Each Icelandic pupil takes necessary swimming classes – for ten years. This rigorous curriculum has not less than one completely satisfied consequence: swimming pools, all over the place!
The Capital Area – an city sprawl of 5 municipalities, together with Reykjavík – has 17 public swimming pools altogether. All however one are outside, because of low-cost geothermal warmth.
From the Atlantic Ocean to Olympic-size swimming pools, listed here are 9 locations to go to in Reykjavík the place swimming is simply a part of the pleasure.
Laugardalslaug
Largest swimming pool. Largest waterslide. Largest locker rooms. The Laugardalslaug pool is the most well-liked in Reykjavík, if not the nation, and it is inside strolling distance to town middle. Swimming is a wholesome sport, however most individuals come for the multi-temperature sizzling tubs. Laugardalslaug a best choice for households, particularly when paired with one of many nice ice cream shops on this a part of city.
You will not miss the 50m outside swimming pool, with eight lanes and visitors guidelines. Indoor is one other 50m pool reserved for coaching and competitions.
Nauthólsvík
Welcome to the seaside of Reykjavík. Nauthólsvík is the place locals carry international associates to check their power – swimming in an Icelandic ocean requires a little bit of mettle. Over summer season, the ocean’s temperature can attain double digits (like, say, 10°C!) however overwinter a really, very chilly plunge is a part of this system. Afterward, individuals linger within the sizzling tub (38°C year-round) overlooking the seaside.
The Nauthólsvík cove is man-made, and the yellow sand – introduced from elsewhere – is a sizzling commodity for sunbathing, volleyball, and different typical seaside actions on heat summer season days. Altering rooms and sizzling tubs are admission free through the summer season however price 740 Krona throughout winter.
The Sky Lagoon
Whereas the Sky Lagoon is 75m lengthy, do not try to swim laps. It is a luxurious bathtub with a view throughout the Faxa Bay and a swim-up bar.
The enterprise opened in 2021 on the tip of the Kársnes peninsula, a brief drive from town middle, getting into the rising choice of high-end bathing resorts round Iceland. Sky Lagoon is the one one in Reykjavík, competing with the well-known Blue Lagoon, positioned some 40 km (25 mi) from town.
Admission is 7000 Krona and additional for the steam-bath remedy. Youngsters underneath the age of 12 should not permitted at Sky Lagoon.
Árbæjarlaug
The suburban Árbæjarlaug is a best choice for households, with shallow swimming pools for all ages. The indoor space appears to be like like a small greenhouse, delivering a heat, enjoyable ambiance typically lacking within the older concrete swimming pools. Exterior you will discover a leisure pool with toys and a waterslide tall sufficient to have an age restrict.
The swimming pool is 25m lengthy, with 5 lanes and a basketball hoop.
Sundhöllin
That is one of the best place for a city-center swim. In-built 1937, Sundhöllin interprets as “The Swim Corridor,” and it was designed by the legendary architect Guðjón Samúlsson, who is best recognized for church buildings and theaters.
In 2017, the pool reopened after a year-long revamp that added a complete outside space with sizzling tubs and one other swimming pool. The unique indoor pool stays open, as is the key upstairs sizzling tub with metropolis views.
Male locker rooms are unique, whereas girls now gown within the new extension. Over summer season, we suggest the outside locker rooms — ask employees for instructions.
Vesturbæjarlaug
Among the many three swimming pools inside strolling distance from town middle (along with Sundhöllin and Laugardalslaug), the Vesturbæjarlaug has the strongest neighborhood spirit. It was, in reality, in-built 1961 with native donations and volunteer work.
The unique 25m swimming pool is crowded for swimming, however luckily, most friends are advantageous doing nothing! The behavior of hanging out in sizzling water after work is robust on this neighborhood, dwelling to lecturers and artists.
Youngsters will not take pleasure in Vesturbæjarlaug as a lot as different choices in Reykjavík. Attempt as an alternative the trendy Sundlaug Seltjarnarness, some two kilometers additional into the suburbs.
Dalslaug
Some swimming pools are good for assembly new individuals; others are for zoning out, like Dalslaug. The pool opened in 2021 within the youngest suburb in Reykjavík. It’s, thus far, fairly massive in comparison with the group it serves and the format captures the Icelandic pool tradition of at this time: one modestly giant swimming pool surrounded by many giant, multi-temperature sizzling tubs. Take your decide.
Guðlaug Baths
For lovers of sea swimming – and people who need to strive – the Guðlaug Baths are effectively well worth the 40-minute drive to the coastal city of Akranes. The attractive baths overlook the “Lengthy Sand Seaside” with two sizzling tubs and quick access to the ocean. A typical go to goes chilly swim, sizzling bathtub, chilly swim, sizzling bathtub. Bathe.
Ásvallalaug
The Olympic-size swimming pool at Ásvallalaug is the place a lot of Iceland’s finest swimmers prepare. The large 6000-square-meter indoor swim corridor – with a child’s pool and a waterslide – is the most important within the nation. There are two sizzling tubs outdoors, however the principle motive to go to is the consolation (or choice) of being inside.
Etiquette at swimming pools
Don’t enter a public pool with dry hair. It means you might be an beginner, responsible of breaking the rule of showering earlier than bathing – with cleaning soap. The swimming pools have restricted chlorine and most of the people favor to maintain it that manner.
You will additionally need to take your towel poolside. Many individuals depart them behind within the locker rooms, however it is best to dry off earlier than dripping water (and wetting the ground) from the pool to the locker rooms. There’s a “dry-off” space by the showers with towel racks.
Till just lately, girls had a gown code totally different from males. Now, going topless is allowed for everybody who needs.
