This episode is all about the Icelandic geothermal bathing culture in Iceland. Many of you might be aware that Icelanders love to soak in a hot tub no matter the weather. However, you might not be aware of some of the history, modern day culture and etiquette involved with this tradition. Before I jumped into it, I’m excited to announce that this episode is sponsored by the new Sky Lagoon geothermal spa in Reykjavík.
I have to point out that I only like to promote places or things that I have personally gone to or used and can vouch for the experience. I will share some insight a little later in the episode about the Sky Lagoon because I was blown away by this new geothermal spa.
A Little History About Icelander's Geothermal Bathing Culture
Bathing in a geothermal pool in Iceland is a national pastime, and the origins of this activity dates back to the settlement times. When farmers from Norway came to Iceland, they found that there was an abundance of hot water coming out of the earth in different areas of the country. Washing clothes and soaking in natural Icelandic geothermal pools were two of the most common uses. The heat and steam from the geothermal water were also used to make delicious Icelandic bread called rúgbrauð.
Iceland’s harsh weather takes a toll on the skin and those with skin conditions found that soaking in the warm water seemed to alleviate some symptoms. Because the water from geothermal sources is often rich with minerals, it can provide healing properties for those that immerse in it.
Iceland’s Most Famous & Historical Man Made Geothermal Bathing Pool
Snorri Sturluson, a revered Icelandic historian, poet and politician, had a man made geothermal bathing pool in Reykholt back in the 13th century. It is aptly named Snorralaug, which translates to Snorri’s pool and is fed hot water by the nearby hot spring Skrifla.. What’s even more interesting is that Snorri had a tunnel built that went from his house straight to the pool so he could be sheltered to and from his beloved geothermal bathing pool. I visited this location in the summer of 2020 and the pool is beautiful. Unfortunately, it’s not possible to bathe in it today because the hot water that fills the pool can sometimes be scolding hot.
While Snorralaug was once thought to be used only by Snorri, it appears that this pool was mentioned in the Landnáma, or book of settlement, back in the 10th century. Of course, it was not called Snorralaug back then but the pool in the book of settlements was in the same location.
Modern Day Icelandic Bathing Culture
While it is still possible and quite fun to bathe in natural geothermal hot springs out in Icelandic nature, the majority of Icelanders opt for local pools and spas. These facilities provide a comfortable place to change, lockers to store your things securely, showers to clean off, and a relaxing place to gather. Many of these places still use geothermal energy but it’s a major upgrade from what their ancestors used.
Sky Lagoon Iceland - Incorporating Icelandic Geothermal Bathing Culture & the Modern Spa Experience
And this is what brings me to talk more about our sponsor for this episode, which is the new gorgeous Sky Lagoon in Reykjavík. I had the amazing opportunity to check out the Sky Lagoon the weekend it opened. If I recall correctly, it opened on Friday, April 30th and we went on Sunday, May 2nd. What’s nice is that it is only about a 10 minute drive from the downtown area.
This new geothermal spa in Iceland is unique because they have incorporated Icelandic culture and history into the experience.I was blown away by how beautiful the facilities are and how thoughtful the architects were when they designed the place. For starters, the outside of the building was made using Icelandic turf, which is essentially dirt and grass. That is how Icelanders made their homes for centuries after running out of wood due to cutting down trees.
Sky Lagoon’s 7 Ritual Steps to Relaxation & Well Being in Iceland
The Sky Lagoon has 7 ritual steps to relaxation and well-being. I posted a video of my experience of going through each step and will embed it in the show notes so you can check it out. The place is absolutely gorgeous and is home to the largest sauna in the country.
In addition, they have an infinity pool with views of the ocean, the current volcanic eruption and the house of the President of Iceland. How cool is that?! I could go on and on about this place because I was that impressed. Gunnar and I plan to go back in the very near future. I have a link to the Sky Lagoon in the show notes of this episode on allthingsiceland.com and I highly recommend keeping this place on your list of must-dos when planning your trip for Iceland.
The Rules and Etiquette of Bathing in Geothermal Pools in Iceland
One thing to understand before coming to Iceland is that there are rules for bathing here. If you don’t follow these rules, you might find yourself in hot water and I’m not talking about the one in the hot tub.
1. Take Off Your Shoes Before Entering the Changing Area
If you have watched my “How to Offend Icelanders” video on YouTube, you probably already know that not taking your shoes off before entering their home is a big no-no. Well, there is a similar rule at the pools. You must take off your shoes before entering the changing facilities. The point of this rule is that people are walking around barefoot and taking off your shoes means that dirt, bacteria and other things that are on the bottom of your shoes are not being tracked in this area.
2. No Pictures or Videos Allowed in the Changing Area
I think it goes without saying that you are not allowed to take photos or videos in the changing room but I think some people get excited about being in new places and forget. Please be respectful of the space and others privacy and don’t take any photos or videos.
3. Communal Changing Area & Showers
It might come as a surprise that most pools and spas have communal changing and shower areas that are separated by gender. Icelanders are not shy about stripping naked to get changed and shower. It’s helpful to be mentally prepared for this because it is expected that you will do this too.
There are some places where you can pay more to have your own shower and changing area, such as at the Sky Lagoon. Their Sky Pass comes with those amenities. In the video I mentioned about the place, I show what those facilities look like.
4. Shower Naked BEFORE entering the pool
One important thing to remember is that you are expected to shower naked, meaning without your bathing suit, before you get in the pool. You have to use soap to clean every part of your body, rinse off the soap and then put your bathing suit on.
Again, this is done in a communal shower. It’s a very common thing here but I can understand if it is a little shocking or strange for people who have never showered in front of others before. The good thing is that you realize that most people in the shower are not concerned about what you look like. Everyone just wants to get clean and into the pool.
In some pools, Icelanders do look to see if a person has showered because it is important that you do it before going into the pool in order to keep the pool cleaner. I know of Icelanders that have stopped tourists to let them know that they have to shower first.
5. Leave your towel in the Changing Area
After you have showered, dried off and put on your bathing suit, you leave your towel in a little cubby area and head off to the pool. Some might be tempted to take their towels with them but the weather conditions can vary, so it makes sense to leave your towel inside. This ensures that it stays dry and clean for when you come back to shower.
6. Dry Off Before Going Back into the Changing Room
After you’ve enjoyed the geothermal bathing experience and have showered, make sure to dry off before going into the changing room. Doing so prevents getting the floor wet where people are putting on dry socks and their clothes.
Ok, there you have it! This might seem like a decent amount of rules but they are very easy to follow and doing so will keep you in the good graces of the natives.
Random fact of the Episode
While it has been common for Icelanders to bathe in geothermal pools for centuries, one thing I found fascinating is that swimming was not a skill many people possessed for quite some time.
Even Though fishermen were abundant here and fishing was an important part of the economy, Icelandic fishermen did not know how to swim until the 19th century! It’s sad to know that some drownings of fishermen might have been avoided if they had the skill to swim.
Another fascinating fact is that many swimming pools were constructed in the 1940s and 50s after Icelanders were drilling for gold but instead found geothermally heated water. Pretty much every town in Iceland has a swimming pool. I’ve read that there are as many as 200 swimming pools in the country. That goes to show you just how much Icelanders cherish their geothermal bathing culture.
Icelandic Word of the Episode
Jarðhiti – geothermal heating
Jarð – earth
Hiti – heat or warmth
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