Geothermal water is one of Iceland‘s greatest natural resources. It‘s used to heat houses and produce electricity. But most importantly, Icelanders love to swim in it.
Pools and Spas have been a huge part of the Icelandic lifestyle, ever since the country‘s settlement. One of the most famous hot tube of history belonged to Snorri Sturluson in the 12th century but bathing in the country‘s natural pools is mentioned in the Sagas of the Icelanders, in the 10th century.
The public pools is the heart of almost every town in Iceland and Reykjavik is no exception. People get together to relax, exercise, or just catch a little sun. Perhaps most importantly, the hot tubs are a place where people get together to chat about any subject you can imagine. The pool is a great equalizer and people from all walks of life come together and enjoy the luxury of these public baths.
Opening hours for pool‘s vary but since the city has plenty of great pools to choose from, you can go swimming from early morning until late into the night. Everybody is required to shower in gender-segrigated but communal showers before entering the pool for hygienic reasons but some pools have privacy cubicles.
The facilities at each pool also vary but most swimming complexes include a lap pool, a hot tube and maybe a steam room. The biggest pool is Laugardalslaug, with six hot tubs and a cold tub, a wadding pool. A children pool and an indoor as well as outdoor pool.
The most recently renovated pool is the oldest pool in the city, Sundhöll Reykjavíkur, in the city center, right by Hallgrímskirkja.
Swimming pools in Reykjavik
Árbæjarlaug
Fylkisvegur 9. 110 Reykjavik
Tel. +(354) 411 5200
Opens: M-F 6:30-22:00 Sar-Sun 9:00-22:00
Breiðholtslaug
Austurberg 3, 111 Reykjavik
Tel. +(354) 557 5547
Opens: M-F 6:30-22:00 Sat-Sun 9:00-22:00
Grafarvogslaug
Dalhús 2, 112 Reykjavik
Tel. +(354) 510 4600
Opens: M-F 6:30-22:00 Sat-Sun 9:00-22:00
Klébergslaug
Kjalarnes, 116 Reykjavik
Tel +(354) 566 6879
Opens: M-T 15:00-22:00 F 15:00-19:00 Sat-Sun 11:00-18:00
Laugardalslaug
Sundlaugavegur, 104 Reykjavik
Tel. +(354) 411 5350
Opens: M-F 6:30-22:00 Sat-Sun 9:00-22:00
Sundhöll Reykjavíkur
Barónsstígur, 101 Reykjavik.
Tel. +(354) 411 5350
Opens: M-F 6:30-22:00 Sat-Sun 9:00-22:00
Vesturbæjarlaug
Hofsvallagata, 101 Reykjavik
Tel. +(354) 411 5150
Opens: M-F 6:30-22:00 Sat-Sun 9:00-22:00
Other geothermal pools in the Reykjavik Capital area
Sundhöll Hafnarfjarðar
Herjólfsgata 10, 220 Hafnarfjörður
Tel. +(354) 555 0088
Ásvallalaug
Ásvellir 2, 220 Hafnarfjörður
Tel. + (354) 512 4050
Suðurbæjarlaug
Hringbraut 77, 220 Hafnarfjörður
Tel. +(354) 565 3088
Kópavogslaug
Borgarholtsbraut 17, 200 Kopavogur
Tel. +(354) 570 0470
Salalaug
Versalir 3, 201 Kopavogur
Tel. +(354) 570 0480
Lágafellslaug
Lækjarhlíð 1a, 270 Mosfellsbær
Tel. +(354) 517 6080
Varmárlaug
270 Mosfellsbær
Tel. +(354) 566 6754
Garðabæjarlaug
Ásgarður, 210 garðabær
Tel. +(354) 565 8066
Álftaneslaug
Bjarnastaðir, 2254 Álftanes
Tel. +(354) 550 2350
Sundlaug Seltjarnarness
Suðurtrönd, 170 Seltjarnarnes
Tel. +(354) 561 1551
Loftleiðalaug
Hotel Nature, 101 Reykjavik
Tel. +(354) 444 4085
Nauthólsvík
Nauthólsvegur, 101 Reykjavik
Tel. +(354) 511 6630
Go swimming in Iceland is a must in any kind of weather. Feeling the geothermal hot water all around you is amazing. So don’t forget to pack your Swimming suit.
I hope this information helps you plan your visit.
I love to hear from you specially if you go swimming.
Please do not hesitate to leave a comment or a question below.
Þórhallur / Thorhallur
Founder of FactsAboutIceland.com