Iceland has a unique swimming culture - pools are a large part of the lives of locals. Soaking in Iceland’s warm and refreshing pools is a chance to experience this culture. Keep reading to discover Reykjavík’s best swimming pools to try out on your next trip.

1. Vesturbæjarlaug 

A favourite amongst locals, Vesturbaejarlaug has a vibrant cosmopolitan culture with Icelanders, tourists, and international scholars at the nearby University of Iceland spending time at the pool. Opened in 1961, its vintage character forms part of its charm. 

In addition to the fantastic outdoor pool, there are also four hot tubs, one cold tub, and a stunning steam room. If you’re walking from the city centre, there’s a seaside path called Ægissíða which you can take. You’ll be able to see all the way to Bessastaðir on the Álftanes peninsula - home of the Icelandic President.

Address

Hofsvallagata, 107 Reykjavík

Opening hours 

• Weekdays from 6:30 am - 10:00 pm

• Weekends from 9:00 am - 10:00 pm

Admission fees

• Children, 0 - 15 years: Free

• Children (16 - 17 years): 210 ISK

• Adults: 1.330 ISK

2. Álftaneslaug 

Álftaneslaug is not your average swimming pool. It has the highest waterslide in Iceland and the only wave pool in the country. Opened in the suburbs of Reykjavík in 2009, Álftaneslaug has quickly risen in popularity. And no wonder, because it has a massive outdoor pool, an indoor pool, two hot pools featuring whirlpool bubbles, and a wading pool for children. Mountain views and a hot dog stand add to the attraction.

Address

4X3J+MGV, 225 Álftanes, Iceland

Opening hours 

• Weekdays from 6:30 am - 9:00 pm

• Weekends from 9:00 am - 6:00 pm

Admission fees

• Children, 0 - 18 years: Free

• Adults: 1.100 ISK

3. Sundlaug Kópavogs 

Translating to ‘baby seal bay,’ you can swim like a seal in Sundlaug Kopavogs. This swimming pool in the town of Kopavogur, lying south of Reykjavík, has lately become quite popular in Iceland. 

There are three swimming pools, ranging from 10 to 50 metres. The steam room is particularly beloved, and so are the seven hot tubs which include a jacuzzi, and a special pool for children. Kids and adults alike enjoy the water slides on-site.

Address

Borgarholtsbraut 17, 200 Kopavogur

Opening hours 

• Weekdays from 6:30 am - 10:00 pm

• Summer weekends from 8:00 am - 8:00 pm

• Winter weekends from 8:00 am - 06:00 pm

Admission fees

• Children, 0 - 17 years: Free

• Adults: 1,130 ISK

4. Laugardalslaug 

Located in Laugardalur Valley, Laugardalslaug is often called the ‘Queen of Swimming Pools in Iceland’ after the Icelandic women who previously used the hot springs in the region to do their laundry. The hot tubs here contain mineral-rich seawater, which means you get all the benefits of an Icelandic hot spring!

Like most Reykjavík pools, Laugardalslaug has a jacuzzi, steam room, sauna, water slides, and indoor pools. Additional perks include a beach volleyball court, cafés, restaurants, an amusement park, and a zoo all in the vicinity for a complete day of exploring near Reykjavík.

Address

Sundlaugarvegur, 104 Reykjavík

Opening hours 

• Weekdays from 6:30 am to 10:00 pm

• Weekends from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm

Admission fees

• Children, 0 - 15 years: Free

• Children (16 - 17 years): 210 ISK

• Adults: 1.330 ISK

5. Seltjarnarneslaug

In the small town of Seltjarnarnes near Reykjavík lies a quieter swimming pool called Seltjarnarneslaug. The pool itself is quite long with a children’s area on one end where the water is warmer. It is also the only swimming pool in the area filled with a blend of mineral-rich seawater. Additionally, there are four hot tubs with bubbles and massage jets, a cold bath, a steam room, and a water slide.

Address

Suðurströnd, 170 Seltjarnarnes

Opening hours 

• Weekdays from 6:30 am to 10:00 pm

• Weekends from 8:00 am - 7:30 pm

Admission fees

• Children, 0 - 5 years: Free

• Children (6 - 17 years): 140 ISK

• Adults: 1.300 ISK

6. Sundhöll Reykjavikur

A short distance from Reykjavík’s main shopping street, Laugavegur, lies the Sundholl swimming pool in the downtown area. Designed by the architect behind some of the most spectacular buildings in Reykjavík such as Hallgrimskirkja church - Guðjón Samúelsson - Sundhöll is the city’s oldest pool, opening in 1937. 

Recently, the pool has undergone some excellent renovation work, and now boasts a hot tub with jacuzzi jets, an outdoor sauna, as well as shallow hot tubs for children. There are also two diving boards above the indoor pool, which makes it unique. 

Address

Baronsstigur 45a, 101 Reykjavik

Opening hours 

• Weekdays from 6:30 am to 10:00 pm

• Weekends from 8:00 am - 10:00 pm

Admission fees

• Children, 0 - 15 years: Free

• Children (16 - 17 years): 210 ISK

• Adults: 1,330 ISK

Swimming is a refreshing and relaxing activity enjoyed by people across the world. But, in Iceland, it’s also a chance to interact with locals and get to experience a unique culture. Now that you know where the best swimming pools in Reykjavík are located, plan your trip with the best hotels in the capital of Iceland!