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The Krauma Thermal Baths

Date 14 April 2024

The Krauma Thermal Baths

The Krauma Thermal Baths

The Krauma hot baths are located in the Borgarfjörður region near Reykholt in western Iceland.

This spa resort's waters come directly from the nearby Deildartunguhver hot spring. With its flow rate of 180 liters per second, Deildartunguhver is the most powerful hot spring in Europe and its waters reach a temperature close to boiling.

Krauma Thermal Baths

Les bains de Krauma

Krauma's hot tubs

The Krauma thermal baths were built as recently as 2017 near the Deildartunguhver hot spring. This very modern complex offers no less than 6 pools (jacuzzis), of which are 5 hot water pools and one cold. The water is perfectly natural with no pool cleaning chemicals necessary, its purity ensured by the high rate of water recycling between the pools to keep it flowing and never stagnating.

The pools are small but numerous, so you can find a quiet spot away from other visitors. The temperature is ideal, around 38°, but varies from one pool to another. Swimming there is a dream, and you'll never want to get out of the water!

There are also 2 saunas and a superb relaxation room with a modern fireplace and soothing music.

The changing rooms are modern and well-equipped with lockers.

The complex also boasts a restaurant large enough to accommodate 70 people indoors and nearly 60 outside when the weather is nice. Many dishes are made from local produce, especially those grown in the greenhouses of Víðigerði. Some choice main course dishes are available such as lamb fillet, spicy Cajun salmon, homemade soups, and hamburgers.

Les bains chauds de Krauma

The Krauma relaxation lounge

As in many places in Iceland, the opening hours differ between the winter and summer seasons.

Opening times

  • Summer hours: June 12 to August 16 - 11AM to 9PM
  • Winter hours: Monday to Friday - 1PM to 9PM
  • Winter hours: Saturday and Sunday - 11AM to 9PM

The property is closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.

Admission rates

Admission to the resort is much more affordable than entry to the Blue Lagoon, for example. It is recommended to book in advance to ensure you have a seat: Reservation for the Krauma Baths.

  • 2024 rates for adults (over 17 years old): 6,800 ISK
  • 2024 rates for seniors (over 67 years old): 4,990 ISK
  • 2024 rates for teens (13 to 16 years old): 3,400 ISK
  • 2024 rates for children (0 to 12 years): 450 ISK

You can even rent robes for 900 ISK and towels for the same price.

Deildartunguhver Hot Spring

Les thermes de Krauma

Krauma Spa

Given the very high temperature of the water in the Deildartunguhver spring, it has to be cooled to ensure it's safe and pleasant for swimming. The waters are mixed with icy waters sourced from the Rauðsgil river which comes straight from the small Ok glacier nearby.

Very close to Krauma you can visit the famous Deildartunguhver hot spring. The water here reaches very high temperatures (97 °C), which is why small wooden walkways were set up, so you can get closer and observe without danger.

From here you will see the pipework leading to the two towns nearby: Borgarnes (34 km) and Akranes (64 km), which serves residents with hot water using geothermal energy. As is the case almost everywhere in Iceland, water coming out of the tap was heated by the earth itself.

Interestingly, the land where the hot spring is located has been owned by the same family for nearly 200 years. Sigurbjörg Björnsdóttir, who owned the land until 1984, was fully aware of the health benefits but also of the energy potential of these springs and knew how to capitalize on it.

The nearby Víðigerði, built in 1941, is a farming operation for tomatoes and other vegetables in greenhouses and relies on this energy, much like in Hveragerði in the south of Iceland.

How to get to Krauma

Plan bains Krauma

Krauma Spa is located 97 km from Reykjavík and less than 30 minutes from Borgarnes (35 km). Getting to Krauma and its hot baths is very easy in summer and winter. Of course, the road conditions in winter are never a 100% guarantee, but the roads in the region are regularly well cleared.

When coming from Borgarnes or Reykjavík, follow Road number 1 north, then turn off on Road 50 towards Reykholt. This road it is in perfect condition and there are many signs to Deildartunguhver. As you arrive near the springs, signs indicate the entrance to the Krauma Baths.

The site is located in a region with many other points of interest, including: