This Naturally Heated Swimming Pool Will Warm You Up In Iceland

In most countries, you build a swimming pool somewhere convenient. Not in Iceland.

Seljavallalaug has a hill on one side, with a river on the other, and is a 15-minute hike up from the nearest road. Here, intrepid visitors can bathe in naturally heated water, which comes from a nearby hot spring, while taking in Southern Iceland’s rugged beauty.

Seljavallalaug is one of numerous naturally heated bodies of water where travellers can take a dip

An old-school pool

It’s also something of a history lesson. Built in 1923, this pool is the oldest one in Iceland to remain operational and – at 25m x 10m (82ft x 33ft) – was the largest pool in the country until 1936. It’s seen heavy use, too. Alarmed at the number of fishers who drowned off Iceland’s shores, a law was passed in 1940 mandating swimming lessons for all the country’s children.

Seljavallalaug today

Yet, Seljavallalaug remains open. There are no lifeguards, and the pool is cleaned only once a year. While there are lockers, there’s no shower – which means it can get dirty. But you can still swim at this monument to Icelandic ingenuity, free of charge, gazing out at the snowy peaks and the scree-lined valley.

Swimming in Iceland

Seljavallalaug isn’t the only atmospheric place to take a dip in Iceland. There are pools, sauna and hot tubs all over the country, many of them thermally heated, and heading into the water for a swim or a chat is a big part of local culture.

Getting to Seljavallalaug

Seljavallalaug is off the Ring Road. The turn off is at Edinborg; from here, you follow Route 242 2km (1.2mi) to Seljavellir to park. It’s then a 15-minute walk up a lovely valley. There’s plenty to see in the area – the epic Skógafoss waterfall is just east of here, and the black-sand beaches of Vík are 30 minutes beyond.

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