Nestled among the scenic landscapes of South Iceland, Seljavallalaug hot spring is one of the country’s most tempting swimming pools. Constructed in 1923, this quaint outdoor pool is not only one of Iceland's oldest swimming spots but once held the title as the country's largest pool until 1936. Its historical significance, coupled with its stunning location tucked in the foothills of Eyjafjallajökull, makes Seljavallalaug a must-visit destination on Iceland’s south coast.
As you plan your campervan itinerary around Iceland, setting aside some time on the south coast to visit the Seljavallalaug pool is a fantastic way to soak in one of the country’s most scenic and historic pools. This guide will tell you everything you need to know about this hot spring, including how to get there, the pool’s history, and how to respect Iceland’s unique environment while you’re there.
The History of Seljavallalaug
First things first—some history. The Seljavallalaug swimming pool was constructed in 1923, making it one of the oldest pools in the country. It also served an educational purpose; locals in the region would come here to learn how to swim, as swimming wasn’t a standardized part of the Icelandic school curriculum at the time.
Its significance is underscored by the fact that it was the largest pool in Iceland until 1936. It measured approximately 25 meters in length, 10 meters in width, and 1.8 meters in depth. In 1936, Laugardalslaug was built in Reykjavik, taking over as the largest pool in the country.
In more recent history, during the 2010 eruption of Eyjafjallajökull, the pool was filled with falling ash. The following summer, a team of volunteers cleaned the pool, once again making it accessible for visitors.
Seljavallalaug’s allure is not just historical but also practical. Offering free access 24/7, it invites visitors to immerse themselves in a piece of Iceland's history while enjoying the natural beauty that surrounds it. The pool's continued existence and popularity underscore its value not only as a recreational spot but as a living testament to Iceland's commitment to education, community, and the preservation of its natural and cultural heritage.
Seljavallalaug isn’t one of those Icelandic attractions directly on the ring road – you’ll need to take a bit of a detour. It’s not a long one, and once you reach the parking area, you’ll also have to do a nice and easy 15 to 20-minute walk to the pool. Here’s how to get to Seljavallalaug swimming pool:
From Reykjavík: Drive east along the Ring Road (Route 1) for approximately 1.5 hours. The journey spans about 150 km (93 miles) and offers breathtaking views of Iceland's south coast.
Turn-off Point: After passing the waterfall Seljalandsfoss waterfall (you might want to stop there), keep an eye out for the left turn onto Road 242. The road is marked as Raufarfell. This is your queue to leave the main road.
Continue on Road 242 for about 6.5 kilometers. This stretch is unpaved, so drive cautiously. You'll be greeted by the sights of Icelandic sheep roaming the area.
Parking Area: The road culminates at a parking lot designated for visitors. This area serves as the trailhead for your short hike to Seljavallalaug.
The Hike to Seljavallalaug:
Preparation: Before hiking, ensure you're equipped with decent footwear, warm, waterproof clothing, and your swimming essentials. As per usual, the weather can be unpredictable.
Trail Details: From the parking area, you'll embark on a 15–20-minute walk. The path, approximately 0.9km/0.5mi each way, is easy but requires descending into the valley where the pool nestles.
What to Expect at Seljavallalaug
As you’re walking into the valley, suddenly, you’ll round the bend, and there it is, the historic swimming pool. Even though you knew it was coming, it’s often still a surprise to see a swimming pool in such a location effortlessly blending in with the surrounding hills and rushing stream.
The pool itself is fed by a nearby hot spring, although the warm water is only piped into one corner of the entire pool, so don’t expect this water to be the warmest hot spring in Iceland. Despite its inviting appearance, remember that Seljavallalaug is open year-round, and the water temperature fluctuates between 20°C (68°F) in winter to a more comfortable 30-35°C (68-86°F) in summer. This variance is partly due to snowmelt from the mountainside in colder months.
The swimming pool is made of concrete and flanked on one side by the mountains, so one side is built into the side of the cliffs. With the old concrete now covered in moss and lichen, it really looks as if it’s a part of the landscape.
Facilities & Safety:
Next to the pool, you’ll find a small changing room and a place to hang your bags and jackets. These are not regularly cleaned, so they may not meet everyone's standards of cleanliness, and often, there’s a bit of mud on the floor from people’s hiking boots.
Also, note that the pool's bottom is sometimes covered in algae, making things slippery. Coupled with wet and mossy rocks around the pool, it pays to go slowly so you don’t fall over and injure yourself. And remember, there aren’t any lifeguards either.
Practical Tips for a Pleasant Visit:
Entrance is free, but a donation box is available for those who wish to contribute to the pool's maintenance. This gesture helps ensure Seljavallalaug remains accessible to future visitors.
Bring Essentials: Since you’ll be trekking around 15 to 20 minutes away from your camper, remember to bring everything you need before setting out on the walk.
No Toilets: With no toilet facilities on-site, ensure you're prepared before arrival. This small detail can make a substantial difference to your overall experience.
Respecting the Environment and Local Etiquette
When visiting Seljavallalaug, respecting the environment and adhering to Icelandic swimming pool etiquette (https://www.gocampers.is/iceland-tips/iceland-swimming-pool-etiquette) as much as you can is essential to ensure the preservation of this special hot spring in Iceland. Here are some guidelines to follow:
Pool Etiquette:
Maintaining Quiet: To preserve the serene atmosphere, keep conversations at a low volume.
Glass Bottles: Avoid bringing glass bottles to the pool area to prevent accidents and ensure the safety of all visitors.
Changing Area: As much as you can, try to remove any mud from your boots before entering the changing rooms. And then after you’ve hopped out of the pool, try and dry off as much as you can before entering the changing room to avoid making the floors wet.
Cleanliness: With no regular cleaning service, it's crucial to clean up after yourself, taking all trash with you when leaving to keep Seljavallalaug pristine for future visitors.
Conclusion
Seljavallalaug hot spring on the south coast is a fantastic spot to include on any campervan trip in Iceland. Nestled in the mountains, it’s a magical experience to soak in these warm waters and enjoy views of the surrounding landscapes. And thanks to its historical context, it’s an absolute winner among hot springs in Iceland.
Frequently Asked Questions
Seljavallalaug swimming pool is unique among Iceland's pools as it does not charge an admission fee. Visitors are welcome to enjoy the pool free of charge, provided there is available space upon their arrival. It is important to note that the pool is a shared space, and arriving first does not guarantee exclusive access.
The water temperature at Seljavallalaug is only lukewarm, hovering somewhere between 20 to 35°C (68-95°F), depending on the season. Other hot springs in Iceland are much warmer, some reaching upwards of 42°C (107°F).
Seljavallalaug swimming pool is around 1.8 meters deep (6 feet) at its deepest point. Like most other pools, it has a shallow end and a deep end – the deep end is where the hot water is piped into the pool.
Yes, thanks to its location on the popular south coast, and relative ease of getting here, it can be crowded during the tourism high season. If you’re travelling in summer, it might be worth thinking about visiting late at night since the daylight hours mean there’s sunlight at that time anyway. And in the shoulder and off-season, a visit at dusk should also help avoid the crowds.
Yes, there are changing rooms at Seljavallalaug. However, it’s simply a small building with no running water or showers.
It takes 15 to 30 minutes to walk from the parking area to Seljavallalaug. The terrain is rocky but mostly flat and quite easy for all fitness levels.
