12 Oct Best Places to Swim in Iceland

I know what you are thinking. Swimming in Iceland – am I sure about this? However, the country has its fair share of geothermal pools, which means no matter the temperature you can enjoy warm waters. While the majority of my suggestions are geothermal pools, I of course had to include one location with glacial waters: Stuðlagil. Hiking to and jumping in the river at Stuðlagil was my overall favorite activity in Iceland. So yes, there are many places to swim in Iceland!

Curious about my other favorite attractions in Iceland? Check out my Top Iceland Excursions and Top 10 Things to Do in Iceland.

Contents:

1) Stuðlagil

2) Hidden Hot Springs

3) Blue Lagoon

4) Mývatn Nature Baths

5) Seljavallalaug Pool

6) Other

1) Stuðlagil – Best Places to Swim in Iceland

• Location: Stuðlagil Canyon – northern Iceland
• Parking: Stuðlagil west side viewpoint and Stuðlagil east side parking
• Estimated visit time: 2 hours
• Price: free
• Nearby lodging: Eidavellir Apartments and Rooms and Akureyri H.I. Hostel

Directions

The west side of the canyon has a viewpoint not far from the parking area. However, be aware there is no way to hike down into the canyon from this side. Instead, you will need to go to the east side of the canyon if you would like to hike down to the water’s edge. On the east side, drive across the bridge and park where the road ends. It is then a 1.5 mile / 30 minute walk to the canyon. Shortly after passing the viewpoint on the other side, hike down to the water’s edge. There is no defined trail, and thus we made our way down along the rocks at this point. 

Additionally, be sure to bring a towel. We walked back to the car while still wet, and it was not particularly enjoyable due to Iceland’s colder temperatures. Consider packing a travel towel, such as the Rainleaf microfiber towel. 

View from the path to Stuðlagil Canyon

General Information

Stuðlagil was my FAVORITE activity in Iceland. It is a basalt rock column canyon with a turquoise river running down the middle. To find more basalt rock columns in Iceland, head to Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach and Svartifoss Waterfall. 

The river is named Jökla (also known as Jökulsá á Brú or Jökulsá á Dal). Jökla was previously so strong and dangerous that visitors could not even approach the canyon. Iceland then built Hálslón Reservoir, which lessened the flow of Jökla and thus allowed for visitors from all around the world to enter the canyon. 

But what made it my favorite activity? Jumping in the glacial river. When we first saw a person jump in the water, we thought they were just looking for an adrenaline rush. Then we saw another person jump in…and another…and another. We realized jumping in Jökla is actually a common activity. 

We wanted to take full advantage of our time in Iceland, and thus we joined the crowds and jumped in ourselves! All of the air left my body as soon as I hit the freezing cold water. It was truly an adrenaline pumping experience. Therefore, it deserved the first spot on my list of the best places to swim in Iceland. 

For more information: My Favorite Activity in Iceland: Hiking to Stuðlagil.

Swimming in the glacial river at Stuðlagil Canyon

2) Hidden Hot Springs

• Location: Seljavallalaug Pool – southern Iceland
• Parking: Seljavallalaug bílastæði
• Estimated visit time: 2 hours
• Price: free
• Nearby lodging: Skyggnir Bed and Breakfast and South Iceland Guesthouse

Directions

We parked at Seljavallalaug bílastæði and walked 20 minutes to the Seljavallalaug Pool, following along the river. THEN we continued past the pool on the left of the river. After just a few minutes there are two small circular hot springs surrounded by rocks. We had to wade through the river; we walked on the left against the mountain for about 30 feet, and the water only went slightly past our ankles. We did NOT have to cross the river.

This was definitely a hidden gem of our trip, and we were so happy we found it. Consider adding a few Iceland hidden gems to your trip; you will not regret it.

Pointing to one of the hidden hot springs

General Information – Best Places to Swim in Iceland

The two hidden hot springs have no name and are not on google maps. They are thus a hidden gem and rank as my number two for places to swim in Iceland. That is right, they even beat the Blue Lagoon. We had almost complete privacy when we visited. Two people were there when we first arrived. They had a red shirt lying on a rock, which actually helped us spot the hot springs. However, they left five minutes later, which was perfect for us as we then enjoyed the springs and accompanying scenery in privacy. 

There are two hot springs in the area, both circular and around five to seven feet in diameter. One is by the river’s edge, with only the rocks surrounding it allowing for separation from the river. The other is up against the side of the mountain. The water temperature is similar to that of a hot tub. Additionally, the scenery could not be more beautiful. Mountains surround the springs on both sides, and we even saw sheep grazing on the hillsides. 

For more information: Best Hidden Hot Springs in Southern Iceland. 

Relaxing in the hidden hot springs

3) Blue Lagoon – Best Places to Swim in Iceland

• Location: Blue Lagoon – western Iceland
• Parking: Blue Lagoon car park
• Estimated visit time: 2 hours 30 minutes 
• Price: $58 for basic ticket 
• Nearby lodging: Guesthouse Pavi

Directions

Enter through the main building, which houses the café and changing rooms.  

For additional nearby attractions, check out Fagradalsfjall Volcano and Bridge Between Continents on the Reykjanes Peninsula.

General Information

Third on the list of the best places to swim in Iceland is the Blue Lagoon. It is arguably the most popular destination in Iceland. Over two million people visit every year, which equates to around 6,000 to 7,000 people per day. Some argue it is just a tourist trap, but I disagree. We booked tickets for 9am, which was the earliest entrance time and thus the least crowded. I was even the first one to step foot in the Blue Lagoon the day we visited. Additionally, we purchased basic tickets, which included one free drink and one free face mask. 

Enjoying our time in Iceland at the Blue Lagoon

Requirements Before Entering the Lagoon

Check in at the front desk and receive a wristband upon arrival. The wristband allows you to purchase items in the lagoon as well as to receive the free face mask and free drink. After checking in, head to the changing rooms to obtain a locker and shower. The wristband acts as the key to the locker. Before entering the lagoon, they ask everyone to shower without a swimsuit. There are public showers as well as private ones. Additionally, all showers include complimentary shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. 

Enjoying the Blue Lagoon – Best Places to Swim in Iceland

The water is amazingly warm, no matter the temperature outside. The lagoon itself is fairly large, which is especially convenient in the early morning as we were able to find a private corner. We first swam to the back of the lagoon and took pictures. Less people in the background = even better pictures. Then we walked around the entire lagoon.

Our next stop was the bar to grab our one free drink. We both ordered a smoothie, and the green smoothie was delicious. Lastly, we grabbed our free face mask. After putting it on, we had to wait 10 to 15 minutes before washing it off. I have fairly sensitive skin, yet the mask did not irritate my skin at all! Instead, my skin felt refreshed and healthy. 

Overall, the Blue Lagoon was a relaxing and rejuvenating experience. We visited on the second to last day of our trip, and it was the perfect ending. I could not have asked for a better experience from the third location on my best places to swim in Iceland list.  

For more information: The Blue Lagoon in Iceland: Everything to Know.

Enjoying the view (of no people) at the Blue Lagoon

4) Mývatn Nature Baths

• Location: Mývatn Nature Baths – northern Iceland
• Parking: Mývatn Nature Baths
• Estimated visit time: 1 hour 30 minutes 
• Price: $45 per ticket 
• Nearby lodging: Eidavellir Apartments and Rooms and Akureyri H.I. Hostel

Directions

Enter through the main building, which houses the small café and changing rooms.

General Information – Best Places to Swim in Iceland

Fourth on the list of the best places to swim in Iceland are the Mývatn Nature Baths. They are in the Mývatn region in northern Iceland, which is a popular tourist destination due to the quantity of sites and activities available. For example, check out a viewpoint of Lake Mývatn, the geothermal area of Hverir, and the geothermal spring within a cave named Grjótagjá. 

Requirements Before Entering the Nature Baths

Upon arrival, check in at the front desk. While the website says to arrive within the 30-minute arrival time stated on the ticket, they allowed us to enter even though we were slightly early. Furthermore, they will ask if you would like to purchase a drink bracelet. Next head to the changing rooms. Choose a locker (at no cost) by simply putting stuff inside and taking the key wristband within the locker. They do ask everyone to shower without a swimsuit before entering the Nature Baths. There are public as well as private showers, all including complimentary shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. They do not offer complimentary towels, swimsuits, or robes, but all items are available for rental.

Enjoying the Nature Baths

Mývatn Nature Baths include a large geothermal pool, a smaller and hotter geothermal pool off to the side, steam rooms, and outdoor showers. Also, take note of the water outside of the changing room exits – remember to hydrate to avoid overheating.

We started out in the smaller pool off to the side before exploring the main geothermal pool. Some spots are warmer than others, and thus we stopped to relax at a spot with our preferred temperature. Additionally, there are benches along the majority of the walls. I highly recommend considering Mývatn as one of your places to swim in Iceland due to its relaxing and rejuvenating qualities. 

For more information: What to Know Before Visiting Myvatn Nature Baths in Iceland.

Panoramic view of Myvatn Nature Baths

5) Seljavallalaug Pool – Best Places to Swim in Iceland

• Location: Seljavallalaug Pool – southern Iceland
• Parking: Seljavallalaug bílastæði
• Estimated visit time: 1 hour 30 minutes 
• Price: free
• Nearby lodging: Skyggnir Bed and Breakfast and South Iceland Guesthouse

Directions

We parked at Seljavallalaug bílastæði and walked about 20 minutes to the Seljavallalaug Pool – just follow along the river.

Seljavallalaug Pool is close to a bunch of other popular attractions in southern Iceland, including Skógafoss Waterfall and Kerid Crater. Why not check them out?

Seljavallalaug Pool and surrounding scenery

General Information 

Seljavallalaug Pool is actually the oldest human-made pool in Iceland, built in 1923. The man responsible for its creation wanted to offer people a place to learn how to swim, for Iceland previously required swimming within their educational requirements.

The water within the pool flows from a hot spring. To find the warmest section of the pool, find where the water flows in and avoid the shallower areas as they tend to be slightly colder. While the pool is a popular tourist destination, it will generally be less crowded than other places such as the Blue Lagoon. The scenery is also beautiful as mountains surround the pool. 

One note of warning: the changing rooms are not in the best condition. We changed into our swimsuits in our car beforehand. No one cleans or monitors the area, which means it unfortunately suffers from those who leave food, clothes, etc. behind. Let us all do our part as visitors and leave no trace. There you have it – the last location on my list of the best places to swim in Iceland! 

For more information: What to Know Before Visiting Seljavallalaug Pool in Iceland.

Seljavallalaug Pool with the changing rooms in the background

6) Other – Best Places to Swim in Iceland

• Secret Lagoon
• GeoSea Sea Baths
• Fontana Geothermal Baths
• Drangsnes Hot Pots

While we did not visit any of the places listed below, they do come highly recommended by others as additional places to swim in Iceland. 

The Secret Lagoon, also known as Galma Laugin, is in Flúðir, just beyond the Golden Circle. Its waters flow from Vaðmálahver, Básahver, or Litli Geysir. Tickets cost approximately 3000 ISK (~$23).

The GeoSea Sea Baths are along the coast in northern Iceland, about one hour northeast of Akureyri. Try to catch the northern lights or spot some whales. Tickets cost around 4,900 ISK (~$38).

The Fontana Geothermal Baths, also known as Laugarvatn Fontana, are in the Golden Circle. Relax in the multiple pools and saunas available and then take a dip in the lake to cool off. Tickets cost around 3,950 ISK (~$30).

The Drangsnes Hot Pots are in the WestFjords, about three and a half hours north of Reykjavik. The natural pools are on the coastline, easily accessible by a small staircase. What is the best thing about them? They do not cost a penny to visit.  

PIN IT to save it for later!

Start planning your Iceland itinerary today: 9 Day Road Trip Itinerary for Iceland.

Consider visiting some of my favorite attractions: Top 10 Things to Do in Iceland.