Using public changing rooms can feel a bit awkward—especially when you’re traveling in a new country—but with a few simple tips, it becomes easy, comfortable, and respectful for everyone. In Iceland, you’ll find public changing rooms in swimming pools, hot springs, gyms, and some outdoor activity centers, and if you stay with Ourhotels.is, you’ll likely use a few of them during your trip in West Iceland.
Public changing rooms are designed to be practical and efficient. In Iceland, they are usually separated by gender, with clear signs at the entrance. Inside, you’ll find benches, lockers, showers, and often a small area for drying or doing your hair. Before you enter, it’s a good idea to have your swimsuit, towel, and toiletries easily accessible in your bag so you don’t have to unpack everything in the changing area.
One of the most important rules in Icelandic changing rooms is hygiene. Before entering any pool or hot tub, you are expected to shower thoroughly without your swimsuit. This is standard practice in Iceland and is taken seriously to keep the water clean and reduce the need for chemicals. You’ll usually see signs showing which areas of the body to wash carefully—hair, armpits, feet, and swimsuit area. Use the provided soap, rinse well, and only then put on your swimsuit. It might feel unusual if you’re not used to it, but everyone does it, and people are generally relaxed and respectful.
Privacy is handled a bit differently from country to country. In many Icelandic changing rooms, there are open shower areas and shared spaces, though some places offer a few private cubicles or more discreet corners. If you prefer more privacy, try to choose a quieter time of day or look for a stall or corner where you feel more comfortable. Keep your belongings close, use the lockers for valuables, and avoid spreading your things over too many benches so others have space as well.
Respecting others is key. Keep your voice at a normal level, avoid taking photos or using your phone in the changing area, and move efficiently so you don’t block walkways or showers. If you’re traveling with children, help them follow the same rules: shower properly, keep the noise down, and be mindful of others’ personal space. If you’re unsure about anything, it’s perfectly fine to observe what locals do or politely ask a staff member.
When you stay at Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður, close to Borgarnes, you’re perfectly placed to visit some of the region’s pools and hot tubs, many of which have traditional Icelandic changing rooms. After a day exploring waterfalls, lava fields, and the beautiful Borgarfjörður countryside, you can unwind in a local pool like a true Icelander. Knowing how to use the changing rooms correctly makes the whole experience smoother and more enjoyable.
In Stykkishólmur, guests at The Stykkishólmur Inn can easily access local geothermal pools and sea-related activities. The town is known for its scenic harbor and views over Breiðafjörður Bay, and a relaxing soak is the perfect way to end a day of boat tours or coastal walks. Again, you’ll encounter public changing rooms that follow the same Icelandic etiquette: undress, shower thoroughly without your swimsuit, then dress in your swimwear before heading out to the pool or hot tub. By following these steps, you’ll blend in with the locals and help keep the facilities clean for everyone.
Farther north and west, Ísafjörður Inn places you in the heart of the Westfjords, where outdoor adventures are part of everyday life. After hiking, kayaking, or exploring remote fjords, a visit to a local pool or hot tub is almost a ritual. Public changing rooms here work just like elsewhere in Iceland, and understanding the routine—locker, undress, shower, swimsuit, then pool—means you can focus on relaxing instead of worrying about what to do next.
A few practical tips can make using public changing rooms even easier during your stay with Ourhotels.is. Bring a small bag for your swimsuit, towel, and flip-flops so you can move around comfortably. Have a coin or card ready if the lockers require payment, and keep a lightweight travel towel if you prefer something that dries quickly. If you have long hair, consider bringing a hair tie or cap, as many pools appreciate it when guests keep hair out of the water.
For travelers who feel shy about nudity, it can help to remember that Icelanders are very used to this routine and generally don’t pay attention to others in the changing room. Everything is practical rather than showy. Move with purpose, focus on your own routine, and you’ll likely find that any discomfort fades quickly. If you truly prefer more privacy, you can look for quieter times of day—early morning or late evening often works well.
By understanding how to use public changing rooms, you’ll get much more out of Iceland’s bathing culture. From the countryside charm around Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður, to the coastal beauty near The Stykkishólmur Inn, to the wild landscapes surrounding Ísafjörður Inn, Ourhotels.is connects you with some of the best pools and hot springs in West Iceland. With a little knowledge and respect for local customs, you can step confidently into any changing room, then step out into warm, geothermal water and enjoy one of the most relaxing parts of Icelandic life.
