Matkaopas: Vesturbæjarlaug

Vesturbæjarlaug is a public pool in the capital of Iceland, Reykjavík.

It can be walked to from most hotels in the city, though those staying further out who are renting a car will find plenty of parking around. You can access the pool for free with a Reykjavík City Card, which will also grant you bus travel and discounts or free entry to a range of other attractions in the capital.

Features of Vesturbaejarlaug

Vesturbæjarlaug is an outdoor pool in Reykjavík that, like many pools around the country, is heated with geothermal energy. The abundance of this energy around the capital allows the water in the swimming areas to be maintained at a comfortable temperature, and also supports a sauna, three small hot tubs, and a large hot tub on site.

This larger jacuzzi is complete with massage jets, while the smaller ones are all at different temperatures for the comfort of guests.

The main swimming pool is 25 metres long, perfect for doing lengths, and there is an adjoining children’s pool for the young ones to have a splash around. Finally, there is a cool tub for the daring to take a dunk in. 

The pool is lesser-known by tourists, although many staying nearby do seek it out. Like most Icelandic pools, the atmosphere is friendly and open, with regular attendees using it as a place to catch up and fresh faces using it as a way to meet new people. 

The pool is also regularly used by children during school time, as it is compulsory education in the country for all able pupils to know how to swim.

History and Location of Vesturbaejarlaug

Vesturbæjarlaug was first opened in 1961, and has been updated with new features twice since, in 1976 and 2014. Though not as big as Iceland’s largest pool, Laugardalslaug, which is also in the capital, it is still bigger than most found in towns around the country. 

Because it is located in the city’s west, it is very easy to reach on foot from the centre. For guests staying in hotels or hostels around Reykjavík’s Domestic Airport, or on the Seltjarnarnes Peninsula, it is similarly easy to reach. It is located on the road Hofsvallagata.