Grettislaug: A Hot Spring Steeped in Legend
Photo credit: Visit North
On the wild coast of Skagafjörður, where mountains fall into the sea and the wind carries ancient tales across the waves, there's a place where history and nature come together in the simplest, most unforgettable way.
This is Grettislaug — a pair of small, stone-lined hot springs tucked beside the ocean, warmed by the earth and surrounded by the silence of the North.
It's the kind of place that feels almost hidden, a secret passed down through generations, waiting for those who take the time to find it.
A Bath with a Story
Grettislaug is named after Grettir the Strong, one of Iceland's most famous outlaw heroes from the medieval sagas.
Legend says that after swimming across the icy waters from Drangey Island — a distance of nearly four miles — Grettir came ashore here and warmed himself in the natural hot spring.
The sagas don't say whether the water soothed his aching muscles or saved his life.
But when you slip into the warm, mineral-rich pools today, it's easy to imagine how welcome that heat must have been after a battle with the North Atlantic.
Photo credit: Visit North
The Experience of Grettislaug
Arriving at Grettislaug feels like stepping into another time.
The road there is a winding, gravel track that hugs the fjord's edge, growing narrower and rougher the closer you get.
When you finally step out of your car, it's just you, the pools, the sea, and the wide-open sky.
The pools themselves are simple — no luxury spa fittings here, just natural stones, clear, warm water, and the steady rush of the ocean nearby.
It's that simplicity that makes the experience so powerful.
Sit back against the stones, let the warmth sink into your bones, and watch the clouds drift across the mountains.
It's the kind of peace you can't fake — that lives only in places like this.
Things to Know Before You Go
Getting There:
Grettislaug is about a 25-minute drive north of Sauðárkrókur. Follow the road signs toward Reykjaströnd. The last stretch is gravel, but it is manageable with care.
Facilities:
There's a small changing hut, a few rustic benches, and a tiny café open during summer. Entrance to the pools is paid on-site, helping to maintain the area.
Respect the Place:
Grettislaug is a natural treasure, and it's privately cared for. Be gentle with the surroundings, clean up after yourself, and treat the pools — and their stories — with respect.
Best Time to Visit:
Early morning or late evening is magical when the light turns soft across the fjord and the mountains cast long, golden shadows.
Grettislaug: More Than Just a Hot Spring
At Key to Iceland, we believe the best travel experiences aren't just about what you see — they're about what you feel.
Grettislaug is about stepping into a story older than memory.
It's about feeling the earth's warmth while the sea breeze brushes your face.
It's about finding a quiet moment where Iceland's wildness and history meet — and simply sitting with it without needing anything more.
Let Grettislaug show you how a simple pool of warm water can hold a thousand years of stories.
Accommodation close to Grettislaug
- Hot tub
- Self service kitchen
- Dryer
- Free Parking
- Hot tub
- Self service kitchen
- Patio
- Free Parking
- Parking
- Free WiFi
- Restaurant
- Bar
- Hot tub
- Dryer
- Patio
- Free Parking
- Restaurant
- Restaurant
- Terrace
- Parking
- Hot tub
- Patio
Thank you for reading this page. We hope it was informative, If not please let us know through [email protected]