Your guide to the Grettislaug hot spring
If you're looking for a soak with a story, visiting Grettislaug is a must. This natural geothermal pool isn’t just a place to relax – it’s a spot straight out of the Icelandic sagas.
Grettislaug, or ‘Grettir’s Pool’, is named after Grettir the Strong, the outlaw from Iceland’s famous Grettir’s Saga. Grettir warmed himself in these hot springs after swimming from Drangey Island to shore, an exhausting 6 km (4 mi) journey.
Today, you don’t have to battle the waves to enjoy their warmth. Just step in and soak up the history. The Grettislaug geothermal pool stays nice and toasty at around 39°C (100°F) all year, though the weather might slightly alter the temperature.
You’ll also find a second pool here called Jarlslaug, AKA the ‘Earl´s Pool’. It was named after Jón Eiríksson, who led the rebuilding of the pools after a storm destroyed them.
There are changing rooms on-site, and since the pool sits on private land, you’ll have to pay a small entrance fee.
Grettislaug is located in North Iceland, just north of the town Sauðárkrókur in Skagafjörður fjord.
