Icelandic Pool Culture
Swimming Pools in Iceland
The sundlaug is the heart of Icelandic community life — geothermally heated, open year-round, and free from hustle.
The Icelandic Sundlaug Culture
In Iceland, the local swimming pool — sundlaug — is not just a place to exercise. It is the community living room. Icelanders go to the pool multiple times a week, not just to swim, but to relax in the hot tubs (heitur pottur), meet neighbours, and discuss everything from local gossip to national politics.
Every town in Iceland, no matter how small, has a geothermally heated pool. The water is naturally warm, never using artificial heating — the heat comes directly from the ground beneath Iceland. You can explore pools in Reykjavík and the Capital Region, North Iceland, or even remote areas like the Westfjords.
Before entering an Icelandic pool, you must shower without a swimsuit. This rule is strictly enforced and is a matter of hygiene, not culture shock. Follow the shower signs in the changing rooms.
Most pools cost between 900–1,200 ISK for adults. Children are often free or very cheap. Bring your own towel or rent one at the pool. The experience of sitting in a 40°C hot tub while it snows outside is genuinely one of the best things you can do in Iceland. For a more premium experience, check out Iceland's lagoons and spa baths, or explore natural hot springs in the wild.
Pool Etiquette Tips
- ✓Always shower thoroughly (without swimsuit) before entering
- ✓Do not wear outdoor shoes past the entrance — change into sandals
- ✓Keep noise levels low in hot tubs — it's a relaxation space
- ✓Don't bring glass containers poolside
- ✓Many pools require you to shower again after the steam room
- ✓Respect the hot tub temperature zones — some are hotter than others
Best Swimming Pools in Iceland
41 public pools across the country
A popular geothermal swimming pool in West Iceland, known for its outdoor pools, hot tubs, and family-friendly facilities.
Akureyri Swimming Pool is one of the most popular and well-equipped geothermal pools in Iceland, offering a relaxing and family-friendly experience in North Iceland. The facility features multiple outdoor pools, hot tubs with different temperatures, water slides, and play areas for children. Open all year round, the pool is heated using geothermal energy, making it a perfect place to unwind even in cold weather. Like many Icelandic pools, it serves as a social hub where locals gather daily to relax and connect. Located in the heart of Akureyri, it is easily accessible and a great stop for travelers exploring the north of Iceland. Whether you’re looking to relax or have fun with family, Akureyri Swimming Pool offers something for everyone.
Arbaejarlaug Swimming Pool is a family-friendly geothermal outdoor pool complex in Reykjavík featuring large hot tubs, water slides, and excellent facilities for year-round bathing.
Asvallalaug Swimming Pool is a modern outdoor swimming pool in Hafnarfjörður located next to the Ásvellir sports complex, offering hot tubs, family-friendly facilities, and year-round geothermal bathing.
Blönduós Swimming Pool is a welcoming geothermal pool located in the small town of Blönduós in North Iceland. The facility includes outdoor swimming pools, hot tubs with varying temperatures, and family-friendly amenities. Like many Icelandic swimming pools, it serves as an important social gathering place for locals and visitors alike. The peaceful setting and scenic surroundings make it a great stop for travelers exploring the northern part of the country or driving the Ring Road. Open year-round and heated with geothermal water, the pool offers a relaxing break in any season.
Borgarnes Swimming Pool is a modern geothermal swimming facility located in the town of Borgarnes in West Iceland. The pool complex includes outdoor swimming pools, multiple hot tubs with varying temperatures, a sauna, and family-friendly amenities. Heated with natural geothermal water and open year-round, the pool is a popular meeting place for locals and a relaxing stop for travelers exploring Borgarfjörður or driving the Ring Road. With beautiful views over the surrounding landscape and excellent facilities, Borgarnes Swimming Pool is one of the most convenient and enjoyable swimming stops in West Iceland.
Breiðholtslaug is a popular geothermal swimming pool located in the Breiðholt district of Reykjavík. The facility includes both indoor and outdoor pools, several hot tubs with different temperatures, water slides, and excellent amenities for families and children. Like other Reykjavík swimming pools, Breiðholtslaug serves as a social gathering place for locals year-round. Heated with geothermal water and open in all seasons, it offers a relaxing and authentic Icelandic swimming experience away from the busiest downtown pools. Its spacious layout and family-friendly facilities make it one of the best neighborhood pools in Reykjavík.
Dalvík Swimming Pool is a welcoming geothermal pool located in the coastal town of Dalvík in North Iceland. The facility includes outdoor swimming pools, relaxing hot tubs with varying temperatures, and excellent views across Eyjafjörður fjord and the surrounding mountains. Open year-round and heated with geothermal water, the pool is a popular gathering place for locals and a relaxing stop for travelers exploring the Tröllaskagi Peninsula or visiting nearby destinations such as Siglufjörður and Akureyri. Its peaceful atmosphere and scenic setting make Dalvík Swimming Pool one of the most enjoyable local pools in North Iceland.
Egilsstaðir Swimming Pool is a modern geothermal swimming facility located in the largest town in East Iceland. The pool complex includes outdoor swimming pools, several hot tubs with varying temperatures, and family-friendly amenities suitable for visitors of all ages. Open year-round and heated with geothermal water, the pool is a popular meeting place for locals and a relaxing stop for travelers exploring East Iceland, including nearby destinations such as Hallormsstaðaskógur forest and Lake Lagarfljót. With its convenient location along the Ring Road, Egilsstaðir Swimming Pool is an excellent place to unwind while traveling through the region.ith good facilities.
Ásgarðslaug is a smaller geothermal swimming pool located in the Ásgarður neighborhood of Garðabær in the Capital Region. The facility includes indoor and outdoor pools, hot tubs with varying temperatures, and comfortable amenities for everyday swimming and relaxation. Popular among locals, the pool offers a quieter alternative to larger swimming complexes in the Reykjavík area. Heated with geothermal water and open year-round, Ásgarðslaug provides an authentic neighborhood swimming experience close to the capital.
Grafarvogslaug is located in the Grafarvogur district in northeast Reykjavík. This neighborhood pool offers a welcoming atmosphere and good facilities for swimming and relaxation.
Grundarfjörður Swimming Pool is a welcoming geothermal pool located in the small fishing town of Grundarfjörður on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. The facility includes outdoor swimming pools, hot tubs with varying temperatures, and excellent views of the surrounding mountains, including the iconic Kirkjufell. Open year-round and heated with natural geothermal water, the pool is a popular gathering place for locals and a relaxing stop for travelers exploring Snæfellsnes. Its peaceful atmosphere and scenic surroundings make it one of the most enjoyable swimming stops along the peninsula.
The Hella swimming pool is a popular local pool in the town of Hella in South Iceland. The facility includes outdoor swimming pools and hot tubs for relaxation.
Hofsos Infinity Pool is a scenic geothermal swimming pool overlooking Skagafjörður fjord in North Iceland, known for its dramatic infinity-edge design and panoramic mountain views.
The Hveragerði swimming pool is located in a geothermal town known for its hot springs. The pool complex includes outdoor pools, hot tubs and family recreation areas. Perfect stop before or after hiking Reykjadalur.
The Höfn swimming pool is located near Vatnajökull National Park and is a popular stop for travelers exploring Southeast Iceland. The pool offers hot tubs and swimming facilities with views of the surrounding mountains.
The Húsavík swimming pool is located in the whale watching capital of Iceland. The pool complex offers hot tubs, a swimming pool and views of the surrounding area. A perfect stop after a day of whale watching.
Kopavogslaug Swimming Pool is a large public geothermal swimming facility in Kópavogur featuring indoor and outdoor pools, hot tubs, water slides, and excellent family-friendly amenities.
Laugardalslaug is the largest swimming pool in Iceland, located in the Laugardalur valley in Reykjavík. It features multiple outdoor and indoor pools, hot tubs, steam baths and water slides, making it a favourite for locals and visitors alike.
The Mosfellsbær swimming pool is located just outside Reykjavík and offers modern facilities including multiple pools, hot tubs and water slides. It's a popular facility for the growing town of Mosfellsbær.
Neskaupstaður swimming pool is located in the town of Neskaupstaður in East Iceland. The facility offers outdoor pools and geothermal hot tubs surrounded by dramatic mountains.
The Reyðarfjörður swimming pool is located in the fjord town of Reyðarfjörður in East Iceland. The facility includes outdoor pools, hot tubs and recreation areas.
Sauðárkrókur swimming pool serves the town of Sauðárkrókur in Skagafjörður. The pool complex includes outdoor pools, hot tubs and recreational facilities for families.
Selfoss Swimming Pool is a large geothermal outdoor pool complex in South Iceland featuring hot tubs, water slides, steam facilities, and family-friendly bathing areas.
The Selfoss swimming pool is one of the most popular pools in South Iceland and a central recreation area for the town. The facility includes indoor and outdoor pools, hot tubs and water slides.
Seljavallalaug is one of Iceland’s oldest outdoor swimming pools, located in a narrow valley beneath Eyjafjallajokull glacier. Built in 1923, the remote pool offers a unique historic bathing experience surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery.
Seltjarnarnes swimming pool is located in the small municipality next to Reykjavík. The pool offers stunning ocean views and is known for its peaceful atmosphere and excellent hot tubs overlooking the sea.
The Seyðisfjörður swimming pool is located in one of the most picturesque fjords in East Iceland. The pool includes outdoor swimming areas and hot tubs with views of surrounding mountains.
The Siglufjörður swimming pool is located in one of the northernmost towns in Iceland. The facility offers outdoor swimming pools, hot tubs and scenic mountain views.
Swimming pool in the charming town of Stykkishólmur on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Good base for exploring West Iceland.
Sudurbaejarlaug Swimming Pool is a popular neighborhood outdoor pool in Hafnarfjörður featuring hot tubs, a family-friendly environment, and excellent facilities for relaxation and swimming year-round.
Hafnarfjörður Swimming Pool is one of the best public swimming facilities in the capital region. The complex includes multiple outdoor pools, large hot tubs, steam rooms and excellent family-friendly amenities.
Sundhöll Reykjavíkur is one of the oldest swimming pools in Iceland and a landmark building in downtown Reykjavík. Designed by architect Guðjón Samúelsson, it opened in 1937. The art deco style building features both indoor swimming and outdoor hot tubs.
Sundlaug Akureyrar is the main swimming pool in Akureyri, the capital of North Iceland. This large facility offers multiple pools, waterslides, and excellent hot tubs with views of the surrounding mountains.
Vesturbaejarlaug is a popular outdoor geothermal swimming pool in Reykjavík’s Vesturbær neighborhood known for its relaxed local atmosphere and large hot tubs.
Small community pool in the remote town of Vopnafjörður in northeast Iceland. Offers a genuine local experience.
A small but well-maintained swimming pool in the village of Vík on Iceland's south coast. Perfect stop after exploring the black sand beaches and nearby attractions.
Álftaneslaug is a quiet geothermal swimming pool located on the Álftanes peninsula in the Capital Region, just a short drive from central Reykjavík. The facility includes outdoor swimming pools, hot tubs with different temperatures, and comfortable family-friendly amenities. Known for its calm local atmosphere and coastal surroundings, the pool offers a relaxing alternative to the busier swimming pools in Reykjavík. Heated with geothermal water and open year-round, it is a great stop when exploring Álftanes and nearby Bessastaðir, the official residence of the President of Iceland.
Árbæjarlaug is a modern swimming facility in the Árbær district of east Reykjavík. The pool complex opened in 2005 and features extensive facilities including multiple pools, hot tubs, and a large waterslide.
Main swimming pool in Ísafjörður, the largest town in the Westfjords. Well-maintained facility with stunning mountain and fjord views.
The Ólafsvík swimming pool serves the town of Ólafsvík on the northern side of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. The facility includes outdoor pools and relaxing geothermal hot tubs.
Find Pools on the Map
Locations of all public swimming pools across Iceland
Frequently Asked Questions
Are swimming pools in Iceland heated naturally?▼
Yes — all public pools in Iceland use geothermal energy to heat the water. Iceland sits on a volcanic hotspot, and the heat from underground warms the water naturally without any fossil fuels.
How much does it cost to use a swimming pool in Iceland?▼
Most public pools charge between 900–1,200 ISK for adults (around $7–10 USD). Children under 6 are typically free. Many municipalities offer discounts for residents.
Do I need to shower before entering an Icelandic pool?▼
Yes, showering without your swimsuit before entering is mandatory and strictly enforced. This is a hygiene requirement — follow the shower diagrams posted in the changing rooms.
What is the difference between a pool and a lagoon in Iceland?▼
Public pools (sundlaugar) are community facilities primarily for locals, affordable and simple. Lagoons (like Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon) are premium spa experiences designed for tourists, with more facilities but significantly higher prices.
Which is the best swimming pool in Reykjavík?▼
Laugardalslaug is the largest and most popular, with water slides and 8 hot tubs. Vesturbæjarlaug is a local favourite for atmosphere. Sundhöll is the most central. All are excellent — pick the one closest to you.
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