Off The Beaten Path: Iceland

Seljavallalaug Pool

Seljavallalaug Pool is a protected 75 foot outdoor pool in southern Iceland. The pool is one of the oldest swimming pools in Iceland and was built in 1923.

Seljavallalaug is located not far from Seljavellir. The construction was headed by Bjorn Andrésson Berjaneskoti, who received the Ungmennafélagið Eyfelling for the work. Courses in the pool were initiated as part of compulsory education in 1927. The pool is 75 feet long and 10 metres wide and was the largest pool in Iceland until 1936.

In 1990, a new pool about 1.2 miles closer to the valley was built, but people can still go swimming in the old pool free of charge, but at their own risk. The pool is cleaned once every summer. Prior to that, it is often covered with thick ice, requiring care.


The 2010 eruptions of Eyjafjallajökull volcano filled Seljavallalaug with ash. In early summer 2011, a group of volunteers gathered to clean the pool using loaders and excavators.

Perhaps not as remote as it used to be – but still considered a hidden gem, is Seljavallalaug pool. Driving the South coast is popular amongst tourists but no bus tours take you to this place, yet.

Among the pools in Iceland that's still around, the Seljavallalaug pool is the oldest and still in pretty good shape. It even has a changing room, though there's no showers. There's no charge so just bring your swim suit and enjoy the quietness of nature. We don't want to spoil his hidden beauty so be sure to bring your respect and care as well.


The pool is situated between the famous waterfalls Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss and you can reach it either by drive there on your own or go with the only tour that takes you to Seljavallalaug (this tour is also currently the only tour goes to the DC Plane Wreck). When driving from Reykjavík, take a left towards Seljavellir just before you reach Skógafoss. Then there's a 15 minute easy walk to the pool.

Seljalandsfoss is Waterfall

Seljalandsfoss is one of the best known waterfalls in Iceland. Seljalandsfoss is located in the South Region in Iceland right by Route 1 and the road that leads to Þórsmörk Road 249. The waterfall is one of the most popular waterfalls and natural wonders in Iceland. The waterfall drops 197 feet and is part of the Seljalands River that has its origin in the volcano glacier Eyjafjallajökull. One of the interesting things about this waterfall is that visitors can walk behind it into a small cave.

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