Visiting a Pool or Lagoon in Iceland for Newbies

Icelanders take their lagoons and pools very seriously. Relaxing in geothermal water is a long standing tradition for the locals. Over the years, a handful of rules, both written and unwritten, have developed. Before you visit, here are 4 Things to Know Before Visiting a Pool or Lagoon in Iceland.

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1. Showering Etiquette for a Pool or Lagoon in Iceland

Since relaxing in the lagoons or pools is such a sacred tradition for Icelanders, it is important that you follow their customs. For instance, everyone is expected to shower prior to getting in the water. It is expected that you shower naked and use soap to wash your face, underarms, private area, and feet.

Once you have fully cleaned your body, put on your bathing suit and enjoy the warm water!

Okay, but do I really need to shower naked?

In short, yes. Unlike other spas or pools where you typically shower with your swimsuit on, in Iceland you are expected to shower naked and then put your bathing suit on. In fact, this is required by the Environment Agency of Iceland…aka, it’s the law!

Sure, it may sound uncomfortable, but literally everyone else will be naked. It’s honestly not a big deal. No one will be staring at you.

Are there private showers available?

If you’re visiting one of the more popular lagoons, geared towards tourists, you’ll most likely find a few private showers. The Blue Lagoon, for instance, has several private showers…however, only a couple of private dressing rooms. Nearly everyone changes in front of one another.

The local pools do not offer private showers. There are designated areas where you’ll undress, store your belongings, shower, and dry off. The areas are all clearly marked with signs in both Icelandic and English.

2. Bathing Suit Requirements for a Pool or Lagoon in Iceland

Most pools and lagoons require bathing suits to be worn. They do not permit shorts, sports bras, leggings, etc. to be worn instead of bathing suits.

What if I don't have a bathing suit or towel?

Sometimes space can be extremely limited in a suitcase, trust me, I get it. If you do not have space for a bathing suit and towel in your suitcase, all pools have bathing suits and towels available for rent or purchase.

Some lagoons even include the use of a towel or bathrobe in your entrance fee. At the Blue Lagoon, for instance, our package included a towel and a bathrobe.

We did, however, pack quick dry microfiber towels, which came in handy at the local pools. They didn’t take up a lot of space in our bag and were a great thing to have on hand!

One thing I noticed, at a local pool, is that Icelanders don’t take their towels with them to the pool. Instead, they stash them on a shelf just before exiting for the pool area. I didn’t realize this at first, and later saw that I was the only person with a towel by the pool.

3. Do I need flip-flops of sandals?

The distance from the showers to the pool is typically pretty short and you can absolutely get away without wearing flip-flops or sandals. In the interest of space in my suitcase, I chose not to pack any. Like many other people, I walked barefoot from the showers to the pool or lagoon.

At the pools, the locals didn’t wear their shoes out. At the lagoons, several tourists had their flip-flops, Crocs, or sandals with them.

Honestly, this is totally up to you. Depending on the outside temperature, you may want them though as the walkways can be frozen or slippery.

4. How do I pay for drinks?

If you’re visiting one of the lagoons geared towards the tourists, you’ll be provided with a bracelet that you can use to charge items to your account. These bracelets are also color coded, which indicate what level package you purchased for your visit.

The front desk will store your credit care information. Simply tap your bracelet at the device at the bar and it will be added to your bill.

You’ll need to settle your bill, and scan your bracelet, before you are permitted to exit the facilities.

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While we were in the area, we also visited Pingvellir National Park, Gullfoss, and much more! If you haven’t already, read all about our visit to The Blue Lagoon.