Due to its extensive usage of geothermal energy, Iceland boasts a huge number of natural thermal springs. You can unwind all day or all night in any of them, some of which are paid and others which are free.
For many residents and visitors, a swimming pool is a great substitute because you can enjoy a sizable pool for a fair price as well as frequently various types of whirlpools or saunas.
Nothing is more calming than to play around in warm water, unwind for a while, and get clean after a hard day of exploration. Due to the year-round geothermal volcanic activity that generates the heat, our pools are open year-round, regardless of the weather.
One of these swimming pools is located in the town Hveragerdi in South Iceland. The town is well known for the hot river and valley Reykjadalur, where you can hike and soak in the warm river coming from the mountains. But for those, who just want to relax and find hot tub or pool with easy access is the local swimming pool the best choice.
Please be advised that all visitors must take a full shower without a swimsuit before going into the lake.
Size and facilities
Swimming pool in Hveragerdi used to be for very long time one of the biggest pools in all Iceland. Now it can offer has one thermal pool which is 50 meters long and 12 metres wide.
In addition to the main pool, there are few hot tubs (even with massage machine), natural heated sauna and the cold plunge as well.
Prices and tickets
The cashier is situated right inside the building’s door, where you may purchase tickets for the swimming pool in Hveragerdi.
Adults pay 1050 ISK, however the elderly (over 67) have free access. The price for the children 370, but kids younger 5 years don´t have to pay.A towel or swimsuit can also be rented there for 900 ISK each. As in every swimming pool in Iceland, the credit cards are accepted.
Opening hours (summer)
- Monday: 06:45- 21:30
- Tuesday: 06:45- 21:30
- Wednesday: 06:45- 21:30
- Thursday: 06:45- 21:30
- Friday: 06:45- 21:30
- Saturday: 09:00 – 19:00
- Sunday: 09:00 – 19:00
Opening hours (15.9. – 14.5.)
- Monday: 06:45- 20:30
- Tuesday: 06:45- 20:30
- Wednesday: 06:45- 20:30
- Thursday: 06:45- 20:30
- Friday: 06:45- 20:30
- Saturday: 10:00-17:30
- Sunday: 10:00-17:30
Adress, location and contacts
The pool Laugaskardi is not so close to the main road and its location is a bit outside of the town. But no need to worry, you will easy find it even without navigation.
How to get there
First you need to drive into the town from the round about located next to gas station. They you drive straight until the road starts go uphill. You will see the small park on your right, then its time to turn right (before the hill and park) and drive until the end of the road. On the crossroad there, you just turn left and after few seconds you will already see the swimming pool on the right side.
- Adress: Reykjamörk, 810 Hveragerði, Island
- Contact: laugaskard@hveragerdi.is
- Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/laugaskard
Alternatives: Swimming pools, hot springs and lagoons nearby
Read more: What to do in Hveragerdi, Iceland
The pool in the city of Selfoss is the one that is most accessible to Hveragerdi. There is a larger pool here, as well as more pools and hot tubs, and there are extended hours of operation. Selfoss’ swimming pool may be busier, but there isn’t much of a pricing difference.
Not far away from swimming pool Laugarskardi in Hveragerdi is the parking space for those who want to hike to hot river which is behind the town. It´s a bit different experience, but favourite amongst many tourist. The access to the hot river is free, but there are not real changing rooms and the space, where you can find the water in best temperature is limited, so if it get crowded there, you just need to use more shallow spots with colder water.
Laugarvatn Fontana baths is another touristy place, which you could visit if you want to enjoy the great views and relax near Hveragerdi. It´s not as close as pool in Selfoss but offers different experience with beautiful views on the lake. Although slightly more expensive, it provides much more than a pool. There are numerous saunas, shallow pools with a range of temperatures, hot tubs, lakes where you can cool off, and if you visit around lunchtime, you can see bread being baked underground.
Read more about mentioned alternatives:
- Swimming pool Selfoss (14 km)
- Reykjadalur, hot river near Hveragerdi (1 km)
- Laugarvatn Fontana baths (50 km)