Hot Spring & Pool Etiquette — What Every Visitor Needs to Know

Hot springs and public pools are sacred in Iceland. They're where locals hang out, catch up, and unwind. Tourists who show up without knowing the etiquette stand out immediately (and not in a good way). Here's how to blend in.

Rule #1: You shower naked before you get in.

This is the big one, and it's non-negotiable. Every public pool, geothermal spa, and lagoon in Iceland requires you to shower without a swimsuit, with soap, in a communal changing room before entering the water. Signs posted at every pool even show a diagram of the body parts you need to wash (yes, including down there).

It feels awkward the first time. Nobody is looking at you. Locals do it without a second thought. Staff will absolutely call you out if you try to skip it or shower in your swimsuit.

Rule #2: Showers are communal (mostly).

Most locker rooms have one big open shower area. Some newer/upscale places (Sky Lagoon, Blue Lagoon, Retreat) offer private shower stalls for a more premium price, but smaller town pools don't. Bring your own soap and shampoo if you care about brand as most places have basic dispensers.

Rule #3: No outside food or drinks in most pools.

Sky Lagoon and Blue Lagoon have in-water bars. Public town pools don't. Don't bring a beer into a municipal pool — it's a fast way to get kicked out.

Rule #4: Voices down.

Icelanders treat pools as a quiet social space. Not silent, but not a pool party either. Loud groups of tourists get side-eyed (and sometimes a direct word from staff). Keep voices at conversation level.

Rule #5: Save the phone for specific zones.

Most pools and lagoons strongly prefer no phones in the water. If you want the lagoon shot, set up before you get in and keep it quick.

Rule #6: Respect wild hot springs.

Iceland's natural hot springs (Reykjadalur, Hrunalaug, Seljavallalaug, Landbrotalaug) are fragile. Follow these:

• Change discreetly — there are rarely facilities

• Pack out everything, including trash, tissues, and food wrappers

• Don't use soap or shampoo in wild springs

• Keep group size small

• Don't geotag hidden springs publicly — locals are losing access because of over-visitation

• If there are only 2–3 people in a tiny spring, wait or come back

Rule #7: Tipping isn't expected.

Neither at the spa, the bar, nor the locker room attendant. Service is included in the price.

Rule #8: Bring the right gear.

• Swimsuit (obviously)

• Towel (or rent one — most places offer this)

• Flip-flops are optional at high-end spas, useful at public pools

• A reusable water bottle as you'll get dehydrated faster than you think

• Hair tie if you have long hair

Rule #9: Know the pool hierarchy.

• Sky Lagoon / Blue Lagoon / Forest Lagoon / GeoSea: high-end, pre-booked, full amenities ($60–$100+)

• Public municipal pools (Laugardalslaug, Sundhöllin, Hofsos): cheapest, most local, $9–$15, open to anyone

• Hot pots (heitir pottar): the small jacuzzi-style tubs at public pools where people actually socialize. Sit here if you want the local experience.

• Wild hot springs: free, remote, require a short hike, no facilities

Rule #10: Our take on which to prioritize.

If you only do one paid lagoon, Sky Lagoon (7-step ritual + sunset infinity edge beats the Blue Lagoon for atmosphere, in our opinion). If you want the local experience, stop at a town public pool for $10 — Hofsós has a stunning ocean view for half the price of Sky Lagoon. If you want magic, hike to Reykjadalur — the hot river you soak in after a 45-minute walk is peak Iceland.

The one thing every first-timer asks:

"Is it weird to be naked in the shower?"

For about 60 seconds. Then you realize nobody cares, you feel a little more worldly, and you move on. It's one of the better cultural gut-checks of the trip.