Laugardalslaug

Laugardalslaug, located in the heart of Reykjavík, is Iceland's largest and most popular geothermal swimming pool, drawing locals and tourists alike for its outstanding amenities and relaxing ambiance. With a wide range of pools, hot tubs, and sports facilities, it provides a quintessential Icelandic experience for all ages. Laugardalslaug offers a welcoming and inclusive environment and caters to diverse needs with exceptional accessibility features.

It's also worth noting that the pool is Rainbow Certified, meaning that the facilities are LGBT+ friendly, both for employees and service recipients.

Why Visit Laugardalslaug

Laugardalslaug is one of the Reykjavík public pools that stands out not just for its size but for the exceptional variety of facilities designed for both relaxation and recreation. Its Olympic-sized 50-meter pool, accessible year-round, is perfect for serious swimmers, while a children's pool with a dedicated slide keeps younger visitors entertained. There’s also a spacious indoor pool, ensuring swimming is possible no matter the weather.

For relaxation, Laugardalslaug has several hot tubs, a whirlpool, a cold tub, and a unique saltwater tub that combines the therapeutic benefits of saltwater with Iceland’s geothermal warmth. Visitors can enjoy a soothing steam bath, enhanced by an eco-friendly chlorine system produced from salt, creating a gentler, more natural swimming environment.

For those looking for extra excitement, Laugardalslaug offers a water slide, a unique “wipeout” track, and a minigolf course. Outdoor areas feature a beach volleyball court and running trails, perfect for active visitors. To complete the experience, on-site food and beverage options and swimwear for sale mean that guests have everything they need for a full day of fun and relaxation.

Heated Pools

At Laugardalslaug the geothermal swimming pools for swim practices are usually kept at a 28°C (82°F) temperature while children's wading pools are at a comfortable 32°C (90°F). Guests will find hot tubs marked with temperatures ranging from 38-44°C (100-111°F), while the cold plunge goes all the way down to a freezing 6°C (43°F).

Accessibility

Laugardalslaug provides great accessibility options. The wheelchair-accessible pools and steam rooms, as well as a private changing room with a shower and toilet, ensure that everyone can enjoy the facilities with ease. There is an elevator to get into the pool for people in wheelchairs and a hot tub that is also wheelchair accessible and the sauna.

The pool’s private changing areas also accommodate non-binary, transgender, and intersex individuals, offering safe and inclusive spaces for all visitors.

Where is Laugardalslaug located?

Laugardalslaug is located within the Laugardalur Valley area of Reykjavík, known for its sports and leisure facilities. This area is easily accessible from downtown Reykjavík, making it a convenient stop on any visitor's itinerary. The pool is situated near popular walking and running routes, as well as other attractions like the Reykjavík Park and Zoo and the Reykjavík Botanical Garden. Laugardalur is often referred to as Reykjavík's "Recreation Valley," and Laugardalslaug is a gem at the heart of the area.

• GPS Coordinates: 64°08'46.1"N 21°52'48.2"W

History of Laugardalslaug

Laugardalslaug, opened in 1968, was the vision of Einar Sveinsson, one of Reykjavík’s most influential architects. As the city’s chief architect for almost four decades, Sveinsson’s functionalist designs transformed Reykjavík’s skyline, combining practicality with timeless elegance. Though his work was occasionally met with debate, his creations have endured beautifully, requiring only minimal upkeep. Today, Laugardalslaug stands as a testament to his skill and welcomes nearly two million visitors each year who come to soak in the warmth and history of Reykjavík’s geothermal legacy.

The pool complex is built over the natural hot springs that gave Reykjavík its name, which means “Smoky Bay” in reference to the steam rising from these waters. These springs were a lifeline in early Reykjavík, a place where residents bathed and washed clothing. Women would travel down Laugavegur, carrying laundry to the springs—a routine that connected them to the geothermal energy that has always defined the city.

Today, Laugardalslaug is a cherished spot for both locals and visitors to enjoy Reykjavík’s storied geothermal warmth in a modern setting.

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