Iceland review - 2014, Qupperneq 72

70 ICELAND REVIEW
my own goal was to swim in each
of the seven public pools in the
Reykjavík city limits. I can reach
them all on the public bus. Admission is free with the
Reykjavík Welcome Card. I’ve swum them all now,
except Kjalarneslaug, which seems so far away it’s almost
in Akranes. Someone tell the mayor of Reykjavík that
there should be a Wet Beach Towel Award for this.
While all the pools have the appeal of warm water,
clean facilities, long opening hours and several hotpots
(be aware of the temperatures: 40°C equals over 100°F)
each pool has its own unique character. Depending on
where you go there are various attractions for children
and health-seekers, from waterslides and paddling pools
to saunas and steam baths. Some locations are a decent
bus ride from the city center, but it’s a great way to see
Reykjavík beyond the 101 district. Don’t worry, the bus
drivers can point you on if the pool is not right across
from the bus stop.
My first visit was to Sundhöllin where I soaked in the
hotpots overlooking Hallgrímskirkja Cathedral or swam
in the indoor lap pool. Vesturbæjarlaug is within walking
distance of the city center, with a comfortable neighbor-
hood vibe.
Árbæjarlaug on the east side is a kid’s delight: they
zip down the enclosed waterslide, splash in an outdoor
wading pool or chat indoors in the glass gazebo, while
I admire the snow-covered mountains from the hotpots.
Not far from the Mjódd bus terminal, Breiðholtslaug
has several hot pots, a small wading pool, lap pool and
two colorful open-top waterslides. On sunny weekdays,
people stretch out in Breiðholtslaug’s pools to catch
some sun and relax by simply floating.
In a slightly more remote area is Grafarvogslaug, where
If you haven’t been swimming in Iceland, you haven’t been to
Iceland. The saying is very true. Bring a towel, your swimsuit and
a sense of adventure. Iceland is truly a swimmer’s delight and
Reykjavík a superb place to begin.
BY Deb sMith PHOtOS BY PÁll stefÁnssOn