Iceland is truly unlike anywhere else on the planet. Its otherworldly landscapes, authentic cuisine and friendly locals make it a destination that will never (ever) leave your memory banks. I fell head over heels for the place after a brilliant week road-tripping along Iceland’s South Coast.

But the real icing on the cake?

Iceland hot springs and Iceland hot pools — essentially bread and butter to the local culture. Whether you're looking for a full-on spa day somewhere like the Blue Lagoon (check out my travel guide here), want to take dip in an Iceland thermal pool discovered halfway through a hike or just want to unwind in a hot pot pool after a hard day exploring, you are guaranteed to find something that suits your spa needs in this land of fire and ice.

Here are my top tips to savour the hot springs in Iceland, from the local Iceland hot pots to the Iceland thermal pools you can unexpectedly discover in the midst of nature. All the essentials to have an unforgettable Iceland hot spring experience.

Iceland sits on the Mid-Atlantic rift zone (you can literally see where the earth cracked at Pingvellir Park) and is composed of a volcanic base — making it one of the largest hubs of geothermal activity on the planet. This perfect blend of fire from the earth's core and natural waters makes Iceland a spa lover’s dream. And after a bitterly cold day of exploration, there is nothing quite like jumping into one of those Iceland warm springs to loosen your muscles and stop your teeth from chattering. The hot / cold contrast is simply spectacular.

During our week in Iceland, we hit up the Blue Lagoon, enjoyed an Iceland hot pool in Hofn and savoured our cute log cabin’s private jacuzzi. But if you're got a little more time to spare, check out some Iceland hot pools alongside a hike or make a special trip to some of the best hot springs in Iceland. Here are some stellar recommendations from a trusty travel company in Iceland.

But don’t forget these essentials ahead of your first foray into Iceland thermal baths:

1. Bring a towel with you - or be prepared to pay a small fee (or large fee if it's somewhere like the Blue Lagoon!) to rent one

2. Leave you shoes at the door. In snazzier places, there will be lockers to put all your belongings but at some of the local springs you'll be asked to leave them at the reception.

3. Shower (fully naked) before you enter the pool. This is probably the most critical step. So much so that Iceland launched a viral youtube video to remind visitors to do so.

4. Ease into the water. It might be tempting to dive in (because it’ll probably be freezing outside) but keep in mind how hot the water can get, ease in and allow your body time to adjust.

5. Swim like the locals. Icelanders like to swim anticlockwise and so should you to live like the locals.

6. Enjoy! Talk to the locals, ask about their favourite springs and indulge in this long-standing local tradition that's lasted this long for very good reason!