Vesturbæjarlaug – Reykjavik, Iceland

Iceland is a country full of hot springs amidst the striking silhouettes of mountains and the always-nearby Atlantic. Vesturbæjarlaug is a lovely city pool and bath located in the country’s capital, Reykjavik.

All pools are outdoor and open regardless of if it’s summer or winter. It’s a great place for a convenient swim with easy access. Tourists and locals can both appreciate the short walk from downtown to this relaxing retreat.

History

Vesturbæjarlaug, Iceland. Photo: facebook.com/Vesturbaejarlaug

Vesturbæjarlaug opened its doors in 1961 and has made updates and additions twice since then, expanding to become the grand space seen today. Owners can’t quite say they’ve built the largest pool in the country–that title goes to the one is Laugardalslaug, also in Reykjavik–but it is certainly one of the top few.

The Pools and Other Activities

Fitness fans will love swimming laps in the 25-meter pool complete with racing-style platforms to practice starts. This local hotspot even has running routes for those who really want to burn some calories.

While swim lessons or group exercise classes can sometimes take over a few of the lanes, there is plenty of room for all to enjoy. In fact, if you prefer to avoid the extra traffic, planning to visit the pools outside of typical school hours is a good idea. All Icelandic kids who are physically able to are required to learn how to swim as part of the country’s education requirements.

Those seeking more of a relaxing experience will enjoy the whirlpool bath, saunas, steam bath, and hot tubs. Hot tubs are set at various temperatures to allow people to find an individual favorite for maximum comfort. In typical Scandinavian fashion, there is even a cold tub for cycling between hot and cold.

A wading pool also sits nearby attracting guests who want to catch some rays as they kick back in shallow water.

A pool just for kids is another major selling point for the property. It is attached to the lap pool, making it easy to keep an eye on your little ones if they’re old enough to splash around alone, and it even has a slide. Facilities are also on site for people to join in the fun with their infants.

Need a suit? No problem! Swimwear is sold here, too.

There is plenty to do to keep the whole family busy for at least a full afternoon. A fully-stocked snack bar and restaurant are available for a needed energy boost or to simply grab a drink and dry out in between dips.