Quick FactsOverview
About Krossnes Swimming Pool
Krossnes Swimming Pool, Iceland, also known as Krossneslaug, is a community geothermal pool built in 1954 on the Strandir coast of the Westfjords, at the end of Route 643 near the tiny settlement of Krossnes in Arneshreppur. The pool sits directly at the edge of the North Atlantic Ocean and consists of two pools: a larger rectangular swimming pool and a smaller adjacent hot tub, both fed by a natural geothermal spring and maintained at around 38 to 40 degrees Celsius. No chemicals are added to the water. Entry is paid, facilities are basic, and the pool is open seasonally from mid-May to the end of August.
Krossneslaug is genuinely remote. The nearest significant villages are Holmavik and Drangsnes, each more than 100 km away over slow gravel roads. Arneshreppur, the municipality that maintains the pool, has a population of around 53 people. The Strandir coast has almost no geothermal activity compared to other parts of Iceland because this is among the oldest geological formations in the country, largely unaffected by the volcanic rift valley that runs through Iceland's interior. The natural spring that feeds Krossneslaug is therefore geologically unusual for the region.
Location & Access
Getting to Krossnes Swimming Pool
Krossnes Swimming Pool is at the end of Route 643 in the Arneshreppur area of the Strandir region, Westfjords, approximately 330 km from Reykjavik, a drive of around five hours under good conditions. From Reykjavik, take the Ring Road north, then Route 60 into the Westfjords and Route 61 north through Holmavik. After Holmavik, turn north onto Route 643. This gravel road covers approximately 100 km to Krossnes and takes two and a half to three hours to drive due to rough sections, steep coastal terrain, and the need for reduced speed throughout. A 4WD vehicle is strongly recommended; the route is technically passable in a standard car in dry summer conditions but becomes risky in poor weather.
Holmavik is the last meaningful stop for fuel, food, and supplies before heading out on Route 643; do not assume any services will be open in the small settlements along the way. The pool is accessible only from mid-May to the end of August when the roads are clear of snow and ice. No public transport reaches Krossneslaug; a private vehicle is the only practical option. The nearby settlement of Nordurfjordur has a guesthouse and campsite for visitors who wish to extend their stay in the area. Combining the drive with Djupavík, a former herring factory turned hotel and museum around 30 km south on the same road, is a popular itinerary for travelers making the journey to Strandir.
Suitability & Accessibility
Who Krossnes Swimming Pool Suits
Krossnes Swimming Pool suits travelers who are already committed to exploring the remote Strandir coast and who want a warm soak as a reward for the long drive. The pool is best suited to couples, solo travelers, and small groups who are comfortable with multi-hour gravel road driving, self-sufficient in remote areas, and drawn to the kind of genuinely quiet, off-circuit experience that the Westfjords represent. The setting, with ocean on one side and mountains on the other, is one of the most atmospheric of any community pool in Iceland.
Families can visit and the pool is family friendly in that there are no age restrictions and the water is at a comfortable temperature for children. The practical constraint is the long rough drive, which works best for families with older children who travel well in remote terrain. For those seeking natural hot springs near Holmavik, Krossneslaug is the most remote and least-visited option, and its natural spring source makes it unusual for this part of Iceland. Plan for warm clothing changes after the soak and a self-sufficient supply of food and water for the return drive.
Wheelchair access is not confirmed for Krossneslaug. The pool is on a pebble beach at the end of a rough gravel road, and no step-free water entry, accessible changing facilities, or mobility infrastructure has been documented for this site. Visitors with mobility requirements should contact the Arneshreppur municipality directly before travelling to assess whether a visit is feasible.
Safety & Etiquette
Krossnes Swimming Pool Safety Tips
Krossnes Swimming Pool is generally safe for soaking in good summer conditions, with the main safety considerations being the remote location far from emergency services, the rough approach road, the exposed coastal weather, and the unguarded pool environment. No lifeguard is on site. Changing facilities and showers are available when a caretaker is present, but may be locked at other times.
The pool water runs at around 38 to 40 degrees Celsius, comfortable for extended soaking. The pebble beach and pool surrounds can be slippery when wet and the coastal terrain is uneven; traction sandals and careful footing matter most when entering and exiting the pool. Cold ocean wind is constant in the Westfjords; the contrast between the warm pool water and cold air means heat loss is rapid once you exit. Bring warm layers to put on immediately and have dry clothes ready in your vehicle.
Road safety on Route 643 is as important as pool safety. The 100 km gravel road has steep drop-offs, narrow sections, and river crossings. Drive slowly, never rush, and if weather deteriorates, turn back rather than continue. Fuel planning is critical; fill up fully in Holmavik before turning onto Route 643. Carry emergency supplies including food, water, warm clothing, and a first aid kit. Mobile phone coverage is sparse to non-existent along the route and at the pool itself. Tell someone your plans before heading into Strandir and confirm your expected return time with them before you depart.
