Geothermal Pools in Reykjavik Iceland: Complete Guide
There’s something about stepping into a geothermal pool in Reykjavik that feels less like a tourist activity and more like joining a local ritual. The city runs 18 public geothermal pools, all heated by Iceland’s volcanic energy and open year-round, and this guide cuts through the marketing to help you decide which to visit, what it costs, and where to find the real community experience.
Number of public pools in Reykjavik: 18 ·
Average water temperature: 38°C (100°F) ·
Typical entry fee (adult): 1,000 ISK (≈ $7 USD) ·
Daily operating hours: 6:30 AM – 10:00 PM ·
Geothermal energy share: 100% renewable
Quick snapshot
- Reykjavik has 18 public geothermal pools (Visit Reykjavík)
- All pools are heated by geothermal energy (Reykjavík City)
- Whether Vök baths is worth the cost compared to Reykjavik public pools (Guide to Iceland)
- Which pool is best for young children — few detailed reviews exist (Guide to Iceland)
- Adult entry fees range from 1,200 to 1,500 ISK (Guide to Iceland)
- Most pools open daily 06:30 – 22:00 on weekdays (Iceland Planner)
- Weekend hours vary: Sundhöllin closes at 18:00 (Iceland Planner), Laugardalslaug stays open until 22:00 (Iceland Planner)
- Reserve your visit early if you plan to go to Sky Lagoon — premium slots sell out
- For public pools, just show up with a towel and the exact change (Sky Lagoon)
The essential numbers for planning a visit to Reykjavik’s geothermal pools are summarized below.
| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Number of public pools in Reykjavik | 18 |
| Average water temperature | 38°C (100°F) |
| Entry fee adult | 1,000 ISK (≈ $7 USD) |
| Open daily | 6:30 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Geothermal energy source | 100% renewable |
Are there thermal pools in Reykjavik?
Overview of Reykjavik’s geothermal pools
Reykjavik is built on geothermal heat. It’s not just for electricity — the same volcanic energy warms every swimming pool in the city. According to Visit Reykjavík (the city’s official tourism bureau), there are 18 public geothermal pools scattered across the city. All are heated entirely by renewable geothermal energy.
Number of public pools
The exact count is 18, though the Icelandair travel blog lists 17 geothermal swimming pools within Reykjavik and its immediate surroundings. Either way, you’re never far from a warm soak. Volcano Express notes the pools are open year-round, making them a constant in Iceland’s sometimes harsh climate.
Types of pools: swimming, hot tubs, steam baths
Every public pool complex typically includes lap pools (often 25m or 50m), several geothermal hot tubs at different temperatures, and a steam bath. Iceland Planner’s pool finder notes that Sundhöllin offers an indoor pool, outdoor rooftop hot pots, a sauna, and a cold plunge. Laugardalslaug features a 50m Olympic pool, an outdoor pool, five hot tubs, and a waterslide.
The implication: skipping the spas and heading straight for the municipal pools places the traveler at the heart of Reykjavik’s daily life.
What are the best geothermal pools in Reykjavik?
Top-rated public pools
Laugardalslaug, described as Reykjavik’s biggest local geothermal pool complex, sits in the Laugardalur area. It has a 50m Olympic pool, five hot pots, and a waterslide — great for families. Iceland Planner confirms it also has an outdoor pool and a cold plunge. Adult entry is 1,430 ISK; children under 16 are free.
Luxury geothermal spas
For a premium experience, Sky Lagoon offers an oceanfront infinity pool and a 7-step ritual. Prices start at around $75. But the water is no hotter and no more mineral-rich than what you get at a public pool. The trade-off: views and exclusivity vs. price and authenticity.
Family-friendly options
Laugardalslaug is the clear winner for families. It has a dedicated children’s pool, a waterslide, and multiple hot tubs where parents can relax while kids splash. Vesturbaejarlaug is quieter but also welcomes children — its steam bath is a hit with older kids.
What this means: the choice between luxury and local boils down to whether you want a curated experience or an authentic slice of Icelandic routine.
Are there free geothermal pools in Reykjavik?
Free natural hot springs near Reykjavik
Guide to Iceland notes that while there are no free public pools, natural hot springs like Reykjadalur (a 45-minute drive from the city) offer free bathing in a river heated by geothermal vents. The hike to reach them is part of the experience.
Are public pools free?
No public pool in Reykjavik is free. Reykjavik City’s official fee page sets the standard adult entry at about 1,000–1,500 ISK. Children under 6 enter free, and those aged 6–15 often pay a reduced rate.
Cost of entry
Typical adult fees range from 1,200 to 1,500 ISK. Sundhöllin is 1,250 ISK; Laugardalslaug is 1,430 ISK. The Reykjavik City Card includes unlimited entry to all 18 public pools plus free bus travel, reducing the per-visit cost.
The catch: genuine geothermal bathing is never truly free of effort — whether paying the admission fee or hiking to a natural spring.
Which public geothermal pools in Reykjavik are most affordable?
Cheapest public pools
Sundhöll Reykjavíkur, centrally located on Barónsstígur, is consistently the cheapest option at 1,250 ISK. It also has an indoor pool, rooftop hot pots, sauna, and cold plunge — remarkable value for the price.
Multi-visit cards
The Reykjavik City Card, sold by Visit Reykjavík, includes unlimited entry to all 18 public pools plus free bus travel. A 24-hour card costs about 4,900 ISK; if you visit two pools in a day, you’ve already saved money.
Discounts for locals
Discounts are available for students, seniors, and residents. Reykjavik City’s fee schedule shows reduced rates for those with a valid ID. Tourists don’t qualify, but the card system partially compensates.
The pattern: the price difference between pools is negligible, so the real savings come from repeat visits or the overall value proposition.
What is the best public pool in Reykjavik?
Criteria for ‘best’
Locals and frequent visitors usually define “best” by atmosphere, facilities, and crowd. Iceland Planner’s pool finder highlights that Laugardalslaug has the most amenities — a 50m pool, five hot tubs, waterslide — making it the best for families and athletes. Vesturbaejarlaug, on the other hand, is cherished for its quiet, local vibe and its steam bath.
Laugardalslaug features
Laugardalslaug, the largest complex, is about a 30-minute walk from the city center or a short bus ride. It offers a 50m Olympic pool, cold plunge, five hot tubs, steam bath, and a waterslide. Weekday hours are 06:30–22:00; weekends 08:00–22:00.
Vesturbaejarlaug atmosphere
Vesturbaejarlaug is smaller but beloved by locals for its relaxed atmosphere. It has a steam bath that gets more mineral-rich than Laugardalslaug’s, and the hot tubs tend to be filled with Reykjavik residents chatting in Icelandic. Entry fee is the same standard range.
Laugardalslaug offers more features but attracts crowds, especially on weekends. Vesturbaejarlaug offers a quieter, more local experience. The best pick depends on whether you want a water park or a neighborhood hangout.
| Feature | Public Pools (Sundhöllin, Laugardalslaug) | Luxury Spas (Sky Lagoon, Blue Lagoon) |
|---|---|---|
| Entry fee (adult) | 1,000–1,500 ISK | $75–$150 (≈ 10,000–20,000 ISK) |
| Water temperature | 37–40°C | 38–40°C |
| Geothermal energy | 100% renewable | 100% renewable |
| Hot tubs | Multiple (3–5) | Often one or two |
| Steam bath / sauna | Yes | Yes (in ritual packages) |
| Ocean views | No (inland locations) | Yes |
| Reservation needed | No | Yes, often booked days ahead |
| Local crowd | Mostly locals | Mostly tourists |
Upsides
- Massively cheaper than any lagoon spa
- Multiple hot tubs at different temperatures
- Steam baths and cold plunges included
- Authentic local experience — no shuttle buses of tourists
Downsides
- No ocean views or Instagram-ready infinity edges
- Less luxurious amenities (basic changing rooms)
- No towel or robe included (rental may be extra)
- Can get crowded on weekday evenings
The verdict: the best pool depends entirely on the visitor’s priority — amenities at Laugardalslaug versus atmosphere at Vesturbaejarlaug.
What visitors say
“In Reykjavík, you’ll discover a wealth of geothermal wonders, including 18 public swimming pools dotted throughout the city.”
— Visit Reykjavík official tourism site
“Public pools are generally much cheaper than destination spas, making them a great option for budget-conscious visitors.”
— Iceland Planner, a dedicated pool-finder resource
“Laugardalslaug is the biggest local geothermal pool complex, with something for everyone.”
— Nomads Travel Guide
“Adult pool prices in Reykjavík typically range from about 1,200 to 1,500 ISK.”
— Guide to Iceland
For any traveler who wants to feel what Reykjavik really is — not the postcard version — the public pools are the place. The steam, the chatter in Icelandic, the way the cold air hits your shoulders as you sink into 38°C water: that’s the experience luxury spas try and fail to manufacture.
Reykjavik’s public pools are not just cheaper — they are the city’s living room. Locals go after work, on weekends, with kids. The cost of a single cocktail at a hotel bar buys you three days of unlimited pool access. That arithmetic should change how you plan your trip.
Related reading: Geothermal pools in Reykjavík, Iceland: guide, comparison, affordability, and best options · Geothermal pools in Reykjavík, Iceland: guide, comparison, affordability, and best options
machupicchu.org, en.wikipedia.org, reykjaviktoday.is, reykjavikcityguide.is
For those seeking a more off-the-beaten-path experience, our natural geothermal pools map highlights hidden gems beyond the city’s public pools.
Frequently asked questions
Are there changing rooms at Reykjavik pools?
Yes, all public pools have gender-separated changing rooms with lockers. You must remove outdoor shoes before entering the changing area.
Can I use a towel?
Towels are not provided at public pools. You can rent one for a small fee (around 300 ISK) or bring your own. Luxury spas include towels.
Do I need to shower before entering?
Yes, it’s mandatory — and enforced — to shower without swimwear before entering the pool. Soap is provided. This is a hygiene rule.
Are there lockers?
Yes, lockers are available. Some require a 100 ISK coin (returned when you take the key out) or a card deposit. Bring a small coin to be safe.
What is the dress code?
Standard swimwear. Swim caps are not required at most pools, but check the specific pool rules. No outdoor clothing in the water.
Are children allowed?
Yes, children of all ages are welcome. Kids under 6 enter free at public pools. Luxury spas often have age minimums (e.g., Blue Lagoon 2+).
What are the operating hours on public holidays?
Holiday hours may be reduced. Check the individual pool’s schedule. Laugardalslaug and Sundhöllin generally open late on holidays.
Can I bring my own food?
Yes, but only in designated areas outside the pool deck. Most pools have a small café selling snacks, coffee, and ice cream.
More related posts
Wolf of Wall Street Cast Vs Real-Life Counterparts
Elon Musk Net Worth 2026: First Trillionaire
Best Pub Grub Near Me: Top Pubs in Dublin & Cork for Food
AA Travel Insurance Ireland – Phone, Claims & Medical Cover
Knight & Day Jewellery: Irish Brand Guide
St Margaret’s Golf Club – Guide to Green Fees, Booking and Facilities
Cieran McConnon Car Sales: Reviews in Carrickmacross
Sorra Daurada Splash Hotel: Beach, All-Inclusive, Cleanliness
