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Iceland is known for its hot springs caused by all the volcanic activity on the island heating our underground water supply. While some of these hot springs can be enjoyed in their original and natural settings, others are used at man-made geothermal pool facilities. One of the newest and most modern geothermal pool kids on the block is Krauma Spa.
The Krauma Geothermal Baths are an absolute must if you’re looking for the ultimate modern pampering and relaxation. Here’s what to expect from the Krauma and baths and why you must add it to your Iceland trip itinerary.
What Makes Krauma Spa So Special?
Krauma Spa is a very unique hot spring destination with its sleek, modern look. It consists of six pools (five hot and one cold). Some of these are shaped in the form of shells, and most offer absolutely breathtaking views of the Icelandic landscape.
The water used is 100% natural and doesn’t rely on all sorts of chemicals to keep it clean. It’s the natural flow of the water that keeps it clean by constantly replacing itself. One can also look forward to the relaxation room, saunas, and the restaurant serving delectable Icelandic cuisine.
The Amenities and Facilities at Krauma
The following is what you can expect from Krauma’s extra amenities and facilities:
Relaxation Room
This is the perfect place to wind down, relax, or meditate. The entire room has been designed with this in mind, from the comfortable padded “lounge” chairs and the dim lighting to the crackling fire in the fireplace and the soothing music.
Sauna
You will find two types of saunas here at Krauma:
The Infrared Sauna
Here, infrared heaters are used, not only to heat the room but also to improve visitors’ well-being (infrared has been proven to help with everything from skin conditions and circulation to weight loss and general pain relief). The infrared sauna is also not quite as hot as the traditional saunas, reaching temperatures of between 35 and 55 Degrees Celsius.
The Steam Room
The steam room is built on traditional principles, but even here, things are kept as natural as possible, with hot spring water spraying from underneath the benches, providing the steamy experience. Steam rooms are also known for their wellness benefits, which include detoxification, improved circulation, flexibility, skin hydration, stress relief, and improved sleep.
Restaurant
All the dishes at Krauma Restaurant are made from only the freshest ingredients sourced from the local farms and producers in Borgarbyggd. The restaurant specializes in typical Icelandic cuisines, such as lamb and seafood, but adds its own modern twists to these beloved dishes.
What Makes Krauma Stand Out from the Geothermal Pool Crowd?
In a country known for its hot springs and breathtaking views, most geothermal pools tend to have very similar experiences, except for a few key characteristics. The following is what makes Krauma stand out from the rest of the geothermal pool crowd:
- Krauma is a bit smaller and in a more remote region than, for example, Sky Lagoon. This makes Krauma a much more intimate and peaceful setting.
- The shell shapes of some of its pools are definitely unique, as most tend to be some sort of circular or, at strangest, square shape.
- Krauma might boast the usual incredible views across the Icelandic landscape, but there’s one thing you’ll see at Krauma that you won’t find anywhere else - the Icelandic Fern.
- The fact that no chemicals are used to keep the pools clean due to the incredible water flow rate from Deildartunguhver is another unique characteristic rarely found at geothermal pools in Iceland.
The Significance of the Krauma Hot Springs
The hot spring water at Krauma comes from Deildartunguhver, the most powerful hot spring in Europe. If you were curious about the self-cleaning flow at Krauma, Deildartunguhver pumps out 180 liters PER SECOND!
The water stays at roughly 100 degrees Celsius, but don’t worry; these are not the same temperatures you can expect at the Krauma Baths. What makes Deildartunguhver even more impressive is that it’s used to heat homes and businesses within a 60+ kilometer radius all around it.
Where is Krauma Spa in Iceland?
Krauma Spa can be found in Reykholt in West Iceland, between Husafell and Borgarnes. It’s about 97 kilometers from the capital city of Reykjavik, which makes a day trip during the summer months possible, although we believe it makes a better Ring Road road trip stop.
How to Get to Krauma in Iceland
There are a couple of ways to visit Krauma Spa:
As Part of a Tour
There are quite a few tour packages that include Krauma as a destination, but if you can’t find one that appeals to you, you can always request a custom private tour from one of our tour operators or local guides. If you want to go the tour route, just remember that summertime is considered peak season in Iceland, and you’ll need to book well in advance to avoid disappointment.
As a Self-drive
Whether you take Krauma on as a day trip or as part of your road trip around the island, driving from Reykjavik is pretty easy. Get on the Ring Road and start driving in the direction of Borgarnes. You will find Krauma on Road 50.
The Best Time to Visit Krauma Spa
When you visit Krauma will depend on your own personal preferences. As an outdoor venue, many prefer going during the warmer months of the year (April to September), while others enjoy that stark contrast of the cold air and the hot water during our colder months. Just consider the following when making your decision:
- Summertime in Iceland (June to September) is considered peak season which means peak season crowds and peak season pricing, while shoulder months such as April and May can still offer up some nice weather without the added traffic and increased tariffs.
- The Ring Road is paved and well-maintained as one of our main roads, but you will still need to deal with some ice and snow during our colder months, which is not ideal for nervous drivers.
- Winter in Iceland can have some pretty extreme weather up its sleeve. So, blizzards or our legendary Icelandic winds reaching speeds of 35+ kilometers an hour can quickly derail an outdoor activity.
- The colder months of the year are considered our “down” season here in Iceland, which can affect the operating hours of everything from transport to attractions here on the island. During this time, you’ll just need to call ahead and double-check operating hours.
How Long is a Visit to Krauma Spa?
Most spend roughly half a day at Krauma if they take advantage of all the facilities and amenities. If you’re making it a day trip from Reykjavik, just keep the 1.5-hour drive back and forth in mind. Those who have it as a stop on their road trip itinerary might be able to stay a bit longer.
When is Krauma Spa Open?
Krauma is open from Monday to Sunday, 11:00 to 21:00, for those who wish to take a soak in the geothermal pools or want to grab a bite at the restaurant. Just remember that operational hours are subject to change during our “down” season, so please call ahead to double-check.
How Much is Krauma Spa?
Entrance to Krauma is roughly $41.50 for adults, $20.75 for teens aged 13 to 16, and $2.81 for children up to 12. Krauma also has solutions for those who didn’t really plan on visiting or the forgetful among us by offering towel and swimwear rentals from just $7 and bathrobes from $11.25. Just remember that these prices are for those doing a self-drive; tour operators may have these included in their tour package price.
Other Things to See and Do Near Krauma Spa
If you would like to add a few other local attractions to your trip itinerary, consider the following:
- Deildartunguhver (the source of Krauma’s hot water).
- Hraunfossar Waterfall.
- Fridheimar Farm (here, you must definitely try the tomato beer!).
- Reykholtskirkja.
- Sturlureykir Horse Farm (here, you can get close to our Icelandic Horses and go out on horseriding tours).
- Snorrastofa (this might be a church and study center, but there’s also a museum where you can learn all about one of our famous poets and incredibly interesting characters in Iceland, Snorri Sturluson).
A Few Helpful Tips for the Avid Photographers Among Us
If you are planning on taking some snaps at the above-mentioned, the following advice can be helpful:
- Wait for the so-called “golden hour”. This is either during sunrise or sunset when the sun is low, and the light is just perfect for a few snaps. You’ll also find that pictures taken during this time have a “softer” appearance.
- Use the shade to your advantage whenever the light is too bright (which can also happen on overcast days with the light reflecting off the clouds). Take photos from any shade thrown, such as by trees, go stand inside caves, etc.
- There’s a LOT going on in the Icelandic landscape, so choose one focal point (if not a panoramic shot), and focus on that as the subject with the rest as background.
- Don’t always center your subject. You can get quite interesting photos by positioning your subject somewhere else in the shot, such as the corner.
Krauma: the Hottest Thing on the Hot Spring Scene
Since its opening in 2018, Krauma has grown in popularity year after year. With its geological significance as a Deildartunguhver “offspring” to its magnificent views and modern facilities and amenities, it truly makes for the ultimate day of Icelandic relaxation.
If you would like to make it a stop along a road trip, rent a campervan in Iceland. This way you’ll have your transport and accommodation sorted. It’s also the most unique and affordable way to explore the island without giving up on your creature comforts. You can have the ultimate Iceland road trip adventure while living and driving in comfort.
