Sundhöllin Reykjavík
Experience Reykjavik's authentic geothermal bathing culture at Sundhöllin, a local favorite with rooftop hot tubs and clean pools.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Beat the crowds, feel local vibe
Sundhöllin Reykjavík
Best Time
Beat the crowds, feel local vibe
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience Reykjavik's authentic geothermal bathing culture at Sundhöllin, a local favorite with rooftop hot tubs and clean pools.
"Absolute gem. Beautiful temperature outdoor and indoor lane swimming pools, super clean facility with great hot tub."
🎯 Rooftop Views are a Must
Don't miss the rooftop hot tubs for stunning city views!
🧼 Shower Etiquette is Key
Thoroughly shower naked with soap before entering pools.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Rooftop Hot Tubs
Rooftop
Soak in the cityscape from the open-air hot tubs, a truly Icelandic experience.
Indoor Saltwater Pool
Indoor
Enjoy a swim in the clean, well-maintained indoor saltwater pool, perfect for laps.
Steam and Dry Saunas
Sauna area
Rejuvenate in the modern steam sauna or the cozy dry sauna.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Local Ritual
Timing is Key for Relaxation
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Trying to choose public pool Sundhalin or Laugardalsaug
🎯 Rooftop Views are a Must
Don't miss the rooftop hot tubs for stunning city views!
🧼 Shower Etiquette is Key
Thoroughly shower naked with soap before entering pools.
Recommendations for local pools near Reykjavík ?
Things to do in Reykjavik
💰 Budget-Friendly Bliss
A great alternative to pricier lagoons.
🚶♀️ Perfect Post-Tour Soak
Ideal for unwinding after a day of sightseeing.
Geothermal pools/spas in Reykjavik
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Rooftop Views are a Must
Don't miss the rooftop hot tubs for stunning city views!
🧼 Shower Etiquette is Key
Thoroughly shower naked with soap before entering pools.
💰 Budget-Friendly Bliss
A great alternative to pricier lagoons.
🚶♀️ Perfect Post-Tour Soak
Ideal for unwinding after a day of sightseeing.
🧦 Bring Your Own Towel
You can rent one, but bringing your own saves a bit.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Sundhöllin for its authentic Icelandic experience, affordability, and cleanliness. Many highlight the rooftop hot tubs as a must-do, offering great city views. While some note it's less geared towards children, it's widely considered a fantastic value and a perfect way to relax after sightseeing.
"Rather pay $15 to relax in a geothermal heated pool/hot tub, than $150 at Blue Lagoon? Check out the local public bathhouse, pool, and sauna.
No pool side bar, but nice staff, and a great way to soak off sore muscles after walking or touring all day.
The steam sauna is big and quiet modern feeling. The dry sauna is "cosey" but effective.
There is a warm "kids" pool, warm, indoor pool, an outdoor pool (not sure if it is hot or cold) Hot tubs, hotter tubs, and a cold plunge.
everything is very clean and well maintained.
The changing rooms are gendered, but contain private changing rooms.
All patrons must take full unclothed soapy showers before using the pools, but semi private stalls are available (and maybe some fully private?)
Bathing suits are required as all the other facilities are co-ed/mixed genders
Great place to meet locals and learn a little about life in Reykjavik.
I visited twice in a 5 day trip and wish I had found it earlier as it was the perfect way to end each evening."
David Ehle
"Absolute gem. Beautiful temperature outdoor and indoor lane swimming pools,super clean facility with great hot tub and a tiny 3 person sauna. No stinky chlorine. Friendly and helpful staff and all great comfort. Warm outdoor swim whilst it is snowing?Loved it."
Susan de Jesus
"Great true Icelandic experience for a tourist spent over an hour just jumping between the tubs and pools and steam rooms. Very clean and convenient as well. Showers are equipped with soap and lockers are plentiful so you can store all your belongings. There is also a bathing suit dryer so you don’t have to worry about having it stink up your bag"
Victor De Azevedo Rashidi
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Sundhöllin is conveniently located in downtown Reykjavik, making it easily accessible on foot if you're staying in the city center. It's a short walk from many hotels and attractions.
Street parking is available in the vicinity, but it can be metered and busy. Public transport or walking is often recommended if you're in the downtown area.
If your tour ends in the downtown area around 5:30 PM, Sundhöllin is a great choice as it's much closer than other pools, allowing you to get there before dinner reservations.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission is very affordable, often around $15 USD, making it a budget-friendly way to experience Icelandic geothermal pools compared to tourist hotspots like the Blue Lagoon.
Generally, you can purchase tickets upon arrival. It's a local public pool, so advance booking is usually not required, especially if you visit during off-peak hours.
Opening hours can vary slightly, but it's typically open from morning until late evening on weekdays, making it a perfect spot to unwind after a day of exploring. Check their official website for the most current times.
Yes, bathing suits are required for all co-ed and mixed-gender facilities. However, the initial showering process before entering the pools is done without a suit.
Yes, towels are available for rent if you forget yours or prefer not to pack one. However, bringing your own can be a cost-saving option.
🎫 🏊 Onsite Experience
Sundhöllin offers a variety of pools including indoor and outdoor lap pools, several hot tubs of varying temperatures, a cold plunge pool, a steam sauna, and a small dry sauna.
While there is a warm pool for kids, it's generally less geared towards children with toys or extensive play areas compared to some other Reykjavik pools. It's more focused on relaxation and swimming.
A thorough, naked shower with soap is mandatory before entering any pool or hot tub. Private stalls are available for those who prefer them.
Many visitors note the absence of a strong chlorine smell, suggesting the water is well-maintained and possibly uses alternative purification methods for a more natural feel.
Absolutely! It's a popular spot for locals to relax and socialize, offering a genuine glimpse into Reykjavik life and a great opportunity to interact with residents.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
No, Sundhöllin does not have a pool-side bar or cafe. It's a traditional public bathhouse focused on relaxation and swimming.
While not explicitly stated, it's generally not common to bring outside food into the pool areas of public baths. It's best to enjoy your meals before or after your visit.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies can vary, but generally, it's best to be discreet and respectful. Many visitors choose not to photograph to respect others' privacy, especially in changing areas.
The rooftop hot tubs offer scenic views of the city, which can make for great photos. The architecture of the older parts of the facility also has a unique charm.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's important to prepare children for the mandatory showering ritual before entering the pools. The facility is clean and safe, providing a good opportunity for kids to experience a slice of Icelandic daily life. Consider visiting during slightly less busy times to ensure a more comfortable experience for the whole family.
💰 Budget Travelers
It's a perfect spot to unwind after a day of exploring Reykjavik on foot or after a long flight. The clean facilities, friendly staff, and the authentic local atmosphere make it a high-value experience. You can easily spend a couple of hours here soaking in the various pools and saunas, getting a lot of relaxation for your money.
couples
It's a great alternative to more crowded tourist spots, allowing for genuine connection and conversation. The clean facilities and the authentic local vibe create a memorable and grounding experience, perfect for couples seeking a more low-key yet enriching activity in Reykjavik.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Authentic Icelandic Pool Experience
Key to the experience is understanding and participating in the local bathing etiquette. The mandatory pre-swim shower, conducted naked, is a fundamental aspect of Icelandic pool culture, emphasizing hygiene and respect for shared spaces. While private stalls are available, embracing this ritual is part of the authentic immersion.
The variety of pools and tubs caters to different preferences. Whether you're looking for a serious lap swim in the indoor or outdoor pools, a soothing soak in the various hot tubs, or a detoxifying session in the steam or dry saunas, Sundhöllin has something for everyone. The rooftop hot tubs, in particular, are a highlight, offering a unique vantage point of the city as you relax.
Navigating Sundhöllin's Facilities
The showering area is communal, though private stalls are available. This is where the 'no-swimsuit' rule applies before entering the pools. After your shower, you can put on your swimsuit to access the co-ed pools and hot tubs. The facility also boasts a bathing suit dryer, a thoughtful amenity for those who don't want to carry a damp suit.
Beyond the main swimming pools, explore the different hot tubs, each offering a unique temperature and experience. From the extra hot tubs to the invigorating cold plunge, you can create your own circuit for maximum relaxation and invigoration. The saunas, both steam and dry, provide further options for unwinding.
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