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By Monika

Seljavallalaug Swimming Pool – All You Need to Know and Why You Should Visit.

Tucked away in the stunning Icelandic countryside, Seljavallalaug Swimming Pool is a hidden gem that is slowly getting discovered by more and more travelers seeking authentic experiences in Iceland. 

The pool was built in 1923 by a local man, Bjorn Andrésson Berjaneskoti, to serve as a spot where local children could have swimming lessons and it’s still standing, pretty much unchanged!

Just like the Secret Lagoon, it is one of the oldest swimming pools in Iceland. Located in a beautiful, secluded valley, fed by a natural hot spring, it offers a very unique setting for a swim.

Let me tell you everything you need to know before visiting Seljavallalaug Geothermal Pool – how to find it, what to expect, and why it’s a must-visit for your Iceland itinerary!

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Where is Seljavallalaug Pool?

Seljavallalaug pool is located on the South Coast of Iceland, only 15 min (11 km) west of the famous waterfall Skógafoss, however, since it’s not widely mentioned in the guidebooks, many people drive by the turn leading to it from the Ring Road and continue driving.

Take my advice and make that detour, you won’t regret it!

How to get to Seljavallalaug Swimming Pool?

You do need a car to visit the pool. There is no public transportation or a guided tour to take you there.

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It is a very easy drive.  Just take the turn to rt. 242 from the Ring Road and follow the gravel road and the signs for Seljavellir. 

Here are some driving distances for your reference:

From Vik: 35 min. (42 km)

From Reykjavík: 2 hrs (150 km)

Helpful hint: Navigation can be a little funny at times when it tries to find this location. For Google Maps, type in “Seljavallalaug Swimming Pool” (it can also be found under the name of “Seljavellir Geothermal Pool”), and it should take you right to a small parking area. But if you have any trouble, try “Welcome Guesthouse Edinborg” and that will take you to the right road – then just follow it further, all the way to the parking lot by a small farm. 

The parking is free and there is no entrance fee!

Hike to Seljavallalaug: 

To get to Seljavallalaug Swimming Pool you have to embark on a short hike. It is a 2 km long trek on a relatively flat and well-marked path. On average it takes about 20 – 25 minutes to reach the pool.

As you walk, surrounded by this incredible scenery, you’ll feel a sense of peaceful isolation that is truly amazing. The remote location, the mountains, and the quiet of the valley make you feel like you are in a folk tale. 

This hike isn’t difficult; however, it can get a little slippery after the rain so wear good sturdy shoes.

There are no big inclines, but there is one spot, not long after you cross a stone bridge over a small stream (see the picture above), where you have a choice of going slightly up or staying near the riverbed.

Now, we’re talking just a few feet up, not any huge elevation change.  The kids and I went up and my husband stayed near the riverbed. Well, after a few minutes, both paths joined again – near the riverbed! We had no choice but to scramble down. So my advice? If you don’t feel like going down over potentially slippery rocks, just stay on the trail following the river.

Overall, the hike is short and sweet, but absolutely amazing. For me, these types of natural settings bring only one word to mind – magical!

Swimming in Seljavallalaug Pool:

Swimming in Seljavllalaug is completely free and with the rugged Icelandic landscape as a backdrop, it can be an unforgettable experience. 

A few things to keep in mind:

• There are very basic changing facilities there, but no restrooms.

• The geothermal water in the pool is usually just warm, not really hot like in some other natural hot springs. It’s good to consider that in colder months.
• The water can get quite rich in algae. It takes on a beautiful emerald-green color and looks pretty but for sensitive people, it may cause an issue.

• There are no lifeguards – swim at your own risk and be responsible!
• And lastly – share the pool with other nature enthusiasts!

Things to bring with you:

• A bathing suit and a towel
• A pair of flip flops to wear in the changing rooms
• Dry clothes to change into
• Snacks and drinks if you’re planning to stay a while
• As always – layers to be prepared for the ever-changing weather!

If you need help packing, check out my practical, budget-friendly packing list for Iceland!

If you follow the river even a little further upstream, you’ll get a chance to experience more amazing landscapes and possibly check out another nearby hot spring right by the river.

When we were there, we did hike a bit beyond the pool and saw people in the distance soaking in their own private swimming hole! This seemed to be a true secret spot!

How is Seljavallalaug maintained?

It is purely a volunteer effort. Seljavallalaug volunteers are a dedicated group of individuals passionate about maintaining and preserving this historic and cultural treasure. They organize yearly summer clean-up events (yes, the pool is only cleaned once a year!) to ensure that the pool remains a beautiful and inviting place for both the locals and tourists to enjoy. 

So please appreciate their efforts and be respectful – do not litter, take your trash with you (there are no trash cans there), and stay on the trail to protect the natural beauty of this place.

How long do I need at Seljavallalaug?

Allow about 1 hour for the round-trip hike.

The rest really depends on what you do when you get there. Are you going to swim? Add time for that. Will you just hang out and take some photos? That’s what we did, and we loved the whole experience. It just feels so peaceful and serene, that you automatically relax, even without going in the water. 

Best time to visit Seljavallalaug pool?

We visited on a late afternoon in August, on a cool, drizzly day and the hike was perfect! We did not go in the pool, but there was quite a lot of people in it, braving the summer chill.

I’d say summer is the best season to visit, as you have the best chance for nice weather, however the pool is open year-round. As long as the roads are clear in the winter months (always check the road conditions) and you’re up for a short trek in the snow – go for it!

Just remember that the water in Seljavallalaug pool isn’t as hot as in the Blue Lagoon or other popular hot springs!

Is Seljavallalaug worth visiting? 

For me – absolutely! Even if you don’t feel like swimming in it, just the hike itself is worth it. The scenery is breathtaking and the pool itself is such a special place that it definitely should earn a spot in your itinerary. 

It was one of our favorite places to visit during our trip to Iceland.

Where to stay near Seljavallalaug?

For overnight accomodations right by the pool you can choose either the Starlight Camping Pods or the Welcome Guesthouse Edinborg that you’ll be driving by on your way.

Other good choices:

Welcome Lambafell Hotel, The Garage Hotel, Hotel Skógafoss.

👉 Don’t forget TRAVEL INSURANCE! I don’t travel without it. Get a quote from my personal #1 choice – Travel Guard – or check more options here!

Nearby attractions:

The South Coast of Iceland is studded with natural wonders to visit around every bend of the road. Below are the ones closest to Seljavallalaug swimming pool:

• Seljalandsfoss and Gljúfrabúi waterfalls
• Skógafoss waterfall
• Kvernufoss waterfall
• Reynisfjara black sand beach
• Dyrhólaey Cliffs (you can see the puffins here in the summer!)
• Solheimajökull glacier

Ready to start planning your trip? Check out helpful ICELAND TRAVEL TIPS and my proven ITINERARIES for some inspiration!

🛜 Stay connected during your trip with an eSIM like Airalo, Saily or Sim Local!

Use promo code PLANPACK to unlock your 5% discount!

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