Timeline
08:00
Grab a coffee and a pastry at Kaffihús Vesturbæjar. It is a cosy bistro with mostly local clientele, just a two-minute walk from the baths. The cafe opens at 08:00 on weekdays and 09:00 on weekends, so this timing works for a quiet start.
08:20
Walk to Vesturbæjarlaug. This is the city's oldest outdoor pool, located in a residential area just a few minutes from the University of Iceland. Arriving early helps you enjoy the atmosphere before it gets busy. The pool is open from 08:00 on weekdays and 08:00 on weekends.
09:20
Head up Arnarhóll, a hill named after Iceland's first settler. It is a 25-minute walk from the baths in an ENE direction. This park offers a peaceful green space with views over the city, perfect for digesting your morning coffee and soak.
Local tip
Check the route if you need specific directions from the pool to the hill. The walk is short and straightforward through residential streets.
Check before you go
- Vesturbæjarlaug is open Mo-Fr 06:30-22:00 and Sa,Su 08:00-20:00.
- Kaffihús Vesturbæjar is open Mo-Fr 08:00-23:00 and Sa,Su 09:00-23:00.
- On weekends, arrive at the cafe by 09:00 to ensure it is open.
Worth knowing
- Kaffihús Vesturbæjar is open at 08:00 only on Mo, Tu, We, Th, Fr
Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Reykjavík (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).