Iceland Travel GuideLOCAL TRAVEL AGENCY IN ICELAND
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Iceland Travel GuideLOCAL TRAVEL AGENCY IN ICELAND
My trip
Talk to a local
Skátalaug is a small, quiet geothermal pool on the Reykjanes peninsula, 200–300 metres off Route 42, about midway between the south end of Lake Kleifarvatn and the Seltún geothermal area at Krýsuvík. The water is reported to be around 34°C, there are no changing rooms, and it is free to use. It is not signposted, so use the coordinates below. Allow 1–2 hours including the drive from Reykjavík or the airport.
Skátalaug, the “Scout pool”, is an informal hot pool in the lava and moss landscape of southern Reykjanes. It is around 14 by 5 metres, which makes it a lot bigger than most natural hot springs, and it is said to hold 35–40 people at once. The water is fed from a small spring through pipes, and it usually sits around 34°C, so it is warm rather than hot.
There is nothing here except the pool. No changing rooms, no toilets, no café, and no sign or marker at the road, which is why many people drive straight past. That is what keeps it quiet: even in high season you may have it to yourself, or share it with a couple of other people. It is a place to bring a towel and a flask of coffee and stay a while.
The setting is what makes it worth the effort. You are close to Kleifarvatn, the largest lake on the peninsula, and to the geothermal area of Krýsuvík, in a landscape of dark hills, steaming vents and green moss.
It is a natural pond, not a built pool. From the road it looks like a large puddle in the grass, the bottom is soft, and there is some algae and plant growth in the water, so do not expect clear water. It is also one of the closest natural bathing spots to both Reykjavík and Keflavík airport, which makes it an easy first or last stop on a trip.
Reykjanes has been volcanically active in recent years, and some roads and areas have been closed at times. Check road.is and the Civil Protection updates on safetravel.is before you go.
None at the pool. There are no changing rooms or toilets. The nearest services are in Grindavík or Hafnarfjörður.
There is no accommodation at the pool. The nearest places to stay are in Grindavík, Hafnarfjörður and Reykjavík. Many visitors use it as a stop on a Reykjanes day trip from Reykjavík or the airport at Keflavík.
On the Reykjanes peninsula, close to the south end of Lake Kleifarvatn. It is not signposted, so use the coordinates.
From Reykjavík, drive through Hafnarfjörður and south on Route 42 past Kleifarvatn, about 20 km from Hafnarfjörður. The pool is 200–300 m west of the road, about midway between the lake and Seltún. From Keflavík you can also come via Grindavík, Route 427 and Route 42, if those roads are open.
Yes. There is no entrance fee and no staff.
It is reported to be about 34°C, so it is warm rather than hot. It can vary.
No. There are no changing rooms or toilets, so bring a towel and dry clothes and change discreetly.
Reykjanes has had volcanic activity in recent years. Check safetravel.is and road.is before you go.
About 14 by 5 metres, which is large for a natural hot pool. It is said to hold 35–40 people, though you will rarely see more than a few.
