Varmahlíð – Culture, Swimming Pool and Nature

In the town, cultural activities and a swimming pool go hand in hand; nature can be found in Reykjarhóll recreational forest on the edge of town and nearby at Reykjafoss. The waterfall is about 7 km from Varmahlíð and is a special natural attraction. This gives the destination a range of options for a stay focused on culture, swimming or nature.

Culture and Events

The Miðgarður cultural center is located in Varmahlíð and serves as a venue for a variety of entertainment throughout the year. For concerts, Aðalsalur has 350 seats. This gives the concert hall a specific capacity; at the same time, Miðgarður is not limited to a single season as a venue. If a particular concert or other entertainment is important to your travel dates, check the relevant program.

The tourist information center in Varmahlíð offers a different cultural perspective: it presents handicrafts from Skagafjörður by Alþýðulist. Miðgarður and the information center therefore have different focuses: events and a concert hall on the one hand, and the presentation of handicrafts on the other. The connection to Skagafjörður comes through the handicrafts, while the presentation takes place in Varmahlíð. If you are weighing up an event date and handicrafts as two distinct cultural interests, this distinction can help with your travel planning.

Swimming Pool and Nature

Varmahlíð’s outdoor swimming pool complex includes a 12.5 × 25 m pool and a 12.5 × 8 m children’s pool. The two sets of measurements can be compared directly: both have the same first dimension, 12.5 m, while the second is 25 m and 8 m, respectively. This gives the dimensions of both areas specifically. Check the opening hours if you are planning a visit on a particular day. The second dimensions differ by 17 m.

Reykjarhóll is a recreational forest on the edge of Varmahlíð in Skagafjörður. This sets it apart from Reykjafoss: the forest is on the edge of town, while the special natural attraction is about 7 km from Varmahlíð. The two natural sites therefore differ both in type and location. Conditions at Reykjafoss may vary; take this into account when making specific plans.

Planning Your Stay

Miðgarður is a year-round venue, but specific events must fit your travel dates; the swimming pool’s dimensions are known, while its opening hours are what matter for a visit on a particular day. For nature lovers, the difference between a forest on the edge of town and a nearby waterfall is another point of reference. When planning, you can first choose your focus and then check the time-sensitive details.

Discover more destinations: Miklibær, Húnavatn, Lækjamót, Hofsós, Vidhidalstunga, Skagaströnd, Undirfell, Hólar.

See the regional travel overview: Northwest Iceland.