Private Hvammsvik Hot Springs & Hvalfjordur Tour from Reykjavik
A private journey through Iceland's Whale Fjord, elven folklore, and rejuvenating geothermal waters
The Hvammsvik Hot Springs private tour takes you beyond the tourist trail, combining geothermal soaking, dramatic fjord scenery, and genuine Icelandic storytelling in one seamless five-hour experience. You are collected directly from your accommodation and guided by a knowledgeable local throughout the entire journey. Every stop is tailored to your pace, making this a genuinely personal encounter with Iceland's west coast.
Departing Reykjavik, the route skirts the base of Mount Esja before climbing toward the waterfall Thórufoss, a filming location for Game of Thrones. The road then descends into Hvalfjordur, a deep fjord whose name translates as Whale Fjord, carrying layers of wartime history and centuries of Icelandic legend.
The centrepiece of the tour is a visit to Hvammsvik Hot Springs, a property where eight natural pools transition gradually from cool ocean temperatures to a historic spring reaching 42 degrees Celsius. The facility includes steam baths and outdoor hot showers, and direct access to the Atlantic adds an optional cold-water challenge for the adventurous. Following the soak, a bowl of slow-cooked lamb soup with freshly baked sourdough at Hofudstodinn restaurant rounds out the day before the return drive to Reykjavik.
Tour Highlights
Access to eight natural geothermal hot springs at Hvammsvik, ranging from ocean temperature to 42 degrees Celsius in the original historic pool.
A stop at Thórufoss waterfall, recognised internationally as a filming location for the television series Game of Thrones.
Scenic drive through Hvalfjordur, one of Iceland's most historically significant fjords, with expert commentary from your private guide.
Hvammsvik Hot Springs was voted the number one experience in the world by Timeout magazine, offering a globally recognised natural attraction.
Visit the Elfstone called Stedji, traditionally regarded as the home of an elven figure named Staupasteinn, with folklore shared by your local guide.
A post-soak meal of Icelandic lamb soup paired with freshly baked sourdough bread and sea-salt butter at the on-site restaurant.
Fully private experience with door-to-door pickup, meaning no shared coaches and no fixed group schedules to follow.
Itinerary
Your expert local driver guide from Your Friend In Reykjavik collects you directly from your accommodation. The drive out of the capital takes approximately 25 minutes, passing along the shoreline beneath Mount Esja.
A short stop at Thórufoss introduces the natural drama of the Icelandic landscape. The falls gained international recognition through their appearance in Game of Thrones and sit in a striking volcanic gorge.
Entering Whale Fjord, your guide shares the area's wartime history and its place in Icelandic folklore. A stop at the Elfstone Stedji provides context for the living tradition of elven belief that persists throughout the country.
Arrival at the acclaimed Hvammsvik estate, where eight geothermal pools of varying temperatures meet the ocean. Steam baths, hot outdoor showers, and direct Atlantic access are all available during your visit.
After the hot springs, a warm meal of traditional Icelandic lamb soup and freshly baked sourdough bread is served at the on-site restaurant. The bread and butter are prepared on location using local ingredients.
The tour concludes with a comfortable drive back to your accommodation in Reykjavik. The total duration including all stops is approximately five hours.
What Is Included
Included
- Private driver guide for the full duration
- Door-to-door pickup and drop-off in Reykjavik
- Entry to Hvammsvik Hot Springs
- Access to steam baths, outdoor showers, and ocean swimming area
- Lamb soup with sourdough bread and sea-salt butter at the restaurant
- Local folklore and historical commentary throughout
Not Included
- Optional add-on excursions such as Blue Lagoon, glacier hiking, or snowmobiling
- Additional hours beyond the standard five-hour tour duration
- Personal travel insurance
- Gratuities
- Any personal purchases at the hot springs facility or restaurant
Important Information
Reserve Your Private Hot Springs Experience
Secure your private tour of Hvalfjordur and Hvammsvik Hot Springs today and enjoy an unhurried, personally guided journey along Iceland's west coast.
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