Hrunalaug Baths

Difficulty controlling access

Only an hour’s drive from Reykjavík, the 130 year old Hrunalaug pool, which is a private property, has endured a sudden storm of tourists. The brusque increase in the number of visitors has created a challenge of limiting access and preventing damage to the land, making it necessary to fence off or close the area. For several years, landowners have struggled with night traffic, littering and vandalism in this sensitive area, resulting in damages to the pool. Previously, the pool was only used by the locals, but now, the landowners consider themselves lucky if they can enjoy their pool in peace.

Maintenance using traditional methods

The landowners have no intention of developing the pool as a tourist attraction. Therefore, all construction has been carried out with the purpose of preserving and protecting the area, with the aim of leaving it as close to its original state as possible. The work undertaken includes construction of paths and repairs and rebuilding of a stone wall and an old sheep round-up - réttir in Icelandic. Restoration of the traditional stonework and construction of the path to the pool were carried out by the same craftsmen, ensuring consistency in the traditional appearance of the area.