Seljavallalaug
Seljavallalaug
Seljavallalaug
simple-thermal · South
Hotter than 0% of Iceland springs (n=20).
More acidic than 10% of Iceland springs (n=20).
Mineral profile
Bar width reflects listing order, not measured concentration.
Suitability
At a glance
Getting there
Remote — over 5km from the nearest station
About this spring
This rustic, twenty-five-meter concrete swimming pool sits hidden deep inside a narrow, dramatic mountain valley. The water is fed by a natural hot spring trickling down from the volcanic slopes of the infamous Eyjafjallajökull glacier. A simple, weathered concrete changing shack sits at the pool edge with no staff, electricity, or modern amenities.
Highlights
History
Built by local volunteers in 1923, this historic structure stands as one of the absolute oldest surviving swimming pools in Iceland.
It was constructed primarily to teach coastal fishermen and farming children how to swim, a vital survival skill during the early twentieth century. The pool was buried in thick volcanic ash during the massive 2010 eruption of Eyjafjallajökull but was meticulously cleared by volunteers.
Local guide
Reaching this hidden gem requires a twenty-minute hike into a narrow, dramatic mountain valley. As you walk along the gravel riverbed, towering green slopes close in around you. Suddenly, the long, weathered concrete pool appears, tucked tightly against a steep rock wall. The site is completely wild, unmonitored, and free of any modern commercial facilities.
The bathing experience feels like stepping back in time. The water trickles down a mossy rock face from a natural hot spring vent and flows into the deep end of the pool. The temperature is generally lukewarm rather than boiling, making it perfect for a casual swim rather than a hot soak. The dark green algae clinging to the walls and floor emphasizes the completely natural, unchlorinated state of the pool.
You must bring everything you need with you, including a towel, a plastic bag for wet clothes, and a flashlight if visiting near dusk. The changing shack is extremely basic, unheated, and rustic, so be prepared to change quickly on cold days. Pack out all your trash to help preserve this historic site.
Visit early in the morning during the summer months to enjoy the serene mountain solitude before other hikers arrive. There are no food vendors or shops anywhere near the canyon, so pack snacks and water for the trek. The pool is surrounded by stunning mountain backdrops that make every angle feel cinematic.
Mineral chemistry
Simple thermal springs have lower dissolved mineral content but are valued for the pure therapeutic effect of heat immersion itself — easing muscle tension and improving circulation. Considered the gentlest introduction to hot spring bathing.
Standard precautions apply: avoid bathing within 30 minutes of eating, keep soaks to 10–15 minutes for first-timers, and hydrate before and after.
Similar springs
These exclusive, stone-lined thermal pools are tucked deep inside a remote volcanic canyon at the edge of the Icelandic highlands. The pools are built from local basalt stones to mirror the raw geological formations of the surrounding cliffs and rivers. The surrounding wilderness features striking views of rushing glacial streams and distant snowfields.
This traditional pair of circular pools is built entirely from smooth, hand-stacked volcanic stones on the edge of the Skagafjörður shoreline. The water is supplied by a natural hot spring vent and smells faintly of earthy minerals and sea salt. The coastal location is constantly swept by ocean breezes and offers beautiful views across the bay toward Drangey Island.
This charming, small geothermal pool sits nestled into a grassy hillside on a private historic farmstead. The pool walls are crafted from rough, moss-covered stone boulders that blend seamlessly into the surrounding green valley pasture. A tiny turf-roofed stone hut stands at the water's edge to serve as a rustic, historical changing shelter.
FREEThis completely natural geothermal river flows gently past the edge of the vibrant Laugahraun lava field in the southern highlands. Cold water streams mix with boiling volcanic vents to create an ideal, shifting temperature zone for weary hikers. The pool is surrounded by stunning, multi-colored rhyolite mountains that glow with hues of orange, yellow, and green.
Amenities
Getting there
Drive along the Ring Road toward Skógar, turn left onto Route 242 toward Seljavellir, follow the gravel road to the end, and hike twenty minutes into the canyon.
Location & nearby
Seljavellir, 861 Hvolsvöllur
Make a day of it
Pair your soak with these nearby spots.
Viewpoint
Raufarfell
1.3km away
Viewpoint
Skjannanípa
2.0km away
More springs in South
This historic open-air pool utilizes a continuously flowing natural hot spring that feeds a stone-lined basin. A small active geyser erupts nearby every few minutes, casting thin plumes of steam across the pastoral landscape. The water remains perfectly warm year-round and maintains an authentic, old-world Icelandic atmosphere.
This lakeside wellness facility features multiple outdoor mineral pools, steam rooms, and shallow wading zones built directly over bubbling geothermal vents. The stone-lined pools vary in temperature and border the dark sand shoreline of Lake Laugarvatn. A highlight of the property is the outdoor bakery where traditional Icelandic rye bread is buried and baked directly in the hot geothermal sand.
This charming, small geothermal pool sits nestled into a grassy hillside on a private historic farmstead. The pool walls are crafted from rough, moss-covered stone boulders that blend seamlessly into the surrounding green valley pasture. A tiny turf-roofed stone hut stands at the water's edge to serve as a rustic, historical changing shelter.
Common questions
What is the water temperature at Seljavallalaug?▾
The water temperature at Seljavallalaug ranges up to 38°C (minimum around 35°C).
Is Seljavallalaug free to visit?▾
Yes, Seljavallalaug is free to visit.
Is Seljavallalaug a public or private bath?▾
Seljavallalaug is a public bathing spring.
Are tattoos allowed at Seljavallalaug?▾
Yes, Seljavallalaug welcomes visitors with tattoos.