All over Iceland, especially in high-temperature areas, you come across geothermal hot pots and pools created by the mixing of boiling geothermal water with cold spring water. It is a fascinating creation of nature and something a lot of visitors and tourists are both interested in seeing and willing to dip into. Most of the natural hot pools are pretty small and only accommodate seven to eight people at a time. Some are so small that only two to three can fit in. But you can also find pools big enough for you and a few of your friends to sit out in nature and enjoy the warmth even though the weather is a bit cold or even freezing. This is what makes traveling enjoyable and creates great memories. Even though the West Fjords doesn’t have enough geothermal water in the ground to heat the homes in the region, it has enough hot water to produce hot pools, here and there, around the peninsula. One reason is the geological age of the West Fjords and thus the temperature of the warm water in the ground. Many of these pools are really ancient and have been used by local people for centuries and have become popular among tourists also. A hot pool that has become popular recently is Hellulaug on the southwest shore of West Fjords, a warm and delightful pool to enjoy for visitors and travelers who want to relax in the warm water.
Right on the West Fjord Ring Road
Hellulaug is located only a few hundred meters from the camping site Flókalundur in the famous Vatnsfjörður, where the first settler in Iceland camped for a winter. The small natural pool is always open with its endless flow of warm water all year long. Anyone passing by can take a dip in the lukewarm water at 38 degrees Centigrade and the pool around 3 to 4 meters in diameter. Like in so many hot pools around Iceland, you are on your own with no place to change into your swimsuit. Sometimes tourists dip naked into the pool, which is highly discouraged and something an Icelander would never do and has never been a local custom. Remember that this is a place where you must be at your best in courtesy as you are sharing the pool with other people and often children, so alcohol and vandalism are not appreciated. But it is a place for you to enjoy the warm water and take in the spectacular view of the coast and the Breiðafjörður bay.
How to find Hellulaug
You need to walk down a small cliff from the parking lot by road Vestfjarðarvegur nr. 60, which is the southern part of the West Fjord Ring Road, which is part of the West Fjord scenic route that leads you through some magnificent landscapes. Stay alert, as the signboard is barely visible and small but very close to the campsite Flókalundur. There is no admission and no place to take a shower before or after you dip into Hellulaug. There is no service, just the charming natural bath. All at your own risk.
