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How To Get To Seljavallalaug Pool In Iceland – Iceland’s Geothermal Pool In The Mountains

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Iceland Hidden Pool - Seljavallalaug Pool - How to find Seljavallalaug Pool
 

 

Visiting Seljavallalaug Pool In Iceland

 
Seljavallalaug Pool in Iceland is a hidden swimming pool in the mountains and an absoluteis a must see! Below I will be sharing how to get to Seljavallalaug Pool. The Land of Fire and Ice and has many hidden gems that it’s so hard to pick a favourite, among waterfalls, hot spring pools and glaciers. All I know is while planning the trip to Iceland, I knew that there was no way I wanted to leave without finding the Iceland hidden pool in the mountains, namely Seljavallaug pool or Seljavallalaug  Pool or Seljavellir Pool as known by locals.
 
 
Seljavallalaug swimming pool was built in 1923 and may just be Iceland’s oldest swimming pool. It was used to teach swimming to many Icelanders, but now so many Iceland hot spring thermal pools have sprung up in and around Iceland, but Seljavallaug pool remains one of the most popular geothermal pool in the country and is mainly frequented by tourists. Those that can actually find the hidden pool in the mountains.
 
Having read that a few people failed to find it, I was a little anxious about not being able to find it and leaving Iceland without swimming it. Finding Seljavallaug pool was actually not that hard. It really was a matter of preparation and research as to what to look out for in terms of the road signs.
 
 

 

 

Seljavallalaug  Pool - How to find the Iceland hidden pool (seljavellir pool)
Seljavallalaug  Pool - How to find the Iceland hidden pool (seljavellir pool)
 

Is Seljavallalaug Heated?  | What Can I Expect When  I Arrive At Seljavallalaug Hot Spring?

 
When we arrived for our swim it was just after 10pm, in the summer, days are long so it doesn’t get dark until about 1am. We had been out exploring and wanted to end out the day of exploring with a visit to the popular Iceland thermal pool that brings many from around the world to take a dip.
 
 
Clouds were low, it was raining lightly but the temperature in Seljavallalaug pool was such a treat for the wet and mildly cold day. As cold droplets fell from the sky you would dip your entire body in the pool and suddenly you were nice and toasty from the warmth of the famous Iceland hot spring thermal pool filled with water from the hot spring nearby.
 

It’s built right on the rocks. The floor of the 82-foot-long pool is covered in slippery algae, which makes standing or walking in the pool rather difficult at times. The weird sensation of the slippery algae is quickly overshadowed by the calming and relaxing feeling, a result from the beautiful and tranquil scenery of cascading waterfalls, and mountains views that surround the pool and it’s all free! Iceland is expensive but there are many sights around the country that are free.

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The expense comes in when you talk about getting to them and where to stay in Iceland.This hidden gem is filled with hot spring what from Eyjafjallajokull. If that name looks familiar is because that’s the name of the volcano that erupted in 2010 and sent all the flights in Europe and around the world into a tailspin as the ash cloud from the Eyjafjallajokull volcano caused flights to be cancelled due to safety.

 

Also, blame that volcano for a lot of changes in travel insurance coverage too as insurance companies added a clause about cancellations due to natural disasters. Eyjafjallajokull volcano is now covered by an ice cap. Seljavallalaug thermal pool is now a protected site and maintained by volunteers who clean the pool a handful of times a year to ensure it’s free from the ice after winter as well as cleaning the algae from the floor of the pool from time to time.

 

 
Iceland Hidden Pool - Seljavallalaug Pool - How to find Seljavallalaug PoolIceland Hidden Pool - Seljavallalaug Pool - How to find Seljavallalaug Pool
 
 

 

What to pack for a visit to Seljavallalaug  Pool:

There are no other facilities on site by Iceland’s popular Seljavallalaug Pool on a mountainside. Bring your swimsuit obviously. Pack a light towel and some flip-flops. Depending on the season you come, it can sometimes be cold. I have seen some people bring woolly hats into the pool, which are perfect if you are just chilling in the pool and want to keep your head warm while the whole body is dipped in warm water.

 

Also, pack some snacks, drinks or water as there are no shops or any facilities. Pack some head torches, especially if coming here during the winter months when it gets dark early in the day. There are no lights in the changing rooms or in the surrounding area so you will walk back in darkest if you don’t come prepared, which is not recommended. Also, ensure you come with warm clothes to change into as well as waterproof women’s/men’s jackets too.  

 

The weather in Iceland can change dramatically with not so much warning. We took these pictures in the summer! Some of the terrains can also be slippery, especially when it’s been raining so wear suitable walking shoes. You can find men’s and ladies here.

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Seljavallalaug Pool Cost? 

 

It’s Free!!! There is no charge to use Seljavallalaug Pool. No entrance fee required.

 

Seljavallalaug Pool Opening Hours

 

Seljavallalaug Pool is open to the public 24/7 but just make sure you bring suitable clothing and torches if heading there int the evening.

 

Iceland Geothermal Pools Dress Code & Etiquette  – Are there changing rooms at Seljavallalaug Pool?

 
Before I could attempt to embrace my inner diva and demand my dressing room be bathed in natural light and filled with fresh and fragrant flowers, I was presented with changing rooms that are more basic than BASIC! Yes, there are changing rooms but they are basically concrete walls to protect your modesty and that’s about it!
 
 
Also, not designated by the sex, so people can randomly walk in and change in whichever one is available. The good thing is, people are respectful and do give you an opportunity to change in private if they find you in an already compromised position. There are no showers on site or toilets to try answer nature’s call before coming to the pool.  The changing rooms by the Seljavallalaug swimming pool is at one end of the pool and simply provide some privacy to change into swimsuits.
 
 
 
Seljavallalaug  Pool - How to find the Iceland hidden pool (seljavellir pool)
 
Seljavallalaug Pool - How to find Seljavallalaug Pool
Seljavallalaug Swimming Pool - How to find the Iceland hidden pool
Seljavallalaug Pool - How to find Seljavallalaug Pool
Hot springs iceland | geothermal pool iceland | hidden pool iceland | Seljavallalaug Pool
 
 

Iceland Tours That Include Seljavallalaug pool visit:

 
You might not have the option of doing the self-drive tour and locating the hot spring pool yourself. The option is for a guided tour  There aren’t that many tours that include Seljavallalaug pool in Iceland. When I was researching I couldn’t find any until I got back.You can hop on an Iceland guided tour that covers the South coast waterfalls, the famous plane wreck in Sólheimsandur, Sólheimajökull glacier hiking and bathing in Seljavallalaug swimming pool. 
 
 
Also, check out Get Your Guide which has a lot of tours in and around Iceland that suita many budgets as well as how long you might be in Iceland. This is a 14-hour tour covering a good chunk of Iceland highlights without you having to plan a thing.
 
 
Perfect for those with limited time in Iceland. If you have to say 2 days, you can spend a day in Reykjavik and see the Hallgrímskirkja church, Harpa and other cool things in the city and then do a day on the tour or if you had just one day in Iceland then this tour comes a lot.
 
 
 
Seljavallalaug Pool - How to find Seljavallalaug Pool
Seljavallalaug  Pool - How to find the Iceland hidden pool
 
Seljavallalaug Swimming Pool - How to find the Iceland hidden pool
Seljavallalaug Pool - How to find Seljavallalaug Pool
 

The 15-minute hike to Seljavallalaug swimming pool – 

Pat yourself on the back once you find the car park but once parked you still have to locate the Seljavallalaug swimming pool. Having prepared with a lot of research and mental images stored in my head about what the surrounding looked like I knew to look out for the cascading waterfalls.
 
 
Once you see those you know you are in the right place. The walk from the car park to the swimming pool is about 15-20 minutes. The trail is somewhat obvious and easy to follow. Just walk in the direction of the waterfalls. During heavy rainfall, you may find that the river next to the pool can look a bit rough so take care not walk too close as the current looked quite powerful.
 
 
If you are lucky you may also be in good company by way of a lovely dog that is usually walking around here from the nearby farms. I am scared shitless of dogs but this is one friendly pup that will guide to or from the pool depending on the direction you are walking in. It walked us back to the car park. Barking along as if to direct us on the path to walk.
hot springs iceland map
Seljavallalaug Pool - How to find the Iceland hidden pool
Seljavallalaug  Pool - How to find the Iceland hidden pool
Seljavallalaug  Swimming Pool - How to find the Iceland hidden pool
 
Seljavallalaug Pool - How to find Seljavallalaug Pool
Seljavallalaug swimming Pool - How to find the Iceland hidden pool
 

How to get to Seljavallalaug Pool| Directions For Driving To Seljavallalaug Pool

 

Google is a little sketchy in these parts so you will have to do a little research in terms of that names of the road to look out for and signage. Exploring the Ring Road is by way of road 1.
 
 
If you are driving from Reykjavik you will drive towards the direction of Vik but once you get to Porvaldseyri(Icelandic Eruption exhibition), drive a little further and look out for signs for Seljavellir (pool) which lead you to road 242 marked by Raufarfell. The road takes you all the way to the parking spot, which is not clearly marked but will be quite obvious.
 
 
There is a small farm and a couple of houses just near the parking spot. Once you park your car, you will notice you are in a deep valley with a river running right by it. The trail isn’t far from the car park. A few minutes into your walk you will see the changing rooms peaking out.
 
 
The pool is right at the bottom of the changing rooms.If the directions above still leave you lost and google maps isn’t helping then try the Seljavallalaug coordinates: 63.5656° N, 19.6076° W
 

For a list and directions of more of Iceland natural hot springs and pools check out the ultimate guide to Iceland’s Hot Springs Map.

Seljavallalaug Pool - How to find Seljavallalaug Pool
Seljavallalaug  Pool - How to find the Iceland hidden pool
Seljavallalaug Pool - How to find Seljavallalaug Pool
 

Find Where to stay in Iceland and Close to the sights

 

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Seljavallalaug  Pool - How to find the Iceland hidden pool

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Janie

    This looks absolutely incredible. I have heard so much about secret hot springs in Iceland. Definitely a must on my trip now!

    Also, love your swimsuit!!!

    Reply

  2. Bili

    Great post Bee. I have been searching for a post with more details on Seljavallalaug swimming pool. We are heading to Iceland and wanted to be able to find this hidden pool on our own as we are on a self guided tour of Iceland. I am not a confident swimmer so I have been searching for posts to find out how deep is seljavallalaug swimming pool. Thanks for the additional tips on how to find it as well as the beautiful photos too.

    Reply

    • Bianca

      Hi Bili, I am glad you found the post useful. Yep, the Seljavallalaug hot spring is definitely a must when visiting Iceland. Even better if you are visiting with your own car that way you can stay as long as you like. Also as far as how far is Seljavallalaug from Reykjavik, if you are driving on your own its not too bad a distance. I think we visited the pool a day after arriving in South Iceland. Anyway enjoy your trip to Iceland and safe travels.

      Reply

  3. Matthew

    Been doing some research into this Iceland’s hidden pool after my friend suggested it to me. It really does seem like a great place to visit, and I greatly enjoyed reading your post, even more so how to get to seljavallalaug pool from Reykjavik, thank you!

    Reply

  4. Sam

    Such an amazing place. We are visiting Iceland next summer and are keen to make sure we know how to get to Seljavallalaug pool. I have already downloaded the hot springs Iceland map and one place I dont want to miss out on is Iceland’s hidden pool. Thank you for the detailed post. I hope we can find this place easily.

    Reply

    • Bianca

      Yes, this is one not to be missed. I am also keen to head back to Iceland and explore some of the other natural hotsprings Iceland has to offer. Will be heading back soon. Enjoy your trip and I hope you get to enjoy this cool and hidden gem in Iceland.

      Reply

  5. Nicky

    We are visiting Iceland soon and this is the one place I am super excited about. Wonder what seljavallalaug pool in winter looks like. Do you know is seljavallalaug heated?

    Reply

  6. Joyce Wesley - seljavallalaug iceland

    A thermal hot spring in cold Iceland? It is really hidden, I have visited a couple of spots on Iceland and this is just the first time I am hearing of this. I am visiting Iceland in July. I wonder if I can take the seljavallalaug tour in Iceland. This is definitely a must not just for me but also my entire family. Seljavallalaug hella cool. Just wondering how deep is Seljavallalaug as I am visiting with one of my teenage sons.

    Reply

    • Bianca

      Hi there, yes this is such an amazing must dos in Iceland. The pool is not that deep. It depends on the height of your son. The shallow end I think is at least 4ft. The deeper end might be close to 6ft.

      Reply

  7. Maite

    How relaxing it looks! A beautiful place I’m going dying to visit in Iceland. I have heard that there are so many secret lagoon Iceland has dotted around the country. This is simply amazing and so exciting as I am planning to visit Iceland in November this year. I can’t wait to check out the mountain pool in Iceland

    Reply

    • Bianca

      Yes, this is one of those amazing places worth exploring in Iceland. Make sure you don’t leave without visiting this pool in the mountains as well as many other hot springs.

      Reply

  8. Connie

    Among the best Iceland geothermal pools that’s free. We really enjoyed visiting the pool for the first hour before a group arrived with no knowledge of iceland hot pool etiquette. Let’s just say that we didn’t stay look after they arrived.

    Reply

    • Bianca

      Aww man I am sorry they ruined the experience for you. Hopefully, they got the message and read up on Iceland hot pool etiquette before ruining more experiences for others.

      Reply

  9. Sonny

    I am so glad I didnt give up on finding this hidden swimming pool in the mountains. Such amazing scenery as you swim. We had this pool to ourselves for about an hour before another couple joined us. Amazing pictures.

    Reply

  10. Betty

    Beautiful shots! This is one of the best public swimming pools in Iceland. I missed it on my first visit to Iceland but had to make sure we checked out at least one geothermal pool in Iceland. I love your pictures and the fact that you have details on the Iceland geothermal pools dress code as far as changing rooms and all. One of the best among Iceland hidden pools.

    Reply

  11. Toney

    I have been trying to find information on hidden pools price or details about the hidden swimming pool cost, your post is the only one on Iceland’s hidden pool that is really detailed as well as informative on how to get to Seljavallalaug pool too. Thanks!

    Reply

  12. Niecey

    Thank your for putting together a very details post on how to get to seljavallalaug pool. I have been trying to find a comprehensive post on Iceland’s hidden pool, I have had seljavallalaug my Iceland bucketlist for a long time. Do you know much about Iceland nudity and whether you can swim at seljavallalaug in the nude?

    Reply

    • Bianca

      Hi Niecey, I am not usual about whether you would want to do this pool in the nude but as its a publict pool I am sure you might want to steer away from naked Iceland swimming. Its one of the oldest swimming pools in Iceland and one that is popular with tourists and locals. I did mention things to take to the pool so please also include your birthing suit 😛

      Reply

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