Bathing in Reykjavik

THERMAL POOLS in Reykjavik

The world famous Blue Lagoon is near Keflavik airport so if you are staying in Reykjavik it’s not so convenient to get to as the pools in the capital. I have more info about The Blue Lagoon HERE. The Secret Lagoon is wonderful, but again it’s not exactly local, it is near Flúðir just outside of the Golden Circle. The Lagoons are unique but are expensive and are clearly aimed at tourists. But the local pools in Reykjavik are brilliant, much cheaper and a more authentic Icelandic experience in my opinion.

Sundhöll

The oldest pool [and most central] in Reykjavik is Sundhöll . It’s just behind Hallgrímskirkja in an unassuming bland building but don’t let that put off you as inside there are large indoor and outdoor swimming pools as well as hot tubs [and a cold one]. Don’t forget to pop up the stairs for a dip in the two hot tubs tucked away on the roof.

Laugardalslaug

The largest thermal pool in Reykjavik is Laugardalslaug which has an outside pool, several hot tubs and water slides. Leashia and I loved our visit to Laugardalslaug despite the outside temperature being well below zero. The staff kindly allowed me to take the photos below [under escort] for my website as photographs are not allowed in the pool or changing rooms. You can drive here but we walked from our accomodation, it took us about 25 minutes from the centre of Reykjavik.

Vesturbæjarlaug

Vesturbæjarlaug is smaller than Laugardalslaug and is popular with locals and local celebrities [according to Reykjavik Grapevine]. There is a large pool and several hotpots and a freezing cold one! I received permission to take the photos that you can see here. The pleasant walk from the centre of Reykjavik is around 25 minutes.

Nauthólsvík Geothermal Beach

Leashia and I visited Nauthólsvík Geothermal Beach on a crisp November morning. It’s on the far side of Perlan and has a long rectangular hotpot and changing facilities. The 40 minute walk from the centre of Reykjavik and through the forest was delightful. The hotpot was really quite toasty but although warm water is fed into the lagooon it was still bloody freezing. I gave it a go but it was so painful and I started to whimper to the Icelandic lady next to me and she advised me to “think of nothing” I did try but I only lasted a few seconds before quickly retreating back to the hot pot! Don’t panic if your silver jewelry changes colour in the hot tub. The high mineral level of the water caused Leashia’s ring to oxidise and it turned a dull dark brown. The friendly lady at the ticket office sorted this out by applying toothpaste and it soon returned to its former glory.

The Sky Lagoon

Most tourists have heard of the Sky Lagoon which is just outside of the city centre [more info below] and is competing with The Blue Lagoon as the place to go. So expect to pay a premium for your experience.

You can drive to the Sky Lagoon but they do offer a transfer package with pick up from the BSI Bus terminal for a reasonable extra cost or a bit more if you want to select another pick up point from their list. The Lagoon is in an Industrial Estate but once you are in the Lagoon itself you would not know. There are a variety of pamper packages on offer but Leashia and I chose the Pure Lite Pass which was perfect for us- we are not the pampering type. Sadly it appears that this basic package is no longer on offer, so it looks like you have to pay to be pamperered whether you want to or not.

The entrance to the Lagoon is lovely as you wade towards the infinity pool offering a spectacular view over the bay. There is a [man made] waterfall to the right and the obligatory bar on the left. It does have a Disney Theme Park vibe about it but it’s still an amazing experience. You are allowed phones into the Lagoon so don’t forget your waterproof case.

Bathing Etiquette

Yes, you are expected to shower naked in order to get rid of all of those nasty chemicals before you put on your swimming costume and enter the pools in Iceland.

If you prefer to keep your privates private you can choose to get changed in the small shower cubicles at Laugardalslaug and Vesturbæjarlaug as the changing rooms are communal [one for men, one for the ladies]. After you have enjoyed your dip you could change back into your attire in the loos if you want, but please be aware there may be people in more need than you that require these facilities. You can do the same at the Sky Lagoon but they would prefer you to pay for the more expensive SkyPass which includes a private changing room.