Swimming Pools in Reykjavik

There are several public swimming pools in Reykjavik. Cost is ISK 980 to visit but it is included in the Reykjavik City Card. The swimming pools are the heart of the city's social life. People gather before or after work and soak in the hot tubs and saunas and catch up on the day's affairs. Weekdays, they're open 6:30am-10pm. On weekends, they open a little later and close a little earlier.

Very near the Hallgrimskirkja is the Sundholl Pool. This is the oldest pool in Reykjavik but it was recently renovated.

There is an outdoor pool as well as an indoor pool. There are several "hot pots" or jacuzzis at different temperatures. The hot pots are 36-42 degrees celsius, 98-108 degrees fahrenheit.

Another pool on the western edge of town is the Vesturbaejarlaug. This is more of a neighborhood pool.

The largest pool in town is the Laugardalslaug. If you're staying in the center of town, it's 3 km away. A bus is the easiest way to get there unless you're up for walking nearly 2 miles on icy roads. This is a huge complex, complete with 4 story high waterslides.

There is a very specific way to use the swimming pools. When you check in, you will be asked if you're familiar with how to shower prior to using the pools. Here are the instructions:

1. Take your own towel and swimsuit (or you can rent them at the pools). I brought flip flops but it's not necessary. I only found them useful at Vesturbaejarlaug, where the ground was a little rougher to walk on.

2. Take your boots/shoes off before you enter the changing rooms and leave on the rack by the changing room entry. Some had lockers but they really aren't necessary unless you have super expensive footwear.

3. In the changing room, find an empty locker. Strip off completely but don’t put your swimsuit on yet! Put your clothes in the locker & take your towel and swimsuit to the shower room. Put the towel and swimsuit in a rack. It is essential that everyone has a full shower before entering the pool area. There is a diagram outlining the areas you should pay particular attention in washing. This process is monitored by changing room staff. There are modesty showers with doors, if you don't like showering with everyone.

4. Put your swimsuit on and leave your towel in the rack.

5. Follow the signs to the pools and choose your temperature. They're labeled.

6. Swim, rest, relax, enjoy. Don't forget the saunas.

7. Once you are finished, do the process in reverse.

8. Strip off your swimsuit and shower.

9. Dry off in drying area next to showers before entering the locker room. You must not enter the locker room if you are wet or you will get yelled at from staff and locals!

10. Now get dressed.

2018 02 22/23/24