Reykjavik's Swimming Pools

Swimming may not spring to mind as a popular - dare I say - even an available activity in Iceland’s capital city of Reykjavik. But don’t forget to bring your swimsuit because the city has 7 -  count them - 7 swimming pools (Icelandic: Sundlaugur).  And, these are not just generic public swimming pools, most of these 7 facilities offer lap swimming, hot tubs and wading pools, steam baths and even slides for kids young and old.  In fact, the swimming pool scene is so amazing that Reykjavik is considered one of the best “spa cities” in Europe.

All of Reykjavik’s, indeed all of Iceland’s, swimming pools are considered thermal pools as they utilize the countries’ abundant geothermal hot water, which also powers several geothermal power plants that produce electricity and hot water for the nation.  This abundant supply of hot water also means that swimming is a year-round activity and one that locals have been enjoying for decades.  Indeed, swimming is part of Iceland’s cultural scene; a significant percentage of Icelanders swim every day for leisure and exercise and learning to swim is compulsory for school children.  

The seven swimming pools in Reykjavik are run by the city organization called Íþrótta- og tómstundaráð Reykjavíkur - thankfully  ÍTR for short. The seven pools are scattered around Reykjavik’s neighborhoods, including: Árbæjarlaug, Breiðholtslaug, Grafarvogslaug, Klébergslaug, Laugardalslaug, Vesturbæjarlaug and the oldest in the city, Sundhöllin which is just blocks away from the city’s iconic Hallgrímskirkja (Hallgrims church).  The names of the pools indicate the neighborhood they are in. For example, Árbæjarlaug is the pool located in the neighborhood called Árbæjar, and laug means “pool.”  The most famous and widely known pool is called Laugardalslaug.  This pool is located in the Laugardals valley which includes a park, ice skating arena, and all of Iceland’s national sports fields and venues.  If you’ve seen a picture of one of Reykjavik’s pools it is likely one from Laugardalslaug.

All of Reykjavik’s pools are world-class facilities and yet they are one of the most affordable activities in the country, admission for adults is currently 550 Icelandic kronur (approximately $4.00) and about $1.00 for children.  One thing that is different about all of Iceland’s public pools - at least from some other places - is that showering before swimming is mandatory.  Given the volume of swimmers, this is an obvious and logical rule.

If you are staying at one of the Berjaya Hotel locations in Reykjavik, you’ll have many swimming pool choices, some within walking distance of our locations.  For more information, ask the front desk for help.

The bottom line is, though, if you are planning a trip to Iceland, we encourage you to enjoy the clean, abundant and warm water of our swimming pools. Enjoy!