Perhaps the finist tradition of contemporary Iceland is the sundlaug, the public swimming pool. These heated pools are ubiquitous in any Icelandic community, now matter how small. The largest facilities, in the capital, Reykjavik, are Olympic size. The smallest resemble backyard pools in America. The entrance price ranges from $2.25 to $3 throughout the island -- a cheap ticket price for a glimpse into a society.
Larger facilities will always feature an outdoor swimming pool, heated to about 85 degrees Fahrenheit, plus at least one warmer Jacuzzi. The larger complexes, like those in the capital, also have kids pools, slides, multiple hot baths at varying temperatures (95-115 degrees), and possibly a sauna and massage room. The locker-room showers blast out Iceland's cleansing, hot water. During my stays in the country, I would even visit a pool twice a day!
Any trip to Iceland also would be incomplete without paying homage to the island's most famous pool complex, Blue Lagoon. The facility is located on an eerie moon-like landscape 45 minutes outside Reykjavik. As you pull into the parking lot, you pass the Svartsengi power plant, which is energized by sea water heated on hot lava rocks. It belches steam in the distance and discharges its waste water into a murky, blue pool covering volcanic rocks. Yes, that pool you're paying top dollar to visit is Svartsengi's sewage pond. However, the pool is quite harmless; in fact, locals swear the mud and dead algea muck in the pool have curative and restorative powers (I know I felt rejuvenated). You'll find Blue Lagoon products aplenty at the pool shops. The pool is accessible by daily tour buses. There's nothing like this place. Yes, it's a tourist trap, but well worth your time.
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Ring of Water
In mid-summer, Reykjavik's premiere pool, Sundlaugar Reykjavikur Laugardal, is a the center of social life.
Pre-Swim Stretch
At Iceland's ubiquitous swimming pools, many elderly Icelanders arrive early to stretch and socialize.
Some Like It Hot
At the Laugardal swimming pool in Reykjavik, the smaller heated pools at the sprawling complex are crammed with heat-worshipping bathers.
Blue Lagoon
At Blue Lagoon, 45 minutes outside Reykjavik, locals and tourists alike swim in the mineral rich, sulfuric-smelling waters.
Mood Indigo
At Blue Lagoon, a group of bathers floats and toasts in the pool's warm waters.
Morning Lap
Many Icelanders start their day with a morning swim at a neighborhood heated swimming pool. (Arbaer Swimming Pool, Reykjavik)
Morning Dip, Iceland
In Iceland, nothing beats a refreshing float in a heated swimming pool.
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| Page updated November 1999 |