Iceland's Municipal Pools
Best pools for families by region, local etiquette, and the full directory of Iceland's geothermal community pools
Last updated: March 2026
Best With Kids
The pool section tourists should start with
If you are traveling around Iceland with children, these are the municipal pools to point you to first — the useful answer fast, before the deeper culture and etiquette sections below.
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Kopavogslaug and Arbaejarlaug
The two strongest pool picks for families in the capital region. Both are easy, kid-centered choices when the main goal is a fun, relaxed swim stop.
Vatnaverold
The easiest family recommendation near Keflavik Airport and a strong arrival-day or departure-day reset with kids.
Sundlaug Thorlakshafnar
A better family pool than Selfoss and the right south-coast recommendation when the pool itself is part of the day, not just a convenient stop.
Ithrottamidstodinn Borgarnesi
The cleanest family recommendation in West Iceland if you want one dependable pool built into a practical road-trip base.
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Sundholl Isafjardhr
The most straightforward family stop in the Westfjords because it sits in the main service town and is easy to fit into a longer driving day.
Sundlaug Akureyrar
The best all-purpose north Iceland family pick and the easiest one to pair with a town day, meals, and other kid-friendly stops.
Sundlaug Eskifjardar
The east-coast winner for families, especially with younger kids, with a much more memorable fjord setting than the more practical stop in Egilsstadir.
The Social Heart of Iceland
Municipal pools are not just recreational facilities — they're the beating heart of Icelandic communities. Most towns and many villages have their own geothermally heated pool where locals gather daily, regardless of weather.
Community Democracy
The hot tub is where Icelanders catch up, chat, and share news. It's a social space that cuts across all ages and backgrounds.
Lifelong Tradition
Swimming is mandatory in Icelandic schools. Most children learn to swim by age 6 and grow up visiting their local pool.
Weather Independence
Pools are open year-round, rain or snow. Sitting in a hot tub during a snowstorm is one of the best things about living in Iceland.
Mental Health Hub
Essential for mental health during dark winters, providing warmth, light, and social connection.
1,000 Years of Bathing Culture
Settlement Era
First settlers discover natural hot springs and establish bathing culture using Laugavegur (Hot Spring Road) to access pools.
Early Pool Development
First developed natural pools like Secret Lagoon demonstrate the potential for managed geothermal bathing.
Municipal Movement
Communities begin building public pools as civic pride projects, establishing the 'every village deserves a pool' philosophy.
Golden Age
Massive pool construction boom. Swimming becomes mandatory in schools, pools become community centers.
Modern Tradition
Over 100 municipal pools serve 380,000 people. Nearly every town in Iceland has at least one pool.
Anatomy of an Icelandic Municipal Pool
For Icelanders, the local pool is not just a place to swim — it is where friendships are formed, business is discussed, and community bonds are strengthened, rain or shine, summer or winter. Laugardalslaug in Reykjavik is the largest municipal pool complex in Iceland, featuring an Olympic-size swimming pool, multiple hot tubs, water slides, and expansive sun decks.
Municipal Pool Etiquette
Shower Before You Swim
You must shower without swimwear before entering the pool. This is strictly enforced. Soap and shampoo are provided — wash thoroughly before getting in.
Hot Tub Social Rules
Just get in — hot tubs are public, no need to ask permission. Enter slowly, don't splash or disturb the peace. Join conversations naturally: Icelanders are friendly, follow the flow. Respect personal space even in small tubs.
Time and Temperature
Work your way up — start at cooler tubs and move to hotter ones gradually. Try alternating between hot tubs and the cold pool. Follow lane etiquette in the main pool. Peak hours: 6–8 PM and weekends. Early morning for peaceful soaking.
Common Sense
Keep it down: don't be the loud group in the hot tub. No photos in changing areas. Watch your children, especially around the hot tubs.
Complete Pool Directory
All 103 municipal pools across Iceland, organized by region. Hours may vary seasonally — confirm before visiting.
Traveling with kids? Each region includes the best-with-kids recommendation I would give a tourist first.
Capital Area
Hofudborgarsvaedid19 poolsBest With Kids
Kopavogslaug and Arbaejarlaug
For families with kids in the Capital Area, these are the two strongest picks. Better choices when the main goal is a fun, easy pool stop for younger children.
Mo–Fr 06:30–22:00; Sa–Su 09:00–22:00
Mo–Fr 06:30–22:00; Sa–Su 09:00–21:00
Mo–Fr 06:30–22:00; Sa–Su 09:00–22:00
Mo–Th 15:00–22:00; Fr 15:00–19:00; Sa–Su 11:00–18:00
Summer (May–Sep): Mo–Fr 06:30–22:00, Sa–Su 08:00–20:00 | Winter (Oct–Apr): Mo–Fr 06:30–22:00, Sa–Su 08:00–18:00
Mo–Fr 06:30–22:00; Sa–Su 08:00–22:00
Mo–Fr 06:30–21:30; Sa–Su 08:00–19:00
Mo–Fr 06:30–22:00; Sa–Su 08:00–18:00
Mo–Fr 06:30–22:00; Sa–Su 08:00–19:30
Mo–Fr 06:30–21:00; Sa–Su 08:00–18:00
Mo–Fr 06:30–22:00; Sa–Su 08:00–21:00
Mo–Fr 06:30–22:00; Sa–Su 08:00–20:00
Mo–Th 06:30–22:00; Fr 06:30–20:00; Sa 08:00–18:00; Su 08:00–21:00
Summer: Mo–Fr 06:30–21:30, Sa 08:00–17:00, Su 08:00–16:00 | Winter: Mo–Fr 06:30–08:00 & 15:00–21:30, Sa–Su 09:00–17:00
Mo–Fr 06:30–22:00; Sa–Su 09:00–22:00
Mo–Fr 06:30–21:00; Sa–Su 09:00–18:00
Mo–Fr 06:30–22:00; Sa–Su 09:00–22:00
Mo–Fr 06:30–22:00; Sa–Su 08:00–18:00
Mo–Th 06:30–22:00; Fr 06:30–20:00; Sa 08:00–18:00; Su 08:00–17:00
Reykjanes
Reykjanesskagi6 poolsBest With Kids
Vatnaverold, Keflavik
The most practical Reykjanes pool for families, especially on arrival or departure day. Easy to reach from Keflavik Airport and makes a low-stress stop when kids need to move, warm up, and reset.
Summer (Jun–Aug): Mo–Fr 06:00–21:00, Sa–Su 09:00–18:00
Summer (Jun–Aug): Mo–Fr 07:00–21:00, Sa–Su 09:00–17:00 | Winter: Mo–Fr 07:00–20:30, Sa–Su 10:00–16:00
Mo–Fr 06:30–21:30; Sa–Su 09:00–18:00
Winter (Sep–Jul): Mo–Fr 06:30–20:30, Sa–Su 10:00–16:00 | Summer (Aug): Mo–Fr 06:30–21:00, Sa–Su 11:00–17:00
Summer (Jun–Aug): Mo–Fr 06:00–21:00, Sa–Su 09:00–17:00 | Winter: Mo–Fr 06:00–08:00 & 15:00–20:30
Summer (Jun–Aug): Mo–Fr 07:00–21:00, Sa–Su 10:00–16:00 | Winter: Mo–Fr 06:30–20:30, Sa–Su 10:00–16:00
South Iceland
Sudurland14 poolsBest With Kids
Sundlaug Thorlakshafnar, Thorlakshofn
For South Iceland with kids, Thorlakshofn is the stronger recommendation. A better family pool than Selfoss and makes a more rewarding dedicated stop when you want the pool itself to be the reason to go.
Summer: most days | Winter: 1–2 days/week (check website)
Summer: Mo–Th 10:00–21:00, Fr–Su 10:00–21:00
Summer (May–Sep): Mo–Fr 06:45–21:30, Sa–Su 09:00–19:00 | Winter (Sep–May): Mo–Fr 06:45–20:30, Sa–Su 10:00–17:30
Summer (Jun–Aug): varies | Winter: limited days (check locally)
Mo–Th 06:30–21:00; Fr 06:30–19:00; Sa–Su 09:00–18:00
Tu, Th 16:30–19:30; Sa 11:00–15:00
Mo–Fr 06:30–21:00; Sa–Su 09:00–18:00
Summer (Jun–Aug): Mo–Fr 07:00–21:00, Sa–Su 10:00–18:00 | Winter: Mo–Fr 07:00–21:00, Sa–Su 10:00–17:00
Summer (May–Aug): Mo–Fr 06:30–21:00, Sa–Su 10:00–19:00 | Winter (Sep–Apr): Mo–Fr 06:30–21:00, Sa–Su 10:00–16:00
Mo–Fr 06:00–21:00, Sa–Su 10:00–15:00
Summer (Jun–Sep): 10:00–20:00 | Winter: Mo–Sa 10:00–20:00, Su 15:00–19:00
Mo–Fr 08:30–20:00; Sa–Su 12:00–18:00
Winter (Sep–May): Mo–We,Fr 16:00–20:30, Th 06:00–09:00, Sa–Su 13:00–18:00
Summer (Jun–Aug): Mo–Fr 10:00–22:00, Sa–Su 10:00–19:00
West Iceland
Vesturland13 poolsBest With Kids
Ithrottamidstodinn Borgarnesi, Borgarnes
The cleanest recommendation for families in West Iceland because Borgarnes is such an easy road-trip base.
Sep–May: Sa 10:00–13:00 (closed Jun–Aug)
Mo,Tu,Th,Fr 12:00–20:00; We,Su 10:00–18:00; Sa 10:00–18:00
Summer (Jun–Aug): Tu–Fr 15:00–22:00, Sa–Su 13:00–22:00 (closed Mo) | Fall (Aug–Nov): Sa–Su 15:00–21:00
Mo–Fr 06:30–21:00; Sa–Su 09:00–18:00
Jun–Aug: 13:00–20:00
Closed for renovations (est. 1 year from Sep 2025)
Mo–Fr 07:30–21:00; Sa–Su 09:00–17:00
Mo–Fr 07:05–22:00; Sa 10:00–17:00; Su 12:00–17:00
10:00–22:00
Summer (Jun–Jul): 10:00–19:00 (We until 22:00) | Winter: Mo–Fr 17:00–21:00, Sa 10:30–15:30
Mo–Fr 06:00–22:00; Sa–Su 09:00–18:00
Summer (Jun–Aug): 09:00–18:00 | Winter: Mo–Fr 08:30–16:00, Tu,Th also 20:00–22:00
Summer only (Jun–Aug): 09:00–18:00 (closed winter)
Westfjords
Vestfirdir13 poolsBest With Kids
Sundholl Isafjardhar, Isafjordur
In the Westfjords, this is the easiest family pick because Isafjordur is the main service town. After a long driving day, it is the most straightforward place to stop for a swim.
Open year-round (check with farm stay)
Tu–Th 13:00–19:00; Sa–Su 13:00–19:00 (closed Mo, Fr)
24/7 (geothermal)
24/7
24/7
24/7 (geothermal)
Mo–Fr 10:00–21:00; Sa–Su 10:00–17:00
Seasonal hours (check locally)
Summer only (Jun 1 – Aug 15): 09:00–21:00
Seasonal (check locally)
Summer: Mo–Fr 08:00–21:00, Sa–Su 10:00–18:00 | Winter: Mo–Th 08:00–10:00 & 17:00–21:00
Mo–Fr 11:00–20:00; Sa–Su 11:00–19:00
Mo–Th 09:00–20:00; Fr 09:00–13:00; Sa 11:00–14:00 (closed Su)
North Iceland
Nordurland28 poolsBest With Kids
Sundlaug Akureyrar, Akureyri
If you want one North Iceland pool for kids, choose Akureyri. It is the most flexible family stop in the region, easy to combine with a town day, and a better all-purpose recommendation than the smaller village pools.
Winter: Mo–Fr 06:45–08:00 & 18:00–21:00, Sa 09:00–14:30 | Summer: Mo–Fr 06:45–21:00, Sa 09:00–14:30
10:00–22:00
Summer (Jun–Aug): 07:00–21:00 | Fall (Sep): Mo–Fr 07:00–20:00, Sa–Su 11:00–18:00 | Winter: Mo–Fr 07:00–13:00 & 17:00–20:00, Sa–Su 11:00–16:00
Summer (Jun–Aug): 10:00–21:00 | Winter: Mo–Th 07:30–09:30 & 16:00–21:30, Fr 07:30–09:30, Sa–Su 12:00–16:00
Winter (Aug–Jun): Mo–Fr 06:45–21:00, Sa–Su 09:00–18:30
Mo–Fr 06:45–21:00; Sa–Su 09:00–19:00
Winter: Mo–Th 06:30–08:00 & 14:00–22:00, Fr 06:30–08:00 & 14:00–19:00, Sa–Su 10:00–19:00
Summer (Jun–Aug): Mo–Fr 10:30–19:00, Sa–Su 10:30–17:00 | Winter: Mo–Th 15:00–19:00, Fr 15:00–18:00, Sa–Su 13:00–16:00
Mo–Fr 06:45–21:00; Sa–Su 10:00–18:00
Summer (Jun–Aug): Mo–Fr 14:00–19:30, Sa–Su 12:00–16:30 | Winter: Mo,We,Fr 17:00–19:30, Sa 14:00–16:30
Summer (Jun–Aug): Mo–Fr 06:50–21:00, Sa–Su 10:00–17:00
Summer only (Jun–Aug): Daily 16:00–20:00
Summer (Jun–Aug): Mo–Fr 08:00–19:30, Sa–Su 11:00–17:00 | Winter: Mo–Fr 16:00–19:30, Sa 11:00–14:00
Summer (Jun–Aug): Mo–Fr 11:00–19:00, Sa–Su 10:00–18:00 | Winter: Mo,Tu,We,Fr 15:30–18:30, Th 17:00–21:00, Sa–Su 11:00–15:00
Summer (Jun–Aug): Mo–Fr 14:00–22:00, Sa–Su 10:00–22:00 | Winter (Sep–May): Mo,Tu,Th,Fr 16:00–22:00, Sa 14:00–18:00, We closed
Summer only (Jun–Aug): from 10:00
Summer: Mo–Fr 14:00–21:00, Sa–Su 10:00–19:00 | Winter: Tu,Th 18:00–21:00
Summer (Jun–Aug): Mo–Fr 14:00–19:30, Sa–Su 12:00–16:30 | Winter: Mo,We,Fr 17:00–19:30, Sa 14:00–16:30
Summer: Tu–Fr 15:00–21:00, Sa–Su 12:00–17:00 (closed Mo) | Winter: Tu 17:00–19:00, Fr 19:30–22:00, Sa 13:00–17:00
Mo–Fr 12:00–20:00; Sa–Su 10:00–20:00
Summer (Jun–Aug): 09:00–21:00 | Autumn (Sep): Mo–Fr 07:00–20:00, Sa–Su 11:00–18:00 | Winter (Oct–May): Mo–Fr 07:00–13:00 & 17:00–20:00, Sa–Su 11:00–16:00
Mo–Fr 07:00–21:00; Sa–Su 10:00–18:00
Summer (Jun–Aug): Mo–Fr 10:00–20:00, Sa–Su 13:00–17:00 | Winter (Sep–May): Mo–Fr 17:00–20:00, Sa–Su 13:00–17:00
Mo–We 20:00–21:30, Sa 14:00–16:00
Winter (Aug–Jun): Su 10:00–16:00 | Summer (Jun–Aug): varies
Mo–Th 06:15–20:00; Fr 06:15–19:00; Sa 09:00–17:00; Su 11:00–17:15
Mo–Fr 06:30–22:00; Sa–Su 09:00–18:00
Summer (Jun–Aug): Su–Th 11:00–22:00, Fr–Sa 11:00–18:00 | Winter: Mo–Th 17:00–22:30, Fr 17:00–20:00, Sa 11:00–18:00, Su 11:00–22:30
East Iceland
Austurland10 poolsBest With Kids
Sundlaug Eskifjardar, Eskifjordur
For East Iceland, Eskifjordur is the better family pick. It is especially good with young kids, and the fjord setting gives it a much more memorable view than the more practical stop in Egilsstadir.
Summer (Jun–Aug): Mo–Fr 10:00–22:00, Sa–Su 10:00–18:00 | Winter: Tu–Fr 10:00–14:00, Sa–Su 12:00–16:00
Summer (Jun–Aug): Mo–Fr 07:00–20:00, Sa–Su 10:00–18:00 | Winter: Mo–Th 07:00–20:00, Fr 07:00–18:00, Sa 11:00–18:00
Winter: Mo,We,Fr 07:00–10:00 & 16:00–20:00, Sa 13:00–16:00 | Summer: Mo–Fr 07:00–11:00 & 15:00–20:00, Sa 13:00–16:00
Summer (Jun–Aug): Mo–Fr 07:00–21:00, Sa–Su 10:00–18:00 | Winter: Mo–Th 07:00–20:00, Fr 07:00–18:00, Sa 11:00–18:00, Su 13:00–18:00
Summer (Jun–Jul): Mo–Fr 16:00–19:00, Sa–Su 10:00–13:00 | Winter: Mo–Th 16:00–19:00, Fr 15:00–18:00 (closed Aug & Dec–Jan)
Summer (May–Sep): Mo–Fr 06:45–21:00, Sa–Su 10:00–19:00 | Winter: Mo–Fr 06:45–21:00, Sa–Su 10:00–17:00
Summer (May 15–Sep 15): Mo–Fr 13:00–19:00, Sa–Su 13:00–17:00 (closed winter)
Summer only (Jun 1 – Sep 30): afternoons/evenings
Summer: Mo–Fr 07:30–20:30, Sa–Su 10:00–18:00 | Winter: Mo–Fr 07:30–20:30, Sa 11:00–15:00
Summer (Jun–Aug): Mo–Fr 06:30–21:30, Sa–Su 09:00–17:00 | Winter (Sep–May): Mo–Fr 06:30–20:30, Sa–Su 09:00–17:00
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do Icelandic swimming pools cost?
Municipal swimming pools in Iceland are affordable. Entry typically costs around 1,000–1,200 ISK for adults. Children get reduced rates. Most pools accept both cash and card.
What are the etiquette rules for Icelandic pools?
You must shower thoroughly without swimwear before entering the pool — this is strictly enforced. Soap and shampoo are provided. Bring your own towel or rent one at the pool. Keep noise levels reasonable in the hot tubs.
What is a hot pot in Iceland?
Hot pots (heitur pottur) are geothermally heated outdoor tubs found at nearly every Icelandic swimming pool. They range from 38–44°C and are the social heart of Icelandic pool culture. Most pools have 3–5 hot pots at different temperatures, plus a cold plunge pool.