Marteinslaug Hot Spring: A Secret Gem of the Golden Circle

Basic Information

GPS: 64.32727, -20.27951
Hidden hot spring in the Golden Circle.
No changing facilities.
Temperature around 39-43°C
Fits around 3-5 people.
Water is a bit muddy and can be slippery.

Visiting places that nobody has seen is a different thrill only adventurer seeker would know. A beautiful country such as Iceland holds marvelous beauty all around the corners, some are famous, and many are hidden waiting to be discovered. One such wonderful secret gem of Iceland is Marteinslaug hot spring. Marteinslaug hot spring is a secret that is known by locals or only a few lucky travelers who took the less-traveled gravel road even though it is located close to one of the most popular tourist destinations in Iceland, Geysir.

Marteinslaug is located near a beautiful forest of Haukadalsskógur, not far away from Geysir. The route that takes you to this preserved hot spring is a gravel road near a small forest called Haukadalur. The geothermal pool measures just 3 x 1.2 meters with a depth of only 60 cm. It provides enough space for a small family or up to 3-5 people to relax in a warm water pool. The average temperature is from 39 to 43°C.

The bubbling hot water comes from the bottom of the spring, so the temperature is relatively high at the source, close to 43°C. But when you move a little further up, the temperature becomes bearable at about 39°C.

The area around the pool has a lot of algae flora, and it can be a bit slippery. So mind your step when visiting this pool area, and be careful when stepping in the spring. The naturally occurring pool can be a bit muddy so avoid disturbing the bedrock when inside the hot spring.

How to reach Marteinshver?

This hot spring is located in the Golden Circle Route. The most popular traveling route in Iceland. When driving the Golden Circle route up to Geysir geothermal area, take a left turn for road F333 from Geysir until you see a timber church, Haukadalskirkja. This gravel road takes you to a well-preserved forest area called Haukadalsskógur or Haukadalur forest. There is an information center inside the forested place, where you can park your car. You may ask the direction at the information center. Or, simply walk along the path that takes you to a small stream, Kaldilækur. Just right next to this stream, you will find the Marteinslaug hot spring.

You can also use Google Map for direction with this GPS coordinate: N 64°19.605 W-20°16.92′

Nearby Attractions:

It makes sense to include nearby attractions in your travel plan for Marteinslaug as this area features a forested area, one of the oldest timber churches, and two other pools that worth your time.

Haukadalsskógur forest: According to Icelandic standards, Haukadalsskógur forest is one of the biggest cultivated national forests in south Iceland. If you’re a nature lover, you will enjoy walking around between the tall trees.
Haukadalskirkja church: It is considered one of the oldest timer churches in Iceland, built in 1842-43. You will find a small Beina river by the church. Legend says that the river contains bone remains; that’s why it is called Beina.
Kúalaug hot pool: Kúalaug is located on the same road that takes you to the church. It consists of two hot pools surrounded by stones. The bigger pool can easily accommodate 4-6 people and has an ideal temperature of 38-40 degrees C.