description Grettislaug Overview
Grettislaug is a geothermal hot pool located at Reykir in Skagafjörður, northern Iceland. The site is named after the outlaw Grettir Ásmundarson from the medieval Icelandic Grettis saga, who is said to have bathed there after swimming from Drangey Island. The original pool was damaged by storms and rebuilt in 1992 by local residents. It overlooks the sea toward Drangey Island and includes basic changing facilities for visitors.
insights Ranking position
Grettislaug ranks #136 of 202 in the Hot Spring ranking, behind Secret Lagoon, ahead of Paulina Lake Hot Springs.
help Grettislaug FAQ
Why is Grettislaug connected with Grettir the Strong?
According to Grettis saga, the outlaw Grettir Ásmundarson warmed himself in the spring after swimming from Drangey to the mainland. The pool's name means Grettir's Pool, preserving that link to one of Iceland's best-known medieval sagas.
Can visitors bathe in Grettislaug today?
Yes, Grettislaug is maintained as an outdoor bathing pool at Reykir in Skagafjörður. It sits near the coast with views toward Drangey, and access commonly involves a locally charged bathing or facility fee.
Is the present Grettislaug the original saga-age pool?
The geothermal source is historic, but storms damaged earlier bathing pools at the site. The current stone-lined Grettislaug was rebuilt in 1992, so its physical enclosure is modern rather than medieval.
How do Grettislaug and the nearby Jarlslaug differ?
Grettislaug is the pool traditionally associated with Grettir's swim from Drangey, while Jarlslaug is a second constructed pool beside it. Both use naturally hot geothermal water at the Reykir site, but Jarlslaug is a newer addition.
explore Explore More
Similar to Grettislaug
See all arrow_forward
Reviews & Comments
Write a Review
Be the first to review
Share your thoughts with the community and help others make better decisions.
