Iceland's pools are a warm retreat for all seasons
In Iceland, the weather may be cold, but the pools are always warm. They are not only places to swim. For Icelanders they are a meeting place, somewhere to relax, catch up and start or end the day.
Why Icelanders love their pools
A trip to the pool is part of everyday life in Iceland. Friends meet there, families go together at the weekend and many people start their morning with a swim before work. Even on the coldest days, sitting in warm water with the cold air on your face is one of the best ways to unwind.
The hot tub, Iceland's meeting place
The real heart of an Icelandic pool is the heitur pottur, the hot tub. This is where regulars gather to talk about the news, the weather, politics and everything in between, often with people they have never met. Phones stay in the changing room, so conversation comes easily. If you want to see local life up close, find a seat in the hot tub, say góðan daginn and listen.
Pools in the capital area
There are almost 20 public pools across the capital area and over 120 around the country. Most have both indoor and outdoor pools, along with hot tubs, steam rooms and saunas, and each has a character of its own.
What you will find at the pool
Every pool is a little different. Depending on where you go, you might find a seawater hot tub, a dry sauna, an infrared sauna or a steam room. Many have slides and shallow pools for children.
To cool down after the hot tub, most pools have a cold tub for a quick plunge. Some have up to five hot tubs, each at a different temperature, so you can move from one to the next as you like.
Warm water all year
Thanks to Iceland's geothermal energy, the water stays warm all year. Outdoor pools are usually around 28 to 30°C, and the hot tubs range from about 38 to 44°C, so a swim in the middle of winter is just as comfortable as in summer.
Pools near our hotels
ODDSSON Midtown: Laugardalslaug is the largest pool in the city and a short walk away, with outdoor pools, several hot tubs, a seawater tub and waterslides.
ODDSSON Downtown: Sundhöll Reykjavíkur on Barónsstígur is the city's oldest public pool, with a classic indoor hall and an outdoor area with hot tubs. Laugardalslaug is also close by.
Tower Suites: Sundhöll Reykjavíkur is a short walk away, and Laugardalslaug is about 20 minutes on foot or a quick taxi ride.
Reykjavík Residence Hotel: Sundhöll Reykjavíkur is within walking distance of the city centre, and Vesturbæjarlaug, a local favourite in the west of town, is a short walk or bus ride away.
201 Hótel: Kópavogslaug and Salalaug are both a short drive from the hotel, each with indoor and outdoor pools, hot tubs and slides.
A closer look at Sundhöll Reykjavíkur
Sundhöll opened in 1937 and was designed by Guðjón Samúelsson, the architect behind Hallgrímskirkja. The original indoor hall, with its white walls and high windows, has changed little since. In 2017 a new outdoor area was added, with a 25 metre pool, a warm shallow pool, a hot tub, a steam room and a cold tub. It is a good choice for a first visit, close to the city centre and with a sense of history you will not find at newer pools.
Pool etiquette
Icelandic pools have a few rules that surprise first-time visitors, and staff do enforce them.
Shoes off at the door. Leave your shoes on the racks before you enter the changing room.
Shower without your swimsuit. Everyone showers naked and washes with soap before getting into the pool. Signs show which areas to wash, and the showers are in the open, as is normal in Iceland.
Keep the hot tub calm. The hot tubs are for sitting and talking, not for swimming or splashing.
Dry off before the changing room. Use your towel in the shower area so the changing room floor stays dry.
Planning your visit
Most pools in the capital area are open from early morning until the evening, with shorter hours at weekends. Mornings and evenings are when locals go, while the middle of the day tends to be quieter. Entry is paid at the door, and the Reykjavík City Card includes free entry to the city's pools. Bring a swimsuit and towel, or rent them at the pool.
More than a place to swim
Iceland's pools are where locals come together to relax and spend time with each other. During your stay, set aside an hour for the pool. It is one of the simplest ways to experience everyday life in Iceland.
Find all swimming pools in Iceland
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