Seljavallalaug was the largest swimming pool in Iceland until 1936 at 25 meters (82-foot) long and 10 meters wide. It is one of the oldest pools in iceland having only the Secret Lagoon in Flúðir older. The pool is free entrance, but you are asked and expected to treat it with care and respect. Garbage in garbage out! It is run by volunteers and gets no official funding.
The location of Seljavallalaug swimming pool on the south coast of Iceland
Latitude
63.56629
Longitude
-19.60870
Seljavallalaug swimming pool on the south coast of Iceland
Seljavallalaug pool was built in 1923 by Björn Andrésson, with the help from fellow country men and the local sports association who wanted to provide the people and children of Seljavellir with a place where they could learn to swim.
From 1927 swimming lessons were conducted in the pool as a part of compulsory education and for many years after, Seljavallalaug was a ‘secret spot’ known only by the locals and tourists who wandered too far.
Interesting facts:
- It’s free to visit and there’s no lifeguard—swim at your own risk. Basic changing room only.
- Seljavallalaug is not a hot tub. Water is geothermal but usually ~20–30 °C (68–86 °F)—often just warm.
- After the 2010 Eyjafjallajökull eruption, the pool filled with ash; volunteers cleaned it in 2011.
- A new pool was built nearby in 1990, but Seljavallalaug remains open as a rustic spot.
- Common practice is a once-a-year clean, so expect algae/slippery surfaces at times.
- Short hike in (≈1.2 km one way) from the parking area through a dramatic valley
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Photography tips:
Good cameras for Iceland
Sony A7R V
Sony A7s lll
Canon R6
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