Swimming Pool Culture in Iceland

Swimming Pool Culture in Iceland

In getting set for your journey to Iceland, there is something you must not forget to include in your luggage; your swimsuit. The swimming pool culture in Iceland is worth experiencing. If you wish to meet the locals, then you must go to the local geothermal swimming pool. It is an encounter that will remain indelible in your memory for a long time. Swimming pools are an interesting spot where people from different walks of life meet and mingle. Iceland has numerous swimming pools visitors can choose from. Each swimming pool has its qualities and there is a continuous attempt by Icelanders to try out new pools for optimum swimming experience.

In the early times in the communities in Iceland, the pools are much more than just where to go for a swim. It is the place for locals of all ages to meet and socialize. Irrespective of the size of the community, time of the year, there is always a pool available for you to revel in. You are guaranteed a unique opportunity of having a feel of the Icelandic swimming pool culture.

A Short Chronicle of the Swimming Pools in Iceland

The relevance of the geothermal pools dates back to the early days of Iceland as far back as the 9th and 10th centuries; it can be said to be part of Iceland’s identity. According to Iceland’s history, the geothermal pools served domestic purposes like washing clothes and bathing.  However the functionality of the geothermal pools evolved through the years; in the 13th century, the first set of swimming pools came to be.  One of the pre-historical remains in Iceland is Snorralaug. There, according to the sagas, Snorri Sturluson, one of Iceland´s most famous poets and writers of the Middle Ages, used the naturally heated pool to bathe. It is important to note that now it is prohibited to bathe in Snorralaug; and is under the protection of the National Musuem of Iceland.

Tourists to Iceland can have a fun-filled experience in any of the numerous swimming pools and geothermal lagoons available all around Iceland. One of the oldest bathing locations is the Secret Lagoon, constructed in the town of Flúðir in 1891. Until 1894, the pool was the location of the legislative team of the town.  Swimming lessons commenced at the Secret Lagoon from 1909 till 1947; at a point when a new swimming pool was constructed in Flúðir, almost spontaneously the Secret Lagoon was obliterated, and in 2014 it was refurbished and inaugurated for public access. Though refurbished, the pool has been kept ultimately natural to keep its originality. Icelanders’ love for pools cannot be underestimated.

If you like to know more about geothermal SPAs in Iceland – read here

Icelandic Swimming Pool Culture

Every Icelandic settlement has a pool irrespective of the size. Iceland has over one hundred and seventy pools spread across the country.  The thermal bath is an Icelandic norm that can be traced back to the early years in Iceland.  Snorri Sturluson, the well-known writer, and historian built a personal thermal pool for his relaxation in the twelfth century; swimming is a deeply rooted custom in Iceland. It is no doubt having such a lengthy narrative as a country that the swimming pool is a way of life for the people of Iceland.  Times and seasons do not deprive the Icelanders of their revered swimming and bathing routine. Hence this might make you curious about this aspect of the Icelandic way of life. After all, there are pools in other countries too, so what is so special about pools in Iceland?

In Iceland, the swimming pool is just not like any other, it is much more than a place just to go swimming. It is a norm, it is part of the daily living in Iceland; it is a place to connect with others, relax, have fun and also give undivided attention to family and friends, in other words, it is a communal place. It is a leveling ground for all and sundry, the different classes in the Icelandic community.

Swimming being a crucial content in daily life in Iceland, it then should not be shocking that Icelanders are introduced to swimming at a very early age; right from the crib. Swimming lessons for babies are very well-known and accepted in Iceland. Once your baby is three months old, he or she qualifies to be enrolled in swimming lessons. The Icelandic system and structure have swimming entrenched into it; throughout the educational system.  For instance, swimming was made compulsory at the primary level of education in 1943.  No age grade is left out in the swimming culture of Iceland; the youths love to mingle and socialize with their friends at the local pool while their parents have their regular foregather in the hot tubs to unwind. It is also customary to see gatherings of seniors reveling in the hot tubs in the morning hours or later in the day; sometimes just to discuss politics and share the gossip. Swimming is not just an activity for Icelanders, it is their way of life and it cuts across all ages.

Swimming Pool Protocols

Having known how deeply entrenched the swimming pool tradition is in Iceland, there is also the need for you to know then protocols guiding this custom, especially for visitors as locals are already familiar.

Shows off

Outside the changing rooms, there are shoe shelves where you can leave your shoes. Shoes can also be stored (placed in a plastic bag) in a locker in the changing rooms.

Shower before putting on your swimsuit

Have a thorough shower without a bathing suit and wash with soap before going into the pool. This is important in order to keep the water in the pools and hot tubs as clean as possible. The quality of the water is under strict supervision and checked for bacteria several times a day. Swimsuits are compulsory in Icelandic swimming pools.

Icelanders start going to the pool from an early age. They learn how to swim and comply with the rules of washing before entering. Therefore showering naked with others of the same sex isn’t an issue. Men and women undress and shower in separate changing rooms, and within the changing rooms, there is little or no privacy. Icelanders take swimming pool hygiene very seriously, so don’t think of trying to skip the showers!

Go to the pool and have a pleasant time

Put your swimsuit on and go to the pool. There are usually lots of choices; from the thermal steam baths to the relaxing hot tubs and the freeform swimming pool. There are numerous pools to choose from, from small hot tubs to expansive lap pools with varying temperature levels; there are also surface pools for little children to have fun in.

Locker/Changing room entry conditions

Immediately, you are done with swim, you have to take a compulsory shower, then dry your body with a towel from the towel rack before going into the locker room to dress up. The reason you have to dry off before going into the locker room is to ensure that you do not make a puddle on the floor. It’s not permitted to wear shoes in the locker /changing rooms.

With the knowledge of the aforementioned protocols, you can never go wrong, just go ahead and have your personal experience of the Icelandic Swimming culture. It is exhilarating!