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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

Hiked here in mid-Feb. It was nice to get out of the car and hike for a bit. The water wasn't too hot the day we were there, but I jumped in none-the-less. How many more times would I have the opportunity to swim in Iceland's oldest hot spring pool.

We ran 2 kliks in the pouring rain to get to the pool and it was well worth it. A beauty of a sight.

This was a nice short walk to a great hot pot! I went in the late afternoon and there were ~10 other swimmers. I'll echo the shoe statement- definitely no flip flops for the rocky portions! I found the cleanliness in line with what you'd expect from a natural hot springs (and totally acceptable for me!)

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