Hauganes Hot Tubs

Hauganes Hot Tubs lie along the black sand beach of North Iceland, in the town of Hauganes, where locals and tourists often soak in the hot geothermal waters, with the view of the Atlantic Ocean and the black beach extending infinitely before them. Locals have cherished this beach for generations, with its sun-facing location offering a unique warmth in the cold Icelandic weather.

History & Details

The small village of Hauganes, with a modest population of about 140, has been a centre of fishing and fish processing for years. The black beach in Hauganes has been a playground for local children for generations. Its unique geography — facing the sun in the south — ensures that on sunny days, the black sand beach is just slightly warmer. A few years ago, the idea to harness the geothermal water from the village led to the establishment of the hot tubs on this beach - transforming a local playground into a magical relaxation spot for residents and tourists.

Amenities

Facilities include changing areas, showers, and a nearby WC at the village's camping area. The four hot tubs are open daily from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM. The cost of entry is 2.000 ISK for adults, 1.000 ISK for kids aged 6-12 years, and children below six years can enter for free. Payments can be made online, or at the local Baccula bar just around the corner. All major cards are accepted. For those wishing to extend their stay, the village offers a camping area.

Location & Nearby Attractions

Hauganes, part of the Árskógsströnd coastal area, has the oldest whale-watching company in Iceland, bringing over 27 years of experience. Food enthusiasts can samples some local fish at the Baccalá Bar, a unique restaurant offering dishes like deep-fried bacalao and bacalao-pizza. For those with a penchant for the outdoors, a hike to Þorvaldsdalur Valley offers breathtaking views.

6 Lesser-Known Facts

1. Historical Playground: Before its fame as a hot tub destination, the beach was a playground for local children.
2. Sun-Facing Beach: It's the only accessible beach in North Iceland that faces south.
3. Founder's Vision: The hot tubs were the brainchild of Elvar, the founder of Baccalá Bar.
4. Eco-Friendly Practices: The nearby Whale Watching Hauganes runs partially on biodiesel from recycled cooking oil.
5. Oldest Whale Watching Company: Hauganes is home to Iceland's oldest whale-watching company.
6. All Seasons Beauty: Hauganes offers a spectacular experience no matter the season.

Getting there

Hauganes is just a 25-minute drive north of Akureyri, a major city in North Iceland. From Reykjavik, travellers can opt for a scenic drive of around 5 hours or catch a domestic flight to Akureyri and then proceed by road.