Iceland Travel Guide logo Iceland Travel GuideLOCAL TRAVEL AGENCY IN ICELAND My trip Talk to a local

Strútslaug remote highland hot spring

HighlandsHot springSummer only4x4 and hike
Written by locals at Iceland Travel Guide · Checked by Heiða · Updated October 2026
STRÚTSLAUG IN SHORT

Strútslaug is a remote natural hot spring in the southern highlands, in the valley Hólmsárbotnar between the glaciers Torfajökull and Mýrdalsjökull. You need a 4x4 to reach the Strútskáli hut and then walk about 5 km (roughly 1–1.5 hours) each way. It is free, has no facilities, and is realistic only in summer, when the highland roads are open.

ON THIS PAGE
Quick factsGetting thereBest time to visitSafety tipsFacilitiesMapNearbyWhere to stayFAQ

About Strútslaug

Strútslaug, also known as Hólmsárbotnalaug, lies in the valley Hólmsárbotnar, at the foot of the ridge Laugarháls, with the mountain Strútur above it. The hot water seeps out beside a glacial river, the headwaters of the Hólmsá, and the pools are lined by moss and grass rather than rock. It is a green, quiet place in the middle of a highland landscape, and you are unlikely to meet many people.

The pool is reached on foot only. The main pool is about 8.5 by 5 metres and shallow, around 50 cm deep, with a smaller pool beside it, so you lie back in it, not swim. The water is reported at 37–43°C, hottest where it comes out of the ground, and it mixes with cooler river water, so move around to find the right spot. People have bathed here for decades, but nothing has been built: there are no changing rooms, so you change on the bank. What matters is that you have to walk in with everything you need and take it all out again.

The spring is a highlight of the Strútsstígur hiking route, a multi-day trek that links the Álftavatn area with Hólaskjól. Many people also visit it as a long day out from the Strútskáli hut.

Quick facts

LocationHólmsárbotnar valley, between Torfajökull and Mýrdalsjökull
CoordinatesAbout 63.876, -18.947
Also calledHólmsárbotnalaug
Pool sizeAbout 8.5 x 5 m, around 50 cm deep
Water temperatureReported 37–43°C, hottest near the source
RegionHighlands, southern Fjallabak area
Access4x4 to Strútskáli hut (F232 or F210, then the Strútur track), then about 5 km on foot
Walking timeAround 1–1.5 hours each way from Strútskáli
EntryFree
SeasonSummer only, when highland roads are open
FacilitiesNone: no changing rooms, toilets or services
Time needed3–4 hours on foot, plus the drive

How to get to Strútslaug

By 4x4You need a properly equipped 4x4 to reach Strútskáli (also written Strútsskáli), the mountain hut where the walk begins. The usual way in is the mountain road F232 (Öldufellsleið) north towards Mælifell, then the side track to Strútur. The other is F210 (Fjallabaksleið syðri) across Mælifellssandur. Both have unbridged rivers and soft sand, open only in summer, and change from week to week. Check umferdin.is and ask locally before you go.
Hiking thereFrom Strútskáli, follow the marked route north for about 5 km to the hot spring, which takes around 1–1.5 hours each way. There are small streams to cross. The Strútsstígur trail links this walk with Hólaskjól and Álftavatn.
On a guided tourSuper jeep and hiking tours run in summer from South Iceland and Reykjavík, often as a long day. This is the safest choice if you have no highland experience.
By public transportThere is no public transport to the trailhead, and it cannot be reached by ordinary buses. A guided trip or your own 4x4 is needed.

Highland roads have unbridged rivers and can be dangerous in bad weather. Tell someone your plan and register it on safetravel.is. If you are not used to river crossings, join a tour.

Best time to visit Strútslaug

Summer (July–August)The only realistic season for most visitors, when the F-roads are usually open and the ground is snow-free. Weather is still changeable, with rain and wind possible on any day.
Early autumn (September)Highland roads may still be open early in the month, but snow and cold can arrive quickly. Expect fewer people and short days.

The exact opening of highland roads changes each year. Check road.is.

Safety and practical tips

  • Bring a swimsuit, a towel, dry clothes and a warm layer. There are no changing rooms.
  • The pool is shallow and partly fed by the river. Test the water before you get in, and stay away from the hottest spot at the source.
  • Pack food, water and a map or GPS. There is nothing to buy at the pool, and phone signal is weak.
  • Use only a proper 4x4 and do not cross rivers you have not checked. River levels rise fast in warm weather and rain.
  • Tell someone your plan and register on safetravel.is, especially if you hike alone.
  • Stay on the marked path and keep off the moss. Take all rubbish with you, and no soap in the pool.
  • Turn back in fog or storms. The highlands can change from calm to dangerous within an hour.

Facilities and accessibility

None at the pool. The Strútskáli mountain hut at the trailhead has beds and camping, and the Hólaskjól and Álftavatn huts lie along the wider route. Book huts in advance, and bring all your own food.

On the map

Open in Google Maps →

Nearby places worth a stop

LandmannalaugarLandmannalaugarColoured rhyolite mountains and a famous hot streamEldgjáEldgjáA huge volcanic fissure in the highlands
ÞórsmörkA valley between glaciers, popular for hikingMælifellMælifellA green, cone-shaped mountain on black sandsMýrdalsjökullMýrdalsjökullThe glacier above Katla volcano

Where to stay near Strútslaug

Most people stay in mountain huts such as Strútskáli, Hólaskjól or Álftavatn, or camp in the highlands in summer. Book huts well ahead. On the lowland side, you can base yourself in Vík or Kirkjubæjarklaustur.

Strútslaug FAQ

How do I get to Strútslaug?

Drive a 4x4 along highland roads to Strútskáli hut, then walk about 5 km (around 1–1.5 hours) to the hot spring. A guided tour is the easiest option.

Do I need a 4x4?

Yes. The roads to the trailhead are F-roads with river crossings, and only 4x4 vehicles are allowed.

How warm and how big is Strútslaug?

The water is reported at about 37–43°C, hottest near the source. The main pool is roughly 8.5 by 5 metres and about 50 cm deep.

How long is the hike to Strútslaug?

About 5 km each way from the Strútskáli hut, which takes 1–1.5 hours in each direction. Allow 3–4 hours with a soak.

Is Strútslaug free?

Yes, there is no charge and no staff, and there are no facilities at all.

When can I go?

In summer, normally from about late June or July until early September. Check road.is for current highland road status.

Are there changing rooms?

No. Bring a towel and dry clothes and change outdoors.

More places in Highlands