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 in a mountain valley beneath Eyjafjallajökull.
Location
South Iceland
Near Seljavellir • Built 1923
Quick Answer
Seljavallalaug is a free geothermal pool built in 1923 in a valley below Eyjafjallajökull, a 15-minute walk from the parking area. Check current access and water conditions.
Seljavallalaug is a 25-meter geothermally fed pool built into a mountainside in 1923, 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.
Sources and page update
Updated: 2026-09-10
The pool is unmaintained with no lifeguard. Swim at your own risk. Algae growth varies seasonally.
For sourcing standards and how to report an error, see the editorial policy.
Official 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
Set in a narrow valley directly beneath Eyjafjallajökull, the volcano that erupted in 2010
Completely Free Access
No admission fee, no booking, no opening hours. Open 24/7 year-round. 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 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, so arrive early in the morning if you want the pool to yourself. September through October: fewer visitors and autumn light in the valley. November through March: snow covers the mountains around the pool, but the trail may be icy and requires careful footing. The warm water feels even better in cold air. April through May: the valley begins greening with returning light and very few visitors.
A protected structure, not a water-quality certificate
Iceland’s Cultural Heritage Agency records Seljavallalaug’s construction in 1923 and protection on July 6, 2006. The protection includes the pool, associated structures and nearby ground, extending ten metres to the north, south and east and covering the western cliff wall.
That designation explains the pool’s historic importance. It does not certify present bathing conditions. Respect the old concrete and surroundings, and assess whether a landscape visit suits your day even if you decide against entering the water.
Planning help
Seljavallalaug FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.
Is Seljavallalaug clean enough to swim in?
This guide has not established a current water-quality test or supervised bathing service. Algae and continuous inflow do not demonstrate that water is safe to swim in. Check local notices; if you want a managed swimming experience, choose an operating public pool.
Is Seljavallalaug free to visit?
Yes, Seljavallalaug is completely free with no admission fee or booking required. It is an unmaintained public pool, so there are no services, lifeguards, or changing rooms beyond a small concrete shelter.
How long is the walk to Seljavallalaug?
The walk from the parking area is about 15–20 minutes each way along a relatively flat river path. The trail can be muddy, especially after rain, so sturdy shoes are recommended.
Why was Seljavallalaug built?
The pool was built in 1923 to teach Icelanders how to swim, as drowning was a leading cause of death in this seafaring nation. It is 25 meters long and was one of the first swimming pools in Iceland.
Country reference: Iceland statistics.