capital-region · Iceland
Skautahöll — Reykjavík Ice Skating Rink
About Skautahöll — Reykjavík Ice Skating Rink
Skautahöll Reykjavíkur is Reykjavík's indoor ice skating rink in Laugardalur valley, open year-round for public skating, ice hockey and figure skating. The rink offers skate rental, public skating sessions (usually afternoons/evenings), and hockey games. Popular with Reykjavík families and a good rainy-day activity for children. Ice skating is a common winter pastime in Iceland — skating on frozen ponds was traditional before indoor rinks, and the sport remains part of Icelandic winter culture.
History & Background
Skautahöll opened 1987 as Iceland's first indoor ice rink. Before indoor facilities, Icelanders skated on frozen ponds and lakes in winter — a tradition dating to settlement era. Ice hockey grew in popularity mid-20th century. Skautahöll made year-round skating and hockey possible regardless of weather.
Did You Know?
- ✔Opened 1987 in Laugardalur
- ✔Full Olympic-size rink
- ✔Public skating sessions, ice hockey, figure skating
- ✔Skate rental ~800 ISK, entry ~1,000 ISK
- ✔Check skautaholl.is for schedule
Tours Near Skautahöll — Reykjavík Ice Skating Rink
Best-rated Iceland experiences — book with free cancellation
Why Visit
Ice skating is a common winter pastime in Iceland — skating on frozen ponds was traditional before indoor rinks, and the sport remains part of Icelandic winter culture.
Did You Know?
Iceland's ice hockey team qualified for the 2018 World Championship Division I — a remarkable achievement for a country of 380,000 with one indoor rink at the time.
Where Iceland Skates Indoors
Icelanders used to skate on frozen ponds in winter. Then they built an indoor rink and could skate year-round without wind chill freezing their faces. Progress.
📖 Stories & Legends
Icelandic sagas and folklore from this area
Hidden Gems Nearby
The Local Hockey Games
If public skating isn't happening, check if there's a local ice hockey game — watching Icelandic amateur hockey is surprisingly entertaining and tickets are cheap/free.
Combine with Laugardalslaug
Skautahöll is next to Laugardalslaug thermal pool — you can ice skate, then soak in hot pots. Only in Iceland.
Practical Information
Best Time
Check skautaholl.is for public skating schedule
Duration
1–2 hours
Access
Laugardalur — bus routes 2,5,14,15 or drive (free parking)
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to bring skates?▾
No — skate rental available ~800 ISK. Bring warm socks.
What's the schedule?▾
Public skating sessions vary — check skautaholl.is for current times. Usually afternoons/evenings.
