Hvammsvík: Soak, Stay, and Slow Down by the Sea

May 2025

Sjóböðin í Hvammsvík Hot Springs - Saga Sig

Photo credit: Saga Sig

Just 45 minutes from Reykjavík, where the road curves into the quiet embrace of Hvalfjörður, a different kind of Icelandic experience awaits. Hvammsvík isn't a stop on the way — it's a destination in its own right. A place where time stretches out, salt air clears the mind, and nature is never something you watch from afar — it's something you step into.

Eight Hot Springs and One Wild Ocean

Set at the edge of the Atlantic, Hvammsvík Hot Springs flow naturally into the fjord, blurring the lines between man-made comfort and untouched nature. Here, eight geothermal pools merge with the black sands and shallows of Whale Fjord, creating an experience that feels luxurious and entirely elemental.

Some visitors dive straight into the cold sea between soaks. Others linger longer in the warmth, a drink in hand from the swim-up bar, watching the mist rise over still waters. For the bold, there's even a paddleboard waiting. For the restful, there's simply the steam and the view.

A Family Estate With a Natural Soul

Hvammsvík is 1,200-acre, family-owned estate, with black beaches, coves, mountains, and bird-filled islets. It's wild, but it's welcoming.

At its heart are four thoughtfully restored houses, each with its own character. The design is warm and minimal, blending modern Icelandic craftsmanship with original features and art from some of Iceland's most celebrated artists. It feels curated, but not curated for show — it's curated for peace.

Stormur Bistro: Taste of the Fjord

Sjóböðin í Hvammsvík Hot Springs Bistro - Jan Retter

Photo credit: Jan Retter

Inside the cozy bistro, the house specialty — a legendary seafood soup — anchors a menu inspired by the surroundings. Light, seasonal dishes are served with a view of the mountains and sea, where the ingredients often come from just beyond the window.

Whether you've spent the day hiking, soaking, or just sitting still, Stormur is where everything slows down. Good food, friendly faces, and the hum of a place that knows exactly what it is.

The Barn and Beyond

Guests staying in the estate's houses can access The Barn — a shared space with a pool table, table tennis, and a newly renovated gym. It's casual and relaxed — perfect for a rainy evening or a slow morning.

Step outside, and the entire estate is yours to explore. Gravel paths wind through meadows and along the shoreline, where birds nest and driftwood gathers. In summer, you may not want to go back inside. In winter, you may find the fjord more beautiful than ever.

Why Hvammsvík Matters

At Key to Iceland, we believe travel should restore you. Not just with beauty, but with quiet. With space. With the feeling that you've been somewhere that doesn't just look Icelandic — it feels Icelandic.

Hvammsvík is all that and more so come visit and soak in the sea-warmed pools.