Guðlaug
About Guðlaug
Guðlaug is a man-made geothermal bathing pool at the edge of Langisandur beach in Akranes, about 50 minutes' drive from Reykjavík. It opened in December 2018 and uses untreated geothermal water. The pools face the open sea across Faxaflói bay.
The structure has three levels. At the top is a viewing deck, in the middle a hot pool of about 39°C, and at the bottom a shallow, cooler wading pool closest to the sea. Bathers can walk straight from the pools onto the beach and into the sea. There are changing rooms, outdoor showers and toilets, and towels can be rented for 830 ISK.
Akranes is about 50 km from Reykjavík by Route 1 and the Hvalfjörður tunnel. Guðlaug is on Langisandur, near the Jaðarsbakkar sports centre and swimming pool, and Hvammsvík Hot Springs is 38 km away, about 30 minutes by road into Hvalfjörður.
Guðlaug was free when it opened, but entry has been charged since June 2021, and payment is by card only. Under the current fee schedule, adults pay 2,800 ISK, ages 10–17 and seniors or disabled visitors 1,400 ISK, and children under 10 enter free. A 10-visit card costs 18,630 ISK.
The pools are open all year. From 1 May to 14 October they open weekdays 12:00–20:00 and weekends 10:00–18:00; from 15 October to 30 April weekday hours are shorter, 16:00–20:00. Check the Akranes town website for holiday changes. Winter evenings are a good time for northern lights over the bay.
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Good to know
Is Guðlaug free?
No. It was free from 2018 until June 2021; adults now pay 2,800 ISK and children under 10 enter free.
How hot is Guðlaug?
The middle pool is about 39°C, and the wading pool at the bottom is cooler.
Is Guðlaug open in winter?
Yes, it is open all year, with shorter weekday hours from 15 October to 30 April.
Are there changing rooms at Guðlaug?
Yes. There are changing rooms, outdoor showers and toilets, and towels can be rented.
How far is Guðlaug from Reykjavík?
About 50 km, roughly 50 minutes by car through the Hvalfjörður tunnel.
Can you swim in the sea at Guðlaug?
Yes. The pools open onto Langisandur beach, and bathers can walk into the sea.
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