Djupavogskorin

A Hidden Hot Pot on the East Coast

Djupavogskorin is a small geothermal pool tucked behind a grassy hill just off Route 1, roughly 2 kilometers west of the fishing village Djupivogur in East Iceland. Built from a natural hot spring and lined with stone, the rectangular pool sits quietly in an open landscape where plains stretch toward distant mountains and the Atlantic Ocean. Unless you know exactly where to look, you will drive right past it. That obscurity is a large part of its charm.

The Pool and Its Setting

The pool itself is modest in size, fitting six to eight bathers comfortably. A small wooden deck runs alongside it, providing a spot to set down towels and clothes before stepping into the geothermally heated water. There are no buildings, no reception desk, no other people in most cases. The view from the water takes in the wide East Iceland landscape, with the peaks surrounding Berufjordur fjord visible in the distance and the sea glinting on the horizon. On calm days the silence is striking, broken only by wind and the occasional bird.

The water temperature fluctuates with the seasons. During autumn and winter, it tends to settle around 38 to 40 degrees Celsius, which is ideal for a long, relaxed soak while cold air bites at your shoulders. In summer, the geothermal source can push temperatures above 43 degrees, making it uncomfortably hot. There is no mechanism to cool the water down, so always test with your hand before getting in.

Getting There

Djupavogskorin is easy to reach by car. Traveling east along Route 1 toward Djupivogur, watch for a small parking area on the right side of the road before you enter the village. From the parking spot, a short unmarked path of about 100 meters leads over a low hill to the pool. The walk takes less than two minutes on flat ground. The pool is not signposted and sits below the line of sight from the road, which keeps it quiet and uncrowded even during peak tourist season.

Practical Tips

Bring your own towel, swimwear, and a bag for your belongings since there are no facilities beyond the wooden deck. There is no entry fee. If you are traveling the Ring Road through East Iceland, Djupavogskorin makes a rewarding short stop between Hofn and Egilsstadir. The village of Djupivogur itself is worth a brief visit for its harbor, the Eggin i Gledivik outdoor sculpture installation along the waterfront, and a handful of cafes where you can warm up after your soak.

Best Time to Visit

The pool is accessible year-round, but autumn and winter offer the most enjoyable bathing temperatures and the most dramatic atmosphere. Soaking in hot geothermal water while snow dusts the surrounding mountains or the northern lights flicker overhead is an experience that captures the raw appeal of East Iceland. Summer visitors should be prepared for hotter water and should visit in the early morning or late evening when air temperatures are cooler and the midnight sun paints the landscape in golden light.