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Iceland’s hot springs are only a tiny part of what makes this country unique. Taking a dip in one or a few of them is certainly a recipe for making Iceland travels memorable. This land is virtually brimming with hot pools, and many of them are not even on the main tourist maps and itineraries. One of them is certainly the petite Landbrotalaug. It’s basically a low-scale pool in the middle of Icelandic wilderness, but still, it is as charming as it gets.
What Exactly is Landbrotalaug?
Landbrotalaug is one of the hot springs, which emerged as geothermally heated groundwater found its way to the surface. Iceland is one of those countries that have an abundance of geothermal spas and pools, although some of them are not actually safe for bathing. Common sense will tell you that you shouldn’t be dipping in any hot pool you just happen to come across. Though some of them have beneficial minerals that can do wonders for our skin, some might contain a certain chemical that may be harmful. In the majority of cases, safe hot springs are located within areas which have a sign that says hver (“hot spring” in Icelandic). On a similar note, always make sure you do your research if you’re planning to bathe in hot pools. You will most likely find all the necessary information online, so you will know whether the hot spring of your choice is actually safe or not. Landbrotalaug’s temperature ranges between 96–104 °F, and it’s barely 1.5 meters in diameter. Unlike massively popular hot pools such as Blue Lagoon which can accommodate dozens of bathers, Landbrotalaug is barely enough to have two people in. There are no amenities or facilities around it apart from an abandoned farm nearby. On top of that, the chances are you won’t see anyone else around as this hot spring is well-hidden and off-the-beaten-path, making it ideal for enjoying some peace in a natural setting far away from swarms of tourists. Your only company might be curious sheep which roam freely around that area. 
How to Find Landbrotalaug?
A good thing about Landbrotalaug is the fact that it’s really close to all major driving routes. It is located on Snæfellsnes peninsula, which is just a two hours’ drive from Iceland’s capital Reykjavik. What’s more, it’s easily accessible from the Ring Road, which is great if you’re planning a road trip along this famous route. The only way to reach this natural hot spring is by car, although you will have to make a few steps once you get close enough. The pool is literally in the middle of nowhere, well-camouflaged and without any obvious signs directing you to it, but with a little bit of effort, you should be able to find it pretty soon. The GPS coordinates for Landbrotalaug are GPS: N64°49.933 W22°19.11 which is the most precise and helpful information for finding it. Setting out from Reykjavík, you will need around 143 kilometers to get to Snæfellsnes peninsula. Once you reach Route 1, you will go through the Hvalfjörður tunnel before you change to highway 54. On your left, you will pass by the Eldborg volcanic crater and just shortly after continuing down that road, you will come across a little dirt road on your left. Take a turn after you see an abandoned farm perched on a little hill called Skalg. Following that dirt road past the farm and further around the field (it’s the only road there), you should be able to see a sign indicating “Heit Laug Hot Spring”. It is here that you should park and set out on foot until you come across a pond. 
Attractions Close to Landbrotalaug
It really makes no difference whether your trip to this natural hot spring will be the cherry on top or a way to kickstart the trip around Snæfellsnes peninsula with a visit to Landbrotalaug. It is in this region that you can find the most dramatic landscapes, lava fields, glaciers, black-sand beaches, waterfalls, and craters. Furthermore, it comes as no surprise why Snæfellsnes peninsula is often called Iceland in miniature. As you will most likely pass by the Eldborg crater on your way to Landbrotalaug, it’s definitely worth making a stop there and climbing up this majestic 200-feet giant. It will take you around 40 minutes to get to the top of this almost perfectly shaped circular crater. The view from the top is magnificent as you will see the surrounding five craters. 
Last updated: April 2026. Hot spring etiquette, road access, and private-property boundaries change—follow local signage, leave no trace, and never trespass on restricted land.
FAQ: Landbrotalaug hot pot
Is Landbrotalaug always open to visitors?
Access rules can change—treat pools as fragile sites: keep visits short, carry out trash, and respect other visitors’ space.
What should I bring?
Towel, water shoes, dry clothes, and a bag for wet gear; Iceland’s wind can chill you fast after soaking.
Hygiene and capacity?
Small pools can get crowded—wait your turn, don’t use soap in natural water, and skip soaking if you have open cuts.
Nearby sights?
Snæfellsnes is packed with short hikes and viewpoints—plan daylight carefully in winter months.
