Sep 4, 20243 min read

Guðrúnarlaug: A Legendary Hot Spring in Iceland

Iceland is famous for our legendary hot springs, but Guðrúnarlaug is one of the most legendary (literally). This hot spring doesn’t just look like it’s jumped off the pages of a fairy tale, but even its name has originated from one of our famous Sagas.

So, if you’re looking for an authentically Icelandic hot spring experience with cultural relevance, Guðrúnarlaug is the place for you. Here’s what you need to know about this incredible place and how to plan your visit.

An aerial view of the serene Gudrunarlaug hot spring in Iceland, surrounded by lush green hills. A person is relaxing in the circular stone-lined hot spring, while a quaint wooden bathhouse with a turf roof sits in the background. A path of stepping stones leads from the hot spring to the bathhouse, blending naturally into the tranquil landscape. The scene is peaceful, with vibrant greenery contrasting against the dark stone and the earthy brown tones of the surrounding hills. — Relaxation at Gudrunarlaug Hot Spring: A Tranquil Retreat Amidst Iceland’s Verdant Hills

Guðrúnarlaug: An Overview

We already mentioned that Gudrunarlaug is fairy-tale-like. Gudrunarlaug is a circular hot spring situated in lush greenery (if you catch it in the right season, of course) that has a rocky and rustic aesthetic. There is another pathway leading up to the only additional facilities on-site: a primitive changing room in the form of a little turf house perfectly suited for an elf.

Here, you can relax in warm water of about 36 to 38 degrees Celsius while staring out across the breathtaking views of the Icelandic landscape. Despite the rustic look of Guðrúnarlaug, this is actually a revamped version of the original. A disastrous mudslide completely covered the hot spring and its surroundings, and it took over 140 years before the site was rebuilt and reopened. The hot springs rustic look is simply to stay as true to the original as possible.

A serene view of the Gudrunarlaug hot spring, located in a green, secluded valley in Iceland. The circular hot spring, bordered by natural stone, reflects the sky in its calm waters. In the background, a small wooden bathhouse with a rustic design is nestled into the hillside, surrounded by moss-covered terrain and gentle slopes. A stone pathway leads from the hot spring to the bathhouse, blending into the natural landscape, creating a tranquil and inviting atmosphere. — Gudrunarlaug Hot Spring: Iceland's Hidden Thermal Gem in a Scenic Valley

Where is Guðrúnarlaug Located in Iceland?

Guðrúnarlaug is found in a pretty remote part of the island: Sælingsdalur Valley of Dalabyggd in West Iceland. It is roughly 167 kilometers north of the capital city of Reykjavik, which is about a 2.5-hour drive. So, while few make it a day outing, most add it as a stop to their Ring Road road trip itinerary.

How to Reach Guðrúnarlaug

This is one of the hot springs in Iceland that most tour operators and guides won’t have in their repertoire. So, if you don’t request a customized private tour, driving yourself is pretty much the only option. The drive via the Ring Road route is pretty easy:

Get onto the Ring Road.
Turn onto Road 60 toward Burdadalur Village.
Continue in the direction of Holmavik for about 16 kilometers.
Turn onto Road 589.
Continue for another 3 kilometers or so before you reach Hotel Edda.
Park in the parking lot and take the 2-minute walk up the hill to Guðrúnarlaug.

How Much Does a Visit to Guðrúnarlaug Cost?

Access to Guðrúnarlaug and even its parking won’t cost you anything, making it the perfect outing for those on a tight budget.

What is the Saga About Guðrúnarlaug?

Guðrúnarlaug is mentioned in the Laxdæla Saga. Gudrin Osvifursdottir was said to have lived close to the hot spring and often soaked in its waters (hence the name, translating to “Gudrin’s Pool”. But Gudrin’s life was filled with tragedy. Gudrin was believed to be an interpreter of dreams.

In a strange twist of fate, she had to interpret the dream of a man called Gestur Oddleifsson which apparently predicted that Gudrin would get married four times, but all of her husbands would die. The prediction came true till Gudrin eventually found solace as a nun at Helgafell Church, where she remained till the day she died. Visitors can still find a gravestone for her there which has her year of death as 1008.

A peaceful scene at the Gudrunarlaug hot spring in Iceland, featuring a circular stone-lined hot spring nestled in a green valley. In the background, a charming wooden bathhouse with a turf roof sits at the base of moss-covered hills. A path of stepping stones leads from the hot spring to the bathhouse, blending harmoniously with the natural surroundings. The serene and rustic environment, combined with the natural beauty of the landscape, offers a tranquil escape. — Gudrunarlaug Hot Spring: A Rustic Oasis in the Icelandic Countryside

What are a Few Other Things to See and Do Near Guðrúnarlaug?

If you are looking to add a few extra activities and attractions to your trip itinerary while in the area, you can consider the following:

Eirksstadir’s Viking Longhouse
The Fimmvorduhals Hiking Trail (a multi-day trek)
Snowmobiling Langjökull Glacier

Guðrúnarlaug: The Tranquil Oasis on the Hill Worthy of a Visit

If you’re looking to relax in a remote setting with Icelandic nature all around you, Guðrúnarlaug is simply not to be missed when you travel to Iceland. Soothing those stiff muscles from your drive in the warm healing waters and admiring the views while wondering which parts of the Gudrin Saga are fact or fiction - it all forms part of this unique hot spring experience.

So, make Guðrúnarlaug a part of your Iceland trip itinerary where you can unwind, connect with nature and an integral part of Icelandic culture, and be rejuvenated for the rest of your adventures around the island.