Sports and leisure activities Iceland

You think Icelandic horses are beautiful and you'd like to experience a special moment? Why not try horseback riding? Whether you're a beginner or an experienced rider, Íslenski Reiðskólinn will provide you with a unique experience. Begga has a clear motto: "I love what I do and I do what I love"! This sums up the philosophy of this Francophile who is as passionate as she is educational. Her main offer is a few hours out in the middle of a lunar landscape, typically Icelandic. And all this just 10 minutes from the capital!

This geothermal swimming pool is a response to the famous Blue Lagoon, the country's most famous attraction. Opened in 2004, it can be bathed in naturally heated waters and drawn from a depth of 2,500 m. Especially pleasant in bad weather… Multiple treatments are offered in the Spa. In short, there too, the contrast between the incredible blue of the water and the black lava surrounds its effect and we let ourselves be taken to the charm of these warm warm waters. Possibility to condense in situ at Kaffi Kvika

If you like diving and the deep, this agency will help you discover Iceland in a different way, with departures from the capital. Among its most popular excursions is the Silfra ravine at Þingvellir, with crystal-clear water for admiring the fault between the two continents, and a possible descent of between 10 and 30 meters. The water is freezing, but of course you'll be protected by a wetsuit! However, it's best to be in good health. Other options include diving for PADI holders or snorkeling for others.

Although a little off-centre, it is THE Icelandic swimming pool par excellence, and one of the largest in the country by the way! Outside, there is a large outdoor Olympic pool with 4 hot pots, whirlpool, slides and saunas. It is an ideal place to meet the inhabitants of the capital, even if you will also meet many tourists. This giant swimming pool is complemented by many other facilities: spa centre, fitness... A small drawback, the condition of the outdoor bleachers is a little outdated, but you probably won't need them.

Zip-lining in Iceland? And why not! Mega Zipline Iceland offers you Iceland's longest zip line: one kilometer of flight at 120 kilometers per hour! Pretend you're a bird and discover the Svartagljúfur canyon like never before. You can even fly as a duo, thanks to two parallel zip lines that allow you to take off together. Of course, everything is super-safe, and the staff will provide you with a safety harness, helmet and goggles for those who attempt the "Fast as a Falcon" flight.

This natural spa pool is located on the site of a hot spring, Vígðalaug, the "sacred spring". In days gone by, this spring was used as a baptismal font, as the warm water was far more pleasant than the icy waters of Lake Þingvallavatn. A number of pagans were baptized here after the Althing adopted Christianity in the year 1000. Today, it is a place of relaxation for tourists on their way to the Golden Circle. Often appreciated for its tranquility, you'll love basking in its hot baths overlooking the lake, in a soothing, natural setting.

This center ensures the quality of the breed. Here, on the Vinðeimamelar plains at the entrance to Skagafjörður, various equestrian events take place. In autumn, you can also attend and even take part in the gathering of sheep, which is brought down from the mountain pastures with the help of numerous riders (called Réttir). This is an important Icelandic tradition, still alive and well. You can also visit a small museum with a collection dedicated to horses.

Located just outside the town center, this pool is very popular with Grafarvogur locals. The advantage is that you won't have the impression of being surrounded only by tourists, as can be the case in some downtown pools. Inside, you can enjoy hot pots, steam baths and whirlpools. It's close to walking and jogging trails. Nearby, there's also a golf course and a horse rental agency. Ideal for a relaxing break after a walk.

Located in the quiet district of Árbaer, this pool is one of the most beautiful in the country, and is also very popular with families, with an indoor pool specially dedicated to young children and senior citizens. There's also a play pool with small geysers, massage chairs, waterfalls and a small slide. There's also a sauna. Good to know: the pool is a little out of the way, so less popular with tourists, and just a few minutes' drive from the Árbaer open-air museum - make the detour!

Although not as well known as some of the downtown pools, Seltjarnarnes Pool is a good place to go if you want to experience the charm of Icelandic pools. Here you can enjoy indoor and outdoor baths, hot tubs, a solarium and even a sauna. It's very clean and is located in the quiet "maritime" area of Reykjavík's western peninsula. Good to know: in winter, the Grotta lighthouse, just a few minutes away, is a must-see spot for hunting the Northern Lights. Don't forget it!

As out-of-the-way as it is, this small pool is nevertheless very popular! All the essentials are here: a 25-meter outdoor pool with two hot pots, a steam bath, a sauna... and even a slide. Open until 10pm, it's a great way to end the day, whether in winter or summer, and soak up the midnight sun. Very convivial, it's located in a quiet area frequented by locals. It's also often decorated in winter, a real treat for the eyes and all the senses.

Located close to the shopping streets, this pool is ideal if you want to enjoy a hot dip without having to make a long drive. It's the city's oldest pool, and you can enjoy its 25 m-long indoor pool, with its white earthenware tiles. Renovated in 2017, it now offers a heated outdoor pool, and hot pots, as well as an ice bath. Very popular with locals, it's also a bit of a victim of its own success, being so close to the center. Don't be surprised to hear French or English spoken here!

Located near the Laugardalslaug swimming pool, it is the largest indoor ice rink in the country. You will be able to alternate between one hour of skating in the cold, and one (or several) hour(s) of swimming in the warm! Easy to access, the prices are reasonable, and the equipment is in good condition (even if you can feel that the place is old). Toilets are available, as well as a café. Small plus: the place is mostly frequented by locals, perfect for a change of scenery.

Rafting on the rivers in the north of the country.

This very family friendly pool is located in the village of Hella, on Route 1 when exploring the South Coast of Iceland. Fun slides, hot tubs, wading pool, sauna and solarium... There are plenty of opportunities to bask in the naturally heated waters of the pool. Rather modest compared to some of the capital's pools, the place is nevertheless a good solution for a break between two visits. This pool is also located right next to the Hella Caves, an experience to be had in the area.

Laugarvatn is a small town in Iceland, famous for its golf course, Golfklúbburinn Dalbúi. The club organizes regular tournaments and competitions for golf enthusiasts. Players can enjoy the magnificent scenery while practicing their favorite sport. In addition to golf, Laugarvatn also offers other outdoor activities, such as hiking and fishing. Visitors can also relax in the region's natural hot springs.