A Guide to Reykjavík's Swimming Pools: Location, Fees & Facilities
Want to experience Reykjavík like a local? Head to a swimming pool. Icelanders have long gathered at their neighborhood pools to swim, relax, socialize, and soak in geothermal hot water. The tradition is such an important part of Icelandic life that UNESCO recognizes this pool culture as intangible cultural heritage.
There are plenty of Reykjavík swimming pools where you can experience this tradition for yourself. In this guide, we’ll explore the best options, their facilities and fees, and what to know before your first visit.
What to Expect at a Reykjavík Swimming Pool
Visiting a public swimming pool in Iceland may be slightly different from what you are used to. Public pools in Iceland are generally well-equipped, affordable, and designed for year-round use.
Here's what you can expect:
- Geothermally heated water: Reykjavík's pools use geothermal energy to keep the water warm, including outdoor pools during winter.
- Hot tubs: Most pools have several hot tubs at different temperatures. Many locals spend more time here than in the main swimming pool.
- Indoor and outdoor pools: Facilities vary, but several locations have both. Outdoor swimming is popular throughout the year.
- Steam rooms and saunas: Many pools have a steam room, steam bath, sauna, infrared sauna, or a combination of these facilities. Some even have gym equipment.
- Cold tubs: Take a quick cold plunge before returning to the geothermal pool.
- Family-friendly facilities: Children's pools, wading pools, and water slides are available at several locations.
- Changing rooms and showers: You must shower thoroughly without a swimsuit before entering the pool. Soap and other toiletries are provided.
- Accessibility: Most pools offer barrier-free access to different facilities, designated accessible parking spaces, portable pool lifts, and private changing cubicles.
- Opening hours: Pools are generally open daily, except on December 25, with shorter hours on some holidays. Certain facilities may also close temporarily for school swimming lessons and training sessions, especially from late August to June.
- Affordable admission: Effective May 2026, a single visit to Reykjavík City pools costs ISK 1,500 for adults. ISK 400 for visitors ages 10–17, while children ages 0–9 enter free when accompanied by a guardian.
- Rentals: Most pools rent towels and swimwear, while some also offer bathrobes. Rental options and prices vary by location, so check before visiting.
Map of Reykjavík’s Swimming Pools
You can find a public swimming pool in almost every neighborhood across Reykjavík and the wider capital area. Use the map below to explore all 18 locations covered in this guide.
8 Best Public Swimming Pools in Reykjavík
The City of Reykjavík operates eight public swimming pools across the capital area. If you have a Reykjavík City Card, admission to all eight pools is included for free.
1. Árbæjarlaug
Árbæjarlaug is a popular family-friendly swimming pool in eastern Reykjavík. Its 25-meter outdoor pool is complemented by a smaller indoor pool and a shallow wading area. There are several hot tubs, including a whirlpool, plus a cold tub, an infrared sauna, and a shared steam room. Children can also enjoy a 33.5-meter water slide and smaller play equipment.
Practical information about Árbæjarlaug:
- Location: Fylkisvegur 9, 110 Reykjavík
- Opening hours: Mon to Fri 06:30–22:00; Sat to Sun 09:00–22:00
- Best feature: Spacious family facilities
- Best for: Families
2. Breiðholtslaug
Another good choice for families is Breiðholtslaug. The pool began as a school swimming facility but has developed into a large neighborhood complex. It has a 25-meter outdoor pool, an indoor pool, children's areas, and two water slides. Adults can relax in the hot tubs, sauna, steam room, or cold tub while visiting.
Practical information about Breiðholtslaug:
- Location: Austurberg 3, 111 Reykjavík
- Opening hours: Mon to Fri 06:30–22:00; Sat to Sun 09:00–22:00
- Best feature: Two large water slides with wipeout lane for children
- Best for: Families with children
3. Dalslaug
Opened in 2021, Dalslaug is Reykjavík's newest public swimming pool. Its main outdoor pool is 25 meters long, while the smaller indoor pool is designed for teaching and training. The family-friendly complex also has two large water slides, a wading pool, hot tubs, a cold tub, and a steam room.
Practical information about Dalslaug:
- Location: Úlfarsbraut 128, 113 Reykjavík
- Opening hours: Mon to Fri 06:30–22:00; Sat to Sun 09:00–22:00
- Best feature: Modern facilities and easy access to Úlfarsárdalur City Library
- Best for: Families and visitors looking for a newer pool
4. Grafarvogslaug
Grafarvogslaug combines exercise facilities with plenty of relaxation options. There’s a 25-meter outdoor pool, a smaller indoor pool, and dedicated play and wading pools. A 51-meter water slide makes the pool especially appealing to families. After swimming, choose between several hot tubs, a cold tub, a steam room, a traditional sauna, and an infrared sauna.
Practical information about Grafarvogslaug:
- Location: Dalhús 2, 112 Reykjavík
- Opening hours: Mon to Fri 06:30–22:00; Sat to Sun 09:00–22:00
- Best feature: Wide variety of facilities
- Best for: Families and active swimmers
5. Klébergslaug
Located in Kjalarnes, Klébergslaug is the furthest of Reykjavík's eight municipal pools from the city center. It’s also much smaller than facilities such as Laugardalslaug. The pool has simple facilities, including hot tubs, a cold tub, a sauna, a wading pool, and a children's slide. Its quieter setting makes it worth considering if your travels take you north of central Reykjavík.
Practical information about Klébergslaug:
- Location: Kollagrund 4, Kjalarnes, 116 Reykjavík
- Opening hours: Mon to Thu 09:00–22:00; Fri 09:00–19:00; Sat to Sun 10:00–18:00
- Best feature: Quiet location with surrounding views
- Best for: A peaceful swim outside central Reykjavík
6. Laugardalslaug
Laugardalslaug is the largest swimming pool in Iceland and one of Reykjavík's best-known pools. Its centerpiece is a 50-meter outdoor pool, making it particularly good for lap swimming. There’s also an indoor pool, children's areas, hot tubs, a saltwater tub, a cold tub, a steam room, and slides. The wide range of facilities makes Laugardalslaug an easy choice if you only have time to visit one large pool.
Practical information about Laugardalslaug:
- Location: Sundlaugavegur 30, 105 Reykjavík
- Opening hours: Mon to Fri 06:30–22:00; Sat to Sun 08:00–22:00
- Best feature: Iceland's largest swimming pool; proximity to Reykjavík Family Park & Zoo and Botanical Garden
- Best for: First-time visitors and serious swimmers
7. Sundhöll Reykjavíkur
Opened in 1937, Sundhöll Reykjavíkur is one of Reykjavík's oldest pools. The original building was designed by Guðjón Samúelsson, who also designed Hallgrímskirkja. A modern extension added more outdoor facilities in 2017. You can choose between 25-meter indoor and outdoor pools before warming up in a hot tub, sauna, or steam room. Its location near Laugavegur and Hallgrímskirkja makes it particularly convenient for travelers staying downtown.
Practical information about Sundhöll Reykjavíkur:
- Location: Barónsstígur 45a, 101 Reykjavík
- Opening hours: Mon to Fri 06:30–22:00; Sat to Sun 08:00–22:00
- Best feature: Central location and historic setting
- Best for: Visitors staying downtown
Note: Sundhöll currently has temporary weekday opening hours while renovations are completed. Check the latest schedule before visiting.
8. Vesturbæjarlaug
Vesturbæjarlaug is a favorite neighborhood pool in western Reykjavík. Its compact outdoor area has a 25-meter swimming pool alongside hot tubs, a cold tub, and children's facilities. The pool expanded its wellness facilities in 2025 with two saunas, an infrared sauna, and new relaxation areas. It's a good choice if you want the feel of a traditional neighborhood pool rather than a large sports complex.
Practical information about Vesturbæjarlaug:
- Location: Hofsvallagata, 107 Reykjavík
- Opening hours: Mon to Fri 06:30–22:00; Sat to Sun 09:00–22:00
- Best feature: Neighborhood atmosphere
- Best for: Experiencing Reykjavík's local pool culture
10 More Public Swimming Pools to Visit around Reykjavík
Venture beyond downtown Reykjavík and you’ll find even more public pools across the capital area. The following 10 are located in neighboring municipalities, each with its own facilities and local atmosphere.
- Álftaneslaug: A family-friendly pool in Álftanes, featuring Iceland’s only wave pool.
- Ásgarðslaug: A public swimming facility in Garðabær with a 25-meter outdoor pool and children's facilities.
- Ásvallalaug: A large indoor swimming center in Hafnarfjörður with a pool that can be divided into 25- and 50-meter sections.
- Kópavogslaug: One of the most popular pools in recent years, with three swimming pools, a jacuzzi, and a dedicated children’s hot tub.
- Lágafellslaug: A popular neighborhood pool in Mosfellsbær with three water slides and an indoor pool featuring an adjustable floor.
- Salalaug: A modern Kópavogur pool with massage jets in the Iðulaug area and a popular river-style water slide for children.
- Suðurbæjarlaug: A Hafnarfjörður pool with connected indoor and outdoor pools, two water slides, a walking path, and an on-site gym.
- Sundhöll Hafnarfjarðar: A historic 25-meter indoor pool dating to 1943, with a traditional atmosphere and depths of up to 3.2 meters.
- Sundlaug Seltjarnarness: Located west of Reykjavík, it’s known for its mineral-rich water, which is popular with visitors with sensitive or dry skin.
- Varmárlaug: A family-friendly pool in Mosfellsbær with a children’s area, massage hot tub, and infrared therapy cabin.
Note: Admission fees and opening hours vary by pool. Check the individual pool’s website for current rates and hours before visiting.
Stay Close to Reykjavík’s Swimming Pools
Staying in central Reykjavík makes it easy to fit a pool visit into your day. Center Hotels Laugavegur is particularly convenient for visiting Sundhöll Reykjavíkur. Other Reykjavík swimming pools are easy to reach by bus from downtown.
If you enjoy relaxing in warm water, several Center Hotels also host some of the best spas in Reykjavík. Center Hotels Miðgarður, Þingholt, Grandi, and Arnarhvoll offer wellness areas with hot tubs, saunas, and steam rooms. Families can also consider Þingholt Apartments by Center Hotels for extra space while staying in the city center.
Wherever you stay, make time for at least one visit to Reykjavík’s swimming pools. It’s an affordable and easy way to enjoy geothermal water and slow travel in Iceland.
FAQs
Why are swimming pools so popular in Iceland?
Swimming pools are part of everyday social and recreational life in Iceland. Geothermal energy also makes it practical to keep pools and hot tubs warm year-round.
What is the best pool in Reykjavík?
Laugardalslaug is a good all-around choice because it’s Iceland's largest swimming pool and offers extensive facilities. Sundhöll Reykjavíkur is especially convenient if you're staying downtown.
Are Reykjavík swimming pools open in winter?
Yes. Reykjavík's swimming pools are open year-round, although opening hours may change on public holidays or during extreme weather conditions.
How much does it cost to visit a swimming pool in Reykjavík?
Single admission to Reykjavík City pools is ISK 1,500 for adults and ISK 400 for ages 10–17. Children ages 0–9 enter free with a guardian.
Can children visit Reykjavík swimming pools?
Yes, Reykjavík's public pools welcome children. Several facilities have family-friendly features such as shallow pools and water slides.