A small riverside town in South Iceland, Hella makes a quiet base for exploring waterfalls, black-sand beaches, and the Golden Circle. Nearby geothermal pools and hot tubs offer warm refuge from the winds, with the town’s swimming pool doubling as a local social hub. Horse farms and countryside guesthouses reveal Iceland’s rural rhythms, while clear winter nights bring dazzling views of the northern lights. Hella is understated yet atmospheric — a place where daily life and natural wonders flow together.

Nestled between glaciers and lava fields, Húsafell is an oasis of woodland, hot springs, and geothermal bathing. Its modern thermal spa overlooks wild landscapes, pairing warm pools with views of Langjökull glacier. Nearby, ice tunnels and lava caves invite deeper exploration, while hiking trails weave through birch groves and waterfalls. Húsafell feels elemental yet comfortable, a retreat where Iceland’s volcanic forces meet thoughtful design and tradition.

Set along the Ölfusá River, Selfoss is a small town with a growing reputation as a food and culture hub. Its geothermal swimming pools and nearby hot springs offer easy relaxation, while the surrounding countryside gives quick access to Iceland’s south coast highlights — from geysers and glaciers to volcanic craters. Selfoss is unhurried, a place where travellers pause between dramatic landscapes, finding comfort in good food, warm water, and small-town charm.

Once home to a medieval convent, Kirkjubæjarklaustur is today a village surrounded by volcanic wonders. Columnar basalt formations, mossy lava fields, and waterfalls lie just beyond its quiet streets. The town pool, heated by geothermal springs, provides a simple, restorative soak after exploring the wild landscapes of Vatnajökull National Park. Kirkjubæjarklaustur feels contemplative and remote — a village where history and geology share the same ground.

Overlooking the Atlantic and framed by the peaks of Vatnajökull, Höfn is Iceland’s lobster capital. Its harbour bustles with fishing boats, while restaurants serve the town’s famous langoustine dishes. Outdoor pools and hot tubs keep with Iceland’s bathing tradition, while nearby glaciers and coastal lagoons add dramatic scenery. Höfn is both working harbour and welcoming stop, a place where seafood feasts and steaming baths balance the power of surrounding nature.

The largest town in East Iceland, Egilsstaðir is set beside Lagarfljót lake, linked to legends of a serpent-like monster. Geothermal pools and spa hotels provide warm comfort in this remote corner, while forests and waterfalls shape the surrounding landscape. It’s a gateway to the Eastfjords, where quiet fishing villages and dramatic cliffs await. Egilsstaðir is practical yet welcoming, a base that offers both warmth and wilderness.

Named for the “midge lake” that supports rich birdlife, Mývatn is a landscape of volcanic craters, lava fields, and steaming geothermal vents. The Mývatn Nature Baths provide blue mineral pools overlooking this surreal terrain, offering a quieter alternative to Iceland’s more famous lagoons. Hiking trails lead across pseudo-craters and geothermal mud fields, blending bathing with exploration. Mývatn feels otherworldly, a place where earth, water, and sky are constantly reshaped by volcanic forces.

Set on a peninsula in West Iceland, Borgarnes pairs small-town charm with sweeping fjord views. Its Settlement Centre tells the story of Iceland’s Viking beginnings, while nearby hot springs and geothermal pools continue a living tradition of bathing. The surrounding Borgarfjörður region is rich with waterfalls, lava fields, and geothermal power sites, making the town an ideal base for exploration. Borgarnes is modest yet inviting — a gateway where history and nature quietly meet.

Known as the cradle of the Icelandic horse, Skagafjörður is a valley of green fields, glacial rivers, and historic turf houses. Riding tours connect visitors to the sturdy, smooth-gaited horses that have thrived here for centuries. Natural hot pools and swimming baths punctuate the landscape, offering warmth amid pastoral calm. With its blend of heritage, horsemanship, and geothermal relaxation, Skagafjörður feels both traditional and restorative.

On a quiet fjord just outside Reykjavík, Hvammsvík Hot Springs blends modern design with raw Icelandic nature. Eight outdoor pools of varying temperatures are set along the tidal shoreline, where bathers can soak as seabirds wheel overhead and the Atlantic tide flows in and out. Sea and geothermal waters mingle, offering a unique connection to both elements. Between dips, guests can relax on rocky outcrops or in a sleek bathhouse with panoramic views. Hvammsvík feels intimate yet wild, a place where wellness and wilderness merge seamlessly

On the edge of the remote Westfjords, Hólmavík is a small fishing town with a big personality. Its Museum of Sorcery and Witchcraft reveals tales of magic, folklore, and Iceland’s stranger histories. Nearby geothermal pools and hot tubs carry on the bathing tradition, offering warmth against the dramatic, windswept coast. The town is also a base for seal watching and exploring the stark beauty of Strandir, one of Iceland’s most isolated regions. Hólmavík is quirky, cultural, and quietly restorative — a place where stories and landscapes are equally unforgettable.