SWIMMING POOLS IN REYKJAVÍK
A DAY IN LANDAMNNALAUGAR
September 16, 2021
SEPTEMBER IN ICELAND
September 22, 2021Swimming pools (Sundlaugar in Icelandic) are very special in Iceland, nothing like the ones you know in other countries. Here is your ultimate guide to go swim in Reykjavík!
The swimming pool culture is very nice here, both for locals and visitors. If you truly want to follow in the footsteps of the locals, you should definitely visit one of Reykjavík’s swimming pools: there are many in the city and its surroundings so you’ll always find one near you! They’re open all year round and know that most of the swimming pools are outdoors but don’t worry, they’re heated!
The standard temperature of the hot tubs is 38-40° celsius (100°-104° fahrenheit). They can get as warm as 44° celsius (111° fahrenheit), and as cold as 36° celsius (97° fahrenheit). The pools themselves are somewhere between 27°-30° celsius (80°-86° farenheit). They are a bit warmer than the standard pool in Europe, but cool enough for swimming in. In recent years, sea-swimming has become hugely popular for its great health benefits. Consequently, most swimming pools are equipped with a cold tub, some even as cool as 5° celsius (41° fahrenheit). You can try to stay in for a few seconds or even for a few minutes for the bravest! No matter the weather and the season, you should definitely try this unique experience! You could say that pools are a mix of a sport-center, water-slide park and a spa with hot tubs and steam baths. It’s also for many Icelanders the perfect place to meet and socialize, and talk about the weather or politics!
Here you’ll find all the swimming pools in Reykjavík and its surroundings!
Laugardalslaug
Laugardalslaug swimming pool is the largest swimming pool in Reykjavík and it is located in Laugardaglur, the heart of sports activities in the city. Around the pool are good areas for walking or jogging. There are three pools:
– Pool 1: 50m x 22m, 8 lanes, 1m- 1,74m deep, outdoor pool, heated pool, 28°C (82°F).
– Pool 2: 50m x 25m, 10 lanes, indoor, “comfortable temperature for practices”.
– Pool 3: 25m, 4 lanes, -1m deep childrens pool, indoor, “heitari en aðrar laugar”.
Next to the 50 meter outdoor pool is another warmer 30 meter pool that can also be used for practices when it is not being used. A few hot tubs with different temperatures are also available. A few hot tubs, jacuzzi, sauna and 86 meter long water slide is also at Laugardalslaug. It is also possible to book a massage at Lauganudd massage therapist.
Sundhöllin
The swimming pool is the oldest in Reykjavík and presents very nice modern outdoors that contrasts with a vintage interior and indoor pool. In Sundholl Reykjavikur the outdoor pool is 25m long, the indoor pool is 25m long, there are diving boards, a sauna, a steam bath, hot tubs, a kiddie pool, a wading pool, a massage tub, a cold tub, private dressing rooms, outdoor dressing rooms and accessibility for the disabled.
Lágafellslaug
Lágafellslaug is probably the most family-friendly pool in the city and is located in Mosfellsbaer. The pool area in Lágafelli is quite big and diverse. The outdoor pool is 25 meters big. There are 3 hot tubs, with the temperature from 38°C – 42°C. For the children, and of course the adults, is a shallow children’s pool and three water slides. One water slide is open and about 12 meters long. The others are closed and 33 – 43 meter long. The indoor pool is 16 meters long and has an adjustable bottom and is ideal for teaching. It is open to the public when there are no practices.
Árbæjarlaug
The swimming pool in Árbær is an outdoor pool and the size is 25 meters x 12,5 meters. It is 1,1 meters deep and up to 1,8 meters, the temperature is 29°C. There is also a smaller indoor pool that is 10 meters x 6,8 meters and that is 0,7 – 1,9 meters deep. The temperature is 33°C. There is also a children’s pool and three hot tubs that are 37°C, 40°C and 43°C. There is also one water slide and a sauna. The interior and the exterior are connected so you can stay in the water while going outside! It is located in Árbær, a nice neighborhood 15 minutes drive away from downtown Reykjavík.
Seltjarnarneslaug
The swimming pool in Seltjarnarnes is an outdoor pool that is 25 meter long and the temperature is 29°C. There is also a children’s pool that is 35°C warm and another that is 30 cm deep and 37 – 38°C warm. The swimming pool has 4 hot tubs. There are four dressing rooms, two inside and two outside. In the area is also a water slide. The water in the pool is very mineral rich and therefore the pool is popular with those that have eczema as the water is supposed to be better for the skin.
Kópavogslaug
The swimming pool in Kópavogur has been one of the most popular swimming pools in Iceland in recent years. The swimming pool is one of the largest pools in Iceland. In 2008 a large part of the pool was renovated. There are three pools as well as a small pool by the water slider. There is one 50 meter pool, one 25 meter and a 10 meter indoor pool. There are seven hot tubs, one of them is a jacuzzi and one is for children. There are three water sliders that are very popular with the younger generation as well as one for the very youngest. There is also a good steam bath and a gym inside the building.
Salalaug
Salalaug is also located in Kópavogur. The main pool is 25×15 meters and 100 to 160 cm deep. There are six competition lanes with lines, four of them are usually reserved for student swimming, public or practices. During public hours, two lanes are reserved for playing and swimming. There are water and air massages for calves, lower back/hips and upper back/shoulders. The hot tub also has three benches with air massage. The indoor pool is 16,67×1m and 0.75 – 0,90m deep. The temperature is 33° – 34°C and the temperature in the building is about 27°C. This makes the pool ideal for children and infants. There is a changing table for infants. The water slider is like a river. At the top there is a small “lagoon” around 34°C. From the “lagoon” the river flows down the water slider and ends in a larger river that goes around the island in the pool and you end up next to the steps from the pool. There are also two hot tubs in the pool. One is around 38°C but the warmer one is around 42°C.
Vesturbæjarlaug
The swimming pool is located near the University of Iceland, where foreigners and Icelanders all together meet and relax. There is an outdoor pool and four outdoor hot tubs, one has a massage. There are also two saunas, one for men and the other for women as well as a steambath. The pool also has a children’s pool and a waterslide. Vesturbæjarlaug is a small and friendly neighbourhood pool, located within walking distance of the city centre.
Álftaneslaug
The swimming pool in Álftanes offers their guest a bright, warm and relaxed atmosphere but at the same time those who want more action can also find it here. The indoor pool is 12 x 8 meters with a view over the outdoor area. The inside pool offers the opportunity for parents with young children to play or practice the first swim strokes. The outdoor pool is 25 meter long and there are two hot tubs, a children’s pool and a sauna. The only “wave” pool in Iceland is located here where all ages can enjoy a playful time! There are also two water slides, one is 10 meters and the other is 85 meters.
Sky Lagoon
Sky Lagoon is a brand new thermal spa only a few minutes away from downtown Reykjavík. There you’ll immerse yourself in warmth at the oceanside geothermal lagoon and you’ll feel like you are surrounded by Icelandic nature. The lagoon has different warm temperatures and a waterfall and a bar in the lagoon. There’s also a cold plunge for the bravests and with the Sky Pass, you’ll have access to the 7-step rituals that includes the sauna, the scrub and the steam room. Relax there while the dramatic North Atlantic Ocean stretches out before you. Note that the minimum age to access the lagoon is 12 years old. To know everything about our experience at Sky Lagoon, check out our exclusive article!
Here are our favorite swimming pools in Reykjavík! You’ll always find a swimming pool near you, don’t forget to check our map to find the best choice for you! If you look for something to do after the swim, you should definitely try the Icelandic “pylsa” – hot dog, or “ísbíltúr” ice cream in one of the many shops in the city!
