Grafarvogslaug

Grafarvogslaug, hidden in the friendly Grafarvogur neighborhood, is the perfect getaway for travelers looking to leave the busy downtown area and experience the quieter parts of the city. The pool is one of Reykjavík’s best-designed swimming pools, offering a perfect blend of recreation, relaxation, and family-friendly facilities. With a lot of options of pools and tubs, it's a great choice for travelers who want a taste of Iceland’s geothermal culture.

Grafarvogslaug is also Rainbow Certified, meaning that the facilities are LGBT+ friendly, both for employees and service recipients.

Why Visit Grafarvogslaug?

Grafarvogslaug really offers an impressive range of facilities for its guests looking for a good geothermal pool in Reykjavík. The centerpiece of the complex is a spacious 25-meter outdoor pool with designated lanes for lap swimming and casual dips, ideal for fitness-focused guests as well as leisurely swimmers. The indoor pool, comfortably heated and shielded from the elements, allows visitors to enjoy swimming year-round, no matter Reykjavík’s unpredictable weather. Although, for the real Icelandic experience guest should take the opportunity and enjoy the warm waters in the fresh outdoor air. 

For families, Grafarvogslaug truly shines. A dedicated children’s pool with a slide and wading area invites younger guests to splash and play, while the exciting “wipeout track” provides an added thrill for older children and teens. Families visiting public pools in Reykjavík will find Grafarvogslaug an excellent destination that balances fun and relaxation.

Geothermal Relaxation at Its Finest

Grafarvogslaug’s relaxing amenities make it an ideal destination for those seeking Iceland’s famous geothermal experience. Guests can unwind in the selection of hot tubs, each set to different temperatures. Ranging from a gentle 38°C to a toasty 44°C (100-111°F), these hot tubs offer a range of options for those who wish to relax at their preferred level of warmth. For a truly invigorating Icelandic tradition, the cold plunge tub — chilled to a bracing 6°C (43°F) — provides a refreshing contrast that’s invigorating and energizing.

Additional wellness options include a steam bath and an infrared sauna. The infrared sauna, prized for its therapeutic benefits, provides a soothing heat that’s excellent for relaxation and rejuvenation, making it ideal for guests who wish to incorporate a restorative element into their visit, especially after a day or two of touring Iceland. 

Pool and Tub Temperatures

Each pool and hot tub at Grafarvogslaug is thoughtfully maintained at a specific temperature to provide maximum comfort. The main swimming pool is set at a refreshing 28°C (82°F), ideal for lap swimmers and casual bathers alike. The children’s pool, meanwhile, is kept at a warmer 32°C (90°F) for a cozy, safe environment that young swimmers will appreciate.

Hot tubs at Grafarvogslaug offer a range of temperatures, from 38°C for a gentle soak up to 44°C for those who enjoy a more intense heat. The cold plunge, an exhilarating 6°C (43°F), offers a classic Icelandic experience that provides a burst of energy after a warm soak. This array of temperatures ensures that every guest can find their perfect level of comfort.

A Pool for Everyone

Grafarvogslaug places a strong emphasis on accessibility and inclusivity, a commitment recognized by its Reykjavík Rainbow Certification. The pool complex includes private changing rooms designed for transgender, non-binary, and other individuals requiring additional privacy. These private rooms are fully equipped with a shower and toilet, and for people that also require assistance there is a shower chair, bath bench, and toilet support. The private changing rooms are outside the gendered changing rooms to accommodate helpers and family members of the opposite sex.

Accessibility is also carefully integrated into the design. The outdoor pool features a ramp and wide steps with handrails, ensuring easy access to the water. The indoor pool is at the exit of the changing rooms and has wide steps and has a handrail in the middle. There is also a lift for wheelchairs to enter the pool. Then the tubs have handrails along the steps going into the water, and also around the tubs.

Added Conveniences for a Well-Rounded Visit

Grafarvogslaug goes beyond traditional pool offerings with practical amenities. Free WiFi keeps guests connected outside of changing rooms and pool area, while food and beverage sales on-site make it easy to enjoy refreshments after a swim. And a nearby fitness trail and running routes encourage guests to combine swimming with outdoor exercise.

For those who may need a last-minute swimwear item, Grafarvogslaug also has swimwear available for purchase, ensuring you have everything you need for a relaxing day at the pool.

Located in Grafarvogur

Located in the lively and scenic Grafarvogur district, Grafarvogslaug is only a short 20 minute drive from Reykjavík’s city center. Making it a convenient option for visitors who want to get out of the crowded city center and experience nearby areas and get close to local culture.

The pool is positioned near local running trails and outdoor areas, allowing guests to enjoy the surrounding landscape and even extend their visit with a scenic walk. The pool is also located only a 5-minute drive from Sambíóin cinema at Egilshöll entertainment complex for families and groups looking to spend a fun day in a new neighborhood.

• GPS Coordinates: 64°08'17.0"N 21°47'09.8"W

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