Álftaneslaug

About Álftaneslaug

Álftaneslaug is the public pool of Álftanes, the low, open peninsula in the municipality of Garðabær, a 20-minute drive south-west of central Reykjavík. It stands at Breiðamýri close to Bessastaðir, the president's residence, and is best known for having Iceland's only wave pool.

The outdoor area has a 25-metre pool, the wave pool and a waterslide 10 metres high and 80 metres long. Two hot tubs are kept at about 39°C and 42°C, and a cold plunge tub sits at 4–5°C. Indoors there is a 12 by 8 metre warm pool for parents with young children, with a viewing area, plus a sauna, steam bath and gym. Accessibility is good, with dedicated changing rooms, bath wheelchairs and a pool lift.

The pool opens Monday to Friday 06:30–22:00 and Saturday 09:00–18:00. From 1 June to 30 September Sunday opening runs 09:00–22:00; check Sunday hours outside that period, and note that holiday hours are set separately. It closes for about a week of annual maintenance in August.

A single adult ticket costs 1,350 ISK, and ten-visit and 30-visit cards are sold. Children under 18, seniors aged 67 and over and disabled visitors swim free with a Garðabær resident card (Garðakort).

Álftaneslaug is quieter than the big Reykjavík pools and suits families who want the slide and waves without the crowds. Combine a swim with a walk along the Álftanes shore, known for birdlife. Showering without a swimsuit is required before entering.