No Hot Pool Left Behind

Years ago I stumbled upon a photo that captured a pool secluded and sitting in a green valley with snow covered mountains. I wanted to see this for myself. I promised myself that I would visit Seljavallalaug Pool in Iceland. Later I learned it is the oldest swimming pool in the country and located under Eyjafjnallajokull Volcano.

 

I figured out the pool was a 10 minute drive from our last Airbnb. Snae, our host, warned us of floats in the water but I assured him I was use to swimming in some dirty ponds and marinas.

As simple as the directions were, I had a hard time figuring out where it was which was torture for my dad in the passenger seat. It wasn't until I was at the end of the wrong road that we came upon a sign that told us "Turn around for the waterfall". After a short flat hike, we arrived at the pool. 


The water was dark and the heat was un-even throughout the pool. But I didn't notice because my heart was exploding with love for the waterfalls in the distance and the sound of river just feet away. We enjoyed periods of solitude as the small trios of people trickled in and out.

That day I got to replace a vision with a memory.

Our second day in Iceland, we visited The Blue Lagoon. It's one of the must-dos for many. We earned some hot pool time after a day driving in the car to Gullfoss and Geysir. The Blue Lagoon is located in a remote area of the highway towards Keflavik Airport. If all you see is volcanic rock for miles then it's a sure sign you're close. 

Blah Lonio in Icelandic, is a geothermal spa heated from 99-102 degrees fareniheit. The water has high mineral contents to the likes as sulfur and silica. A man-made attraction, the water is powered by a nearby geothermal plant which is replenishes the spa with new water every couple days as the super heated water from the volcanic vents underneath the ground rises. 

We had fun as we slopping algae masks on each other and sipping on our alcoholic beverages. There were options to experience steam rooms and a sauna hut. I tried the latter and found myself in the presence of a man meditating which was super impressive given the fact I couldn't last longer than saying my ABCs. 

Overall the facility was impeccable. From the swim up bar to the full service locker rooms and extensive space to swim, I can see what it's a HOT spot. 

The day after the half-marathon, I tried out the local pools of Reykjavik. Laugardalslaug which are the largest and most extensive offerings with a 50m outdoor pool, two waterslides, numerous hot tubs and steam bath. Yes, I went down the waterslide! They have a line up of hot pools which ranged in temperatures and the one on the end was filled with water pumped from the bay.

Photo by @yanga_code

If you're looking to have a swim in Iceland there will be plenty of places to do it. Icelandic locals say this is a regular thing for them. It is good for their health and a good way to socialize. A watering hole of a different kind that I like.