An American's Guide to Icelandic Swimming Pool Etiquette

Swimming is to Iceland as apple pie is to America.  All Icelanders start swimming at an early age and swimming is a requirement in school.  Because of this, there are swimming pools all over Iceland.  The Icelandic public swimming pools are a place to exercise, unwind, and socialize.  

A common misconception is that all swimming pools in Iceland are like the Blue Lagoon.  The Blue Lagoon is not your typical Icelandic Swimming pool.  Since it's tailored towards tourists, there is luggage storage, private showers, a swim-up bar, face masks, and not many locals.  These kinds of amenities do not exist at every pool in Iceland.  You also pay top dollar to go (currently entrance is ~120 USD).  Before heading to an authentic Icelandic Swimming pool here is everything you need to know about Icelandic swimming pool etiquette. 

When to go to an Icelandic Swimming Pool

It’s hard to find a wrong time to go to an Icelandic swimming pool.  My favorite time to go is after a long day of hiking.  The pools open early (usually around 6 AM and close late (usually around 10 PM).  

Leave your shoes outside the Locker Room

To keep the locker rooms and pool clean many of the swimming pools require you to take off your shoes before entering the locker room.  

Shower Naked

Showering naked before you put on your suit is a requirement to go into Icelandic Swimming pools. The pools aren’t heavily chlorinated, so this is necessary to keep the pools clean. Soap is provided in the showers.  The locker rooms have varying levels of privacy depending on the swimming pool.  If privacy is a concern, we recommend Sundhöllin pool in Reykjavik.  The locker room has a few private shower stalls.  

Other Helpful Information

Icelandic swimming pools have single-sex locker rooms.  The pools and locker rooms are incredibly clean, and there is nothing to be intimidated by.   Most locker rooms have lockers with keys, so there is no need to worry about your belongings. Many locker rooms also have hairdryers, bags for suits, and swimsuit dryers.  If you have towels bring them to the pool, otherwise you will be charged a small fee to rent a towel.  Entrance to pools is around 10 USD which is a bargain compared to the Blue Lagoon. 

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What to do in Iceland

I just got back from my third trip to Iceland, and I'm already planning my fourth.  Everyone seems to be traveling to Iceland these days, and it has to make you wonder what is the draw to this small Northern country?  I can tell you it's not just the cheap flights.  For me, I love Iceland for the landscape and culture.  Iceland is not only beautiful, but the people are alight with an appreciation for literature, music, and art.  This light shines through to every aspect of life on this small Nordic isle.

Where to Stay in Reykjavik

When it comes to accommodations all I have to say is: the third time's the charm.  I've stayed in a couple of great Airbnbs in different parts of Reykjavik. However, this past trip I had the pleasure of staying at Kex Hostel.  

My time at Kex was nothing short of incredible!  I opted for a private room with shared bathroom. The room was clean, comfortable, and had the most fantastic view of Mt Esja.  Each morning I had breakfast at Kex before heading out to explore.  The whole breakfast spread was great, but the homemade jam with freshly baked bread was definitely the highlight. 

One of the best parts about staying at Kex was the opportunity to meet fellow travelers and locals at the Kex bar (Saemundur Gastro Pub).  We met several friendly locals and a few nomads who we were able to ponder the meaning of life with over a few pints.  
PSA: Beer in Iceland is very expensive (around 15 USD) so I was happy to find that Saemundur Gastro Pub offers great happy hour special of select brews for 650 ISK (6.47 USD). Needless to say next time I'm in Reykjavik, I will 100% be staying at Kex.

Kex Hostel

Saemundur Gastro Pub

Our Cozy Room

What to do in Iceland

Ok so I know EVERYONE sees the Golden Circle, but trust me when I say the crowds are not worth it.  There are endless beautiful places in Iceland and vacation time is limited, so I recommend seeing something a little different. Instead of driving the Golden Circle head to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula or the south coast.  The south coast has been growing in popularity, but there are still some hidden gems.  

If one thing is worth splurging on in Iceland, it is going somewhere remote.  Many of the more remote places in Iceland are only accessible by off-roading vehicles, so I recommend splurging on a tour in a super jeep.  Thórsmörk on the south coast is incredible and easily a day trip from Reykjavik via super Jeep.  This past time in Iceland I used Iceland GO Tours to see some of the lesser-known spots along the South Coast.  The peak of our day trip was hiking through a canyon occupied by Icelandic horses to a waterfall.

South Coast Waterfall

Black Sand Beach

Snæfellsnes Peninsula

Spend the time to get to know the locals

Iceland has changed a lot since the first time I visited in 2015.  There are countless new hotels in Reykjavik, new restaurants, new bars, and way more tourists.  The surge of tourism is excellent for Iceland's economy, but it's also easier now to stick to the tourist hot spots and not meet actual Icelandic people.  To get the most out of your trip to Iceland, talk to locals at a bar, go to a local swimming pool (and follow the local customs), and most importantly - get out of your comfort zone! 

Sundhöll Reykjavíkur

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Exploring Iceland's Snæfellsnes Peninsula

While in Iceland, exploring the vast terrain is a must, but during the winter roads in Iceland can be treacherous.  With this in mind, we decided to skip the rental car and let the professionals do the driving. Suffice to say; we were not disappointed when we came across Gateway to Iceland and were able to sit back and relax on a small tour group while exploring Snæfellsnes Peninsula. On this journey, we were serenaded by Icelandic fables, stories of miraculous storm rescues, and, of course, Iceland’s breathtaking profile.  

Búðir

We started our expedition out at 8:30 AM sharp with a warm greeting from Bjorn followed by several stops around downtown Reykjavik to pick up the rest of our crew.

Once fully underway Bjorn began to tell us stories of his life Iceland and even brought us to a bakery near his hometown on the way to our first stop - a Viking tomb!  The tomb in and of itself was discreet and well fortified, but the stories that steamed from this site were by far the most extraordinary. When one thinks of Vikings, you may envision a bulky blonde warrior on a dragon-shaped boat.  Bjorn went beyond the expectation bringing to life a ferocious 4-year-old taking on his maniac father to an old sea witch cursing prideful fisherman.  The hours on the road floated away with these stories, and we were hardly aware of the time that had passed between stops.

Kirkjufell

On our journey, we came across many notable stops including Kirkjufell mountain, Snæfellsnes park, Arnarstapi harbor walk, and Búðir & Búðahraun lava field.  

Word to the wise

1. With the considerable distance between stops, it came as no surprise that the rest stops were few and far between.  With this in mind, plan accordingly.  
2. Bring snacks and if you have food sensitivities pack a lunch. It is much better to be safe than sorry when faced with sparse restroom access.
3. Be mindful of your fluid intake as every action has an adverse reaction.
4. Dress appropriately. While the rest of us were clinging to our coats, Bjorn was happily toasty in his signature wool sweater. Unless you are of Nordic custom, it would be best to pack an extra pair of socks, gloves and a hat.

x Em