth Iceland, about 2 km south of Húsavík
GPS66.01534, -17.35684
Local nameKaldbakur pond, part of the Kaldbakstjarnir ponds
RoadRoute 85, then a short gravel track
Water temperatureAbout 20–30°C, varying with the weather
BathingInformal and at your own risk; no changing rooms
EntryFree
Opening hoursOpen all year, no set hours
Time needed15–20 minutes, longer if you bathe
The goldfish that shouldn't be there
There is no grand history here, just a small, well-known local story: pet goldfish, no longer wanted, were tipped into the warm pond rather than being disposed of another way, and the geothermal heat kept them alive far further north than goldfish are normally found. Locals have watched the population persist for years, and it has become a minor curiosity that visitors driving the Diamond Circle sometimes stop for on the way in or out of Húsavík.
How to get to Geothermal Goldfish Pond
By carFrom Húsavík, head south on Route 85 for about 2 km, past the turning for the Kaldbak cottages, through a hollow, and take the gravel track on the right to the small car park by the ponds. The pond is a short way along it.
Coming from the southIf you are driving towards Húsavík from Akureyri or Mývatn on Route 85, the turning comes about 2 km before the town, so slow down as you get close.
Finding the right pondThere are two bodies of water. The goldfish live in the smaller, steaming pond opposite the entrance to the main Kaldbakstjarnir lake.
On footIt is walkable from central Húsavík along Route 85 if you don't mind a road-side walk of a few kilometres each way. Turn in at the junction for the Kaldbak cottages and then left along the gravel track.
The pond sits in a hollow and is easy to miss from the road, so put the GPS point into your phone before you set off.
Things to know about the pool before you bathe
People do swim with the goldfish here, but it is a natural pond, not a managed hot spring.
How warm is it?Around 20–30°C depending on the season and the weather. That is pleasant on a warm day and chilly on a cold one. It suits wading or a short dip more than a long soak.
What is in the water?Goldfish, water plants and algae. The water is not treated or tested. Locals bathe here without worry, but it is at your own risk.
ChangingThere are no changing rooms, toilets or showers. Change in your car or by the bank. The pond is rarely busy, so finding a quiet corner is not hard.
Be kind to the fishDo not feed, catch or chase the goldfish, and do not use soap or shampoo in the pond.
If you want a proper hot bath afterwards, the GeoSea sea baths in Húsavík are a few minutes' drive away.
Other things to do in the area
Húsavík townHúsavík is one of the oldest settlements in Iceland and the largest town in the Þingeyjarsýsla district, and it serves as the service centre for the area. It has restaurants, shops, fuel and a harbour worth a walk.
Whale watching and the whale museumHúsavík is best known for whale watching in Skjálfandi Bay, where humpback and minke whales are seen for much of the year, and now and then blue whales. The whale museum by the harbour is a good stop before or after a boat trip.
GeoSea sea bathsModern baths on the cliff above the town, filled with heated seawater at about 38–39°C, with a view over the bay. They are among the best of the newer baths in the country.
Birdwatching at KaldbakstjarnirThe larger lake next to the goldfish pond is good for birds. Horned grebe and red-breasted merganser are regulars, and there is an observation hut at the southern end.
Best time to visit Geothermal Goldfish Pond
SummerEasiest access and the most comfortable time to linger by the water. Sunny days are the only time the pond feels warm enough for a real dip. Morning and evening light are the nicest for photos.
WinterSteam rising off the pond in cold air, with snow around and goldfish swimming below, is the more atmospheric sight, but the track can be icy.
Safety and practical tips
- There are no changing rooms or facilities, so treat any bathing here as informal and at your own risk.
- Bring a towel and a dry bag for your clothes if you plan to get in.
- Keep to the path around the ponds; the ground nearby can be soft and muddy.
- Leave the goldfish alone and take all your rubbish with you.
- Save the GPS point (66.01534, -17.35684) before you go, as the pond is hidden from the road.
- Combine it with a stop in Húsavík rather than making a special trip, since it takes only a few minutes to see.
Facilities and accessibility
None. The nearest toilets, cafés and shops are in Húsavík.
Nearby places worth a stop
Where to stay near Geothermal Goldfish Pond
Húsavík, a few minutes away, has the closest hotels and guesthouses.
Geothermal Goldfish Pond FAQ
Are there really goldfish living wild in Iceland?
Yes, in this one geothermally warmed pond near Húsavík. They were released as unwanted pets and have survived there because the water stays warm year-round.
Can you swim in the goldfish pond?
Some people do, but there are no facilities, marked bathing areas or supervision, so it is an informal dip rather than an official hot spring.
How warm is the goldfish pond?
About 20–30°C, depending on the weather. It is lukewarm, not hot, so it is best on a sunny summer day.
How do you get to the goldfish pond from Húsavík?
Drive or walk about 2 km south of town on Route 85 and take the track to the small car park by the ponds. The GPS point is 66.01534, -17.35684.
Are there changing rooms or toilets?
No. There are no facilities of any kind, so change in your car. The nearest toilets are in Húsavík.
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