Public swimming pools in Iceland are a favorite local ritual—thanks to geothermal water found all over the country. You’ll find pools in almost every town and village, and even in a few surprisingly remote places.
Iceland has over 110 public pools, many with hot tubs, steam rooms, and saunas, making a swim-and-soak one of the easiest year-round activities. Most pools are kept around 29°C (84°F), while hot tubs typically range from 38°C to 44°C (100–111°F).
In 2025, UNESCO added swimming pool culture in Iceland to its Intangible Cultural Heritage list, recognizing pools as welcoming spaces to exercise, relax, and socialize. Below, we compare five local favorites—complete with locations, top reasons to visit, opening hours, and prices—so you can choose the best Iceland public pools for your trip.
Quick Comparison: 5 Iceland Public Pools at a Glance
|
Pool |
Location |
Top Reason to Visit |
Best For |
|
Krossneslaug |
Strandir, Westfjords |
Ocean views, off-the-beaten-path spot |
Quiet escape |
|
Selárdalslaug (Selárlaug) |
Vopnafjörður, East Iceland |
Sheltered, riverside location |
Relaxation |
|
Hofsós Pool |
Skagafjörður, North Iceland |
Fjord views and infinity-style edge |
Nature views |
|
Sundlaugin Laugaskarði |
Hveragerði, South Iceland |
50 m (164 ft) heated outdoor pool |
Lap swimming |
|
Álftaneslaug |
Garðabær, Capital Region |
Wave pool and Iceland’s longest waterslide |
Families |
Five local-favorite public swimming pools in Iceland, compared by location and best reason to visit.
Icelandic public pools follow simple, respectful etiquette that keeps the water clean with minimal chemicals and the space comfortable for everyone. UNESCO recognizes swimming pool culture in Iceland as inclusive, welcoming people of all backgrounds, ages, and abilities.
Quick etiquette tips:
Source: Reykjavík.is
If you want to learn more about the swimming pool etiquette in Iceland, read our detailed guide.
Krossneslaug in Strandir is a remote coastal pool—bring a windproof layer for the walk in.
Built by the Leif the Lucky Volunteers youth association in the mid-20th century, Krossneslaug is nestled in the remote region of Strandir in the Westfjords. At the site, you’ll find a 12.5 m (41 ft) pool, a hot tub, heated by the area’s natural hot springs, changing rooms, and showers.
The pool is situated right on the beach, with the ocean just steps away. While the waves create a stunning backdrop, they can be strong and unpredictable, so it’s safer to enjoy the pool's warmth and keep a distance from the ocean.
What’s special about this pool? It’s located on the beach right by the ocean.
Prices and hours last checked: January 2026. Source: krossneslaug.is
Selárdalslaug in East Iceland is a tranquil pool nestled by the Selá river, providing a unique view of the stream flowing through a shallow canyon. Sheltered from the wind, it’s an excellent spot to relax.
Next to the pool is a spacious wooden terrace for sunbathing and two hot tubs. The pool house has no electricity and is lit by candles. The water comes from a nearby hot spring, maintaining a year-round temperature of 30–33°C (86–91°F). If you’re seeking a quiet swim stop during your journey, this is the perfect place to unwind.
What’s interesting nearby? Picturesque Selá river in Selárdalur valley.
Last checked: January 2026. Source: vopnafjardarhreppur.is
One of the most beautiful infinity-style pools in the country, Hofsós has an amazing view of the ocean, Drangey and Malmey islands, and the surrounding mountains. It’s an excellent spot to relax and enjoy the sunset.
There is a hot tub, a steam bath, and an infrared sauna on-site. The pool is 25 m (82 ft) long and was designed by the same architect who worked on the famous Blue Lagoon.
Expect crowds on warm, sunny summer days. There are usually fewer people in the wintertime, when the pool returns to its regular role as a hub for locals.
What’s special about this pool? Designed by BASALT Architects (who also designed major parts of Iceland’s Blue Lagoon spa).
What’s interesting nearby? Staðarbjörg, basalt column cliffs (1 minute walk).
Last checked: January 2026. Source: sundlaugar.is
Plan a late-day soak for calm sea views and soft North Iceland light at Hofsós Swimming Pool.
Located in the idyllic greenhouse farming town of Hveragerði, the Sundlaugin Laugarskarð swimming pool was built by volunteers in 1938. It’s a 50 m (164 ft) long flow-through pool excellent for lap swimming, heated with thermal steam, which ensures the water's purity. Some say it has healing powers.
Built in a small valley, the pool is shielded from the harsher elements of Icelandic weather and offers a beautiful view of the surrounding mountains. The pool features a warm, shallow sitting pool, a children’s pool, and a hot tub with an electronic massage. It also has a natural steam bath built over a hot spring, and a fitness center.
What’s special about this pool? For many years, this was the country's largest pool. The Icelandic national team used it for practice until the Laugardalslaug pool in Reykjavík was opened.
What’s interesting nearby? Thingvellir National Park (40 minutes’ drive).
Last checked: January 2026. Source: sundlaugar.is
Álftaneslaug pool has the largest 85 m (279 ft) waterslide in Iceland. It also features the country’s only wave pool, a cozy indoor pool, two hot tubs, a wading pool for the kids, and a 25 m (82 ft) lap pool. It’s one of the few pools in Iceland that has both a sauna and a steam bath.
The pool has a dramatic history tied to the 2008 financial crash. Originally planned and constructed during the pre-crash boom, the pool’s design was ambitious and costly. This ultimately led to financial difficulties for the town of Álftanes, which became known as the town that bankrupted itself due to the pool's construction. In 2011, Álftanes was absorbed by the neighboring municipality of Garðabær, and the pool became part of this larger municipal area.
What’s special about this pool? It’s the only wave pool in Iceland.
What’s interesting nearby? Bessastaðir, the home of the President of Iceland (4 minutes’ drive).
Last checked: January 2026. Source: sundlaugar.is
These five pools are a great snapshot of what public pools in Iceland offer: geothermal warmth, social culture, and options for every travel style. Read the common questions below for practical tips on shower rules, winter opening, family visits, and pricing.
Yes, in most Icelandic public pools, you must shower naked before putting on a swimsuit. This is required to ensure a thorough cleaning process before entering the pool, as Icelandic pools typically use lower levels of chlorine. It’s a common practice in Iceland and helps maintain water quality. The showers are separate from the pool and separate for men and women to ensure privacy, and this hygiene rule is essential for all visitors.
Yes, many Icelandic public pools remain open in winter. However, smaller and more remote pools might have reduced hours during the winter months. You can check the official pool’s website for the most current hours, as road conditions and weather can affect access, especially in rural areas. Many larger pools in Reykjavík and other urban areas operate year-round.
Iceland has over 110 public swimming pools. With one of the highest pool-to-capita ratios in the world, swimming is a common and year-round activity for locals and visitors. These pools often feature geothermal hot tubs, making them a popular choice for relaxation and socializing. Refer to websites like sundlaugar.is, for up-to-date opening hours and holidays.
Yes, most public pools in Iceland welcome children. Many, like Álftaneslaug, are family-oriented and feature shallow areas, child-friendly hot tubs, and waterslides. However, some of them may have specific age restrictions or require adult supervision in deeper or more active areas.
Yes, many pools in Iceland are well-suited for exercise. Pools like Laugaskarð are equipped with lap lanes for swimming. Some swimming facilities provide water aerobics and fitness classes. Geothermal hot tubs and steam baths are often used for post-workout recovery.
No, most Icelandic pools charge the same fees for both residents and visitors. Pricing typically covers entry to the pool and any available amenities, such as hot tubs or saunas. You can find the latest prices on each pool’s official website. Most pools accept cash or card payments.
