Reykjavík offers a choice of several beautiful geothermal pools, but Arbaejarlaug is one of the most popular. Locals and tourists come here for its family-friendly environment and excellent facilities for children. It has a sleek modern design with half of the pool housed inside a modern glass dome, making it the ideal choice for cold, windy days.
Thermal pool culture is an important way of life for the locals, who use the geothermal waters to socialize, unwind and re-energize. There’s something for everyone here: slides, waterfalls, massage jets, sun lamps, tubs called hot pots, paddling pools, a thermal steam bath, a sauna and a solarium. Parents can lounge happily as their children splash about.
Be prepared for a frigid non-sauna experience when moving between pools. Just a few seconds in the cold can be shocking if you are wearing only a flimsy swimsuit! The outside temperature in the winter months is around the freezing point on average, while the thermal water is a regular 84 degrees Fahrenheit (29 degrees Celsius). The bubbling hot tub is much hotter at 99 to 107 degrees Fahrenheit (37 to 42 degrees Celsius).
All the Reykjavík geothermal pools contain water of the finest quality. It comes from holes drilled throughout the city and is checked regularly by health inspectors. The hot water has a faint sulphur odour that takes a little getting used to. Icelanders are proud of their natural clear water and like to keep it clean, so make sure you follow the instructions and wash with soap before entering the pools. Towels and swimsuits are available for rent.
Arbaejarlaug is about a 4.5-mile (7-kilometre) bus ride from central Reykjavík. Combine it with a walk in Elliðaárdalur Valley, a beautiful recreation area with a salmon fishing river and a waterfall. An oasis of calm, it’s a great place to bird-watch, cycle or simply relax with a picnic.
Arbaejarlaug pool is open daily throughout the year.
