Laugardalslaug Swimming Pool
Laugardalslaug is the largest public geothermal swimming pool in Reykjavík, located in Laugardalur valley about five minutes from the city centre. Opened in 1968, it was built on the natural hot springs that gave Reykjavík its name, Reykja meaning smoky and vík meaning bay, and the nearby street Laugavegur, meaning the way of the water, marks the old route people took from the city centre to do their laundry here. Today the complex has a 50-metre outdoor pool, an indoor pool, multiple hot tubs at varying temperatures, a saltwater hot tub, a steam room, two waterslides, and a children's paddling pool. It attracts almost two million visitors a year and is considered the most authentic way for visitors to experience everyday Icelandic pool culture.
The Hot Springs That Named Reykjavík, Now the City's Largest and Most-Visited Geothermal Pool
Laugardalslaug sits directly above the geothermal hot springs that have defined this corner of Reykjavík since the city's earliest days. The name Laugardalslaug translates as pool of Laugardalur, and Laugardalur means the valley of warm pools. Before the modern pool was built, residents came here to bathe and wash laundry in the natural springs, and the main commercial street of Reykjavík, Laugavegur, takes its name from the route they walked to reach them. The pool complex was designed by architect Einar Sveinsson and opened in June 1968, with subsequent expansions in the 1980s and 2000s. It is owned and operated by the City of Reykjavík and covered by the Reykjavík City Card. The facility receives close to two million visits per year, the majority from local residents using it as part of their regular routine.
The outdoor 50-metre pool is the centrepiece and is heated to around 28 to 30 degrees Celsius year-round by geothermal water, making outdoor swimming comfortable even in midwinter. Several hot tubs operate at graduated temperatures from around 38 to 44 degrees, catering to those who want progressively more intense heat. A saltwater hot tub offers a different experience from the standard geothermal pools. The steam room, indoor pool, two waterslides, and children's paddling area make the complex work for all ages and intentions. As with all Icelandic public pools, showering without a swimsuit before entering is a house rule, enforced for hygiene reasons and entirely routine for local users. The complex is Rainbow Certified, meaning it is formally designated as inclusive for LGBT+ visitors and staff.
Laugardalslaug is on Sundlaugarvegur in the Laugardalur district, about a five-minute drive or a 20-minute walk east from Reykjavík city centre. The surrounding Laugardalur valley also contains the city zoo and family park, a botanical garden, and a sports complex, making the area a practical destination for a full half-day for families. Opening hours are Monday to Friday from 6:30am to 10pm and weekends from 8am to 10pm, though these can vary seasonally. Admission for adults is affordable by Icelandic standards; check current prices at the city website as rates are updated periodically. Swimsuit and towel hire is available at the front desk.
