Overview
A town pool with an ocean-edge feeling
Hofsós Swimming Pool is a geothermal outdoor pool built on the hillside above Skagafjörður, designed so the waterline feels close to the horizon. It is a local-style swimming pool experience, clean, structured, and practical, but with a view that makes most visitors linger longer than they planned. Unlike wild hot springs, this is a managed facility with published hours and admission.
Verified water temperatures
The pool listing notes the main pool sits around 30 to 31°C (86 to 88°F), and the hot tub around 38 to 39°C (100 to 102°F). That split makes it good for both a warm swim and a proper hot-pot session.
Plan for real winter effects
In cold snaps, geothermal systems can struggle. The municipality has noted closures when weather caused the pool to cool significantly, so it is worth checking updates if you are visiting during deep winter.
Location & Access
Where it is
Hofsós Swimming Pool is at Suðurbraut, 565 Hofsósi, in northwest Iceland overlooking Skagafjörður and Drangey.
Getting there
This is an easy drive-up stop with parking nearby and short on-site walking. Roads to Hofsós are standard paved routes, but winter driving in the north still means planning for ice, wind, and darkness. If you are arriving late in the day, build a buffer so you are not rushing into the changing rooms at closing time.
Opening hours
The pool publishes seasonal hours. The listing shows winter opening from 22 September 2025 to 1 June 2026 (weekdays 07:00 to 13:00 and 17:00 to 20:00, weekends 11:00 to 16:00), and summer hours for 2025 (weekdays 07:00 to 20:00, weekends 10:00 to 20:00).
Closures and cold snaps
The municipality has published notices about temporary closures due to cold weather causing the pool to cool. If you are visiting in January or February, check the latest notice so you do not arrive to a locked gate.
What to bring
Swimsuit, towel, and sandals with grip. A warm hat and a dry outer layer make the walk to and from the building more comfortable in windy weather.
Suitability & Accessibility
Hofsós is best for travelers who want an easy, reliable geothermal swim with big views, without booking or spa pricing. It works well as a stop on a north coast road trip, and it is also worth a small detour if you are already in Skagafjörður.
Families
Very family friendly, with a warm pool and hot tub in a managed environment. Kids still do best with shorter hot tub rounds and warm breaks, and it is easier when one adult stays “on deck” while others soak.
Mobility realities
Because this is a staffed public pool, it is generally easier to manage than natural hot springs: you have defined paths, changing rooms, and predictable surfaces. That said, wet floors are still wet floors, and moving slowly is always the smart move.
Wheelchair access
Regional tourism information for Hofsós notes good accessibility for disabled visitors, including a private changing cubicle option, a shower chair, lifts into the hot tub and swimming pool, and a ramp from the pool edge into the pool. If you rely on specific features, it is still wise to confirm current details directly with the facility before you travel.
Expectations vs reality
This is a real Icelandic town pool, not a luxury lagoon. You go to swim, soak, and then get on with your day, with a view that makes it feel better than “just a pool.”
Safety & Etiquette
Follow local pool etiquette, kindly
Icelandic pools typically expect a proper wash before entering shared water. Hofsós is a public facility, so taking a quick, thorough shower helps keep the water nicer for everyone.
Heat pacing
The hot tub is listed at about 38 to 39°C. That is comfortable, but it still adds up. Do shorter rounds, drink water, and take a break before you decide to go back in. If you feel lightheaded, get out and cool down gently.
Slips and wet floors
Most minor injuries happen on wet tiles, not in the water. Wear sandals with grip, walk slowly, and keep one hand free for balance. If you are carrying towels and kids’ gear, take two trips.
Wind and cold snaps
Hofsós can feel sharply cold when the wind is up. Dry off well and put on a warm layer before you linger outside for photos. In deep winter, check for cold-snap notices, the municipality has closed the pool at times when weather cooled the water.
Shared-space etiquette
It goes best when everyone shares space and keeps things moving. Give others room at ladders and steps, keep voices lower in the hot pot if others are relaxing, and keep changing-room clutter tight to your bench.
Kind cautions
If you’re pregnant, heat-sensitive, or managing cardiovascular concerns, keep hot tub time conservative and avoid dramatic hot-to-cold swings. A moderate soak is usually the most comfortable choice.
FAQs
What are the opening hours?
The pool publishes seasonal hours. The listing shows winter hours from 22 September 2025 to 1 June 2026 (weekdays 07:00 to 13:00 and 17:00 to 20:00, weekends 11:00 to 16:00) and summer 2025 hours (weekdays 07:00 to 20:00, weekends 10:00 to 20:00).
How warm is the water?
The pool listing notes the main pool is around 30 to 31°C (86 to 88°F) and the hot tub around 38 to 39°C (100 to 102°F).
Can it close in winter?
Yes, it can. The municipality has posted notices about temporary closures during cold snaps when the pool cooled significantly. Check the latest update if you are visiting in deep winter.
Is it suitable for kids?
Yes. It is a managed public pool, which is often the easiest format for families. Keep hot tub rounds short for children and supervise closely on wet floors.
Is it wheelchair accessible?
Regional tourism information for Hofsós notes accessibility features including lifts into the hot tub and swimming pool and a ramp from the pool edge into the pool. If you rely on a specific feature, confirm current details with the facility before you travel.