06/06/2025 | 3:00 PM
The etiquette of Iceland's geothermal pools
/
Swimming and soaking in geothermal pools is a cherished part of daily life in Iceland – a ritual dating back hundreds of years. As with any long-standing tradition, there are certain guidelines upheld around bathing to ensure that this practice is respected, and that everyone can have the best possible experience in Iceland’s pools, lagoons, hot springs, and hot-pots.
Iceland’s geothermal pool rules apply anywhere you go, whether that’s at a local pool in Reykjavík or a remote hot spring in the rugged countryside. This guide covers everything you need to know about Iceland’s pool etiquette, from showering rules to safety tips, so you can enjoy bathing like a local.
Geothermal bathing is not just a leisure activity, it’s a tradition that’s a huge part of Icelandic culture. From an early age, Icelanders learn to respect and appreciate the customs of local pools and baths, with pool hygiene and etiquette becoming second nature.
Swimming is taught in schools from age 6 to 16, and many Icelanders start or end their day with a swim and a soak. Pools are a place for exercise, socializing, and even solving the world’s problems – one hot-pot chat at a time.
Locals are welcoming and happy to share the bathing experience, but it's expected that visitors follow Iceland’s geothermal pool rules. This ensures that everyone enjoys themselves while respecting the traditions that make the experience uniquely Icelandic.
Photo: Birkimelur pool, Westfjords
Below, we explain some of the most common rules and etiquette tips to keep in mind while visiting Iceland’s geothermal pools and lagoons.
Showering is probably the most important rule for bathing and swimming in Iceland.
No matter which type of pool you visit, it’s mandatory that you shower without your bathing suit before diving in. This is to ensure the pools are kept as clean and chemical-free as possible, for all to enjoy. It’s also best practice to shower after bathing to rinse away any minerals or impurities from the water.
Changing rooms are divided between men and women. Within the changing rooms, many showers are communal, but a number of larger pools and lagoons offer private cubicles. (Note that a number of small, remote hot springs are devoid of showers and/or changing rooms.)
If you’re trans or non-binary and have concerns about showering or changing, ask a member of staff for guidance. You can also plan ahead by visiting the pool’s website.
If you're worried about showering in front of others, don't be shy! Icelandic locals are very body-positive and non-judgemental. Showering naked beforehand is not only accepted as the norm, but it's required of anyone wanting to bathe.
At some facilities, you might find 'guards' or attendants in the shower area of large pools and lagoons who keep an eye out for anyone neglecting to wash before swimming.
Not showering is a guaranteed way to annoy a local. Watch the video and learn!
Another important custom is to remove your shoes before entering the locker room to keep the floors free from dirt. We recommend bringing a plastic bag with you to store them in, so you can place them in your locker.
You can wear flip-flops or shower shoes if you’d prefer not to walk through changing rooms barefoot.
Swimwear is required in all public pools and hot springs. Some facilities do offer rentals in case you forget, but it’s always best to bring your own.
Wet floors are frowned upon in the locker rooms. For this reason, it’s important to bring a towel with you and dry off properly before leaving the shower area. This helps you to avoid dripping water onto the floor and making it slippery.
Many of Iceland’s geothermal pools are incredibly beautiful with scenic views to match. Photos are generally permitted poolside, but it’s important to respect people’s privacy and experience by avoiding excessive photography. Taking pictures of others without their consent, or taking photos in the changing rooms is strictly prohibited.
Before entering a public swimming pool in Iceland, it’s important to pay the admission fee at the front desk. This small fee goes towards the maintenance and cleaning of the pool. Most local pools are affordable (typically ranging from $5–12 USD) while luxury lagoons like the Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon cost a bit more for their more premium experience.
Tip: Some natural hot springs or remote bathing spots may not have a formal entrance or staff, but you might find a donation box nearby. Donations help local communities maintain access paths, clean the area, and preserve the natural environment for future visitors, so we recommend contributing where possible.
Pools are social spaces, but loud or disruptive behavior is discouraged. It's good to keep your voices low and be mindful of others around you when using the pools and facilities.
Photo: Vök Baths, East Iceland
There’s no specific dress code for geothermal pools in Iceland. When it comes to swimwear, there’s an anything-goes approach, as long as your bathing suit provides an acceptable level of coverage in a public space.
Some people prefer one-piece or higher coverage swimsuits during the winter, especially when you’re out of the pool in the colder air. However, you’re guaranteed to warm up quickly in the baths no matter what you decide to wear.
Other accessories like water shoes or flip-flops can be worn, as long as they’re clean and not left where they can trip someone up on the pool edge. Footwear is recommended at natural hot baths in particular where there’s rocky or muddy terrain.
Despite the relaxed culture around nudity, it's not permitted in Iceland’s public swimming pools. Nudity is expected in showers for hygiene reasons, and many locals won’t shy away from getting naked in locker rooms, but this is as far as it goes.
Photo: Hofsós pool, North Iceland
Geothermal spas (like the Blue Lagoon and Sky Lagoon) offer a more luxurious bathing experience than your average local pool, so you might be wondering whether the rules are different here for others.
Most of Iceland’s pool etiquette tips (showering beforehand, locker-room rules etc.) apply to the spas too, but each facility may have stricter or more relaxed rules based on the experience. For example, noise levels may be monitored more closely at a spa, while the poolside photography rules will typically be more relaxed while in geothermal lagoons.
Finally, while drinking alcohol is not permitted at most public baths and swimming pools, many modern geothermal spas have swim-up bars that allow visitors to enjoy a drink or two while bathing.
We always recommend checking the spa’s own website or asking a member of staff if you’re unsure about the etiquette.
Photo: Blue Lagoon
Here are some final tips for staying safe and enjoying Iceland’s geothermal pools and hot springs (especially if you're visiting some of the more remote gems):
Photo: Aerial view of Secret Lagoon, photographed by Ragnar Th. Sigurðsson
Ready to relax like a local? We offer spa and wellness vacation packages that include access to some of Iceland’s most iconic geothermal spas and pools. Book with us to enjoy a seamless experience with flights, transfers, and entry fees all taken care of.