Iceland swimming pools are an important part of everyday life in Iceland. They are not simply places to swim, but community gathering spaces used for relaxation, exercise, recovery, socializing, and wellness year-round.
Recently, The New York Times published an article Icelanders Love Their Pools. Just Don’t Tell the Tourists which highlighted growing concerns among Icelanders that increased tourism may impact the country’s public pool culture. While many visitors focus on commercial lagoons, Icelanders themselves often prefer local geothermal pools and hot pots.
For travelers, visiting Iceland swimming pools can be one of the best ways to experience authentic Icelandic bathing culture. At Green Edventures, we spend a great deal of time with our participants in both geothermal pools and lagoons throughout Iceland. Along the way, we help travelers understand local customs so they can blend into Iceland pool culture respectfully and confidently rather than feeling like outsiders.
Here are our pro tips to help answer common questions, understand Icelandic bathing etiquette, and avoid cultural faux pas while visiting Iceland swimming pools.
What Makes Iceland Swimming Pools Unique?
Most towns in Iceland have public geothermal pools, many of which are outdoors and open year-round thanks to Iceland’s geothermal energy.
Typical Iceland pool facilities include:
- Lap pools
- Geothermal hot tubs
- Cold plunge pools
- Steam rooms or saunas
- Children’s pools and water slides
Unlike resort-style spas, Iceland pools are community spaces used daily by locals of all ages.
Icelandic Bathing Culture and Shower Etiquette
One of the most important parts of Icelandic bathing culture is showering thoroughly before entering the pools.
Visitors are expected to:
- Shower without a swimsuit
- Wash hair, underarms, and groin areas with soap
- Enter the pools only after properly washing
Iceland swimming pools are lightly chlorinated, so cleanliness is taken seriously.
For Icelanders, this process is completely normal and considered respectful to others sharing the water.
Many travelers are initially nervous about the shower process but quickly realize it is much less intimidating than expected.
Tips for Visiting Iceland Swimming Pools
Pay the Entrance Fee
Most public pools cost around 1200 ISK. Towels are available to rent if needed.
If the facility has a sauna, bring or rent an additional towel to sit on.
Use the Correct Locker Room
Pools have gender-specific locker rooms. Remove your shoes before entering.
Find an available locker and secure your belongings.
Leave Phones in Your Locker
Photography is discouraged or prohibited at many Iceland swimming pools, especially in locker rooms and pool areas.
These are community spaces, not tourist attractions.
Shower Before Entering the Pools
Before entering the pool area:
- Remove your swimsuit
- Shower thoroughly with soap
- Wash hair, underarms, and groin areas
- Put your swimsuit on after showering
This is an essential part of Icelandic bathing culture.
Respect the Atmosphere
Iceland pools are social but generally calm and relaxed.
Most facilities include:
- Hot tubs with varying temperatures
- Lap lanes
- Saunas or steam rooms
- Family areas
Keep noise levels reasonable and respect the local environment.
Shower Again Before Leaving
After using the pools:
- Shower again
- Use shampoo and conditioner if desired
- Dry off before returning to the locker area
- Use swimsuit spinners if available
Iceland Wellness and Pool Culture
Iceland swimming pools are closely connected to Icelandic wellness traditions. Geothermal pools, saunas, cold plunges, and ocean swimming are commonly used for relaxation, recovery, and social connection.
At Green Edventures, our Iceland Hot Springs & Mindfulness Tour introduces women travelers to Icelandic bathing culture through geothermal pools, lagoons, saunas, mindfulness experiences, and cold-water immersion.
Many participants discover a slower and more sustainable approach to wellness rooted in Icelandic daily life.
Find Iceland Swimming Pools Across Iceland
This resource can help travelers locate Iceland swimming pools throughout the country:
Sundlaugar.is – Iceland Swimming Pools Directory
Experience Iceland Beyond the Lagoons
Visiting Iceland swimming pools offers travelers an opportunity to experience Icelandic bathing culture in a more authentic and local way.
For many visitors, time spent in geothermal pools becomes one of the most memorable parts of traveling in Iceland.