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Varmaland Geothermal Pool

4.6
·443 reviews·Borgarnes, Iceland

Affordable geothermal relaxation with hot tubs, slides, and a steam bath. Experience authentic Icelandic pool culture.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more relaxation

CrowdLow
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Borgarnes Swimming Pool

Varmaland Geothermal Pool

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more relaxation

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Affordable geothermal relaxation with hot tubs, slides, and a steam bath. Experience authentic Icelandic pool culture.

4.6
(443 reviews)

"A quintessentially Icelandic pool experience offering great value and relaxation."

Vertical photo
TIP

Bring Your Own Towel

Save on rental fees by bringing your own towel. Essential for a comfortable visit! :beachwithumbrella:

Embrace Nudity

Full nude showering is mandatory before entry. It's a normal Icelandic practice, so relax and go with the flow. :brazil:

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.6 · 443 reviews

Type

Swimming Pool

♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Geothermal Hot Tubs

Geothermal Hot Tubs

Outdoor area

Soak in three distinct hot tubs, each with varying temperatures for ultimate relaxation. Perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring.

Reddit
Thrilling Water Slides

Thrilling Water Slides

Outdoor area

Three different sized slides offer fun for all ages, adding an element of excitement to your geothermal dip. Great for families!

Reddit
Natural Steam Bath

Natural Steam Bath

Indoor area

Experience a naturally heated steam room, a perfect way to detoxify and relax your muscles.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Embrace Icelandic Pool Etiquette

Before diving in, understand Iceland's unique pool culture. Thorough, nude showering is mandatory before entering any pool or hot tub. It's a communal practice, so embrace it as part of the authentic experience. Reddit

Budget-Friendly Relaxation

Varmaland offers a fantastic, affordable geothermal experience. For around $9-12 USD, you get access to multiple pools, hot tubs, slides, and a steam bath, providing excellent value compared to more touristy thermal spas. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxation
Crowd
Low
When
Evenings
Why
Local vibe, unwind after day
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Understanding Iceland’s Swimming Pool Culture

This is a really nice Iceland Review article explaining the history and importance of public pool culture in Iceland. https://www.icelandreview.com/magazine/pooling-together/

Bring Your Own Towel

Save on rental fees by bringing your own towel. Essential for a comfortable visit! :beachwithumbrella:

Embrace Nudity

Full nude showering is mandatory before entry. It's a normal Icelandic practice, so relax and go with the flow. :brazil:

Family Fun

With multiple slides and pools, it's a great spot for families to enjoy together. :familywomanwoman_boy:

Post-Hike Bliss

The perfect place to relax and rejuvenate after a long day of hiking. :hiking_boot:

Tips

from all over the internet

Bring Your Own Towel

Save on rental fees by bringing your own towel. Essential for a comfortable visit! :beachwithumbrella:

Embrace Nudity

Full nude showering is mandatory before entry. It's a normal Icelandic practice, so relax and go with the flow. :brazil:

Family Fun

With multiple slides and pools, it's a great spot for families to enjoy together. :familywomanwoman_boy:

Post-Hike Bliss

The perfect place to relax and rejuvenate after a long day of hiking. :hiking_boot:

What Travellers Say

4.6
(443 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Varmaland Geothermal Pool is highly praised for its affordable entry fee and diverse facilities, including multiple hot tubs, water slides, and a steam bath. Visitors appreciate it as a genuine Icelandic pool experience, perfect for relaxation after outdoor activities. Some note the mandatory nude showering as a cultural aspect to be aware of.

"Great public pool around $12 to get into per person. Bring your own towel. Heated indoor and outdoor pools. 3 hot tubs and a pool slides for the family. Worth it after a long day of hiking."

Daniel Quiroga

"Great place to have a relaxing day in the hot tubs and steam batch with a bit of fun with the water slides. The entry price is cheap and you get relaxation of what you would
get from a fancy expensive thermal batch. Highly recommend for anyone travelling around the region."

Nikhil Patra

"Great place with both indoor and outdoor pools, hot tubs, cold plunge and 3 different sized slides. The steam room is also heated from natural geothermal."

Emma Pike

What People Like

Affordable entry fee
Variety of pools & hot tubs
Fun water slides

What People Dislike

Mandatory nude showering

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Varmaland Geothermal Pool is located in the Borgarfjörður region, a scenic drive from Reykjavik. Many travelers visit as part of a Ring Road trip. Renting a car is the most convenient way to reach it, allowing you to explore the surrounding areas. Public transport options are limited, so check local bus schedules if you're not driving. Reddit

Public transport to Varmaland can be challenging. While there might be local bus routes that pass nearby, they are infrequent. Renting a car or joining a guided tour that includes Varmaland is generally recommended for ease of access. Reddit

The drive from Reykjavik to Varmaland Geothermal Pool is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, covering around 100 kilometers (62 miles). The route is scenic and well-maintained. Reddit

Yes, Varmaland Geothermal Pool offers ample parking facilities for visitors arriving by car. This makes it a convenient stop for those on a road trip. Reddit

Absolutely! Varmaland makes for an excellent day trip from Reykjavik. You can combine it with visits to other attractions in the Borgarfjörður area, such as Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to Varmaland Geothermal Pool is very affordable, typically costing around $9-12 USD per person (or 1250 ISK). This price offers great value for the facilities provided. Reddit

Generally, you do not need to book tickets in advance for Varmaland Geothermal Pool, especially if visiting on a weekday. It operates on a pay-as-you-enter basis. Reddit

Opening hours can vary seasonally, but Varmaland typically opens in the morning and stays open into the evening. It's advisable to check their official website or local listings for the most up-to-date hours before your visit. Reddit

While the water slides are designed for fun, there might be height or age recommendations for safety. It's best to observe any posted signs or ask staff on-site for specific guidelines. Reddit

Most facilities in Iceland, including Varmaland Geothermal Pool, accept major credit cards for entry fees. It's always a good idea to have some Icelandic Króna (ISK) on hand for smaller purchases. Reddit

🎫 🏊 Onsite Experience

Varmaland boasts a range of facilities including indoor and outdoor heated pools, three hot tubs of varying temperatures, a cold plunge tub, water slides, and a naturally heated steam bath. Reddit

The most crucial aspect of Icelandic pool etiquette is showering thoroughly and completely nude before entering any pool or hot tub. There are no partitions, and this is a standard practice for hygiene. Reddit

Yes, there is a heated outdoor swimming pool with lanes designated for swimming laps, making it suitable for those who want to get some exercise. Reddit

Indeed, Varmaland offers a cold plunge tub for those brave enough to experience the invigorating shock of cold water, often used for contrast therapy. Reddit

Absolutely! The three different sized water slides are a major draw for children, and the warm pools provide a safe and enjoyable environment for families to relax together. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

While Varmaland primarily focuses on the geothermal bathing experience, there might be limited snack or beverage options available for purchase on-site. It's advisable to bring your own snacks or plan to dine at a nearby restaurant. Reddit

Generally, bringing your own food and drinks into the pool areas is discouraged to maintain cleanliness. However, check for designated areas where you might be able to consume your own refreshments. Reddit

The nearest dining options would likely be in the town of Borgarnes, which is a short drive away. Borgarnes offers various cafes and restaurants serving local Icelandic cuisine. Reddit

Alcohol consumption is typically not permitted in the pool areas of Icelandic public pools to ensure safety and maintain a family-friendly atmosphere. Reddit

In Borgarnes, you should be able to find vegetarian options. Vegan choices might be more limited, but many restaurants are accommodating if you inquire about specific dishes. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography is generally allowed, but be mindful of other visitors' privacy, especially in changing rooms and shower areas. Avoid taking photos of people without their explicit consent. Reddit

The outdoor pools with the surrounding landscape offer beautiful photographic opportunities. Capture the steam rising from the hot tubs against the Icelandic scenery. Reddit

Be cautious when bringing electronic devices near water. Consider using a waterproof case or bag to protect your phone or camera from splashes and humidity. Reddit

Drone usage is often restricted in public areas and near residential zones. It's best to check local regulations or inquire at the facility before flying a drone. Reddit

Early mornings or late afternoons can offer softer lighting and fewer crowds, making for more serene and picturesque photos. Golden hour can be particularly magical. Reddit

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