If you plan to visit Reykjavik, consider adding a unique experience to your itinerary—visiting one of the city’s many public swimming pools. Immersing yourself in the warm, geothermally heated pools and hot tubs isn’t just an invigorating experience—it’s also a window into an integral aspect of Icelandic culture.
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Icelandic Swimming Etiquette
Before you pack your swimming gear, take a moment to familiarize yourself with Icelandic swimming etiquette. As you might expect, Icelandic pools differ from the pools you might be used to. With most of them being outdoors and open all year round, you might be tiptoeing barefoot across icy patches in winter. Not only this but they are often filled with geothermally heated water and come equipped with hot tubs at temperatures ranging from 38°C up to around 45°C.
Shower thoroughly before entering the pool! No exceptions!
One crucial thing to remember is that hygiene is taken very seriously. Before you enter the pool, make sure to shower naked with soap. The amount of chlorine in Icelandic swimming pools is low, so people need to wash thoroughly to keep the water clean. Don’t feel shy—everyone else will be doing the same!
The Social Significance of Swimming Pools
The swimming pools in Reykjavík aren’t just places for exercise—they are hubs of social activity. In the hot tubs, everyone is equal, with locals openly discussing everything from the weather to politics.
Tempeture of swimming pools in Reykjavik
One of the appealing features of these pools is their temperatures. In Reykjavik, the standard temperature for the hot tubs varies between 38°-40° Celsius (100°-104° Fahrenheit). However, they can reach a toasty 44° Celsius (111° Fahrenheit) at their warmest. However they can dip down to 36° Celsius (97° Fahrenheit) at their coldest, offering a variety of experiences depending on individual preferences.
As for the swimming pools themselves, they range from 27°-30° Celsius or 80°-86° Fahrenheit, which is a bit warmer than the average swimming pool in Europe. Despite this, they’re still sufficiently cool for swimming. This optimal temperature is made possible by Iceland’s geothermal energy sources, providing an enjoyable and refreshing swimming experience that draws locals and tourists alike.
You will find a pool in every neighbourhood of the greater Reykjavík area, each with its unique features. Here are a few noteworthy swimming pools in Reykjavik that you might want to soak or splash in.
Here are six swimming pools in Reykjavik
Sundholl Reykjavikur
Reykjavík Sundholl features two swimming areas: an indoor pool and an outdoor one. The facility is fully accessible, providing convenient wheelchair access to the pool, hot tub, and sauna. Sundhöllin’s amenities include hot tubs, a diving platform, a shallow pool for wading, a cold tub, a sauna, and outdoor cabins. The facility provides play equipment. The indoor pool has two diving boards. One diving board is positioned 1.0 m above the water’s surface and the other at 2.75 m. This indoor pool measures 25m x 10m, offers four lanes, and has a depth range of 9m to 4m. The water maintains a steady and comfortable temperature of 28°C.
Location and opening hours on Google Maps
Arbaejarlaug
The Árbæjarlaug pool complex boasts an impressive range of amenities. These include a 25m outdoor pool, hot tubs, water slides for both adults and children, a children’s pool, a massage tub, a cold tub, and an indoor pool. It also features a wading pool, beach volleyball facilities, outdoor changing rooms, private changing rooms, and disabled access to the pool. For those seeking to merge a jog with a relaxing dip in warm water, the surrounding neighborhood of Elliðárdalur valley offers a multitude of running trails. The Árbæjarlaug pool holds the Rainbow Certification, reflecting Reykjavik City’s dedication to foster an LGBT+ friendly environment.
Location and opening hours on Google Maps
Vesturbaejarlaug
Vesturbæjarlaug pool has a 25m outdoor pool, a dedicated children’s pool, inviting hot tubs, a sauna, a steam bath, a refreshing cold tub, and outdoor changing facilities. The front desk caters to guests’ needs by selling swimwear, offering a range of refreshments for purchase, and providing free Wi-Fi. Highly regarded by the Icelandic populace, Vesturbæjarlaug is an ideal venue to unwind while engaging in convivial interactions with the local residents!
Location and opening hours on Google Maps
Laugardalslaug
Laugardalslaug has a 50m outdoor pool, and water slides. There is also a sea tub, a steam bath, hot tubs, a children’s slide and pool, a wading pool, a massage tub, an indoor pool, and a cool tub. It provides infant facilities, private dressing rooms, and outdoor changing areas. Wheelchair accessibility is facilitated within the pool area.
The surroundings offer a range of recreational pursuits, from running routes to a minigolf course, a wipeout obstacle course, and beach volleyball facilities. Visitors can access a cafeteria, purchase swimwear, and use free Wi-Fi at the reception. Laugardalslaug carries the Rainbow Certification.
Location and opening hours on Google Maps
Dalslaug
The most recent inclusion to the roster of swimming pools in Reykjavík is Dalslaug. This swimming complex officially opened its doors on December 11th, 2021. It boasts a 25-meter outdoor pool, equipped with six lanes. Additionally, an indoor pool is present, designated for teaching and training purposes. Dalslaug has hot tubs, a cold tub, a pool specifically designed for children, and a sauna.
Location and and opening hours on Google Maps
Breiðholtslaug
Breiðholt’s facility features a generous 25 x 12.5 meters outdoor pool, maintaining five lanes at a soothing temperature of 29°C. In addition, a smaller indoor pool is available, measuring 12.5 x 8 meters and heated to a pleasant 30°C. The facility further enhances the swimming experience with two hot tubs, a children’s pool, a sauna, and a cold tub. For extra fun, there are two water slides and a smaller slide designed for children.
The facility prioritizes accessibility, providing an elevator for wheelchair users to access the pool and ensuring the sauna is also wheelchair-friendly. The pool has the Rainbow Certification.
Location and opening hours on Google Maps
