Built
1923
One of the oldest pools in Iceland
Seljavallalaug: Iceland's Historic 1923 Mountain Pool
One of Iceland's oldest swimming pools, built in 1923 and nestled in a mountain valley beneath Eyjafjallajökull.
Updated February 1, 2026By the Iceland.org Travel Team
Location
South Iceland
Near Seljavellir • Built 1923
Seljavallalaug is a 25-meter geothermally fed pool built into a mountainside in 1923, making it one of the oldest swimming pools in Iceland. Originally constructed to teach locals to swim, it sits in a narrow valley backed by steep cliffs near Eyjafjallajökull. The pool is free to visit and continuously fed by warm geothermal water, though it is not officially maintained — algae is common and there are no modern facilities beyond a small concrete changing shelter.
Safety + sourcing
Last updated: 2026-02-01
The pool is unmaintained with no lifeguard. Swim at your own risk. Algae growth varies seasonally.
Sources to check
Cost
Free
No admission fee or booking needed
Walk
15 min from road
Flat riverside path to the pool
What to Expect
25-Meter Historic 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)
Beneath Eyjafjallajökull Volcano
Nestled in a narrow valley directly beneath the slopes of the famous Eyjafjallajökull volcano, which dramatically erupted in 2010
Completely Free Access
No admission fee, no booking, no opening hours. Open 24/7 year-round. Simply walk in and swim at your own risk
What to Bring
Swimsuit, towel, waterproof shoes (the trail crosses a shallow stream), and warm layers. No showers or changing rooms beyond a small shelter in poor condition
Algae Warning
The pool is unmaintained -- algae buildup is common especially in summer. Volunteers occasionally clean the pool in spring. No water treatment or filtration
15-Minute River 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 Route 1 in South Iceland, turn north onto the gravel road signed for Seljavellir, located between Seljalandsfoss waterfall (20 km west) and Skógafoss waterfall (20 km east). The drive from Reykjavík is approximately 120 km (1.5 hours). Follow the gravel road about 2 km to a small parking area at its end (space for approximately 15 cars). From the parking area, walk 15-20 minutes along a flat river valley trail to the pool. The trail involves crossing a shallow stream. The road is passable in a regular car -- no 4WD needed. The nearest services are in the village of Hvolsvöllur (30 km west).
Best Time to Visit
Accessible year-round. June through August: warmest air temperatures and greenest valley scenery. Volunteers sometimes clean the pool in May/June, so early summer tends to have the least algae. This is also the busiest period -- arrive early morning for solitude. September through October: fewer visitors, atmospheric autumn light, 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 and requires careful footing. The cool air makes the warm geothermal water feel especially rewarding. April through May: the valley begins greening with returning light and very few visitors.
Planning help
Seljavallalaug FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.