The Seljavallalaug Swimming Pool is in a beautiful spot on the south coast of Iceland, tucked away between some beautiful mountains. A place that is well worth the short walk from the parking lot.

It was built in 1923. This is one of Iceland’s oldest swimming pools. For many years, it was the largest in the country. People in the area used to learn how to swim there. Today, all Icelandic schools teach kids up to 16 years old how to swim as part of their regular education. In other words, all Icelandic kids learn how to swim. That’s pretty cool, right?

People from all over the world now love to visit Seljavallalaug Swimming Pool after seeing beautiful pictures of it online. And these are pretty much right. The place is beautiful. That’s a given.

But. The bad parts of Seljavallalaug are not shown in these pictures. I guess I made this sound a little more serious than I meant to! But listen to me anyway. I think you should know a few things about Seljavallalaug. Things that might make you think twice about whether to spend some of your valuable time on this site or not. It’s not that I don’t think you should go. I only want you to know the truth. Know what to expect.

What Do You Need to Know About Seljavallalaug Swimming Pool?

1. You can swim or take a bath in Seljavallalaug for free.

That’s good. But that also means no one to clean up after you and the other guests. Not usually, at least not often. I know you’ll take everything you brought with you, but other people at the pool won’t be able to do that.

This also means that there isn’t a bathroom on the property. So please make sure you take care of that before you get there 🙂

2: The water isn’t warm.

You might be surprised by this one. A lot of people think that the water in the pool is hot, like in a hot spring. No, it’s not. At most, it’s warm. The temperature is generally between 68°F and 30°C (20°C to 86°F), but it changes with the weather.

That’s why Seljavallalaug is better thought of as a warming pool than as a hot tub or spring. At the end farther from the little house, the water is a little warmer. That’s where the hot water from the ground comes into the pool.

3 There are a lot of plants in the water.

Every year, the pool is cleaned. This gives algae a lot of time to grow and get bigger in the pool. That sticky, green, and slippery stuff? I have to say that’s not really my thing, which is one reason I’ve never been into the water . Not many people seem to care, though, because they are still jumping in. I see… I guess it’s just me .Or at least I’m not like most of the people here. A lot of people think it’s something beautiful about the land. That’s great. But I’m not one of those guys. For sure.

If you do go into the water, be careful not to fall because the algae make the surface very slippery. It’s very important that you don’t hurt yourself there.

One more thing. Putting your head underwater is not a good idea. There are likely pieces of algae moving around, and it’s easy for them to get stuck in your hair. Just don’t put your hair in the water to avoid that.

4. The locker rooms are dirty and small

I have to say that they are gross. Again, there is no staff at the pool, so there is no one who regularly cleans up after the guests.

When you get there, you can wear your swimsuit under your clothes. After getting out of the water, you’ll always need to change. There’s not really a way to avoid this part of the experience.

I think you should bring the following to make it a little more fun:

• You will probably not have a clean, dry place to put your clothes, so bring a plastic bag for them. 
• You should also bring flip-flops in case you step on something strange on the ground, a big water bottle to quickly rinse off, and a towel to dry off. 
• This is a given, but I chose to include it anyway .

It’s really worth going there, even if you don’t swim.

This list of mine might sound really bad. You might even think that I don’t want you to go to this place. That’s not at all what I mean. I just want to make sure you know what to expect, as I said before. These things aren’t shown in the pretty shots on Instagram.

That being said, I think this place is amazing, even though the water doesn’t look very inviting. It looks beautiful and feels like you’re in the middle of nowhere when you’re there. Even though it’s not far from the main road. There is a small river next to the pool, and beautiful mountains all around it. I think the short walk from the parking lot is well worth it. Even though you don’t put your toes in the water.

How do I get to Seljavallalaug Pool?

Seljavallalaug is on the south coast of Iceland, between Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, two very well-known waterfalls.

From the ring road, it’s not far to get to the parking lot. I’m not sure the exact length, but it’s about 3 km/2 mi. While Google Maps tells you where you are, it doesn’t show you how to get there. Putting “Welcome Guesthouse Edinborg” into Google Maps works best for me. Then you won’t miss the turn onto Road 242 from the main road. As soon as you get to the guest house, just keep going straight ahead on the dirt road toward the mountains.

The Pool

The Seljavallalaug Swimming Pool is a natural wonder. It is about 10 meters (33 feet) wide and 25 meters (82 feet) long. The natural hot spring that feeds the pool keeps the water between 82 and 93°F (28 to 34°C) all year long.

The pool’s unusual setting, between tall rocks and surrounded by lush, green plants, makes it feel like you’re in another world. Sit back and enjoy the beautiful scenery while you soak in the warm water.

Tips and Things to Think About

• Bring the right clothes to swim in, towels, and boots or water shoes to wear around the pool.
• Be ready for the weather to change, because the weather in Iceland isn’t always reliable.
• Don’t damage or disturb the facilities; instead, respect the natural environment and the past of the pool.
• Start your trip early to avoid crowds and enjoy a more peaceful time.
• Pay attention to the pool’s depth, as it can change in different places.

Going to the Seljavallalaug Swimming Pool is a one-of-a-kind and amazing experience that lets you fully enjoy Iceland’s stunning natural beauty. You can plan your trip to this famous Icelandic site and get the most out of it if you have this guide.

The hike to Seljavallalaug Swimming Pool

It’s not really a hike. Just a simple hike that doesn’t go up or down much. There is gravel on the path, and there is a small creek that you will have to cross. That’s not a big deal, though. You only need to step on some stones to be done. Don’t wear flip-flops, though!

It takes about 0.9 km/0.5 mi to get from the car lot to the pool. It takes about 20 minutes to walk, depending on how fast you go. Going back and forth.

What do you think? Do you want to plan a trip to Seljavallalaug? If so, do you plan to jump into the water? Again, you should go even if you don’t.

Last thoughts on Seljavallalaug Swimming Pool

The Seljavallalaug Swimming Pool is one of Iceland’s true gems. It is surrounded by the country’s stunning natural beauty and offers tourists a one-of-a-kind, unforgettable experience. This famous landmark is sure to leave a lasting impact on all who visit, whether they take a scenic hike through the moss-covered landscape or relax in the naturally warm waters.

As you get ready for your trip to Seljavallalaug, don’t forget to bring the important things, wear the right shoes, and pay attention to how the weather might change. In this way, you can fully experience the peaceful and magical atmosphere of this amazing pool, letting the warm water relax your body and the beautiful scenery take your breath away.

If you liked this post and think your friends might too, please help me get the word out. If you could share it on social media or send it to a friend, that would be great.

FAQs on visiting the Seljavallalaug Swimming Pool

Where is the Seljavallalaug Swimming Pool located?

The Seljavallalaug Swimming Pool is located in the Seljavellir valley, approximately 15 kilometers (9 miles) east of the village of Vík í Mýrdal on Iceland’s southern coast.

How do I get to the Seljavallalaug Swimming Pool?

To reach the pool, you’ll need to take a 20-30 minute hike from the trailhead. The road leading to the trailhead is rough and not suitable for all vehicles, so it’s recommended to have a high-clearance vehicle or park at the main road and hike the rest of the way.

What is the difficulty level of the hike?

The hike to the Seljavallalaug Swimming Pool is considered relatively easy, with a gentle incline and a well-marked trail. The path takes you through a scenic, moss-covered landscape with some small stream crossings and rocky sections.

What is the water temperature of the pool?

The Seljavallalaug Swimming Pool is naturally heated by a hot spring, maintaining a comfortable water temperature between 28-34°C (82-93°F) year-round.

What should I bring for my visit?

You’ll want to bring appropriate swimwear, towels, and water shoes or sandals to wear around the pool. It’s also a good idea to pack some snacks and water, and be prepared for changing weather conditions.

Are there any facilities at the pool?

The Seljavallalaug Swimming Pool is a natural, outdoor facility with minimal amenities. There are no changing rooms, showers, or other services, so you’ll need to be self-sufficient.

What are some tips for visiting the pool?

Arrive early in the day to avoid crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience. Be respectful of the natural environment and the pool’s history by not damaging or disturbing the facilities. Also, be mindful of the pool’s depth, as it can vary in different areas.

When is the best time to visit the Seljavallalaug Swimming Pool?

The pool is open year-round, but the summer months (June to August) tend to be the most popular and comfortable time to visit, with milder weather and longer daylight hours. Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon 

Linda Milone

Hi, I’m Linda Milone, a travel enthusiast and safety advocate. I created Safe Travel Quest to share my passion for exploring new destinations while staying safe and informed. When I’m not planning my next adventure, you can find me researching the latest travel trends and tips. Follow safetravelquest along for practical advice and inspiring stories to help you travel with confidence.