Wear comfortable hiking clothes, and I'd recommend wearing a bathing suit under your clothes if you're planning to swim. The changing rooms are primitive and there are no showers or bathrooms. Bring towels if you plan to swim.
Good to know
The weather in Iceland can change quickly! It’s best to prepare for this by wearing layers (with a waterproof outer layer).
Recommended day/time
The pool at the end of the hike has been featured prominently on social media, so early mornings are best to avoid potential crowds.
Recommended time of the year
This is a great activity for when the weather is nice. (In Iceland, it can be sunny one moment and cold and rainy the next.) Once you start hiking, there isn't any shelter until you reach the pool. You don't want to be caught in bad weather!
About This Day
Are you visiting Iceland with kids? This itinerary includes a perfect hike for parents of toddlers and babies. The trail is short and has plenty of exciting things for little ones to see - water, mountains, rocks and a glacier in the distance. And, did we mention one of Iceland's oldest outdoor swimming pools? Start your day with a rich breakfast at Farmhouse Lodge and then head to Seljavallalaug, where a short hike along the picturesque valley floor takes you to the outdoor swimming pool.
This is a great little hike to do with little ones. And, there's a hot spring pool at the end! From the parking area, it takes about twenty minutes each way (roughly two miles). There is no marked trail, but you cannot get lost. Simply walk along the rocky mountain valley until you get to the picturesque pool, built in the 1920s. We opted to carry our toddler in an Ergo carrier in order to make the hike a little faster, but it’s totally doable if you’d prefer your child to walk. While we didn't go for a swim, there were plenty of people in the pool who said the water was warm and refreshing.
DIRECTIONS The parking for the hike is located off of Ring Road 1 on 242 (marked Raufarfuell), just after the Iceland Erupts Exhibition (about 20 km, or 12.5 miles, from Farmhouse Lodge). You’ll see signs marked for Seljavellir, and then you’ll drive straight along an unpaved road until you reach a parking lot next to a little shack (there’s nothing else around, so you really can’t miss it).
TIP Along the way you might have to jump over a little stream coming down off Eyjafjallajökull Glacier, but it’s still safe for kids.
WE LOVEDWe liked everything about Farmhouse Lodge. It's family-friendly and conveniently located near Vik, where you can stock up on groceries and gas! It’s in a perfect central location in South Iceland.
TIPThe lodge can provide a crib for babies and toddlers, and the common area has plenty of toys and games for kids. There's also space for kids to run around outside.
i am a little confused as in the itinerary doesn’t include any hike to Mýrdalsjökull. OR did I miss something? is it even possible to visit with a toddler?
we’re planning a trip with our 2-year old and it’s hard to find detailed info. i would appreciate your help on this and thank you so much in advance!
Hello,
i am a little confused as in the itinerary doesn’t include any hike to Mýrdalsjökull. OR did I miss something? is it even possible to visit with a toddler?
we’re planning a trip with our 2-year old and it’s hard to find detailed info. i would appreciate your help on this and thank you so much in advance!