A local favorite

20/05/2021 14:05

LOCAL GEOTHERMAL SWIMMING POOLS

Soaking in hot water has many health benefits and bathing in hot thermal pools all year round is very common practice amongst Icelanders and dates back to the early settlement of Iceland. Visiting a local thermal pool in Iceland is a great and inexpensive fun for the whole family and a great way to experience the local culture. Many pools offer waterslides and shallow pools for kids and a variety of hot tubs and steam baths for adults. Here is a list of few of our favorite pools in the capital area.

LAUGARDALSLAUG Laugardalslaug is Iceland's largest thermal pool and the most popular amongst travelers. It is located in Laugardalur valley in Reykjavik, only a quick bus ride away from downtown Reykjavík and has a large outdoor pool, outdoor children’s pool and paddling pool, water slides, numerous hot tubs and a steam bath. The entry fee is 980kr. for adults, 160kr. for children 6-17 years old and free for children younger than 6. After your soak it’s important to stop by the hot dog stand located outside the swimming pool because having an Icelandic hot dog is a crucial part of the whole Icelandic pool experience.

ÁLFTANESLAUG Álftanes peninsula, a suburb of Reykjavik has an impressive local swimming pool, a whole lot of fun for kids. It has two large hot tubs, a kiddie pool, Iceland’s biggest waterslide and a wave pool (the only one of it’s kind in Iceland). After playing and soaking in Álftanes pool we suggest you stop by Bessastaðir, the official residence of the President of Iceland which is located at Álftanes.

VESTURBÆJARLAUG A small pool in close vicinity to downtown Reykjavik. The pool is one of the oldest ones in Reykjavik and is popular amongst downtown locals. It’s a no frills swimming pool without slides or a fancy wave pool but just a nice and friendly local pool with great hot tubs, sauna and a steam room.

SUNDHÖLLIN - THE SWIMMING PALACE Located downtown Reykjavík is the oldest public baths in Iceland, Sundhöllin. It was designed by the noted architect Guðjón Samúelsson and opened in 1937. The building's exterior is a minimalist white that is almost Art Deco in style with tall narrow rectangular windows. In Sundhollin you will find a 25m outdoor pool, 25m indoor pool, diving board, sauna, steam bath, hot tubs, kiddie pool, wading pool, massage tub and a cold tub.

Chasing the Northern Lights in Iceland

01/09/2025

Northern lights, that elusive magical moment in the sky that many feared or revered in the past as either an omen of bad things to come or as a sign the ancestors were watching over us. Perched on the edge of the Arctic Circle, Iceland offers a front-row seat to one of nature's most breathtaking performances.

Things to Do in Reykjavik in September

01/09/2025

September in Reykjavik brings a mix of festivals, live performances, and cultural events. From international film screenings and music festivals to comedy nights and variety shows, the city is alive with activity. As the nights grow longer, there’s even a chance to catch the northern lights, making September an ideal time to explore Reykjavik, Iceland.

8 Great Restaurants to Try in Reykjavík

28/08/2025

Reykjavík may be small in size, but its food scene is bursting with flavor. From modern twists on Icelandic classics to bold international fusion, the city is full of restaurants that surprise and delight. Whether you’re craving sushi, tacos, comfort food, or fine dining, this guide to eight great spots will help you eat your way through the capital, all just steps away from CenterHotels

Culture Night Events in Reykjavík

19/08/2025

Join the city-wide celebration on August 23rd with a full day of music, food, art, and fireworks. From the Reykjavík Marathon and brunch beats at Jörgensen to jazz at Grandi and rooftop views at SKÝ Lounge, we’ve got your perfect Culture Night itinerary.

Verslunarmannahelgi or Merchant Weekend 2025

01/08/2025

Verslunarmannahelgi, or Merchants’ Weekend, is Iceland’s biggest summer holiday. Held the first weekend of August, it’s packed with music festivals, camping, fireworks, and family fun across the country—from Reykjavík to the Westman Islands and Akureyri. Whether you’re up for live music or a peaceful nature getaway, this long weekend offers something for everyone.