Swimming in Iceland’s history
Seljavallalaug’s geothermal pool is tucked in the fluorescent green mountains of Iceland’s south coast underneath the glacier of the Eyjafjalljökull volcano. The setting is hard to beat, lying next to a rushing river of freezing glacial melt dotted with dark gray volcanic rock.
The strategic placement of the pool allows for warm water from the mountains to mix with the cold river water creating the perfect temperature for swimming year round. The pool is still only cleaned once a year and most often will be found with algae covering the sides and the floor turning the water a shade of deep green, adding to the century old feel of the area.
Arriving here feels like stepping back to 1920s Iceland
The simple green and white aesthetic patched with stone and boxed changing rooms at one end are typical of the times. Built in 1923, Seljavallalaug is one of the oldest thermal pools in the country. It measures 30 feet by 82 and was built to help locals learn how to swim.
Today, Seljavallalaug remains one of the most popular thermal pools in Iceland due to its distinct look and remote feeling, despite the easy access. From Reykjavík, it is a two hour drive to the parking lot, and then only a 15 minute walk back in time.
If you’re heading out on a longer adventure, Seljavallalaug is also a great place to stop along the famous Ring Road bike tour that circles the island. Heading east from Reykjavík, Seljavallalaug is about a two day bike trip.