Denmark
November 9, 2025
Forget volcanoes, glaciers and Vikings — Iceland’s real claim to fame is water. Not waterfalls, not beer, not even the Blue Lagoon (though it gets all the headlines). No, the real crown jewel is this: Iceland has more public swimming pools per capita than anywhere else on Earth.
That’s right. While other nations compete for Olympic medals, Iceland quietly dominates the sport of… municipal bathhouses.
A Pool for Every Hamlet (and Sheep)
With fewer than 400,000 people, Iceland boasts over 120 public pools. Reykjavík alone has 17 — which means you can’t throw a snowball without hitting a hot tub. Even tiny fishing villages with more sheep than residents will have a proper sundlaug (public pool).
Priorities? Fishing nets, wool sweaters… then swimming pool.
Powered by Volcanoes
Unlike your local YMCA, Icelandic pools don’t smell like chlorine nightmares. They’re filled with geothermal water — naturally heated by the country’s underground lava system.
This is the same renewable energy that makes Iceland a world leader in sustainability, heating homes, greenhouses, and yes… your hot tub.
Not Just Swimming — Social Engineering
The pool isn’t just for laps. It’s Iceland’s version of a town square. People soak in hot tubs of different temperatures while:
- Gossiping about neighbors
- Discussing politics
- Debating who has the best fermented shark recipe (spoiler: no one)
Kids learn to swim as part of school, so by adulthood, hanging out in steaming water while snow falls is second nature. It’s hygge — the Icelandic way.
Tourists: Blue Lagoon. Locals: The Neighborhood Pool
Visitors flock to the Instagram-famous Blue Lagoon, which is great… if you enjoy bathing with 2,000 strangers holding selfie sticks.
But locals? They head to their cozy neighborhood pools — cheaper, quieter and just as full of geothermal magic. If you really want to understand Icelandic daily life, skip the tourist lagoon and join the locals at places like Laugardalslaug in Reykjavík.
At Best of Nordic, we love showing travelers the authentic side of Iceland — from community pools to hidden Nordic gems.
The Strange Truth
So no, Iceland doesn’t lead the world in Olympic golds for butterfly stroke. But when it comes to public pools per person, it’s the undisputed champion.
Other nations built malls. Iceland built hot tubs. And honestly? They win.
Top 5 Icelandic Pools You Must Try
Want to dive in like a local? Here are five pools worth adding to your Iceland trip:
- Laugardalslaug (Reykjavík) – The capital’s largest pool, complete with slides, multiple hot tubs, and even a seawater tub. Perfect for families.
- Sundhöllin (Reykjavík) – Iceland’s oldest public pool, recently renovated. A mix of history, sleek design, and rooftop hot tubs.
- Seljavallalaug (South Coast) – Built in 1923 and nestled in a valley near Eyjafjallajökull volcano, this is Iceland’s most scenic “wild” pool.
- Hofsós Swimming Pool (North Iceland) – A stunning infinity pool that looks like it spills straight into the fjord.
- Reykjadalur Hot River (near Hveragerði) – Not a man-made pool, but a geothermal river where you can soak surrounded by mountains and steam vents.
(And yes, there are more — from Arctic pools in Ísafjörður to tiny sundlaugar in remote fishing towns. Iceland really does have a pool for everyone.)
Ready to Jump In?
If you want to experience Iceland’s geothermal pools for yourself — from Reykjavík’s neighborhood hot tubs to remote village sundlaugar with mountain views — get in touch with Best of Nordic. We’ll help you discover the Iceland locals know, with authentic stories, cultural experiences and geothermal adventures that go far beyond the usual tourist path.
Keep Exploring the Nordics
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