Hot water comes out of the ground in Iceland in many places. Icelanders have made their lives more comfortable by soaking in these fabulous hot pots. Going to the pool is almost compulsory when you are staying in Iceland! Here are the 5 best geothermal swimming pools that you must try when you come to Reykjavík!
Hot water comes straight out of the ground in Iceland in so many places. Icelanders have made their lives more wonderful by relaxing in the blissful hot pots and pools. Some Icelanders feel going to the pool is a daily necessity - they even say they suffer withdrawal symptoms if they don´t go!
However, you might not want to go to the Blue Lagoon, it has become more touristy, is quite an expensive place, and you need to book your visit in advance. So, we recommend you try Reykjavík's amazing swimming pools, they are much cheaper, they are all used by the locals, not mostly tourists, and best of all you can go when the mood takes you - no need to book.
Álftaneslaug Swimming Pool is located in the suburbs of Reykjavik, it was opened in 2009. Its construction was so costly that it played a major role in the bankruptcy of the municipality of Álftanes. Luckily, it was finished before the money disappeared!
The impressive pool facilities include a 12 x 7 m indoor pool with a view over the outdoor area. There are two outdoor hot pots, one 38 - 40 °C, which is a whirlpool where the bubbles can be switched on or off. The other hot pot is 40 – 42 °C. There is a 36°C wading pool for children. The 25 m long outdoor swimming pool has nice views, lanes are roped off for those who want to practice their swimming more seriously.
This pool is also host to Iceland's highest waterslide, the 80m slide falls from a height of 10 m. Furthermore, you will find the only wave pool in Iceland here, this is huge fun for everyone. There is also a nice wooden sauna and a steam bath, both with nice large windows so you can appreciate the views. Cool down afterwards in the small cold plunge pot if you are brave enough!
The beautiful mountain views and nice changing rooms are additional plus points. A hot dog stand next to the pool seems to be an important part of the criteria for Icelandic people, here they are very fortunate, there is one right in front of the building.
Summer opening 1. May to 30. September
Winter opening 1. October to 30. April
Opening hours for the gym
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Lágafellslaug is a charming pool, also situated on the outskirts of Reykjavik, in a small town called Mosfellsbær. It is fairly new and has a lot to offer. There is one large indoor swimming pool and a 25m-long outdoor pool.
There are three hot tubs to choose from offering temperatures of 38 °C upwards. One of them is equipped with massage jets that can be turned on manually. The warm wading pool is suitable for children and sun loungers are available for those who want to lay down and relax to enjoy the sun on fine days.
For those seeking more relaxation, there is a big sauna and a steam bath. The cold pool and a nice little green area make cooling down after a sauna even more enjoyable. From the pool, one has a nice view of the mountains. There is also a good cafeteria with a small menu - the obligatory hot dog stand can be found just outside, great if you feel hungry after bathing in the hot water!
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This pool is located in Seltjarnarnes, just a few minutes driving distance from downtown Reykjavik, this pool is the only one in the capital area which is filled with a blend of seawater.
There are two hot pots at 38 - 40 °C: one has a 'secret' button that will activate a lot of bubbles and some massage jets. For the most daring people, there is a seriously hot pot at 41 - 44 °C - you can then jump into the cold pot to cool down!
Visiting this pool is one of the best things to do with kids in Iceland because of its wonderful facilities. The large 36 - 38 °C wading pool has various fountains and cool animal water toys to play with. There is also a fun waterslide which ends next to a small 36 - 38 °C pool, so, parents can watch their kids having fun whilst relaxing.
For those interested in swimming, there is a 25 m long outdoor pool heated to 29 °C, right next to this there is a smaller 35 °C pool for children to learn to swim in. If you want to relax even more, you could try out the steam bath, this has a transparent wall which is really nice when the sun is shining. After a relaxing time at the pool, you could enjoy a nice walk along the coast and - in nice weather - enjoy views on Snæfellsnesjökull in the distance.
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Situated in town next to the national football stadium, the Laugardalslaug pool is easy to get to.
It is not only the largest swimming pool in Reykjavík but also the most popular pool amongst tourists and locals alike. It was opened in 1968, located in an area where the hot springs were made use of by the women of Reykjavík, who used them to do their laundry in the olden days.
There are three main swimming pools: one outdoors, 50 m x 22 m with 8 lanes, at 28°C; and two indoor pools which are 50 m and 25 m long. Around the pool you will find a few hot tubs, one pot even contains sea water which is rich in minerals, a jacuzzi, steam room, sauna and an 86-meter-long water slide complete the facilities. It is also possible to book a massage with a therapist at Laugardalslaug.
There are sun loungers and plenty of space for sunbathing in summer. A hot dog stand is on the site for those who like to enjoy this typical Icelandic snack when they spend a day at the pool with their friends.
Laugardalslaug is located a short distance from the Botanical Gardens (Grasagarðurinn) in Reykjavík as well as the Reykjavík Family Park and Zoo (Fjölskyldu og Húsdýragarðurinn).
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This swimming pool is located near downtown and not far from the ocean. It was opened in 1961 and is, thereby, one of the older pools in Reykjavik. They offer 'only' outside pools and no slides. So, this might sound boring, however, there are a variety of hot pools where one can languish and enjoy relaxing.
The larger pool has a temperature between 38 – 40 °C, the two smaller pools have higher temperatures. There is also a pool for kids to play in which has a basketball hoop and various floating toys. For those who want to exercise the small swimming pool is great.
A small sauna which is not too hot, and a nice spacious steam bath, constructed from thick glass bricks so the sun can shine through, makes this a specially nice place to go. This is a pool where mainly local people meet, in the past it was a popular meeting place for gay people. Stories about some famous visitors are proudly told when the locals talk about this swimming pool. A nice café, and yes, a good hot dog stand can be found next to it!
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