Hofsós Swimming Pool

Basic Information

For a country which is known for an abundance of natural attractions like glaciers, volcanoes, geothermal geysers, and hot springs, it seems redundant to have man-made attractions like monuments and swimming pools. Several hot springs in Iceland have been turned into beautiful swimming holes with spa and sauna services which sounds fantastic and very relaxing especially if choose to take a dip after your long hiking expeditions and other touring activities into consideration. One would wonder what can possibly top that, right? Well, Iceland has a knack for going the extra mile and hence it won’t be an overstatement to say that the man-made swimming pools in the country are completely on par with the wondrous works of nature in terms of offering a relaxing time as well as the beauty. Hofsós swimming pool is one of these beautiful pools around the country and will change your opinion of swimming pools completely.

Some Facts and Figures About the Pool

Located in the small town of Hofsós in the north, this swimming pool has been gaining quite a lot of attention from the visitors lately and is on the path to becoming the most popular swimming pool in Iceland. This pool is one of the most picturesque pools in the country and is considered to be one of those places where you can simply just let go. If you are a sucker for a bath with a view then this is the place for you to be.

Hofsós is a small town in the northern region of Iceland which mostly consists of small industrial houses made in the early twenties. Needless to say, the pool holds a great deal of importance for the town and it is speculated that the design of the pools was even derived by the elements that the town already has in order to represent its spirit. Hofsós was designed by the Basalt architects and the construction was completed in 2010 which makes it one of the relatively younger swimming pools in Iceland. It is said to be a gift from Steinunn Jonsdottir and Lilja Palmadottir, respectively to the municipality of the town. It has an area of 400m² and measures 25×10.5 meters. There is a smaller pool beside the main one which is constructed especially for children.

Solitude, Relaxation, and Tranquility

Be prepared to be mesmerized by the magical surroundings of this swimming pool. Hofsós swimming pool is located right beside the fjord of Skagafjordur on a hillside with the fjord right in the front and a gorgeous view of the Drangey and Malmey islands along with Thordarhofdi peninsula. The mountains which are on the other side of the fjord meet the horizon creating a beautiful skyline to gaze upon when taking a soak. The whole set up is so magical that it is hard to believe that all these elements have not put up in the exact same position on purpose. While Hofsós is not an infinity pool since the edge of the pool is not on the level of the fjord but it certainly gives off the impression of being on the end of the world, which is incidentally what it is famous for.

How to Get to the Pool?

Reaching the swimming pool from the capital city will take about a total of 4 hours which can be a long ride. So it is suggested that you visit the pool when you are on a tour of the northern parts of Iceland or the Ring Road. If you are planning to travel from the capital then you will have to take the Ring Road, drive for about 3.2 hours, and take the exit on route 76 to finally reach your destination in about an hour or so. If you are in Akureyri then it will take you only 1 and a half hours to reach your destination. Exit the town space and get on route 1. Drive until you reach the exit to route 76 and finally continue on it till you arrive at your destination. Needless to say, pack your swimsuit and be ready to spend a relaxing day in the pool and the adjoining spa of Hofsós swimming pool.