Brimketill Lava Rock Pool
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About Brimketill Lava Rock Pool
Brimketill is a small pool carved by the sea into the lava shelf on the south coast of the Reykjanes peninsula, a few kilometres west of Grindavík. Waves breaking over the low lava edge fill the basin, and the constant surf, spray and black rock make it one of the most dramatic short stops on the coastal road between Grindavík and the Reykjanes lighthouse area.
This is not a hot spring or a bathing spot. The water is cold, churning seawater, and waves can wash right across the surrounding rocks without warning. Entering the pool or the sea here can be life-threatening, and there is no safety supervision, so keep children close and stay on the platform. Local folklore says a giantess named Oddný used to bathe in the pool.
The site is signed on the ocean side of Route 425. From a small car park, a short set of stairs leads down to an extended viewing platform above the pool. The platform is not accessible to wheelchairs, and on rough days spray can reach almost to the car park, so a waterproof jacket helps. There is no entrance or parking fee and no facilities.
The pool is at its most impressive when there is a good swell running; on calm days it is quieter but easier to see into. Reykjanes is volcanically active, and SafeTravel still lists the Grindavík area as hazardous because of continuing unrest and possible ground cracks. Check SafeTravel and road information before you go, stay on marked paths and respect any closures. Brimketill combines well with the Bridge Between Continents and the lighthouse coast further west.
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Good to know
Can you swim in Brimketill?
No, the pool is filled by cold, turbulent seawater and waves can sweep across the rocks without warning, so entering it can be life-threatening.
Where is Brimketill?
It is on Route 425 on the south coast of Reykjanes, a few kilometres west of Grindavík, signed on the ocean side of the road.
Is Brimketill a hot spring?
No, it is a cold seawater pool carved into the lava shore by wave erosion.
Is there parking at Brimketill?
Yes, there is a small free car park with stairs down to a viewing platform; the platform is not wheelchair accessible.
Is Brimketill open?
The site is open, but the Grindavík area is still classed as hazardous because of volcanic unrest, so check SafeTravel and road conditions before visiting.
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