Guðlaug

Guðlaug is a free geothermal bathing spot built into the rock breakwater at Langisandur beach in Akranes, on Iceland's west coast. Opened in December 2018 and designed by Basalt Architects, it lets bathers soak in warm geothermal water while looking out over the North Atlantic.

The three tiers

• Top level: a viewing platform overlooking the beach and bay.
• Middle level: the main hot soaking pool, with showers and equipment space.
• Bottom level: a shallow wading pool at beach level.

Untreated geothermal water feeds the upper pool and overflows down to the cooler lower pool, creating a natural temperature gradient between the tiers. Stairs connect the levels to the surrounding banks and the beach.

Setting and access

• Location: Langisandur beach, 300 Akranes, roughly a 50-minute drive from Reykjavik.
• Free and open to the public year-round, with changing rooms on site.
• Opening times can change; bathers are encouraged to check the pool's Facebook page for current information.