Laugardalslaug

Laugardalslaug is Reykjavik's largest and most popular geothermal swimming complex, offering a warm, welcoming experience for families year-round. Kids will love the thrilling water slides, dedicated children's pools, and the unique Icelandic experience of swimming outdoors in naturally heated water, even when it's snowing. With multiple hot tubs at varying temperatures and a large main pool, there's something for every family member to enjoy.

• ✓Thrilling outdoor water slides that kids can ride repeatedly
• ✓Multiple geothermal hot tubs ranging from warm to very hot (perfect for parents to relax)
• ✓Dedicated shallow children's pools with play features
• ✓Year-round outdoor swimming in naturally heated water, a unique Icelandic experience
• ✓Large 50-meter main pool for proper swimming and family fun

1. 1.Be prepared for strict hygiene rules: you MUST shower naked without a swimsuit before entering the pools (private cubicles available). Pool attendants enforce this, so explain it to kids beforehand to avoid surprises.
2. 2.Bring your own towel and swimsuit or rent them onsite for a small fee. The entry fee is very affordable (around 1,000 ISK for adults, less for kids), making this a budget-friendly activity.
3. 3.Visit on weekday mornings to avoid crowds and have the slides mostly to yourselves. Weekend afternoons and after-school hours (3-6 PM) get very busy with local families.
4. 4.Bring flip-flops or water shoes for walking between pools, especially in winter. The outdoor walkways can be cold, though the water is wonderfully warm at 28-29°C (82-84°F).
5. 5.Don't rush the experience. Icelanders treat pool visits as social outings, so embrace the local culture and relax in the hot tubs between slide sessions.

Weekday mornings (9-11 AM) offer the best experience with fewer crowds and easier access to the slides. Winter visits are magical with steam rising from the warm pools, but summer offers longer hours and a unique midnight sun swimming experience. Avoid weekday afternoons (3-6 PM) when local school groups arrive.

Entry is very affordable at approximately 1,000 ISK for adults and 150 ISK for children (roughly $7 and $1 USD). Showers before swimming are mandatory and supervised. The facility is fully accessible and lockers require coins (bring Icelandic kronur). A small cafe sells snacks and drinks onsite.

Open year-round with a truly magical experience in winter when you can swim in warm water while snowflakes fall around you. The pools are heated to a comfortable temperature in all seasons. Summer offers extended hours and the novelty of swimming late into the evening under the midnight sun. No seasonal closures.

The nearby Laugardalur area has several family-friendly options including Subway and local cafes within a 5-minute drive. For a more substantial meal after swimming, head to Icelandic Street Food in downtown Reykjavik (10 minutes away) for hearty soup served in bread bowls that kids enjoy.