Skautahöll — Reykjavík Ice Skating Rink
Indoor ice skating rink — public skating, hockey, skate rental year-round.
About
About Skautahöll — Reykjavík Ice Skating Rink
Indoor ice skating rink — public skating, hockey, skate rental year-round.
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.
Background
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.
Skautahöll Reykjavíkur (Reykjavík Ice Skating Hall) opened 1987 in Laugardalur valley, providing Iceland's premier indoor ice rink. **Facilities:** - Full-size Olympic ice rink (60m x 30m) - Skate rental (~800 ISK) - Changing rooms and lockers - Snack bar **Public Skating:** - Sessions usually afternoons/evenings (check schedule skautaholl.is) - Entry ~1,000 ISK + skate rental ~800 ISK - Family-friendly, all skill levels **Hockey & Figure Skating:** - Ice hockey leagues (youth and adult) - Figure skating training programs - Public can watch hockey games (check schedule) **Hours:** Variable depending on public skating vs. hockey/training. Check skautaholl.is for current schedule. Located in Laugardalur valley next to Laugardalslaug pool and Botanic Garden, ~3 km from downtown Reykjavík.
Folklore
Story & Folklore
Skautahöll is where Reykjavík learns to skate. The indoor rink in Laugardalur operates year-round (Iceland's outdoor winters are often too windy for pond skating), offering public skating sessions, ice hockey leagues, and figure skating training. Public skating sessions run most afternoons and evenings — families with children wobbling on skates, teenagers showing off, couples holding hands on ice. Skate rental available (around 800 ISK). The rink also hosts ice hockey games — Iceland has small but enthusiastic hockey culture, and watching a local game is entertaining. Ice skating is traditional in Iceland — before indoor rinks, Icelanders skated on frozen ponds and lakes in winter. The tradition continues at Skautahöll, now with heated changing rooms and a snack bar instead of frozen toes and thermoses. It's a rainy-day family activity, a glimpse into Icelandic winter sports culture, and a chance to skate indoors while volcanic landscapes wait outside.
💡 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.
Local Legend
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.
Experiences
Tours Near Skautahöll — Reykjavík Ice Skating Rink
Best-rated Iceland experiences — book with free cancellation
Culture
Stories & Legends
Icelandic sagas and folklore from this area
Engey
Engey is a historic location in Iceland mentioned in "Njáls saga", one of the ancient Íslendingasögur (Sagas of Icelanders). These medieval narratives preserve the history of Iceland's Viking Age settlement.
Gufunes
Gufunes is a historic location in Iceland mentioned in "Egils saga", one of the ancient Íslendingasögur (Sagas of Icelanders). These medieval narratives preserve the history of Iceland's Viking Age settlement.
Reykjavík
Reykjavík is a historic location in Iceland mentioned in "Harðar saga og Hólmverja", one of the ancient Íslendingasögur (Sagas of Icelanders). These medieval narratives preserve the history of Iceland's Viking Age settlement.
Skuggabaldur – The Shadow Creature
Skuggabaldur: A phantom dog guarding forgotten paths.
Explore
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.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Location
📍 Location
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