Your first Icelandic bath

Bathing in geothermal water is a daily ritual in Iceland, and the etiquette around it is simple and welcoming once you know it. Get these few things right and you will feel at home in the water within minutes.

The one golden rule: shower first

Before you enter any pool, lagoon or natural bath, you shower thoroughly, without a swimsuit, in the changing room showers. Icelandic pools use little chlorine, so this simple habit is what keeps the water beautifully clean for everyone. It is completely normal and no one pays attention; signs usually show the areas to wash. Embrace it and you are halfway to bathing like a local.

What to bring

• Swimsuit and towel. Many lagoons rent towels, but bringing your own is easy and cheaper.
• Flip flops for walking to and from the water (optional but nice).
• A hair tie, mineral water can leave longer hair feeling dry, so tying it up or using conditioner helps.
• A reusable water bottle. Warm water is dehydrating; sip as you soak.
• For wild springs: add layers, walking shoes, and a bag for wet kit.

In the water

Keep your voice low, Icelanders treat the pool as a place to unwind, not a party. Move slowly, give others space, and ease between hot and cold rather than rushing. If there is a cold plunge, a few seconds is plenty at first; the lift afterwards is the reward.

Go slowly, speak softly, and let the warmth do the work.

Good to know

Silver jewellery can tarnish in geothermal water, so leave it in your locker. Drink water between soaks and step out if you feel light headed. Most lagoons let you pay for drinks with a wristband linked to your locker, so you can leave your wallet behind. And give yourself longer than you think, an hour passes quickly, and the best part is having nowhere else to be.

Booking your first soak

The famous lagoons sell out in summer, so reserve ahead; quieter village pools and many natural springs you can simply turn up to. If you are not sure where to start, our guide to the 12 best hot springs in Iceland covers easy options for every kind of traveller.