Is Seljavallalaug still open for swimming?

Yes, Seljavallalaug is open year-round and free to visit. However, the pool is no longer officially maintained by any municipality. Volunteers occasionally clean it, but the water quality varies and algae can accumulate, especially in summer. There is no lifeguard, filtration, or chemical treatment. Swim at your own risk.

How do I get to Seljavallalaug?

From Route 1, turn onto the road toward Seljavellir (between Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss). Drive to the end of the gravel road where there is a small parking area. From there, walk approximately 15–20 minutes along a flat river valley trail to the pool. The path involves a shallow river crossing that may require waterproof shoes.

Are there changing rooms at Seljavallalaug?

There is a small, old changing shelter beside the pool, but it is in poor condition and often wet or muddy. Many visitors change at the poolside. Bring a towel and be prepared for basic conditions—there are no showers, restrooms, or any modern facilities at the pool.

Was Seljavallalaug affected by the Eyjafjallajökull eruption?

Yes, the 2010 Eyjafjallajökull eruption deposited a significant layer of volcanic ash in and around the pool. Volunteers later cleaned it out and restored it to a usable state. The pool sits in a narrow valley directly beneath the volcano, making it vulnerable to future volcanic activity.

Seljavallalaug: Iceland's Historic Outdoor Pool Beneath Eyjafjallaj\u00f6kull

One of Iceland\u2019s oldest swimming pools, built in 1923 and fed by a natural hot spring in a narrow valley beneath Eyjafjallaj\u00f6kull volcano.

Updated February 1, 2026By the Iceland.org Travel Team

Location

Near Seljalandsfoss

South Iceland \u2022 Built 1923

Seljavallalaug is a 25-meter outdoor pool built into a hillside in 1923, making it one of the oldest swimming pools in Iceland. Tucked into a narrow valley beneath the slopes of Eyjafjallaj\u00f6kull, the pool is fed by a natural hot spring that seeps through the mountain wall on one side, while a cold stream flows along the other. The result is a pool with varying temperatures\u2014warmer near the rock wall and cooler toward the open side. Though no longer officially maintained, Seljavallalaug remains a beloved destination for those seeking an authentic, off-the-beaten-path Icelandic experience. The short walk through a quiet river valley to reach it only adds to the sense of discovery.

Safety + sourcing

Last updated: 2026-02-01

Pool is unmaintained\u2014no lifeguard, filtration, or water treatment. Water quality varies. Swim at your own risk. The trail involves a shallow river crossing.

Sources to check

SafeTravel

Pool Size

25 m long

Built into the hillside in 1923, one of Iceland’s oldest pools

Walk Distance

~15–20 min

Flat valley trail from the parking area with a shallow river crossing

Entrance Fee

Free

Open year-round, unmaintained—no facilities

What to Expect

25-Meter Pool (25-35°C)

A 25-meter concrete pool built into the hillside in 1923. Water temperature varies from warmer near the spring wall (~35°C) to cooler near the open side (~25°C)

Natural Hot Spring Source

Warm geothermal water seeps through the mossy rock wall on one side of the pool, continuously replenishing the water from an underground source

Completely Free Access

No admission fee, no booking, no opening hours. Open 24/7 year-round. Swim at your own risk -- the pool is unmaintained with no lifeguard

What to Bring

Swimsuit, towel, waterproof shoes (shallow stream crossing on the trail), and warm layers. No showers, toilets, or changing rooms -- just a small crumbling shelter

Beneath Eyjafjallajökull Volcano

The pool sits directly beneath the famous volcano that erupted in 2010. Volcanic ash was deposited in the pool and later cleaned out by volunteers

15-Minute Valley Walk

A flat, scenic 15-20 minute walk from the parking area along a river valley. Involves crossing a shallow stream, so waterproof footwear is recommended

Getting There

From Reykjavík, drive 120 km east on Route 1 (about 1.5 hours). Between Seljalandsfoss waterfall (20 km west) and Skógafoss waterfall (20 km east), turn north toward Seljavellir (the turn is signed). Follow the gravel road approximately 2 km to its end at a small parking area (space for about 15 cars). From there, walk 15-20 minutes along a flat river valley trail. The path crosses a shallow stream, so waterproof footwear is helpful. No 4WD required. The nearest services are in Hvolsvöllur (30 km west). Combine with visits to Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls on the same day.

Best Time to Visit

Year-round. June through August: warmest air temperatures, greenest valley scenery, and cleanest pool water (volunteers sometimes clean it in May/June). This is also the busiest period -- arrive early morning for solitude. September through October: fewer visitors, atmospheric autumn light in the valley, and the pool is relatively quiet. November through March: winter visits are magical with snow-covered mountains framing the pool, but the trail may be icy. The cool air makes the warm geothermal water feel especially rewarding. Note that algae accumulates more in winter. April through May: the valley begins greening with very few visitors. Early mornings are best for solitude in any season.

Planning help

Seljavallalaug FAQs

Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.

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