Dive into the Local Life of Icelanders
Across the country, you’ll find countless variations of bathing spots — from public swimming pools and natural hot springs to hidden mountain tubs and luxurious geothermal lagoons. In fact, it’s almost unthinkable for an Icelandic summer house not to have its own hot tub; a warm soak under the open sky is considered an essential part of relaxation.
Why Are There So Many Pools in Iceland?
Thanks to the country’s geothermal energy, naturally heated water flows abundantly across Iceland. This renewable resource makes it possible to keep pools and hot tubs warm year-round at low cost. As a result, nearly every town has its own swimming pool, often accompanied by several hot tubs of varying temperatures, steam baths, and sometimes even waterslides.
Swimming is also a life skill deeply ingrained in Icelandic culture. Every child in Iceland learns to swim at an early age as part of school education, and regular visits to the pool become a natural part of growing up. It’s not unusual for families, friends, or colleagues to head to the pool after school or work, regardless of the season.
Bathing in Every Season
Even on the coldest winter days when snow covers the ground and temperatures drop well below freezing, Icelanders happily soak in outdoor pools and hot tubs. There’s something magical about sitting in naturally heated water while snowflakes fall around you or the northern lights dance in the sky above.
Bathing Experiences in South Iceland
South Iceland is home to some of the country’s most famous geothermal baths and a wide variety of local swimming pools. Whether you’re looking for luxury spa experiences, natural hot springs, or the everyday local pool, the region has it all.
Laugarvatn Fontana
Laugarvatn Fontana is a must-visit wellness spa located by the beautiful Lake Laugarvatn. Known for its steam baths built directly over natural hot springs, outdoor pools, and hot tubs with lake views, Fontana combines relaxation with local tradition. Visitors can even taste rye bread baked in the hot geothermal ground nearby.
Laugarás Lagoon
The new Laugarás Lagoon One of the most exciting new additions to Iceland’s geothermal bathing scene. Surrounded by the stunning nature of the Golden Circle area, this modern lagoon will combine natural geothermal water with contemporary design and facilities.
Kerlingarfjöll Highland Base
Nestled deep in the Icelandic Highlands, Highland Base Kerlingarfjöll is one of the country’s most breathtaking geothermal destinations. Surrounded by colorful rhyolite mountains, steaming valleys, and snow-covered peaks, this remote oasis offers both adventure and tranquility.
Natural Pools and hot tubs
- For those seeking a more natural or unique experience, South Iceland is home to a well known natural hot spring, Reykjadalur hot spring. where nature itself provides the perfect relaxation spot. Keep in mind that reaching the bathing area in the Reykjadalur hot river requires a hike of about 3.5 km (2.2 miles). It takes around one hour for experienced hikers to reach the top. The trail is of moderate difficulty overall, with the first 1–2 kilometers being the most challenging due to the elevation gain.
- Various hot tubs are around every corner. Beyond the village pools, geothermal warmth can be found almost everywhere, from remote mountain huts to countryside guesthouses and private cottages. Many farms, summerhouses, and rural hotels feature their own hot tubs or small geothermal pools. Whether it’s a rustic stone pool in a quiet valley or a sleek modern tub with a view of glaciers or volcanoes, soaking in warm Icelandic water surrounded by nature is an experience you’ll never forget.
Local Pools - the Heart of Every Town
Beyond the big lagoons, South Iceland offers an impressive network of local swimming pools, each with its own character. You can find the full list here: Swimming Pools.
Almost every village, no matter how small, has its own pool — often complete with hot tubs, saunas, and even slides for children. These community pools are central to Icelandic life. They are where families spend weekends, friends catch up after work, and where people of all ages gather to relax, socialize, and unwind.
Visiting a local pool is one of the simplest and most authentic ways to experience Icelandic culture. Unlike the large geothermal lagoons designed mainly for tourists, these smaller community pools are filled with locals enjoying their daily routine. If you want to see Icelanders in their truest form — both literally and figuratively — this is the place to do it.
One cultural detail that might surprise some visitors is the lack of shyness in the locker rooms. Icelanders grow up without the same sense of body-consciousness that is common elsewhere. It’s normal to shower naked before entering the pool, and people do so without hesitation. For newcomers, this may feel unusual at first, but there is nothing to fear and nobody is watching or judging. It’s simply part of the culture and an expression of respect for hygiene and for others.
Bathing in Iceland is more than just taking a dip. It’s about experiencing community, tradition, and the connection between people and nature. Whether you choose a luxurious spa like Laugarvatn Fontana, soak in a brand-new lagoon at Laugarás, or join the locals in a small-town pool, you’ll be immersing yourself in one of the most authentic parts of Icelandic culture.