The Hidden Thermal Pools of Iceland

Iceland is full of thermal pools, from Grjotagja: a heated pool in the heart of a cave, to Viti: a thermal pool in the crater of a volcano, the country has a selection like no other. Some of these pools are more difficult to reach than others, and if your trip isn't in the middle of July or August, or you don't have a 4x4, some of the more spectacular pools won't be within reach. Fortunately there are still a few great pools with easy access from Iceland's Ring Road.

Happy bout it.

At this point in the trip we had already traveled to the hot springs in Hveragerði, and wanted to try something a bit different. Seljavallalaug, a modified natural hot spring in Southern Iceland was our next stop. Built in 1923, Seljavallalaug was once Iceland's largest pool, reigning supreme for over a decade. Three walls are artificial, and one is formed from the natural face of the mountain from which the thermal water flows. In 2010 the pool was filled with ash from the eruption of nearby Eyjafjallajökull. It has since been cleaned out and is now roughly maintained during the summer months.

Convergence.

A short hike is required in order to get to the pool, with a parking area about a mile away. We set out for Seljavallalaug after dinner at about 10 pm. The amount daylight during the Icelandic summer once again came in handy, allowing us to hike in, and out, in full sunlight. It was raining a bit when we set out and we had to cross a few streams on our way to the pool.

Muck Swimming.

After about 30 minutes we arrived at the pool. Nancy was less than thrilled at the color of the water and the condition of the changing rooms. "It's in the middle of nowhere. It's no dirtier than the stream we went in earlier.", I told her, but she didn't care. After a bit of convincing she came around and we all got in and swam for a bit. 

Aside from another group of three people, we had the place to ourself. After about 45 mins, we dried off and changed. We made our way back to the car and retired to our overly nice, and overly creepy hotel for the night. 

Mileage: 3 Miles

Foggy Bird Cliffs.

Babbling Brook.

Towering.

Come on in.

Adventurer.

Gull, Official Hot Spring Sponsor.

Seljavallalaug.