What happens when a group of Faroese men show up to Iceland and realize it’s better to bathe in hot springs than dive in glacier lakes 😂
A couple of photo's with some recent article references.
Starting off with Outsideonline (Mar. 3) also recognizes how Icelandic soaking culture has gained UNESCO status:
The article comes with a couple of suggestions.'Some experiences in life fuel obsession, and for me, soaking in a natural Icelandic hot spring is one of them. On each of my eight trips to Iceland, I’ve dipped in hot springs and geothermal-heated pools in the rain, snow, pitch black darkness, midnight sun, and in freezing temperatures and whipping wind. I’ve relaxed in remote, rock-ringed pools, hypnotized by steam rising from a verdant valley. And I’ve driven for hours chasing the thrill of a new-to-me hot spring in the middle of nowhere, and mingled in a large city swimming pool, dotted with locals relishing in the warmth of the water and company. Every experience has undoubtedly been nothing short of magical.Now, Iceland’s daily practice of a warm dip is getting the global recognition it deserves....Today, Iceland’s swimming culture emphasizes how Icelanders build community, survive in a harsh climate, and disconnect from the stress of everyday life. “I say that I’m going swimming, but I don’t always swim. I guess the pools are like the pubs in other countries. You go there to meet friends and chat in the hot tubs,” Pálsdóttir [Margrét Pálsdóttir, a 70-year-old linguist, teacher, and choir director in Reykjavík] says. “Well, yes, you might have the goal of swimming first, maybe 200 meters, or one kilometer (like my daughter does every day). But afterwards, you take time with friends in the hot tubs.”Another reason why Icelanders want to hold on to this daily ritual is that they are one of the last phone-free spaces, which Dagsdóttir says is proof of how deeply related the swimming pools are to their communities and important to society as a whole. “This allows people to have more chill moments in this environment, allowing for deeper conversation, even sometimes with a stranger,” says Marteinn Briem, owner of CityWalk walking tours in downtown Reykjavík'.
Unfortunately we didn't found a hot pod today :( but at least this one is bathtub warm ☺️🛀🏼 #heißequellen #hiddentreasure #relaxingbath #outsidebath #hotpoticeland #naturbadeteich #warmlake #daeneryshair #wheniniceland #timeoutinnature #chillingwithnature
The Reykjavik Grapevine has an article (Feb. 11) on the many lagoon like structures being set up, so as to cash in on tourists wanting the UNESCO soaking experience, but less willing to take the track there (figuratively):
'Icelanders know a moneymaker when they see one. Every other year another lagoon is dug and filled with hot water. I’m not going to list the names of the various lagoons that have opened in the past two decades because when I called their owners they would simply not agree to send me a kickback, but I will say that there are a lot of them dotted around the country, and there are more being built'.
Over on Facebook the linking post is sounded out by likewise comments. Sorta of like paving paradise, putting up a parking lot. And opened a soaking lagoon, rubber stamped by UNESCO.
Iamapolarbear notes (Oct. 9, 2025) that Mývatn Nature Baths has changed it name.
'Imagine the shock I got on Monday night, lounging in the bath after walking a mile uphill from Rangers to be greeted on Instagram by an announcement from an unknown Earth Lagoon in Iceland. A new lagoon? How did I not know it was coming? The mystery was quickly solved: after 21 years in business, Mývatn Nature Baths is rebranding. Actually, it’s not even such a huge change. Its name in Icelandic is Jarðböðin, which means Earth Baths, so it’s just bringing its two names together'.She continues:
Iamapolarbear also discusses all the developments in the Lagoon business, as the older places are trying to play catch up. Is it just me or do they all provide the same experience? Moving further away from the natural experience itself?'So here we have it. For fourteen years, Earth Lagoon’s only competition was in the opposite corner of the country. Now it’s got two very new and very different lagoons practically on its doorstep. And even as a fan, I can’t deny that it’s starting to look its age. It still doesn’t have an electronic wristband system, so you lock the lockers in the decidedly-rustic changing rooms with a key on an elastic band and if you want a drink in the water, you either have to pre-order at reception to have it delivered to you or you need to take a method of payment into the water with you. It’s just small things but it’s small things that make a big difference when you’re fighting for your place among ten geothermal wonders....I knew there was a new service building coming and a bigger pool but the rebranding is a surprise. Earth Lagoon. Well, it does fit nicely with the Blue, Secret, Sky and Forest Lagoons, it fits the existing Icelandic name and it fits the location on the slopes of the volcano, but it also feels like Sandy in the black leggings at the end of Grease, like it’s betrayed itself to earn the approval of tourists playing the role of Danny Zuko. Even its new website now has a very strong resemblance to several of the others, Sky Lagoon in particular, with the beige background and the rounded boxes everywhere. The individuality is rapidly leaking away'.
The website also provides an even more recent post (Mar. 30) summing all the lagoon's up.
On paving paradise & Forest Lagoon:
GuidetoIceland on the never ending update concerning nudity on Iceland (Jan. 28) add:
'The weird: For all the noise they make about the unique setting and the tranquility of the forest, it’s very hard to overlook how much forest had to be flattened to squeeze this in here'.
Tradition
Some travel sites also provide content. Goldencircledaytours (Mar. 11) article is named
Soaking Completely Naked in Secret Lagoon: Is It Worth It?
Really?
'The Secret Lagoon in Iceland is known for its natural hot springs and relaxed atmosphere. One distinctive feature that sets it apart from other geothermal destinations in Iceland is the tradition of nude bathing. Many visitors wonder if soaking completely naked in the Secret Lagoon is something they should experience. In this guide, we'll explore the cultural context, practical considerations, and whether this unique experience is truly worth it.Iceland has a long-standing tradition of communal bathing that dates back centuries. In Icelandic culture, nudity in bathing contexts is viewed naturally and without the stigma that might exist in other Western countries. Public swimming pools and natural hot springs throughout Iceland operate under the assumption that bathers will shower naked before entering the water, and many areas have designated nude bathing sections.The Secret Lagoon, being a more natural and less commercialized hot spring compared to the Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon, maintains this traditional Icelandic bathing culture more authentically.At the Secret Lagoon, nude bathing is permitted and commonly practiced. Many visitors, both Icelandic locals and international tourists, choose to bathe without swimwear. However, wearing a swimsuit is also perfectly acceptable, and many visitors do wear one. There's no pressure or requirement to bathe nude.What Does Nude Bathing Look Like?The changing facilities at the Secret Lagoon are gender-separated, and nude bathing typically occurs in a natural and unselfconscious manner. The atmosphere is relaxed and respectful, with an unwritten understanding that nudity in this context is purely functional and non-sexual. Many international visitors are surprised by how natural and comfortable the environment feels'.
It's conclusion:
'Soaking completely naked in the Secret Lagoon can be a worthwhile cultural experience that offers insights into authentic Icelandic traditions. For many visitors, it's a liberating and memorable part of their Iceland journey. However, there's no obligation to bathe nude, and the experience is equally enjoyable in a swimsuit if that's your preference.The key is to approach the experience with an open mind, respect for local culture, and awareness of your own comfort boundaries. Whether you choose to embrace the nude bathing tradition or opt for a swimsuit, soaking in Iceland's natural geothermal waters is an experience you won't forget. Plan your visit to the Secret Lagoon today and create memories that will last a lifetime!
Is this an AI generated article?
I contacted Secret lagoon. Their (AI generated) answer:
No, bathing naked is not allowed in the lagoon. Swimwear made of materials designed for swimming is required.Topless bathing is also not permitted.
The latter I believe is not true, anti-discrimination here forbids such. And is this how our future bodes: AI vs AI?
Well, if not allowed, would it not be a neat business niche to make it possible at your lagoon, rather than competing with the more cash flushed competitors?
Connecting with the water element during my transfer in Iceland 💙
'There are no specific nude hot springs in Iceland. However, that does not mean you cannot enjoy the hot springs while naked. Many remote hot springs out in nature are perfectly safe and acceptable to enter in the nude, and you can even find some without anyone around.There is no judgment from locals for this kind of skinny dipping, should they catch you. Odds are, they have done the same thing before. Not only is naked bathing seen as a beautiful way to connect with nature, but it’s also a smart way to keep your clothes dry and lighten your laundry load.Of course, if there are other guests at your destination, you should perhaps ask if they mind before getting naked and joining them. Different people will react differently, and for some, your birthday suit might fall into the realm of “indecent exposure.”
A recent comment concerning the article:
'I think wearing bathing suits in pools and sauna's is rather filthy. I'm really surprised Iceland does not offer any naked alternative for the Blue or Secret lagoon. So my conclusion is that Iceland is not nudist friendly at all and therefore we have to shorten our trip with at least one day. Unfortunately no swimming for us'.
Das Land aus Feuer und Eis.Überall lauern Geothermetische Felder und locken mit lieblichen Schwefelgeruch, blubbernden Substanzen und irgendwas zischt und bläst immer aus einem Loch.Und wir waren gut darin, die kleinen, feinen, kostenfreien und kaum frequentierten heißen Quellen zu finden. Teilweise als erste des Tages bei -7 Außentemperatur. Da wirken auch 35° nach kurzer Zeit ungemütlich kühl, so dass wir uns um den begrenzten Platz direkt an der Quelle kloppten.In jedem Fall jedes Mal ein besonderes Erlebnis.
Aol has an article (Apr. 1) directed to visitors to Iceland. Not a joke by the way.
The fear can hit long before anyone ever touches the water. Iceland’s famous pool culture sounds inviting right up until the pre-swim shower rule becomes clear. In Reykjavík’s public pools, guests are expected to wash thoroughly without swimwear before getting in, and the Blue Lagoon says the same thing just as plainly. For many travelers, that is the moment confident vacation energy suddenly takes a dive.What helps most is realizing that Icelanders do not treat this as some awkward performance for tourists. Geothermal pools are part of daily life there, and Reykjavík’s own visitor material describes the pools as a mix of sports center, spa, social hub, and neighborhood routine. Once that becomes clear, the whole experience starts to feel less like a weird personal ordeal and more like stepping into a real local custom....This is the real breakthrough, and it often comes faster than expected. Everyone else already knows the routine. Nobody is lingering. Nobody is staring. Nobody is turning the room into some strange social experiment. The atmosphere is far more ordinary than anxious imaginations usually prepare people for. Blue Lagoon’s own etiquette guide says the same thing in softer language: privacy is respected, and this is simply standard practice in Icelandic bathing culture.A lot of people build the whole thing up in their heads as if the room will pause and react to them. It does not. The actual vibe is much closer to brushing your teeth in a gym locker room. Wash, move on, get dressed, head to the water. The second it becomes obvious that nobody cares about anyone else’s body nearly as much as each person fears, most of the panic loses its power. That is the point when the experience stops feeling like a personal trial and starts feeling like what it actually is: a normal part of getting from the locker room to the pool'.
Overall very odd. What are the sensitivities? On the other hand the fears are real, take this reditt (2 yrs back), full of how respondents (200+ comments) steer through the process at the Secret Lagoon, though we just learnt that full nudity is allowed (or did we?). Plenty of people who just skip the entire experience of soaking just because they do not want to shower naked!
Bathing with a view 🏔️#naturpooliceland #northiceland #traveliceland #akureyri #siglufjörður #breathtakingview #whatsonrvk
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