Natural Hot Spring
Reykjanes Geothermal Pool
Westfjords
Discover the tranquil Reykjanes Geothermal Pool, nestled in the stunning Westfjords of Iceland. This inviting outdoor pool, fed by natural hot springs, provides a perfect escape to relax in warm, mineral-rich waters while surrounded by breathtaking landscapes. It's an authentic Icelandic bathing experience, far from the bustling crowds.
Swim laps in an unusually large, geothermally heated pool on the shore of a remote Westfjords fjord, on the site of a century-old boarding school.
Story
On the shore of Ísafjarðardjúp, the great fjord that cuts into the heart of the Westfjords, Reykjanes is a small geothermal outpost built around its heat almost by necessity: warm ground near the water made it a natural place to settle, and in 1934 a district boarding school, Héraðsskólinn á Reykjanesi, was built here to serve children from the surrounding fjords, warmed by — and eventually built around — a large geothermal swimming pool. The school closed in 1991, but the pool it was built around outlived it. Today the pool, 50 by 12.5 metres and kept warm year-round by self-flowing geothermal water, is run alongside Hotel Reykjanes, which took over the old school buildings. It is an unusually large, quiet place to swim for such a remote stretch of coastline — ringed by fjord views rather than crowds, with an old green sauna and a sun deck as the only other amenities.
History
Reykjanes was the site of Héraðsskólinn á Reykjanesi, a district boarding school built in 1934 to serve children of the Ísafjarðardjúp area and sited here for its geothermal heat and access by boat; the school operated until 1991. The old school buildings were later converted into Hotel Reykjanes, which has operated since 2002 and maintains the geothermal pool — 50 x 12.5 m, informally described as the longest swimming pool in Iceland — as part of its facilities. Road access to the area improved substantially once new bridges and roads opened in 2009.
Did You Know?
At 50 x 12.5 metres, the pool at Reykjanes is informally described as the longest swimming pool in Iceland — reportedly a little longer than its intended 50-metre design.
Admission
Small entrance fee (exact current price not independently confirmed — contact Hotel Reykjanes)
Practical Information
Best Time
Summer for easiest road access; the pool itself is heated year-round.
Duration
1–2 hours
Getting There
On the shore of Ísafjarðardjúp in the Westfjords, reached via Route 61 — a remote drive from Ísafjörður or the main Ring Road, eased somewhat by bridge and road upgrades completed in 2009.
Transport
Self-drive is effectively required; no regular public transport serves this part of Ísafjarðardjúp.
Budget
A modest entrance fee applies for day visitors (included for Hotel Reykjanes guests); exact current price not independently confirmed — check with Hotel Reykjanes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this the same Reykjanes as the peninsula near Keflavík Airport?+
No. Iceland has several places named Reykjanes; this one sits on Ísafjarðardjúp fjord in the Westfjords, a different location entirely from the Reykjanes Peninsula in the southwest near Keflavík Airport.
Is there an entrance fee?+
Yes — there is an entrance fee for the pool for non-guests, though it's included for those staying at Hotel Reykjanes. The exact current price was not published in the sources checked, so confirm directly with Hotel Reykjanes before visiting.
What's the history of the site?+
It was built as Héraðsskólinn á Reykjanesi, a district boarding school that operated from 1934 to 1991, chosen for this spot because of its geothermal heat. The old school buildings now form Hotel Reykjanes.
How do I get there?+
By car via Route 61 around Ísafjarðardjúp. Access improved when new bridges and roads opened in 2009, though it remains a fairly remote drive from Ísafjörður or the Ring Road.
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