Pools are a key part of Icelandic culture and also an amazing way to relax, experience the geothermal activity, and see some cool spots. Public pools are 100% open to visitors for an entrance fee and the ones in Reykjavik are great. Some of the ones listed here are public pools, some are private businesses, and others are natural.
M’s TIP – Please follow all posted signs at pools for your hygiene and that of the other guests. Take your shoes off before walking around the changing room and, yes, shower naked before getting in! Most facilities have lockers for your stuff and showers, but may not have hairdryers.
Pools and Spas in the Reykjavik Area
A good overall guide for Reykjavik’s public pools is at this link: Top 7 Best Swimming Pools in Reykjavik | Guide to Iceland
- Laugardalslaug, in downtown Reykjavik – This is the largest public pool complex in Reykjavik. It has a lot of hot tubs at different temperatures, including my favorite – a salt water hot tub located up in the far back corner of the complex. It also has a steam room. Official site: Laugardalslaug Pool | Reykjavik
- Sundhollin, in downtown Reykjavik – This is another nice public pool facility located just a few blocks behind the landmark Hallgrims church downtown. It notably has outdoor hot tubs up on the roof, which are lovely when it is snowing. More info: Sundhöll Reykjavík Pool | Reykjavik
- Sky Lagoon, in Kopavogur, just outside of Reykjavik – This is not a public pool – but a spa/lagoon complex. It is located in a neighborhood called Kopavogur, which is quite close to downtown Reykjavik, but you would need a car, or to take a taxi or public bus to get out there. The spa is located right on the water so the main hot pool has an “infinity” style looking out over the sea and across to the President’s house. The sauna (if you elect to do a package that includes the “rituals”) also has an infinity window giving floor to ceiling views out. Update September 2024 – Sky Lagoon just underwent an expansion of its “rituals” facility. The sauna space is doubled and includes a phones and a “no devices” sauna – both have infinity windows! The cold mist room is bigger as well and features a dramatic rock architectural element. The steam room remains the smallest space, but perhaps there is more to come for that as well. Don’t skip the crowberry elixer/tea at the end – it is really delicious and features local fruits. Website for booking: Sky Lagoon
Lagoons, Pools, and Geothermal Spots Outside Reykjavik
- Blue Lagoon, on the Reykjanes Peninsula/Grindavik/Keflavik – Everyone knows about the Blue Lagoon! It is conveniently located between the airport at Keflavik and downtown Reykjavik, making it a good stop on your way in off an overnight flight from the United States or on the way out of the country. There are also restaurants and two hotels on the premises. I have stayed at The Retreat at the Blue Lagoon and there is also the (relatively more affordable) Silica Hotel. But, since Blue Lagoon is about 40 mins from town, you do not necessarily need to spend the night. You can also eat in the restaurants there, like Lava Restaurant, even if you’re just there for the day. M’s TIP – The silica in the water can dry out your hair really badly, so be careful getting it in the water. Suggestions are to either put conditioner all over it or use a hair wrap. Update September 2024 – Recent volcanic activity and earthquakes throughout 2024 have required intermittent closures of the Blue Lagoon for safety. Please carefully consult the Blue Lagoon website and other notifications for the latest on their opening status and also please follow all safety directions from the relevant authorities at all times while in Iceland. Website: Bláa Lónið
- Reykjadalur Hot Spring Thermal River, in Hveragerdi/South Coast – If you like to hike and don’t mind a rustic setting, this is the geothermal swim experience for you! The hike up from the parking lot takes about 45 mins and it is uphill (!). The access point is just outside of the town of Hveragerdi. The river itself is a little shallow, but is a really unique setting and has good scenery. M’s TIP – The river has very rustic changing shelters that are open and very public. You can bring your favorite snacks and beverages, but please pack your trash out with you.
- Fontana Spa, on Thingvellir Lake/Golden Circle – If you are in the Thingvellir Park region, the Fontana Spa/hot pool is right on the lakeside and so has really nice views. This spot could be added to a Golden Circle tour route if you are driving yourself or some tour companies might drop you off and pick-up from here. This is the place where they famously bake rye bread in the sand, as it is hot enough to do so! It was featured in an episode of “Down to Earth” on Netflix; Season One here. Website: Laugarvatn Fontana
- Secret Lagoon, in Fludir/South Coast – This is my “happy place” and my favorite pool. It is further from Reykjavik in a town called Fludir – about 90 minutes from downtown – but it can easily be a day trip or added to a modified Golden Circle route as it is not far from Geyser. The vibe is really chill though it can get crowded if there are tour groups there when you are. Photo in featured image at the top of this post.
- Fridheimar Greenhouse, in Fludir – If you are at the Secret Lagoon or nearby on the Golden Circle route, I recommend considering adding lunch at this tomato greenhouse complex. The speciality is a tomato soup and homemade bread buffet, but you can also order a la carte items such as tomato beer and other treats. M’s TIP – The restaurant has very specific and limited opening hours, so plan carefully if you want to go here for lunch. Website: Friðheimar
- Hrunalaug Pool, in Fludir/South Coast – This small, natural, geothermal pool is a bit of an adventure. But, if Secret Lagoon is closed or you want something different, check out this nearby spot. To access the pool, drive up, walk on the little path, and leave some cash in a box. There is nowhere to change, however, so be prepared. (Secret Lagoon has more infrastructure support – showers, drinks, etc.) However, as of June 2024, it looks like there are some improvements to the infrastructure and systems underway since my last visit which was during COVID. Check their website for the latest: HRUNALAUG
- Guðlaug Baths, in Akranes/Reykjavik region – This is a really unique, small public (but entry fee required) small hot tub complex in the town of Akranes, which is about a 45-minute drive from Reykjavik through an underwater tunnel. This is a special architectural and beautiful spot as it is right on, and overlooks, the sea and a lovely long stretch of beach in Akranes, called Langisandur. There is a very basic public/open changing room and place to leave your things but no lockers. There are cubby holes just next to the tub if you prefer to keep your things closer to you. If you get too warm in the hot tub you can always pop out and run down the beach for a dip in the (very cold) ocean! Guðlaug Baths | West Iceland
- Krauma Spa, in Reykholt – This is a really nice spa and pool facility with a restaurant and a cold pool, sauna, and chill out fireplace lounge. It is nearby to Reykholt and could be a day trip from Reykjavik or if you are on the way to Husafell or in/near Borgarnes. Visit their site for prices and more info: https://www.krauma.is/en
- Geosea, in northeast Iceland, in Husavik – Located in Husavik, whic is famous for its whale watching trips and its connection to the film “Eurovision Song Contest – The Story of Fire Saga.” Geosea is a lovely series of pools that is next to a lighthouse, overlooks the sea, and is really special to visit if there is a sunset – or maybe even some Northern Lights. They also have a swim up bar/window! Geosea Geothermal Sea Baths
- New spas and lagoons are opening all the time, due to their intense popularity with tourists. Two new locations – that I’ve not yet had the chance to dip into myself are:
- Forest Lagoon, in north Iceland, in Akureyri – This complex is in north Iceland in the town of Akureyri. I’ve not been in the pools but have visited the location and it has a cute bistro on site that serves brunch and American style pancakes, among other treats. If you are stopping in the town with a cruise or driving the Ring Road – consider adding a soak here. Their website: Forest Lagoon
- Hvammsvik, in Hvalfjordur, outside Reykjavik – This new pool complex is located on a fjord about 30 minutes outside Reykjavik and between the capital and Akranes. I’ve not been here and it appears to be high-end (very expensive!) Hvammsvík
