Iceland is home to hundreds of natural hot springs due to the volcanic activity heating our underground water supply. These come in various shapes, sizes, and forms, from rivers and other natural settings to being used in geothermal pools around the island. But then there is the exceptional outlier in the form of Kvika Footbath.
Kvika is the perfect spot for travelers to rest and relax and is unique in its aesthetics and surroundings. Its location is also super convenient. So, if you’ve got an upcoming trip to the island, or are busy creating your must-visit hot springs list, then read on because Kvika is definitely not to be missed!
What is Kvika Footbath?
As you may have gathered from our intro, Kvika is one of the hot springs here in Iceland. Nestled along the rocky coastline, Kvika Footbath looks like something local mermaids might use when they’re hanging out on the rocks. The rocky aesthetics of the footbath along with its surroundings, make it seem like one of our untouched natural hot springs.
Well, this just goes to show what a good job, our local artist, Olöf Nordal did when he built this geothermal pool as an art project in 2005. It was made from a large hollowed dolomite rock (even though its name technically means “magma”), and is fed by a geothermal borehole. Kvika is also called a footbath for good reason. This little pool is only 79 to 89 centimeters wide and 23 to 30 centimeters deep, just big enough to enjoy the ultimate foot spa with spectacular views.
Imagine soaking your feet in the warm water, reaching a temperature of +/- 39 degrees Celsius (102 degrees Fahrenheit), while looking out over the coastline, Snæfellsjökull Glacier, and Mt. Esja. In the same spirit as its aesthetic as a natural hot spring, you won’t find any additional facilities or amenities at Kvika.
Remember, Kvika is essentially a functioning art installation amongst the rocks lining the Reykjavik coastline. Luckily, because of Kvika’s convenient location, the lack of facilities and amenities isn’t really bothersome: bathrooms, food, and drinks are just a short walk away. Since Kvika is a footbath, we’re also willing to bet that your feet won’t need changing rooms either.
Kvika: Location and Access
If Kvika’s location is so convenient, where is it then? The Kvika Geothermal Footbath sits on the northwestern point of the Seltjarnes Peninsula on the Kisuklappir Rocks. Mid-city Reykjavik is a mere 6.2 kilometers from Kvika, making it very easy to reach on foot (good thing you can give your feet a relaxing treat after your stroll).
How to Get to Kvika
You essentially have three options for reaching Kvika Footbath:
Via Public Transport
The 11 Bus runs between mid-city Reykjavik and Seltjarnes regularly. If you get off as close to the Grotta Lighthouse as possible, walking to Kvika will only take a couple of minutes. The bus ride itself also won’t take longer than 15-20 minutes, taking all the extra stops into account.
By Driving
If you decide to rent a car in Iceland, driving to Kvika from mid-city Reykjavik will take between 7 to 9 minutes. Just take Hringbraut (Route 49) and drive in a northwestern direction towards the coast. At the roundabout, take the second exit. This road eventually becomes Nordurströnd. Just continue with the road as it winds its way all along the coastline. At the point of the Peninsula, you will find a small parking lot where visitors to Kvika can park. The geothermal pool is just a short walk from there.
On Foot
Essentially, you will be walking the above-mentioned driving directions. The walk will take between 45 minutes to an hour and a half, depending on your pace and the stops you make along the way (there’s a lot to see on-route).
The GPS Coordinates for Kvika
If you would like to use the GPS to ensure you get to Kvika (whether you decide to walk or drive), you can use the following coordinates:
64.16238 -22.00827
Practical Information Regarding Kvika Footbath
Below you will find all the information you need to plan your trip to Kvika:
The Best Time to Visit Kvika Footbath
Technically Kvika can be visited all throughout the year, and as a hot spring in an open, public area, it’s accessible 24/7. That being said, the following factors will ultimately influence when the best time to visit will be for you:
The Weather
As an outdoor venue, the weather will most certainly have an impact. Some of it is just personal preference. For example, some prefer visiting during the summer when the weather is at its warmest and mildest.
Others prefer visiting during the colder months when the contrast between the warm water and the cold air can be quite thrilling. But whatever your hot spring preferences are, you still don’t want to be sitting in Kvika during a blizzard, so always keep an eye on the Iceland weather forecast before heading out.
Number of Visitors
If you’re someone who values privacy and personal space, the summer in Iceland may not be for you. Summertime is peak season here on the island, and it can get pretty busy, especially at local attractions attracting (pun intended) peak-season crowds.
Your Budget
In the same vein, peak season also means peak season prices and everything on the island will seem a bit more expensive than usual. This means that your holiday won’t stretch as far as it usually would, and if you are on a tight budget, we suggest you rather come visit during one of the shoulder months. Shoulder months, especially May and September, still offer a lot of the summer perks, but you get to experience the island at much more affordable prices.
Daylight Hours
Daylight hours are another factor to consider when it comes to outdoor locations such as Kvika. Some would like to visit the island when they have the most daylight hours at their disposal to fill their trip itinerary with all sorts of outdoor adventures, and even experience our Midnight Sun phenomena.
Others don’t mind too much, and would actually prefer fewer daylight hours in order for them to see our Northern Lights. Needless to say, our warmer months offer the most daylight hours, especially the summer (during which the Midnight Sun occurs), and the colder months offer fewer.
What to Bring to Kvika Footbath
If you’re planning on visiting Kvika, the following items should be in your backpack:
An extra warm jacket (it can feel even windier along the coast, and with only your feet in the water you’ll need an additional layer to stay warm).
Water and snacks (this is for when you’re feeling peckish, but please don’t drop any food or drink into the Footbath).
A quick-drying towel (a regular towel will simply take too long to dry and you’ll be schlepping wet things around all day).
Sunglasses and sunscreen (this is something many take for granted and the sun can glare and burn irrespective of season or whether it’s overcast or not).
What it Costs to Visit Kvika
Kvika is an outdoor installation in a public space where everyone and anyone is allowed to enjoy it without paying a cent. There are no tickets required, no entrance fees, or even tip jars on the side. You won’t even be charged for using the parking lot!
Safety and Etiquette: A Few Helpful Tips
If this is your first time visiting a hot spring in Iceland, the following tips and advice could be quite handy:
Footbath should not be taken literally. Please do not wash your dirty feet in the hot spring. Ensure you’re clean beforehand so as to be considerate and respectful to others who also want to use the pool.
Since Kvika is not a maintained geothermal resort, the responsibility lies firmly on your shoulders to keep the area clean and tidy and treat the environment with utmost respect.
Kvika is a small hot spring that can only accommodate a couple of people at a time. Please be considerate of others who would also like to enjoy the footbath and don’t hog the entire space for yourself for hours.
If you visit Kvika on a great summer’s day and feel like getting in a bit of a tan along with your foot spa, please ensure that you at least wear proper swimwear. Going nude at Kvika is a complete no-no.
Other Attractions Near Kvika Footbath
With Kvika being so close to the capital city, there are a myriad of things around the Footbath that can be added to your trip itinerary:
Grotta Lighthouse (the Grotta Lighthouse is extremely close to the Footbath)
Laugavegur Street
Whale Watching or Puffin Spotting Boat Tour (these depart from Reykjavik Harbor)
The Reykjavik Food Walk (a combination of learning all about the capital while enjoying delicious Icelandic food and drinks)
Other Hot Springs and Geothermal Pools Around Reykjavik
Reykjavik is a hot spring hot spot and you can enjoy almost 20 other hot springs and geothermal pools in the area. A few of the most popular you can consider visiting are:
Alftaneslaug (here you will also find the only wave pool in Iceland)
Get Reenergized and Rejuvenated at Kvika
If you ever feel like getting out of the hustle and bustle of a vibrant and energetic city such as Reykjavik, tranquillity is literally just a stroll away. This dreamy spot with its incredible views can inspire and awaken new ideas while the warm waters soothe weary traveler feet.
Some rest and relaxation at Kvika will have you rejuvenated and reenergized in no time to tackle the rest of your Iceland adventure and wander the beautiful and intriguing streets of Reykjavik. And don’t forget to rent a car in Iceland if you’re planning on exploring the island further.
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