laugardalur park

Put the Reykjavik welcome card to use when stormy day cancels excursions. Took in geothermal seawater hotpot soaking at this venue and floated in bliss outside in 42 degree Celsius water when it was snowing. Take the 14 bus. Pet the farm animals, saw seals and a raindeer in the tiny zoo after a 20 minute walk from the pool.

We stayed in a hotel nearby, so used the ice rink three times, the swimming pool once and had a quick look at the botanical gardens and the (closed for now?) zoo. Skating cost us 650 ISK each for the boys and 950 ISK for me as we took our own skates - you can pack them in your aircraft hold luggage without any problems. Skate hire would be an extra 450 ISK. The opening times are given on their website, but are currently 12.00-15.00 Monday to Thursday, plus 17.00-19.00 Thursday, and then 13.00-19.30 Friday, 13.00-18.00 Saturday and Sunday. The rink was much less busy than the one we're used to, which was great. Most people who go don't seem to be able to skate very well, so don't worry if you can't. Most wear helmets, which are provided if you want one. And there are free metal skating-aid frames (like zimmer frames on ice) that loads of people, children and adults, were using. Lockers use a 50 ISK coin, and you need a new coin to hand every time you open the locker door. There's plenty of space for people to sit and watch - but they'll need to wrap up warm. The swimming pool was great, open from 6.30 am to 10.00 pm. Following advice from other reviewers, we went at 8am, while it was still dark (and -4 degrees). We swam a few lanes in the outdoor pool, watching the steam rise up towards the stars, and then sat in one of the hot tubs. We discovered that with your chin underwater it was very warm and comfortable, despite the occasional snowflake. If you really can't stand to strip off in front of everyone else for the showers, there are private cubicles.

This is special, the spa is VERY atmospheric, just like being in a deep cave, but warm and "cool" . The ice plunge tub took my breath away but it was so refreshing after the hot tub and steam rooms. The hot pool outside was sooo relaxing , but how I didn't drift off forever in the relaxation room I don't know. Such a shame we weren't able to have massages as the treatments weren't available on Sunday's. All great stuff and... It was buy one get one free, I say, buy one get one free what's not to love?

We loved swimming outdoors when the temperature was well below freezing. The pool was big with a lanes area and a play pool. Add in the various hot tubs and it is very good value. Staff were helpful, we rented towels for very little. We really enjoyed it but our daughter was a bit traumatized by having to shower without her costume before entering the pool!

The locals use the public pools that are much cheaper than the blue lagoon. This one featured hot tubs and a giant tube slide. Lots of fun and great locker room facilities!

I was there in April so most of its trees and bushes were still without any leaves and there were no flowers at all.But I think during summer this will all change into a green and lush park full with activity!

These are the largest hot pools (I think) in Reykjavik - entry is 650ISK. All of the pools are heated - there are around 6-8 smaller 'hot tubs', a children's pool, water slide, steam room, and lap pool. Iceland is an expensive country, so for around 3 pounds you really can't beat spending a few hours at Laugardalur, or another of the thermal pools in town! This website is great - it lists all of the thermal pools in Iceland: swimminginiceland.com.

Not much to see in winter but it was peaceful and quiet. Nice get away from central Reykjavik. About 30 mins walk from central

We went in January so no botanical gardens. The outdoor swimming pools fed by geothermal hot water was very pleasant an inexpensive. Nothing compared to the Blue Lagoon near Grindvik though despite what some have said.

We spent a lovely afternoon skating with local Icelandic children at a very reasonable price. It was not very busy, but there was a lovely atmosphere and locals were keen to encourage our progress! Very close to our hotel (Reykjavik Lights) - we wished we'd had more time to go swimming etc etc.

The park is very nicely located in town, near the big swimmingpool of Laugardalur, the camping site, and youth hostel. Also, there's the farm animal zoo, the pond with ducks and geese, and Café Flora, where it's really nice to eat or have just some cakes. This is the only place I know of where one can see water lilies.

What's your first thoughts when you just think about country called ICELAND you might think it must be similar like Greenland. One big glacier but if you come to the place then you discover that Iceland is actually green and with trees, flowers & vegetables. And in the Laugardal's part you can find plants that actually grows in the tropical areas of the world. Very peaceful park as it gets best.

Nice place to go with children. Warm pools, many activities for the little ones. Animal park close by.

We walked along the botanical garden and for being such a beautiful walk, we were one of the only ones there. Everything was organized great and the paths led all over. We saw two cats. There was also a cafe we stopped at with one of the best soups we had in Iceland, and there are lots of soups. Everything was made naturally from what they could pick in the garden. And the pool that is close to the gardens is also a wonderful place to visit for very inexpensive.

The park is a wonderful area to walk around, relax, and let yourself get lost. Plenty of cozy little hidden corners to curl up with a book and a loved one. The botanical garden is beautiful and we had the most delicious bowl of soup during our entire trip at the cafe within. The thermal pool is definitely the main highlight though. Wonderful temperature, one of the most exciting water slides I've ever been on, and multiple different temperature hot tubs. Having to shower naked before hand was a little odd, but shouldn't bother anyone. Great afternoon in Reykjavik!