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Hike to and Swim at Seljavallalaug

Seljavallalaug, Iceland

4.3/5
based on 6 reviews

Details

Distance

1.9 miles

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Alan Maxcy

Take a dip at Iceland's Oldest Swimming Pool and natural hot springs. Enjoy landscapes that are other worldly beautiful.

You will reach the trailhead by turning off of the Ring Road 1 onto road 242. You will see signs marked for Seljavellir. You will drive straight on this unpaved road until you reach a parking lot for an abandoned pool (little shack in photo above). From here it is only a 15-20 min walk along the rocky mountain valley. The hike will feature beautiful mountains, Icelandic sheep, and a small river coming down off of the Eyjafjallajökull Glacier. You won't miss the pool after the short hike, it is not difficult to find.

The pool was built in 1923 and has been maintained by volunteers over the years. While the pool is man-made the water in the pool comes from a natural hot spring. There is a primitive changing room that is available to use, but there are no showers or bathrooms. Relaxing in the warm water on a chilly, foggy Icelandic day feels more like a dream than reality. This little adventure is a must for anyone traveling to Iceland!

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Features

Chillin
Swimming
Hiking
Family Friendly
Hot Springs
Romantic
Scenic
Swimming Hole

Hike to and Swim at Seljavallalaug Reviews

In a beautiful location, but it would appear that the secret is out as there were probably 50 people there at 5pm in early June. No showers + non-treated water with so many people grossed me out a bit, but it is in a beautiful setting so if you're not bothered by coliforms you may love it!

This has been the highlight of the trip so far. The path is very hard to follow when it's covered in snow and we probably wouldn't have found it without a few pairs of foot prints left behind. This was definitely the raisin at the end of the hotdog as the locals would say. Incredible views and we were fortunate enough to have the place to ourselves. We chose to swim, but it's worth mentioning that this pool is not nearly as warm in the winter when the snow melt from the mountain side runs into the pool.

Hiked out and swam in this pool during our road trip during June 2013. This is an amazing spot to relax in the hot spring and soak up the surrounding views.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Hike Fimmvörðuháls Pass

Hike to the Falls above Skógafoss

Explore Skógafoss in the Winter

Walk Behind A Hidden Waterfall at Kvernufoss

Hike Stakkholts Canyon (Stakkholtsgja)

Explore Sólheimajökull