Seljavallalaug Swimming Pool

One of Iceland’s oldest outdoor swimming pools, tucked into a dramatic valley with mountains rising steeply around it. The location itself is stunning and feels almost otherworldly, which is why many travelers are drawn to it. Unfortunately, the pool has fallen into serious disrepair and is not maintained, leaving much of its charm overshadowed by neglect. The water is lukewarm at best and often filled with algae, sludge, and debris, making it far from the relaxing geothermal soak people might expect. Trash is a common problem as well, with litter scattered around the pool and changing areas. What could be a peaceful, scenic stop often feels more disappointing and even unpleasant once you’re actually there. Access is relatively easy, requiring only a short hike from the parking area, but the path can get muddy, especially after rain. Because of the growing awareness of its poor condition, visitors are often surprised by how stark the contrast is between the idyllic photos online and the reality in person. There are no facilities on-site, and since the pool isn’t officially cleaned or maintained, it’s best approached with realistic expectations. It’s not a safe or hygienic spot for swimming, and those looking for a proper geothermal bathing experience will be far happier at maintained hot springs elsewhere in Iceland. Overall, Seljavallalaug is more of a cautionary tale than a must-visit attraction. The surrounding valley is beautiful and worth the short walk for the scenery, but the pool itself is in such poor shape that many travelers leave disappointed. If you do go, treat it as a quick photo stop for the landscape rather than a destination for swimming or relaxation.

Amazing warm swimming pool. What a view and beauty. The pool has a nice temperature but has some slippery spots on the floor (not that weird for an outdoor nature pool). The changing rooms are not that maintained but can still be used for a quick clothing switch. A nice 20 minute walk/hike will get you to this gem in the mountains. Even when it is cold outside this pool is still worth visiting.

It's a really lovely place if you ignore the changing rooms. It's best to go there between July-September otherwise the river that runs along the path maybe gets to high and on the path. The water has a nice temperature if the temperature around you is about 15-18°C. Due to a landslide there are also rocks in the pool that you need to be careful with. And the pool also gets filled with hot and cold water and sadly the cold water is more dominant! Still definitely a visit worth!

The swimming pool area is super cool. If you go past the swimming pool and follow the rocky paths up, you find amazing waterfalls, impressive views and a relaxing area. Just be careful where and how far you climb, some of the rocks and cliffs are dangerous. There are even goats roaming about up there. Respect nature in all its beauty.

Very fun find. Hike to the pool is only like 30 45 minutes from the parking area. Awesome to walk along the river. Pool itself is of course natural with hot water running down the side of the rock face and a pipe feeding it from other hot spring point. Waters warm but not hot. The water directly from the cliff and pipe is very hot. Views were spectacular. Changing hut was tetanus fueling but what can you expect from a rural local hotspring. Recommend wearing your swimsuit there. There is a donation box. Do the right thing to keep this place running.

Rough directions: Follow the road from the private house / parking lot and walk along the path against the direction of the stream. You can hug the stream until you get there, but you may need to wade through some water. I took the path that goes up the hill (it was obvious to me where it started as a desire path had formed), but I had to cross over some fallen rocks - it was not too bad, as someone who has moderate hiking experience. I agree with the other reviews and will add that there is water flowing from a pipe into the pool and an avenue for the water to flow out of the pool. I felt more comfortable with the cleanliness knowing it was not purely standing water. The algae didn’t bother me as someone who swims in lakes!

What a very cool exsperience. a natural hot spring pouring down from the mountain side into a man-made swimming pool .. all the rest is pure natural .. ..its best to wear your bathing costumes under clothes & take a towel ..changing rooms are not that nice ..we just got dressed afterwards with holding towels around us..its well worth doing !!

Really special place! May not compare to a hot spring proper, as the pipe providing the hot water doesn’t heat up the entire pool very well, but the experience of swimming outside in such a beautiful place is incomparable! The changing rooms are quite dirty, but for a free place, absolutely no complaints. The 20-minute walk was even more stunning around sunset and the pool was mostly empty around 8pm when I visited. Highly worth the trip!