Seljavallalaug Pool, south Iceland
GPS POINTS 63.5655° N, 19.6079° W
Seljavallalaug Pool, south Iceland
Location: South Iceland
Directions from Reykjavík to Seljavallalaug Pool on Google maps.
Duration: Cirka 2 hours and drive from Reykjavík to Seljavallalaug Pool parking lot. From there you will walk around 20 minutes (each way) to the pool.
Seljavallalaug is a protected 25-meter outdoor pool in southern Iceland. The pool is one of the oldest swimming pools in Iceland and was built in 1923 by a local who had a bold goal at that time; to teach Icelanders to swim. The pool is in an awe inspiring setting. You are surrounded by massive cliffs on 3 sides with waterfalls and lush green foliage and the sound of a river raging just below. Just sit back, close your eyes and soak it all in. It truly is an amazing experience.
If you are looking for something like a spa experience a visit to Seljavallalaug is not your kind of thing, this literally is a concrete pool built into the side of a mountainside filled by warm water at best. No service is available in the pool, and the changing rooms are not luxurious at all; in fact, they are the opposite.
The Hike To Seljavallalaug Pool Takes About 20 Minutes Each Way. The hike is flat the whole time but a bit rocky by the river bed that you will have to follow. So we urge you to take your time and be careful.
Few to none tour operators offer tours to Seljavallalaug Pool so the best way to get there is by renting a car.
Directions from Reykjavik: When heading east from Reykjavik, you will turn onto Road 242, marked Raufarfell, in about 150 km out of Reykjavik. You will see a sign that says „Seljavellir“ that will lead you to the parking lot for Seljavallalaug. The road is near Þorvaldseyri (Iceland Erupt museum). It‘s easy to miss so make sure to keep your eyes to the left (arriving from Reykjavik) – the turn is around 25KM east of Seljalandsfoss.
Once you have parked your car at the parking lot, there is a 20 minutes walk (each way) to Seljavallalaug Pool.
Seljavallalaug is surrounded by great attractions from the West to the East. To get to Seljavallalaug, you will drive past Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, one of Iceland’s most popular tourist destinations. Further East of Seljavallalaug is another famous waterfall, Skogafoss waterfall, one of Iceland’s biggest waterfalls with a width of 25 meters and an astounding drop of 60 meters.
Vik in Myrdal is also nearby, and so is Reynisdrangar beach and Dyrholaey.