Seljavallalaug

A Pool With a Century of History

Seljavallalaug was built in 1923, making it one of the oldest surviving swimming pools in Iceland. The driving force behind its construction was Bjorn J. Andresson, who wanted to give the farming community of Seljavellir a place to learn how to swim. At the time, swimming was not yet part of the Icelandic school curriculum, and drowning was a real hazard for a nation surrounded by ocean. The pool measured 25 meters long and 10 meters wide, and it held the title of Iceland's largest swimming pool until 1936 when larger pools were built in Reykjavik.

Hidden in a Mountain Valley

The pool sits in a narrow valley at the foot of Eyjafjallajokull, the volcano that famously erupted in 2010 and disrupted air travel across Europe. The location is both sheltered and dramatic. Mountain walls rise steeply on either side, and the concrete pool is built directly against the hillside where a geothermal spring feeds warm water in through one end. The setting feels remarkably remote despite being only a short detour from the Ring Road between Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss, two of Iceland's most visited waterfalls.

The Walk In

From the parking area at the end of Road 242, a trail follows the Seljavallalaekur river upstream through the valley. The hike takes 15 to 20 minutes at a relaxed pace and is mostly flat, though the terrain is rocky and occasionally muddy. You may need to hop across a few shallow streams, so waterproof boots are a good idea. The trail is not formally marked but is well-worn and easy to follow. As you walk deeper into the valley, the mountains close in around you and the pool appears tucked against the hillside ahead.

What to Expect

Seljavallalaug is not a polished hot spring experience. There are no changing rooms with heated floors, no lockers, and no cafe. What you get is a century-old concrete pool filled with lukewarm geothermal water in one of the most scenic settings in South Iceland. The water temperature depends on the season and weather. In summer, it can be genuinely warm and pleasant for a long soak. In winter, it drops closer to 20 degrees Celsius and takes some resolve to get in. Algae sometimes coats the pool walls, and the single changing shelter is a bare concrete structure offering basic privacy and nothing more.

Practical Tips

Bring everything you need with you. A swimsuit, towel, and waterproof footwear are essential. Flip-flops or water shoes are useful for walking on the pool floor. There are no bins at the pool, so carry out all rubbish. The pool is open around the clock with no entry fee and no lifeguard. Swimming is entirely at your own risk. Alcohol is not permitted. The best time to visit is during summer when the water is warmest and the valley is at its most inviting, though the pool is accessible year-round. Arriving early in the morning or later in the evening helps you avoid the busiest hours, especially during peak tourist season from June through August.

Worth the Detour

Seljavallalaug does not compete with Iceland's modern geothermal pools on comfort or water temperature. Its appeal is something different entirely. This is a place where you swim in the same pool that Icelandic farmers built over a hundred years ago, surrounded by mountains and glacier-fed rivers, with no entrance fee and no crowds if you time it right. It is a genuine piece of Icelandic history that you can still step into and experience exactly as it was intended.