Seljavallalaug Outdoor Pool, South Coast

Overview

If you want a geothermal pool experience in Iceland but also want a bit of adventure, Seljavallalaug is the one for you! Set on the South Coast between Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls, the pool's parking lot is about 30 minutes from Vík. Then, a short hike to the north on a designated path will take you the rest of the way to Seljavallalaug.

The pool dates back to 1923, originally constructed as a place for children to learn to swim. Although it's an artificial pool, its surroundings—a rushing river and mountainous backdrop—will make you feel like you're in the middle of nowhere! Plus, the hot water that trickles into the pool is entirely natural.

There are a few things to keep in mind when visiting Seljavallalaug. To start, the water isn't very hot, and in wintertime, it's only lukewarm. But on summer days, many find the temperature to be perfect! Further, the pool is only cleaned once a year in the summer, so you may find it a little muddy or filled with algae, which gives it its picturesque green hue. It's still safe for swimming, but if you're sensitive to bacteria, you may want to wait until later in the summer to venture out to the pool. 

In addition, there are no staff or lifeguards at the pool, so be mindful of your steps (the algae can make the bottom quite slippery) and keep an eye on children. There are two small rooms where you can leave your clothes. Please keep these tidy, as volunteers only attend to the facilities on occasion. 

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Itineraries with Seljavallalaug Outdoor Pool

Best of Iceland's South Coast & Golden Circle - 6 Days

Starting in Reykjavik, this 6-day Icelandic road trip lets you visit classic highlights along the country's south coast including waterfalls, black sand beaches, basalt columns, massive glaciers, and icebergs at your own pace. You'll then join the popular Golden Circle route where you can see Gullfoss waterfall, the geothermal area of Geysir (watch Strokkur erupt like clockwork), and Thingvellir National Park where tectonic plates meet. Finish the adventure with a soak in the Blue Lagoon before your return flight home.

Iceland South Coast Road Trip - 5 Days

In less than a week, this classic self-drive tour allows you to visit the best highlights along Iceland's south coast including waterfalls, black sand beaches, basalt columns, cliffs, canyons, glaciers, and icebergs at your own pace. Start and end the trip in Reykjavik for two nights in Europe's most northerly capital—a growing city known for buzzing restaurants and nightlife.

Iceland Family-Friendly Winter Road Trip - 7 Days

This self-drive tour takes you along Iceland's south and west coasts for those in search of unique family adventure. After a day exploring the capital city, Reykjavik, you'll head west to the volcanic Snaefellsnes Peninsula, known as "Iceland in miniature" with a bit of everything (and a fraction of the crowds). You'll then continue to the more popular Golden Circle (Thingvellir, Geysir geothermal area, Gullfoss waterfall), and finish with two nights along the south coast discovering glaciers and black sand beaches.

Best of Iceland's West Coast - 9 Days

This self-driving trip takes you to the highlights of Iceland's west coast and the remote Westfjords area. Starting in Reykjavik, you'll drive to the volcanic Snaefellsnes Peninsula before taking a car ferry to some of the most dramatic landscapes in Iceland. Here you'll hike along the jagged cliffs at Londrangar, visit black, gold, and red sand beaches, and see the powerful Dynjandi Waterfall. End the trip in Isafjordur—a great base for activities in Hornstrandir Nature Reserve, accessible only by boat and trail.