While on holiday, going swimming is both refreshing and relaxing, and if you want to get to know the locals, there is no better way than to visit a local swimming pool and soak in the hot tub, while listening to local Icelanders, debating about politics and other talkative issues.

No matter where you‘re heading, there will be a swimming pool nearby. Icelanders simply love bathing in the geothermal heated, clean water and it has been part of Icelandic culture throughout the centuries. In the old days, Icelanders made use of the geothermal energy and the hot springs it produced. Nowadays, the swimming pools are a bit more modern, although the hot springs are still active and quite popular.

Most swimming pools in Iceland include a relatively large swimming pool, few hot-tubs, saunas, steam rooms and a waterslide.
The average price for admission is around 500 – 1.000 ISK per adult. In most cases, you will need to bring your towel and of course a bathing suit.

Eager to try out the local swimming pools in Iceland? – Check out the top 10 swimming pools in Iceland:

Laugardalslaug

Laugardalslaug swimming pool is the largest swimming pool in Reykjavík. It includes three swimming pools altogether:
• Pool 1: 50m x 22m, eight lanes, 1m- 1,74m deep, outdoor pool, heated pool, 28°C (82°F).
• Pool 2: 50m x 25m, ten lanes, indoor, “comfortable temperature for practices”.
• Pool 3: 25m, four lanes, -1m deep children’s pool, indoor.
Next to the 50-meter outdoor pool is another 30-meter pool that can also be used for practices when it is not being used. It is warmer than the 50-meter pool. 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.
Laugardalslaug swimming pool is located in Laugardalur, at the heart of sports activities in Reykjavík. Around the pool are great areas for walking or jogging. During winter time this can be used for cross-country skiing. A short distance from the pool are the Botanical gardens and Reykjavik‘s family park and zoo.

Akureyrarsundlaug

The Akureyri Swimming Pool is one of the most popular attractions in Akureyri and is open all year round. The pool area includes two 25m outdoor pools, pummeling water jets, water slides, splash pool, an indoor pool, four hot pots, steam bath, sauna and an extensive area for sunbathing. Natural geothermal water heats all the pools. Temps range from a pleasant 27°C to the hottest hot pot, 42°C. The whole facility is maintained to a high standard. Adjacent to the swimming pool is a trendy family play area. Crazy golf, peddle cars, giant chess set and a playground can be enjoyed by all. This section is open during the summer months.

Breiðholtslaug

Breidholt is one of the largest neighbourhoods in Reykjavik. If you are looking for a place where there are few tourists, this is the place to be. At Breidholtslaug, you will find a 25 x 12,5 meters big outdoor pool, with five lanes and temperature around 29°C. There is also a smaller indoor pool that is 12,5×8 meters with a temperature of 30°C. There are two hot tubs, a children’s pool and a sauna. Last but not least, two fun waterslides make this the perfect destination for families.

Hofsós swimming Pool

You will have a hard time swimming your laps at this pool, simply because the view is so spectacular. This geothermally-heated pool is built into the hillside overlooking the sea and Drangey Island. It has an interesting history and few meters from the pool are beautiful basalt columns, sitting on a short cliff. It was opened in 2010 thanks to donations from two local women. Its design and almost-infinity views, make it close to perfect.

Laugarvatn Fontana

Laugarvatn Fontana Geothermal Baths is a must experience en route to the Golden Circle, located within 80 km from Reykjavik. The Baths are one of the natural wonders of this geothermal area south of the capital, along with popular attractions such as Thingvellir National Park, Geysir and Gullfoss. Laugarvatn Fontana rests on the shores of the beautiful Lake Laugarvatn, which can be admired from the baths. The community of Laugarvatn has a long tradition of using the mineral-rich healing waters of the area for relaxation and restoration of body, mind and soul.
Laugarvatn Fontana is a reinvigorating site where you can enjoy the healing powers of the geothermal water; soak in a natural pool, listen to the bubbling hot spring in the steam rooms, or for the venturesome, take a dip in the refreshing lake. The warm pools and hot pots vary in depth, size, and temperature just like the three traditional steam rooms.

Stykkisholmur Swimming Pool

In Stykkisholmur, you will find an outdoor and indoor swimming pool with Fresenius certified water claimed to have regenerative powers. Thermal tubs, water slide and a wading pool for the children. A perfect spot to spend the afternoon.

Patreksfjordur Swimming Pool

The swimming pool at Patreksfjordur is located on the seaside, making it the perfect place to enjoy the scenic view over the fjord.

Neskaupstadur Swimming Pool

The swimming pool in Neskaupsstaður is an outdoor pool with two large water slides, hot tubs and a sauna. The pool is located on the sunny side of the village with a great mountain view.

For a more detailed guide to all swimming pools in Iceland – we recommend you to visit: https://sundlaugar.is/?lang=en