Laugardalur

Laugardalur or Hot Spring Valley as it is also known, is the centre of sports and recreation in Reykjavik. It houses a large number venues for activities, including a youth hostel and a campsite.

Outdoor heated pool:

Laugardalur is home to Laugardalslaug, Iceland's biggest outdoor geothermally heated pool, where you are welcome to swim in any weather. Embrace the strange sensation of running from the changing rooms to the pool, in a bikini, in thick snow. Very strange but very fun. The pool is open from 6.30am - 10pm weekdays and 8am - 10pm weekends all year round.

Botanical Gardens:

Entry to the Botanical Gardens is free and well worth a visit. Originally made to preserve 175 Icelandic plant species, the gardens now span over 2.5 hectares and contain over 5,000 plant species. They are open from 10am - 10pm in the summer and until 3pm in winter

Zoo:

Laugardalur also houses a family park and zoo which is open all year round and displays traditional Icelandic animals like reindeer, white foxes, cattle, horses and sheep as well as rides and play equipment to keep kids entertained.

Laugardalsholl arena:

The Laugardalsholl arena, a mutlipurpose indoor venue used for sports events like the 1995 World Handball Championships, 1972 World Chess Championships and a number of music concerts and exhibitions. See the website for more information.