The Best Geothermal Pools in Reykjavik

Explore the best swimming pools in Reykjavik to understand an essential part of Icelandic daily life. More than places to swim, these public spaces serve as social hubs where residents come together to relax and connect. They are clean, affordable, and open throughout the year, offering a practical way to experience local culture.

Thanks to these facilities, travelers who choose to stay in Reykjavik can still enjoy Iceland’s geothermal bathing traditions without venturing far. They are also an ideal way to relax and warm up after a full day of Reykjavik walking tours or sightseeing on your own.

Their appeal extends beyond convenience. Visiting local swimming pools ranked third when 321 tourism professionals chose from a list of the top experiences in Iceland recommended by tourism professionals in our 2026 survey.

Parents go further. Swimming pools are the activity they mention most often in our analysis of how good Iceland is for kids, based on 14,761 parent comments.

Across the city, each swimming pool varies in layout, setting, and features. This guide outlines what to expect at some of the most notable facilities. These options are also easy to include in many Iceland vacation packages, especially city breaks in Reykjavik.

For those planning to visit multiple pools or cultural sites, the 24-hour Reykjavik City Card is a useful option. It includes entry to seven of the city’s public pools, among them Laugardalslaug, Sundholl Reykjavikur, Arbaejarlaug, and Vesturbaejarlaug, along with entry to several museums and unlimited use of the city’s public transport system. You can also get the 48-hour card or the 72-hour card for additional flexibility during longer stays.

Key Takeaways

• Public pools are a significant part of Icelandic culture, offering spaces for exercise, relaxation, and social gatherings.

• The greater capital area has 18 public pools, eight of them run by the City of Reykjavik, and all stay open year-round.

• The Reykjavik City Card provides free access to seven of Reykjavik’s public pools and many of its attractions.

• Pools like Sundholl Reykjavikur offer historical significance, while others like Lagafellslaug are geared towards family fun.

• Children up to nine swim free in Reykjavik’s pools with a guardian, and pools are the activity parents mention most in our Iceland-for-kids study.

Laugardalslaug: Largest Swimming Pool in Iceland

Laugardalslaug Swimming Pool is the largest swimming pool in Iceland and one of the most recognized in Reykjavik. It is a good choice if you’re only in the city for a short time.

Laugardalslaug is a great option, regardless of the weather. It has a 164-foot (50-meter) outdoor pool, an indoor pool, children’s pools, several hot tubs including a saltwater tub, a cold tub, a steam room, water slides, and two beach volleyball courts.

The pool sits in the Laugardalur Valley, next to Reykjavik Campsite and about 1.2 miles (2 km) from the city center. There are plenty of cafes and restaurants in the area, as well as the Reykjavik Botanical Garden and Reykjavik Family Park & Zoo, a small amusement park and zoo with farm animals.

Laugardalslaug Visitor Info

Address: Sundlaugavegur 30, 105 Reykjavik

Opening hours:

• Weekdays: 6:30 AM to 10 PM

• Weekends: 8 AM to 10 PM

Sundholl Reykjavikur: One of the Oldest Pools in Reykjavik

One of the oldest pools in Reykjavik, Sundholl Reykjavikur opened in 1937. The building was designed by Guðjón Samúelsson, an Icelandic architect who also designed the University of Iceland, National Theatre of Iceland, Church of Akureyri, and the famous Hallgrimskirkja Church.

Sundholl Reykjavikur is located in downtown Reykjavik, a short walk from Laugavegur, a street known for shopping and exciting nightlife. It’s unique among Reykjavik's swimming pools, boasting an ample indoor pool and diving boards with set daily hours, which run longest on weekends and in summer.

A 2017 extension added an 82-foot (25-meter) outdoor lap pool and an adjacent hot tub fitted with jacuzzi jets, which is nearly as long as the pool. You can also enjoy an outdoor sauna and shallow hot tubs, which are well-suited for children or those wishing to catch the elusive Icelandic sunshine on good days.

Sundholl Reykjavikur Visitor Info

Address: Baronsstigur 45a, 101 Reykjavik

Opening hours: 

• Weekdays: 6:30 AM to 10 PM, with midday closures on some weekdays during the school year, so check the city’s pool hours before you go

• Weekends: 8 AM to 10 PM

Seltjarnarneslaug: Pool in Seltjarnarnes

This pool is located in the quiet town of Seltjarnarnes, not too far from Reykjavik’s city center. Like the town, Seltjarnarneslaug offers a quiet and cozy escape from the city and is a great option for families.

The pool is 82 feet (25 meters) long and includes an area for children that’s a little warmer than the main pool. The facility also offers four hot tubs, two cold tubs, a steam room, and a water slide.

What sets Seltjarnarneslaug apart from other pools is the water itself. It is mineral-rich water piped straight from the town’s geothermal borehole, which the town says is gentle on sensitive skin.

Seltjarnarneslaug Visitor Info

Address: Sudurstrond 8-10, 170 Seltjarnarnes

Opening hours:

• Weekdays: 6:30 AM to 10 PM

• Weekends: 8 AM to 7:30 PM

Arbaejarlaug: Fun Swimming Pool in Arbaer

If you’re ready for a full day of outdoor activities, consider the Arbaejarlaug Swimming Pool in the suburb of Arbaer. It’s one of the most scenic geothermal pools in Reykjavik.

Arbaejarlaug overlooks the Ellidarardalur Valley, a peaceful recreation area in the middle of Reykjavik that’s popular with hikers and cyclists. The Ellidara River runs through the valley and offers salmon fishing. A dip in the Arbaejarlaug Pool is the perfect way to relax after a nature adventure. 

The indoor pool is located in a beautiful solarium, where you can swim through a little opening to the larger outdoor pool. The outdoor area also has a children's pool, a big slide, a water fountain, a water bridge, and a hot tub area, making this one of the most impressive pools in Iceland. 

Arbaejarlaug Visitor Info

Address: Fylkisvegur 9, 110 Reykjavik

Opening hours:

• Weekdays: 6:30 AM to 10 PM

• Weekends: 9 AM to 10 PM

Vesturbaejarlaug: Pool on the West Side of Reykjavik

Photo from Wikimedia, Creative Commons, by Emstrur. No edits made.

One of the most charming geothermal pools in Reykjavik is also a local favorite. Vesturbaejarlaug Swimming Pool is close to the University of Iceland, so it’s usually filled with local and international university students and teachers.

The pool is a hub of activity. Most (if not all) of Reykjavik's citizens have fond memories of coming to the pool when they were younger, and many still make their way west just for a soak in the tub.

This is where Icelandic people meet to discuss politics, culture, the weather, and life while enjoying a dip in one of the hot tubs. There’s also a fantastic outdoor pool, a cold tub to cool you down, a steam room, two saunas, and a large infrared sauna.

Vesturbaejarlaug is an ideal choice if you fancy a stroll on a beautiful day. You can walk along the Aegisida seaside path and see the Bessastadir Presidential Residence on the Alftanes Peninsula.

Vesturbaejarlaug Visitor Info

Address: Hofsvallagata 54, 107 Reykjavik

Opening hours:

• Weekdays: 6:30 AM to 10 PM

• Weekends: 9 AM to 10 PM

Alftaneslaug: Family-Friendly Swimming Pool in Alftanes

Just a short drive from Reykjavik is this family-friendly swimming facility located in Alftanes, Gardabaer. The complex offers a range of amenities suitable for visitors of all ages. One of its highlights is an indoor pool that measures 39 by 26 feet (12 by 8 meters), ideal for young children who want to play or practice swimming in a comfortable setting.

Alftaneslaug also features an outdoor pool that spans 82 feet (25 meters), two hot tubs, a children’s pool, and a sauna for relaxation. A standout feature is Iceland's only wave pool. Thrill-seekers love the water slide, which stands 33 feet (10 meters) high and runs 262 feet (80 meters) long.

The pool is open year-round apart from a short maintenance closure in August, and it accommodates people with disabilities. Come to relax, swim, or play with the family. Alftaneslaug offers a welcoming environment for everyone.

Alftaneslaug Visitor Info

Address: Breidumyri, 225 Gardabaer

Opening hours:

• Weekdays: 6:30 AM to 10 PM

• Saturdays: 9 AM to 6 PM

• Sundays: 9 AM to 10 PM from June to early October, with shorter hours in winter

Asvallalaug: Indoor Swimming Center in Hafnarfjordur

If you want a short respite from the city, Asvallalaug offers plenty of space for exercise, family fun, and relaxation. Located in Hafnarfjordur, it’s a large indoor swimming center. Opened in 2008, it features a 164-foot (50-meter) pool that’s usually divided into two 82-foot (25-meter) sections.

The pool caters to both serious swimmers and casual visitors. Families can enjoy a 56-foot (17-meter) children’s pool with depths ranging from 3 feet (0.9 meters) to 3.6 feet (1.1 meters). A 33-foot (10-meter) wading pool is equipped with toys for smaller children. 

The water temperature is kept at 89 F (32 C) in the children's pools and 82 F (28 C) in the main swimming pool, with the indoor air temperature around 86 F (30 C). Additional amenities include three indoor hot tubs, two outdoor hot tubs, a water slide, and a steam bath. 

Asvallalaug was designed with accessibility in mind, featuring a pool lift that makes it easy for wheelchair users to get into the water. The facility also serves as the home of the swimming club Sundfelag Hafnarfjardar.

Asvallalaug Visitor Info

Address: Asvellir 2, 220 Hafnarfjordur

Opening hours: 

• Mondays–Thursdays: 6:30 AM to 10 PM

• Fridays: 6:30 AM to 8 PM

• Saturdays: 8 AM to 6 PM

• Sundays: 8 AM to 5 PM

Lagafellslaug: Family-Friendly Pool in Mosfellsbaer

Venture out of the city center to experience one of Iceland’s most family-friendly geothermal pools. Located in the town of Mosfellsbaer, Lagafellslaug is ideal for children. There’s a shallow children’s pool and a wading pool for the younger ones.

Older children and parents have a blast on three big water slides. The facility also has an indoor pool, several hot tubs, a cold tub, and three steam rooms, including an infrared one.

Lagafellslaug is a 15-minute drive from the city center, so you’ll need to rent a car or hop on a bus. 

Lagafellslaug Visitor Info

Address: Laekjarhlid 1a, 270 Mosfellsbaer

Opening hours: 

• Weekdays: 6:30 AM to 10 PM

• Weekends: 8 AM to 7 PM, extended to 9 PM from June to August

Nautholsvik Geothermal Beach

If you crave a beach atmosphere while visiting Reykjavik, head to Nautholsvik Beach and enjoy a relaxing day swimming in the warm geothermal waters. This man-made lagoon was designed to provide a natural coastal swimming experience. 

Nautholsvik Geothermal Beach also features two hot tubs, a steam bath, and a sandy beach for sunbathing. It’s perfect for families, couples, or those in the mood for a solo adventure away from the city. 

The beach is open all year, though the lagoon is only heated in summer. In winter, the hot tubs and steam bath stay open from Tuesday to Saturday, and you can hunt for the northern lights after a dip in the rejuvenating waters. If you want to explore geothermal bathing beyond Reykjavik, see the most recommended hot springs in Iceland, or consider places such as Vok Baths in East Iceland or the Earth Lagoon Myvatn in North Iceland.

Nautholsvik Beach Visitor Info

Address: Nautholsvegur, 102 Reykjavik

Opening hours:

• Summer (May 15 to August 18): daily, 10 AM to 7 PM

• Winter (August 19 to May 14): Tuesday–Friday 11 AM to 7 PM, Saturdays 11 AM to 4 PM, closed Sundays and Mondays

Swimming Etiquette in Iceland

Swimming in Icelandic pools is a much different experience than in other countries. A soak in geothermal water ranks among the best activities in Iceland in any season, so it pays to know the local customs before you go. You’ll meet people from all walks of life enjoying the relaxing geothermal waters. Every City of Reykjavik pool is rainbow certified, meaning they’re LGBTQ+ friendly and actively promote inclusivity, diversity, and equality. 

Icelandic swimming pools contain low levels of chlorine. Visitors are required to wash thoroughly to keep the water clean. That’s why it’s customary to shower naked with soap before you put on your swimsuit and enter the pool. You shouldn’t feel body conscious; there’s an unspoken rule of no staring.

Hot tubs are one of Iceland's most important social venues. This is the place where locals meet to openly discuss everything from the weather to politics. Dress in swimwear to enjoy the warm water, and don’t be surprised if you’re quickly engaged in conversation. 

Find the Perfect Pool in Reykjavik

Reykjavik’s swimming pools are a must-do when visiting Iceland. They offer a unique cultural experience and the perfect way to relax and unwind after a busy day of exploring. You’ll find a pool in Reykjavik for a quiet soak, a family-friendly adventure, or an afternoon of chatting with locals.

If your trip continues along the Ring Road, most swimming pools outside Reykjavik are smaller village pools with a hot tub or two, often set beside a fjord or river.