Iceland has stunning spots for swimming and enjoying geothermal waters. I’ve already visited several hot pools in the Westfjords and hot pools in the Eastfjords. This time, I’m heading to a few thermal baths in North Iceland. Driving along the Arctic Coast Way on the northern coast of Iceland, I end up in Hofsós, a fishing village in Skagafjörður. Once in this small town, I can’t miss the Hofsós swimming pool. It’s probably the most beautifully located pool in Iceland that I’ve seen so far.
Hofsós, Iceland’s most beautifully located swimming pool
The Hofsós swimming pool, Hofsós Sundlaug, has become one of the most popular swimming pools in Iceland in recent years. It was built in 2010 by the renowned architect duo Basalt Architects, who are also behind the designs of the Blue Lagoon, Geosea-Sjóböðin, Skógarböðin (Forest Lagoon) and Vök Baths. From above, the pool doesn’t appear to be an infinity pool. However, due to its high location, when you’re in the water, it gives the feeling that the pool is built on the edge of a cliff.
Grettir’s swimming route to Drangey
The pool’s design was intentionally chosen for its location. From the pool, you have a direct line of sight to Drangey, making swimmers feel as though they are following in the footsteps of Grettir. Grettir is a character from a well-known Icelandic saga who swam to the bird island Drangey after a battle. Cultural heritage at its finest!
What does Hofsós Sundlaug have to offer?
First of all, a panoramic view of the Skagafjörður fjord. This might just be the “coolest” pool in Iceland, given its location. The Hofsós pool is 25 meters long and 20.5 meters wide. The depth varies from 0.8 meters in the shallow part to 1.8 meters in the deeper part. The water temperature ranges from 30 to 31°C, while the adjacent hot tub has a temperature of 38 to 39°C.
See more in Hofsós
South of the Hofsós pool, you’ll find basalt columns named Staðarbjargavík (Staðabjörg). Be sure to check out this spot; you can get a great view of the columns from an observation point next to the pool. Turn around and you’ll have a direct view of the blue Hofsóskirkja, built in the 1960s. Interested in the emigration history of Icelanders? Then head to Vesturfarasetrið (The Icelandic Emigration Center). This museum offers insight into the time when Icelanders crossed the Atlantic Ocean to seek their fortunes in the “New World.” Also worth a visit is Grafarkirkja. Together with the slightly more southern Víðimýrarkirkja, this church is one of the six remaining turf churches in Iceland.
How to get to Hofsós
From Akureyri, it takes about an hour and fifteen minutes to drive to Hofsós (132 kilometers). If you’re driving the Arctic Coast Way, you’ll pass through this charming fishing village. You can also reach Hofsós if you’re doing a loop around the Tröllaskagi Peninsula from Akureyri. Of course, you’ll need a car for these trips. It’s important to choose a good insurance policy when renting a car, especially for driving on Icelandic roads. Whether the damage is caused by someone else or by yourself, having the right coverage can give you peace of mind. With the right insurance, you can confidently navigate Iceland’s icy roads!
