The Best Swimming Pools in Reykjavik: Hot Pots, Lagoons & Tips
Iceland runs on geothermal energy, and nowhere is this more obvious than in Reykjavik’s swimming pools. Fed by naturally heated water, these pools are a cornerstone of daily life and Icelandic culture. Locals come not just to exercise, but to soak, socialize, and warm up, no matter the season.
Reykjavik’s swimming pools are one of the best places to experience Icelandic culture firsthand. For visitors to Iceland’s capital, the most convenient swimming pools are only a short walk or drive from the downtown area; not to men.
The Best Swimming Pools in Reykjavik
Reykjavik has more swimming pools than most cities its size, each one powered by the endless supply of geothermal water beneath the ground. They’re not just for swimming laps – the hot tubs, steam baths, and saunas are where the real magic happens, and are a staple of local life in Iceland. It’s even protected as part of Iceland’s intangible cultural heritage, with swimming pool culture nominated for UNESCO recognition.
Whether you want a central spot within walking distance of the city’s cafés, a family-friendly complex with slides, or a neighborhood pool where you’ll mostly meet locals, there’s a pool for every traveler. Here are some of the best.
Sundhöllin
Best for travelers who want a quick dip between sightseeing and to soak in lots of hot tubs.
The oldest public pool in Iceland, Sundhöllin, has been welcoming swimmers since the 1930s. Its art deco architecture makes it stand out, and while the main indoor pool is perfect for laps, the outdoor hot tubs and rooftop terrace are where most visitors linger. Because it’s right in the city center, this is the most accessible option if you’re staying downtown – it’s located on a quiet street behind Hallgrímskirkja.
Laugardalslaug
Best for families and groups, thanks to the slides, kids’ pools, and variety of hot tubs and steam rooms.
Reykjavik’s largest pool complex, Laugardalslaug, is built for families. There are water slides, shallow pools for kids, steam baths, and a geothermal seawater pool. It’s a lively place at almost any time of day, with plenty of space to spread out. Located about 30 minutes on foot from downtown, it’s right next to Reykjavík Eco Campsite, Reykjavik’s main campsite, making it an easy stop if you’re spending a night in a tent or campervan in the capital.
Árbæjarlaug
Best for road-trippers and those seeking a quieter soak, with mountain views and fewer crowds than central pools.
Set on the edge of the city, Árbæjarlaug feels more relaxed than the central pools. Outdoor pools look over grassy hills, with hot tubs offering a quieter spot to soak. It’s especially nice on sunny days when the views stretch toward the mountains around Reykjavik. If you’re heading out of town on a road trip, this pool makes a convenient first or last stop.
Vesturbæjarlaug
Best for travelers who want an authentic local experience in a smaller, community-driven pool with plenty of hot tub space.
A true neighborhood favorite, Vesturbæjarlaug has a cozy, down-to-earth vibe. You’ll mostly find locals here, chatting in the hot tubs or swimming in the outdoor pool. It’s smaller than other complexes, but it makes up for it with its atmosphere. Just west of downtown, it’s close enough to walk from the city center.
Grafavogslaug
Best for travelers staying on the east side of Reykjavik or road-trippers looking for a large, full-featured pool away from the downtown crowds.
Located in Reykjavik’s northeastern suburbs, Grafarvogslaug is a spacious pool complex with both indoor and outdoor pools, hot tubs at different temperatures, a steam bath, and a waterslide. It’s less touristy than the central pools, giving it a more neighborhood feel.
Unique Geothermal Baths & Hot Springs in Reykjavik
Beyond the city’s neighborhood pools, Reykjavik also offers some truly unique ways to enjoy its geothermal energy.
Nauthólsvík Geothermal Beach
Where else can you swim in the Atlantic and stay warm? Well, relatively warm. Nauthólsvík’s small golden-sand beach is heated with geothermal water, creating a sheltered spot for summer swims. And although the water isn’t as warm as the long hot tub near the changing rooms, on a sunny day, the beach will be packed with locals regardless.
The Sky Lagoon
Just outside the city in Kópavogur, Sky Lagoon is a striking addition to Reykjavik’s bathing scene. Its infinity pool looks straight out to the ocean, while the seven-step ritual – moving between hot, cold, steam, and sauna – makes this more of a spa experience. It’s designed with visitors in mind, but plenty of locals head here for a treat too.
Blue Lagoon vs. Sky Lagoon
Many travelers weigh up whether to visit the Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon. Both offer incredible settings and luxuries. The Blue Lagoon is larger, with that iconic milky-blue water, located closer to the airport and Keflavik. Sky Lagoon is closer to Reykjavik and often feels more intimate. Whichever you choose, you’ll get a world-class geothermal soak.
Kvika Footbath
On the waterfront near Grotta Lighthouse, the Kvika footbath is a tiny geothermal pool designed for dipping your feet rather than swimming. Built into the rocks along the Seltjarnarnes shoreline, it’s a favorite stopping point on coastal walks, especially at sunset. With views across Faxaflói Bay to Snæfellsjökull glacier on a clear day, it’s one of the most scenic (and free) ways to enjoy Reykjavik’s geothermal energy.
More Great Pools Around Reykjavik
If you’ve got a rental vehicle or don’t mind venturing a little beyond the city center, the surrounding towns of the capital area have some excellent pools of their own. These spots tend to be larger, less crowded, and easier to access by car, with plenty of parking right outside. They’re perfect if you want to avoid the busier downtown pools.
Kópavogslaug (Kópavogur)
Best for families and anyone looking for variety, with slides for kids and a rare geothermal saltwater pool.
Just south of Reykjavik, Kópavogslaug is one of the largest pool complexes in the capital area. It’s got outdoor and indoor pools, steam baths, water slides, and several hot tubs at different temperatures. Locals especially love the saltwater pool, which is a little gentler on the skin.
Hafnarfjarðarlaug (Hafnarfjörður)
Best for families who want a low-key, less crowded spot, and for travelers curious about Hafnarfjörður’s lava-filled landscapes.
Set in the port town of Hafnarfjörður – known for its lava fields and Viking festival – this pool has a cozy, small-town vibe. The outdoor hot tubs look out over the neighborhood, and there’s a waterslide that kids will love. It’s less crowded than Reykjavik’s central pools, so you get more of a laid-back local feel.
Salalaug (Kópavogur)
Best for travelers who want a more spa-like experience at public pool prices.
A well-kept neighborhood pool with friendly service and tidy facilities. The complex features both indoor and outdoor pools, a children’s pool and water slide, three hot tubs (including one with hydrotherapy massage), a cold plunge pool, a steam bath, and a sauna.
Sundlaug Seltjarnarness (Seltjarnarnes)
Best for sunset (or Northern Lights) seekers who want dramatic ocean views with their soak.
Perched on the edge of the Seltjarnarnes peninsula, this pool is a hidden gem. It has a stunning geothermal saltwater hot tub — the only one of its kind in Reykjavik — with views stretching out to the sea. That means golden hour here is stunning, and if you’re traveling in winter, it’s a good spot to see the Northern Lights as well.
Practical Tips for Visiting Reykjavik Pools
Knowing what to expect and how to behave is essential to make the most of your visits to these extraordinary swimming pools.
Costs & Hours
Reykjavik’s public pools cost 1,300–1,500 ISK ($9–11 USD) for adults, with discounts for kids, seniors, and passes. Most open around 6:30 am and close at 9–10 pm, so you can stop in before sightseeing or after dinner..
Rules & Etiquette
Swimming pools in Reykjavik aren’t just places to swim — they’re community hubs, and that comes with a certain etiquette. Understanding the basics will make your visit feel more natural and help you blend in with locals.
- Shoes off inside: Street shoes are left at the entrance to the changing rooms – there are usually big racks to leave them there. You can wear your socks into the change rooms and leave them in your locker.
- No phones allowed: Using your phone in the changing rooms and in the pool area is forbidden. It’s partly about privacy, partly about maintaining a peaceful atmosphere.
- Take your towel to the shower: Rather than leaving your towel in your locker, bring it with you to the shower area to leave it in the large racks on the wall. The idea is that later you’ll need to dry yourself off completely before entering the changing area again.
- Showering is mandatory: Before entering the pool, everyone must take a naked shower, washing thoroughly with soap. This isn’t negotiable, and signs by the showers make it clear which body parts to wash. The rule is about hygiene — with so many people soaking together, it keeps the water clean without heavy chemicals. Don’t worry, nudity is treated casually here, and nobody pays attention.
- Showering after the pool: It’s also recommended to shower after leaving the swimming pool, and dry off completely in that area before heading back to the locker to change.
- No flip flops? In Iceland, everyone showers barefoot before entering the pool. Flip flops aren’t used in the communal showers because thorough washing is the priority – it’s the rule that keeps the water clean without heavy chemicals. The facilities are spotless and well-maintained, so going barefoot is completely normal for locals.
What to Pack
At a minimum, bring a swimsuit and a towel. Unlike in other countries, swimming caps aren’t necessary to use Iceland’s swimming pools. Most pools offer towel and swimsuit rentals if you’ve forgotten yours, but bringing your own is cheaper and easier. Goggles are optional if you plan to swim laps, while a refillable water bottle can be handy after long soaks in the hot tubs or steam rooms.
Iceland’s Swimming Pool Culture
From steamy neighborhood hot pots to sleek oceanfront lagoons, Reykjavik’s bathing culture is at the heart of daily life. For some travelers, the pools become a practical pit stop on their road trip; for others, they’re where they meet and chat with the locals. However you use them, slipping into the geothermal water is one of the most authentic ways to understand life in Iceland.