8 Best Sights in Reykjanes Peninsula and the South Coast (with the Golden Circle), Iceland

Those who don't want to splurge on a ticket to the Secret Lagoon may wish to check out the local swimming pool at Flúðir, which also has two nice hot tubs and a natural sauna.

The northernmost swimming pool on the peninsula is a charming little pool with a red color scheme. It contains all the necessities of an Icelandic swimming pool, including a gym, sports hall, two hot tubs, a kiddie pool, and a sauna.

In the beautiful but unexciting village of Reykholt (not to be confused with the historical town in West Iceland) is a nice swimming pool for relaxing and stretching out. For those who need to blow off some steam, there is also a small gym and sports hall in the building.

The charming little geothermal swimming pool in Hveragerði was once the biggest in Iceland. Although that's no longer the case, it still has a special characteristic: as a "constant stream" pool—heated with steam coming directly from the ground—the water is considered by many to have health benefits. The setting around the pool is green and lovely, and it has one of the best natural saunas in the country.

On a slow day, you might just find yourself alone at this casual little swimming pool in the center of town. The hot tubs are a great place to meet locals, so don't be afraid to say hello. 

Hafnarfjörður has three swimming pools, but Suðurbæjarlaug has a late-1980s charm and is the only one with an outdoor pool. There are indoor and outdoor changing rooms, two waterslides, a steam bath, and a nice little path that twists around the pool ideal for cooling off between dips in the numerous hot tubs.

If you are traveling with small children, this is the perfect place to escape cold Icelandic winter days or to give babies a break from the strong Nordic sun in summer. Waterworld is an indoor activity pool for the youngest generation, with bucket showers, small slides, and a friendly seal. There is also an outdoor pool, four hot tubs, and steam baths for the older generation. Children up to age 10 can enter free with an adult.