GeoSea Geothermal Sea Baths

What to expect

GeoSea is a set of open-air geothermal sea baths on Húsavíkurhöfði, the headland at the northern edge of Húsavík. The pools sit on a west-facing cliff right next to Húsavíkurviti, the bright yellow lighthouse. The view is the point: you look straight out over Skjálfandi Bay, one of Iceland’s best-known whale-watching waters, to the mountains on the far shore.

The water is not ordinary hot spring water. When people drilled for hot water on the headland in the middle of the last century, what came up was hot seawater, too salty and mineral-rich to heat houses. For years the town let it run into an old cheese vat on the headland, and locals bathed in that. GeoSea is the modern version, designed by Basalt Architects, the firm behind the Blue Lagoon’s Retreat Hotel and the Hofsós pool. It opened in 2018, a few months after the planned June opening.

According to a 2018 Reykjavík Grapevine report, two boreholes feed the pools. One near the harbour gives saltier water at 81-86°F27-30°C. The other, the old cheese-vat hole, gives water at about 216°F102°C. Mixing them produces the 100-102°F38-39°C bathing water. About 21 litres a second flow through, the pools turn over every three hours, and no chlorine is used. The minerals make the water cloudy rather than clear.

The operator notes that locals with skin conditions such as psoriasis have long used the water. That is the operator’s claim, not medical advice.

The pools and facilities

The bathing area covers about 500 square metres. The main feature is an infinity edge that seems to drop straight into the bay. There are in-water seats and bubbling vents, so you can move between warmer and cooler spots. The pools are 90-120 cm (3-4 ft) deep.

Other facilities:

• Steam room beside the pools.
• Swim-up bar selling beer, wine and soft drinks.
• Dining area where you can eat and drink in a bathrobe.
• Changing rooms for up to 160 guests at a time, with lockers. You can also leave valuables at reception.
• Toiletries: shower gel, shampoo and conditioner from the Icelandic brand Sóley Organics.

Prices and booking

Prices are from GeoSea’s booking page in 2026.

• Adults: ISK 7,490
• Children 6-16: ISK 3,990
• Children 5 and under: free with an adult
• Seniors, disabled guests and students: ISK 5,190 with ID shown at reception
• Rentals: towel ISK 1,590, swimsuit ISK 1,290, bathrobe ISK 2,790

Book online. You get an e-ticket with a barcode that works once, for the date and time you chose, and GeoSea says it cannot guarantee entry if you miss your slot. Staff may ask to see the card you paid with or a photo ID. Change requests go by email to geosea@geosea.is. Refunds are 100% with more than 3 days notice, 50% with 1 to 3 days and nothing inside 24 hours. GeoSea can also cancel bookings for bad weather, equipment faults or natural hazards. In that case you get a full refund or a free date change.

Hours:

• 1 June to 31 August: 10:00 to midnight, bathing until 23:45
• 1 April to 31 May and 1 to 30 September: 10:00 to 22:00, bathing until 21:45
• 1 October to 31 March: 12:00 to 22:00, bathing until 21:45

Getting there

GeoSea is at Vitaslóð 1, on the northern edge of Húsavík, about a 20-minute walk from the town centre. Head for the yellow lighthouse.

• By air: Flights land at Húsavík’s airport in Aðaldalur, just outside town, or at Akureyri, a bit under an hour’s drive away.
• By bus: Strætó runs from Reykjavík to Akureyri, with scheduled connections on to Húsavík.
• By car: Húsavík is less than an hour from Lake Mývatn, Ásbyrgi canyon, Krafla and Goðafoss, so GeoSea fits easily into a Diamond Circle day. Earth Lagoon Mývatn is 58 km (36 miles) away.

There is a car park at the baths, and the smoking area is next to it.

When to go

Summer evenings are the prize. GeoSea stays open until midnight from June to August, and the low northern light over the bay can last for hours. It is also the busiest time, so book. Winter brings short days, cold wind off the bay and later openings at 12:00. On a clear, dark night you may get northern lights over the water, but that is never certain.

Many visitors pair a soak with a whale-watching trip from Húsavík harbour, just below the headland.

Rules and etiquette

GeoSea publishes a full set of house rules. The main ones:

• Wash without your swimsuit before entering. This is standard at every Icelandic pool, and GeoSea states it as a rule.
• Children up to 15 must be with an adult guardian. One guardian can bring at most two children unless they are the parent.
• Children aged 2 to 8 wear armbands. They are free at the baths. GeoSea points out that they make children easier to see and are not life-saving devices.
• Non-swimmers should tell staff, who will explain the depth.
• Three alcoholic drinks per adult. Staff can refuse entry to anyone who seems drunk, with no refund.
• No smoking or vaping anywhere at the baths, and no diving.
• Keep the noise down. Jumping and splashing are not allowed.
• Lost wristband: a ISK 5,000 charge.

Where to stay nearby

GeoSea has no rooms. Húsavík itself, a 20-minute walk away, is the obvious base. It is the largest town in Northeast Iceland, with places to stay and eat around the harbour. Akureyri is under an hour away for more choice. The Geothermal Goldfish Pond is just south of town if you want a free, wild, lukewarm dip on the same trip.

Safety notes

• Cloudy water: you cannot see the bottom, so keep children within reach.
• Heat: take regular breaks and drink water. GeoSea warns that dehydration can cause dizziness and fainting.
• Slippery floors: walkways and stairs are wet. Use the handrails and do not run.
• Medical conditions: tell staff about anything that could affect you in the water, such as seizures or a heart condition.
• Weather: the headland is exposed. On stormy days, check with GeoSea before you go, since it can close for bad weather.