Natural pools
Gvendarlaug – Almost 900 Years of Icelandic Bathing History
Few places in Iceland offer the opportunity to experience almost 900 years of bathing history within a 100-metre walk.
At Hotel Laugarhóll, geothermal bathing is more than simply relaxing in warm water, it is a journey through Iceland's history, geology, folklore and local traditions.
Within just a few steps of one another, you will discover four unique geothermal bathing experiences: a protected medieval hot spring, a historic geothermal swimming pool, an authentic natural hot spring and a modern geothermal hot tub.
Whether you come to swim, soak or simply experience one of the Strandir region's hidden treasures, Gvendarlaug offers a truly unique glimpse into Iceland's rich bathing culture.
Gvendarlaug hin forna (The Ancient Pool)
Just 100 metres behind Hotel Laugarhóll lies Gvendarlaug hin forna, one of Iceland's oldest surviving stone-built geothermal pools. The Bjarnarfjörður valley was settled during Iceland's Settlement Age (c. AD 870–930), and the naturally warm spring has undoubtedly been one of the valley's greatest natural treasures ever since. The stone-built pool itself is believed to date from the 12th century (or perhaps even earlier) and remains one of the country's most remarkable geothermal heritage sites.
The name Gvendarlaug literally means "Guðmundur's Pool." Gvendur is the affectionate Icelandic nickname for Bishop Guðmundur the Good (Guðmundur Arason, 1161–1237), while laug simply means pool. The addition hin forna translates as "the ancient one."
The stone-built pool is believed to date from the 12th century or perhaps even earlier. Today, it is protected as an archaeological monument under the care of the Icelandic Cultural Heritage Agency. According to local tradition, Bishop Guðmundur blessed the spring, and ever since its waters have been associated with healing powers and wellbeing.
Today the pool remains exactly as it has for centuries.
Bathing is strictly prohibited in order to preserve this unique historical monument for future generations.
Gvendarlaug hin góða (The Historic Geothermal Swimming Pool)
Only a few metres below the ancient spring lies Gvendarlaug hin góða, a beautiful 25-metre public geothermal swimming pool built in 1946 through an extraordinary community effort.
Local farmers and schoolchildren worked side by side, carrying materials by hand and wheelbarrow to create a pool that would serve generations to come.
At the time, learning to swim was considered an essential life skill in the Strandir region. Many local men earned their living at sea, while rivers and lakes had to be crossed regularly when travelling through the surrounding countryside. The pool was built to ensure that local children learned to swim from an early age, giving them a far better chance of survival in Iceland's harsh natural environment.
The pool is continuously supplied with fresh geothermal water flowing directly from the same ancient spring that feeds Gvendarlaug hin forna. The water temperature is naturally around 30-34°C (86–93°F), although it may be slightly cooler on windy days due to the pool's exposed location.
The water naturally has a pH above 9, making it exceptionally soft and pleasant for bathing. Because fresh geothermal water flows continuously through the pool, we use only a very small amount of treatment chemicals. This gentle approach helps preserve the warm river below and the unique ecosystem and wildlife that depend upon it.
Daily Opening Hours: 08:00–22:00. Admission fee applies.
The swimming pool is cleaned once each week and closes for 4-6 hours during cleaning (usually Tuesdays between 10:00 and 16:00).
The Natural Hot Spring
Beside the swimming pool lies one of our guests' favorite places. Our natural geothermal hot spring offers an authentic Icelandic bathing experience where crystal-clear geothermal water flows directly from the earth at approximately 40–42°C (104–108°F).
Unlike a traditional hot tub, this is nature exactly as it has always been. Warm geothermal water flows through a small natural creek, creating peaceful bathing spots where visitors can simply sit back, relax and enjoy the sounds of flowing water.
Whether under the Midnight Sun or beneath the Northern Lights, this is one of the most magical places in Bjarnarfjörður.
The natural hot spring is part of the swimming pool facilities and follows the same opening hours.
The Geothermal Hot Tub
Our newest addition is a spacious 14-person geothermal hot tub, beautifully located just below the swimming pool building.
The hot tub combines modern comfort with naturally heated geothermal water from the same remarkable geothermal system that has made Gvendarlaug famous for centuries.
It is the perfect place to relax with family and friends while enjoying panoramic views across the surrounding mountains.
Visitor Information
To help maintain excellent water quality and hygiene standards, all guests must enter through the swimming pool building and shower thoroughly before entering any of the pools.
For everyone's comfort and safety:
- Opening hours: 08:00–22:00, every day of the year
- Admission includes access to the swimming pool, natural hot spring and geothermal hot tub
- No glass bottles or glass items are permitted anywhere within the pool area
- Please note that there is no lifeguard or pool attendant on duty.
- Children are the responsibility of their parents or guardians and must be supervised at all times.
From a protected medieval geothermal pool blessed according to Icelandic tradition, to a community-built swimming pool, an authentic wild hot spring and a modern geothermal hot tub, all within a 100-metre walk.
Very few places in Iceland offer such a remarkable combination of history, nature, geothermal bathing and local heritage.
We invite you to slow down, soak in the warm waters and become part of a story that has been flowing through Bjarnarfjörður Valley for almost 900 years.
