Iceland's Public Pools: A Traveller's Guide to Local Swimming Culture

Reykjavík's Neighbourhood Pools

Laugardalslaug, the city's largest pool complex, sits east of downtown near the Laugardalur valley. It has a 50-metre outdoor lap pool, several hot pots, a steam room and a saltwater tub, and entry costs about 1,200 ISK for adults. It's a 10-minute drive from Hallgrímskirkja or a 15-minute walk from the Laugardalur campsite. Locals treat it as a daily ritual: you'll see the same faces at 7am doing lengths before work. Bring a towel and swimsuit; rentals are limited. The facility is well-maintained and family-friendly, with a shallow children's pool and water slides in summer.

Sundhöllin, the oldest public pool in Reykjavík, is a 1937 functionalist building on Barónsstígur, a five-minute walk from the main shopping street Laugavegur. It has a 25-metre indoor pool and an outdoor hot pot, and entry is around 1,000 ISK. The atmosphere is quiet and historic, with original wooden changing rooms. It's smaller than Laugardalslaug and can get crowded after work, but it's perfect for a quick dip if you're staying downtown. For a local experience, I'd book a hotel in the 101 or 105 postcode area to be within walking distance of Sundhöllin and the smaller neighbourhood pools.

Beyond the Capital: Country Pools and Geothermal Baths

Outside Reykjavík, every town has its own pool, often heated by geothermal water. In North Iceland, Akureyri's Sundlaug is a 25-metre outdoor pool with hot pots and a waterslide, open year-round. Entry is about 1,000 ISK. It's a 5-minute drive from Akureyri's centre and a good stop on the Ring Road. The nearby Mývatn Nature Baths, 90 minutes east, are a more commercial alternative but still worth it for the lake views. For a quieter soak, try the pool in Húsavík, a 45-minute drive north, where you can watch the harbour while you float.

In the Westfjords, the pool at Patreksfjörður is a local hub, and the geothermal pool at Heydalur, a 30-minute drive from Ísafjörður, is a rustic favourite. The Eastfjords have smaller pools like the one in Eskifjörður, which has a spectacular fjord view. Note that many rural pools have limited opening hours in winter (often 10am–8pm on weekdays only), so check ahead. If you're travelling the Ring Road, plan a pool stop every couple of days to break up the driving. I'd book accommodation in Akureyri for two nights to explore the north's pools comfortably.

Swimming Pool Etiquette and Practical Tips

Icelandic pools have a strict pre-swim shower rule: you must wash thoroughly with soap without your swimsuit before entering the water. Showers are communal and open, which can surprise visitors. Follow the diagram on the wall—focus on the areas the sign indicates. Towels and swimsuits can be rented at most pools for a small fee, but it's cheaper to bring your own. Lockers are usually free; you'll need a coin or a token, which you can get at the reception. Many pools have saunas and steam rooms, which are included in the entry fee.

Most pools are open from early morning until late evening, but hours vary by season. Summer (June–August) is the best time to visit, with longer hours and warmer weather, though the water is geothermally heated year-round. Winter visits are magical, especially if you catch the northern lights while soaking. Avoid peak times (after 5pm on weekdays) if you want a quieter experience. Children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult, and some pools have designated family hours. If you're based in Reykjavík, consider a hotel near Laugardalslaug for easy access to the city's best pool.