Set in the town of Akranes, within West Iceland’s Akraneskaupstaður municipality, Bjarnalaug is more than a typical municipal swimming pool. Its origins are rooted in events that touched the local community deeply, giving the pool not only a role in public health and education but also in collective memory.
Origins in a local tragedy
In February 1939, a boating accident near Teigavör claimed the lives of four seamen. None of the men could swim, a circumstance that directly influenced the Akranes community to prioritise swimming education. Following this tragedy, a foundation in memory of Bjarni Ólafsson, one of the lost captains, was established. This fund, together with support from the Akranes sea captains’ association and local labour groups, began raising money for a purpose-built swimming pool.
Design and opening
Bjarnalaug, designed by Guðjón Samúelsson, opened in 1944 on Sjómannadagur (Seamen’s Day). Its creation was both a practical response to safety concerns and a communal gesture of resilience and improvement following the events of 1939. The pool stands at Laugabraut 6, where it has served Akranes for decades.
Facilities and community role
The swimming pool is an indoor facility measuring 12.5 metres, with a hot tub located in an outdoor garden area. It is used extensively for swimming instruction, especially for pupils at Brekkubæjarskóli, as well as for infant swimming and swimming school sessions. The pool can also be rented for various private and community functions. While Bjarnalaug is open to the public during the winter months, visitors should check the official website for current opening details and admission information.
Today, Bjarnalaug continues its role as a place for learning and leisure in Akranes. Its history is a reminder of the way communities in Iceland have responded to life by the sea, turning loss into lasting initiatives for safety and collective well-being.
For further details and the latest information on hours and access, see the official site for Akranes’ swimming facilities (linked below).
Sources
Facts last reviewed 18 October 2026. Published 19 October 2026.
