Iceland’s steaming hot springs, soothing hot tubs and naturally heated pools are some of the country’s greatest treasures—but they’re also powerful natural forces that deserve respect. Using Iceland’s geothermal energy safely means understanding how it works, where to enjoy it, and how to treat it with care. At Ourhotels.is, we’re proud to be based in the west of Iceland, where geothermal power shapes both the landscape and daily life, and we’re committed to helping guests enjoy it in a safe, sustainable way.
Across West Iceland, you’ll see geothermal energy everywhere: steam rising from hillsides, hot water flowing from taps, and outdoor hot tubs warmed by the earth itself. In Borgarfjörður, near Borgarnes, Hvítá Inn is a perfect example of how comfortably geothermal heat can be woven into your stay. Rooms are kept warm with clean, naturally heated water, and guests can relax knowing that the energy they’re using is renewable and low-impact. Still, we always remind visitors that “natural” doesn’t mean risk-free—hot water here can be much hotter than you might expect at home, so it’s important to test taps and showers before stepping in fully, especially with children.
One of the safest and most enjoyable ways to experience geothermal energy is in designated bathing areas and hot tubs, where temperatures are monitored and facilities are maintained. At The Stykkishólmur Inn on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, guests are perfectly placed to explore nearby geothermal pools and hot pots in a controlled environment. Staff can point you toward local, supervised bathing spots and advise you on what to bring, how long to stay in the water, and how to cool down properly afterward. Listening to local guidance is key: if a pool is signposted as too hot, closed, or unsafe, it’s essential to respect those warnings.
Farther north and west, Ísafjörður Inn offers a base for discovering the dramatic Westfjords, where geothermal springs bubble up in some of the most remote and beautiful corners of Iceland. Here, safety and preparation matter even more. Temperatures in natural pools can vary widely, and some springs are dangerously hot or unstable. Ourhotels.is always recommends that guests stick to known, recommended bathing spots, check conditions in advance, and never enter a pool without first testing the water carefully with a hand or foot. If you’re unsure, ask at the inn’s reception—local knowledge is often the best safety tool you have.
Hygiene is another important part of using geothermal pools safely. Icelandic bathing culture places a strong emphasis on showering thoroughly—without swimwear—before entering any pool or hot tub. This isn’t just a tradition; it keeps the water clean and reduces the need for chemicals. At Hvítá Inn, The Stykkishólmur Inn, and Ísafjörður Inn, our teams are happy to explain local etiquette so you can relax and enjoy the experience with confidence. Following these simple rules helps protect both your health and the delicate geothermal environments you’ve come to enjoy.
Finally, using geothermal energy safely also means thinking about sustainability. By choosing accommodations that rely on renewable geothermal heating, like those in the Ourhotels.is family, you’re already supporting a cleaner future. You can go a step further by using water and heating mindfully: turning off taps fully, not overheating your room, and limiting shower time after a long soak in a hot pool. These small choices, multiplied by thousands of visitors, help ensure that Iceland’s geothermal wonders remain healthy and accessible for generations to come.
Whether you’re soaking in a hot tub after a day of exploring Borgarfjörður, watching the sunset over Breiðafjörður from Stykkishólmur, or returning from a wild Westfjords adventure to Ísafjörður, Ourhotels.is is here to help you enjoy Iceland’s geothermal energy safely, comfortably, and responsibly. With a little knowledge and care, you can experience the warmth beneath Iceland’s surface in the best possible way.
