Tourism Iceland: What about visiting swimming pools in Iceland ?

Swimming in Iceland is not what most visitors think about visiting this northern European Island Country. Cold weather, midnight sun, beautiful ice mountains is more what comes to mind.

However, according to the Iceland Monitor, one of the most quintessential things to do on an Icelandic road trip is to bathe in the local pools. Each community has its own warm bathing spot, be it in a large sports hall or by a small hillside cabin.

The Húsafell swimming pool represents one of the most popular pastimes in the area’s natural paradise. It first opened its doors in 1965 but it has been renovated since and now boasts two pools, two hot tubs and a small waterslide.

The Húsafell pool is the most expensive of the ones on this list.

A hidden gem in the flora of pools, Lýsuhólslaug on Snæfellsnes peninsula is like no other. It may not look like much as it cuddles up to the cliffs in Staðarsveit but its mineral water comes straight from the earth and is believed to be healthy, calming and healing. No chemicals, such as chlorine, are mixed in the water.

When in Drangsnes, in the northern Westfjords, a stop in the hot tubs lodged on its beaches is a must. Admission to the tubs is free but travelers may also want to visit the new swimming pool, located in a scenic spot.

The magnificent view from the swimming pool in Hofsós over Skagafjörður and the island of Drangey is an obvious pull for travelers who want to rest their weary bones. The pool opened in March 2010 and was a given to the county by two businesswomen, Lilja Pálmadóttir and Steinunn Jónsdóttir.

Jónasarlaug in Þelamörk  is named for the poet Jónas Hallgrímsson. It was built between 1943-1945 and is a popular resting place for families traveling in the North. Extensive renovations were made in 2008 were both hot tubs and a waterslide were added.

Selárdalslaug in Vopnafjörður is a bit out off the beaten track but that makes it all the more exciting. It stands on the banks of Selá river that runs through a shallow canyon. The pool is known for its beautiful surroundings, rain or shine. At 33 degrees Celsius,  the main pool is warmer than the average Icelandic pool but guests can also splash around in a shallow kiddie pool or relax in the hot tub.

The outdoor area by the Westman Island swimming pool is comfortable, yet exciting. Children and adults alike enjoy the climbing wall, basketball hoops and the two waterslides the pool has to offer.

One of the slides ends in a trampoline that shoots swimmers up into the air before they land in the deep end of the large pool.