Iceland Travel Guide logo Iceland Travel GuideLOCAL TRAVEL AGENCY IN ICELAND My trip Talk to a local

Hofsós swimming pool

SkagafjörðurSwimming poolEntry feeOpen all year
Written by locals at Iceland Travel Guide · Checked by Heiða · Updated October 2026
Hofsós swimming pool
Hofsós swimming pool
HOFSÓS SWIMMING POOL IN SHORT

Hofsós swimming pool is a 25 m outdoor geothermal pool in the village of Hofsós, overlooking Skagafjörður fjord and Drangey island in North Iceland. It is roughly 330–355 km (4 hours 15 minutes to 4.5 hours) from Reykjavík, charges a standard pool entry fee and is open all year. Most people spend 45–60 minutes there.

ON THIS PAGE
Quick factsHistoryGetting thereBest time to visitSafety tipsFacilitiesMapNearbyWhere to stayFAQ

About Hofsós swimming pool

Hofsós has one of the most photographed swimming pools in Iceland, not for its size but for its setting. The pool sits on a hillside above the shore, and its edge seems to run straight into the fjord, with views across the water to the island of Drangey. It was designed by BASALT Arkitektar, the firm also behind the Blue Lagoon, and opened in 2010.

Like all Icelandic public pools, it is heated by geothermal water and used as much by locals as by visitors, which keeps the atmosphere relaxed. The pool water is around 30–31°C, and the hot tubs are about 38–39°C, so it is warm rather than hot.

The pool was a gift to the community from Lilja Pálmadóttir and Steinunn Jónsdóttir, and it is run as the village's public pool. The main pool measures 25 by 10.5 metres, and the low building of about 400 m² is cut into the hillside, opening towards the sea and Drangey.

It is not a true infinity pool, since the edge sits well above the shore, but from the water the surface seems to run straight into the fjord. Beyond Drangey you can see the island of Málmey and the headland Þórðarhöfði, with the mountains on the far side of Skagafjörður along the horizon. Outdoor lighting is kept low so that the stars, and the Northern Lights on a clear winter night, stay visible from the water.

Quick facts

LocationSuðurbraut, Hofsós village, Skagafjörður, North Iceland
From ReykjavíkAbout 325–355 km, around 4 hours 15 minutes to 4.5 hours by car (sources differ)
From SauðárkrókurAbout 35 km
From AkureyriAbout 130 km
Opened2010, designed by BASALT Arkitektar; a gift to the village from Lilja Pálmadóttir and Steinunn Jónsdóttir
SizeMain pool 25 × 10.5 m; building about 400 m²
ViewSkagafjörður fjord with Drangey, Málmey and the Þórðarhöfði headland
Pool25 m outdoor pool at about 30–31°C, plus hot tubs at about 38–39°C
EntryStandard Icelandic pool fee; one 2026 listing gives 1,400 ISK for adults, 426 ISK for ages 7–17
Opening hoursSummer roughly 07:00–20:00 or 21:00 on weekdays. Winter about 07:00–13:00 and 17:00–20:00 on weekdays, 11:00–16:00 at weekends
Time needed45–60 minutes

A pool that points at Drangey

The pool is lined up with Drangey, the steep island in the fjord, which appears in the Saga of Grettir the Strong. Grettir, the outlaw hero, is said to have swum from the island to the mainland for fire. From the water you look straight out at it.

How to get to Hofsós swimming pool

From ReykjavíkFollow the Ring Road (Route 1) north and east for a little over three hours, past Varmahlíð, then turn left onto Route 76 (Siglufjarðarvegur), which runs up the east side of Skagafjörður to Hofsós. Allow about four to four and a half hours in all. It is a long way for a swim on its own, so it makes most sense as a stop on a trip round the north or the Ring Road.
From AkureyriAbout 130 km and roughly an hour and a half. Take Route 1 west over Öxnadalsheiði and turn right onto Route 76 when you come down into Skagafjörður. The coast road through Dalvík and Siglufjörður also reaches Hofsós and is the more scenic choice, though slower.
In the villageThe pool is signed in Hofsós and sits close to the shore, with parking outside.
By public transportA regional bus runs to Sauðárkrókur, but timetables have changed recently and service is limited. A car is far easier for reaching Hofsós.

Best time to visit Hofsós swimming pool

SummerLong daylight makes the most of the fjord views, and the pool has the longest opening hours. It can be busiest with visitors.
WinterShorter hours, split into morning and evening on weekdays. It is quieter, and on clear evenings you may see Northern Lights over the fjord.

Safety and practical tips

  • Icelandic pool etiquette requires a thorough shower without swimwear before entering.
  • Bring your own towel and swimwear. Rental is listed by one source but may be limited.
  • Check current opening hours before visiting, especially outside summer, as sources differ.
  • Combine it with the Icelandic Emigration Center in the village, open daily 11:00–18:00 from 1 June to 1 September.
  • The pool water is only about 30–31°C, so use the hot tubs to warm up.
  • Pack your swimsuit even if you are only passing through Skagafjörður; the pool is a few minutes off Route 76 and an easy break in a long drive.

Facilities and accessibility

Changing rooms, showers and hot tubs are on site. The village has a grocery shop, a campsite and the Icelandic Emigration Center.

On the map

Open in Google Maps →

Nearby places worth a stop

Hofsós swimming poolHofsós villageSmall village with the Icelandic Emigration Center
DrangeyDrangeyThe steep island seen from the poolGrafarkirkja turf churchGrafarkirkja turf churchOne of Iceland's oldest churches, close to HofsósGlaumbær turf housesGlaumbær turf housesPreserved turf farm in SkagafjörðurSiglufjörðurSiglufjörðurHerring town further north along Route 76HvítserkurHvítserkurRock formation on the Vatnsnes peninsula, a longer drive away

Where to stay near Hofsós swimming pool

Hofsós and the wider Skagafjörður area have guesthouses and small hotels, and the region works well as a stop between North Iceland's coastal villages and Akureyri or the Westfjords.

Hofsós swimming pool FAQ

What makes Hofsós swimming pool special?

Its infinity-style edge appears to merge with Skagafjörður fjord, with views to Drangey island. It was designed by BASALT Arkitektar, the architects behind the Blue Lagoon.

Is Hofsós an infinity pool?

Not strictly. The edge is above the shoreline rather than level with the sea, but from the water it looks as if the pool runs straight into the fjord.

Is Hofsós pool open all year?

Yes, though hours are shorter outside summer and split into two sessions on winter weekdays. Check locally before you go.

How much does Hofsós pool cost?

It charges a standard Icelandic pool fee. One 2026 listing gives 1,400 ISK for adults, but other sources differ, so check before you visit.

How far is Hofsós from Reykjavík?

About 325–355 km depending on the source, roughly 4 hours 15 minutes to 4.5 hours by car.

More places in North Iceland