Seljavellir Geothermal Pool

This is not for everyone. It is rough, unmanaged, free and an adventure. There is a gravel track to the parking place beside some chalets. Then a 15 minute walk across rough terrain following the river. The path leads you up high but avoid that temptation and stick to the river bed. Eventually you will reach this eccentric gem. We visited in April and the water was not hot but also not cold - it was warmer toward the deep-end where there is a trickle of natural geothermal water entering the pool across a rock. There is also an overflow pipe from a tank used to harvest the hot water. Yes there is algae & anyone familiar with outdoor swimming will not be bothered but the 'Paris Hilton' snowflakes will not be amused. There were 3 changing rooms and yes the first one contained trash and should be avoided. The other 2 were ok for us but again it is wild and free. We only stayed at the pool for around 15 minutes but overall I think it was worthwhile spending an an hour or two (in total) to go off the beaten track but if you are a tender snowflake expecting 'blue lagoon' this is not for you.

Amazing swimming pool in an amazing valley with mountains all around. It was great to have a quick swim in a warm water. Please consider donation to preserve this place

Definitely a must visit, pool car parking is only 5min from the main 1 road and then have to walk like 10min, there is a small rocky path but very accessible any time of the year, the pool is warm, cosy, and big enough for lots of people, any way never seen this place too busy and its always quite moderate and peaceful. Some take drink and enjoy this little spa location at its best. Really one of the hidden gems and easy to access.

for a free pool, totally worth it for the story.

although the water was quite full of algea, (as are most hot pots in Iceland) the water was pretty warm and the hike there was very easy (if it is raining you might have to put on water proof shoes, because you will have to cross some flowing streams).
The pool itself is in a cool place in the mountains and is right next to a river.
at the inlets the water is very warm, through the entire pool the temperature changes to luke warm. This is due to a pipe being broken that you can see on your way there, letting a lot of hot water flow into the river/ ground and not into the pool.
the changing rooms were not bad if you are not fussy and they achieve their purpose.

Roughly a 50 min roundtrip hike to the pool. The hike is definitely worth it! The pool greatly exceeded my expectations. The change rooms are slightly dirty but they aren't maintained regularly so it's better than nothing. I highly recommended taking the hike to the pool.

A great pool in a great setting. As you drive along the track you start to question whether it is there not. You park in the end car park and walk to the pool which only appears once you are on top of it. A great place for a quick dip. A real hidden gem!

Fun, worth the short walk, be prepared for basic facilities

Really nice spot! The water is warm and more or less clean. Additional benefit:it's a nice short hike next to the river

Amazing experience even tho it was cold out so worth it for the views.. - Change rooms are dirty from peoples garbage unfortunately ...too bad there wasnt a place for garbage. Bottom of pool is covered in algae fyi

We totally loved this place! We wanted to find places off the beaten path, not full of tour buses and this place was awesome. Just follow the signs to the parking lot and the 20 minute walk along the river is pleasant. The pool wasn't that busy when we went on a Sunday morning but people came and went. I didn't actually go in, I just stuck my feet in. My husband went for it and really enjoyed it. The water temp was definitely not cold, I would say it was hot, like bathtub hot, not hot tub hot. But pleasant. Yes, the water is green and looks murky, but we expected that. Be careful walking in the water because the sides and floor are all covered in algae slime. The pool isn't deep at the end closest to the changing rooms but gets deeper and hotter as you go the other way. Just use the ladders to get in and out. The changing rooms are dank but again, we expected that. If you're in the area, looking for a not so busy, touristy spot and don't mind a little algae, definitely check this place out!

Fun little hike to the hot pool. It is an abandoned old pool with change rooms. The tub is not as clean as some of the other payed pools but it is a fun experience to bath in a free thermal bath. The water is a little more than lukewarm but you have a beautiful view of the valley the bath is in.

Been there, done that, got athletes foot. Definitely go during daylight hours. Crossing the river was treacherous. We lost Alan. The changing room was a delight, very well equipped. Extra bathing suits on hand. Forgot your bikini top? No problem, tons laying on the ground. Need a towel, use the brown stain towel on the floor. Is that blood? Probably ketchup. Accidentally brought just one flip flop? No problem extra flip flop in the crack shack. If you are a fan of Blair Witch Project; this is the spot for you.

Definitely worth a visit, just park next to the other cars and follow the path up the river for about 10-15 min (it’s quite an easy walk). The pool isn’t maintained and it’s got a lot of algues so use an old bathing suit, but it’s a great place that has a unique vibe in the middle of the mountains and next to a roaring river

Not for the faint of heart, but if you want an authentic culture experience in Iceland this is definitely a place to go. Beware that you will have to change in a shack that is separated only by gender (No stalls) and smels terrible. The pool is full of Alge and really slippery, and you will have to tread water most of the time. Again, if you are squeamish, avoid this place for sure, but if you are willing to try something new this is a great experience!

This was a real experience, swimming in a naturally heated pool on the side of a mountain.
It’s about a five minute walk from the car park.

Free pool in nature. Good place. If you are not affraid by seaweed. Please dont leave alone your swimsuit !

Simply stunning 😍

Absolutely amazing!

Short rocky walk, but worth it. Please don't leave your rubbish!!!

A true highlight of my Icelandic trip was visiting this hotsprings!