Showering in Iceland might seem straightforward, but there’s a unique local etiquette that surprises many visitors. Understanding it not only helps you blend in, it also makes your hot spring and pool experiences more enjoyable—and more relaxing for everyone around you.
At Ourhotels.is, we welcome guests from all over the world to our cozy inns in West Iceland: Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður (near Borgarnes), Stykkishólmur Inn on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, and Ísafjörður Inn in the Westfjords. Many of our guests are heading to hot springs, swimming pools, and geothermal baths, so we’re often asked: “How do I shower the Icelandic way?”
Here’s a friendly guide to Icelandic shower etiquette, so you can step into the steam with confidence.
Iceland’s love affair with hot water
Iceland is powered by geothermal energy, and hot water is a big part of daily life. Public pools, hot tubs, and natural hot springs are a social hub for locals. Because these pools are usually not heavily chlorinated, cleanliness is taken very seriously. That’s where the famous “naked shower” comes in.
Why you must shower naked before entering pools
In almost every Icelandic swimming pool or hot spring with facilities, you are required to:
– Undress completely (no swimsuit in the shower)
– Wash thoroughly with soap
– Rinse well before putting your swimsuit on
This isn’t optional or just a suggestion—it’s a hygiene rule. Locals follow it without question, and visitors are expected to do the same. It keeps the water clean, reduces the need for chemicals, and helps preserve Iceland’s pristine bathing culture.
How to shower properly in Icelandic pools
You’ll see signs in most changing rooms, often with diagrams, but here’s the basic step-by-step:
1. Remove your shoes before entering the changing area.
2. Choose a locker or shelf for your belongings.
3. Undress completely and leave your swimsuit in your hand or on a hook.
4. Head to the communal showers without your swimsuit on.
5. Use soap and wash all key areas: hair, armpits, feet, and private areas.
6. Rinse thoroughly.
7. Only after showering, put on your swimsuit.
8. Head to the pool or hot tub and enjoy.
It may feel unusual if you’re not used to communal nudity, but in Iceland it’s simply practical and normal. People are not looking at you; they’re just getting clean and getting on with their day.
Privacy tips if you’re shy
If you’re a bit nervous, you’re not alone. Many guests at Ourhotels.is are first-timers. A few tips:
– Go at quieter times (early morning or late evening) if possible.
– Use a towel around you while walking to and from the shower, but remove it while washing.
– Focus on the routine—everyone is there for the same reason.
– Remember: locals have seen it all before; nobody is judging.
Family-friendly and relaxed
Icelandic pools are family spaces. You’ll see children, parents, grandparents, and groups of friends all enjoying the hot water together. The atmosphere is relaxed and respectful. Following the shower rules is part of showing respect for this shared space.
From Hvítá Inn to the hot springs of Borgarfjörður
If you’re staying at Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður, you’re perfectly placed to explore some of West Iceland’s most beautiful hot springs and pools. Before you head out, our staff can point you to nearby geothermal baths and explain the local shower customs in person. Many guests enjoy combining a day of sightseeing around Borgarnes and the Borgarfjörður region with an evening soak in a hot tub—just remember your thorough pre-bath shower.
Shower etiquette on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula from Stykkishólmur Inn
Stykkishólmur Inn is an ideal base for exploring the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, with its dramatic coastline, islands, and views of Breiðafjörður Bay. After a day of hiking, sea tours, or visiting Snæfellsjökull National Park, a hot pool or hot tub feels incredible. The same rules apply here: shower naked, wash well, and then slip into your swimsuit. If you’re unsure about any local customs, the team at Ourhotels.is in Stykkishólmur will happily guide you.
Westfjords wellness from Ísafjörður Inn
In the Westfjords, Ísafjörður Inn puts you close to some of Iceland’s wildest landscapes and most peaceful bathing spots. Whether you’re heading to a local swimming pool or a remote hot spring, good shower etiquette starts in the changing room. In some natural hot springs there may be no facilities at all; in that case, it’s important to arrive already clean, avoid using soap directly in nature, and treat the area gently. When you do visit pools with showers, follow the same Icelandic routine you’ve learned—it’s appreciated everywhere in the country.
Eco-friendly habits that locals value
Icelanders are proud of their clean water and unspoiled nature. Shower etiquette is part of a wider culture of respect:
– Keep showers efficient, even though hot water feels endless.
– Use only as much soap and shampoo as you need.
– Never use soap or shampoo directly in natural hot springs, rivers, or lakes.
– Leave changing rooms and facilities as tidy as you found them.
At Ourhotels.is, we share this respect for the environment. Our inns in Hvítá, Stykkishólmur, and Ísafjörður encourage guests to enjoy Iceland’s geothermal treasures responsibly, starting with simple habits like proper showering.
What to bring with you
To make your Icelandic shower and pool visits smoother, pack:
– Swimsuit
– Towel (some pools rent them if needed)
– Travel-sized soap and shampoo
– Flip-flops or shower shoes (optional but comfortable)
– A small bag for wet items
If you forget something, just ask at reception at any Ourhotels.is property—our staff can often help with basics or direct you to the nearest shop.
Enjoying Iceland like a local
Once you’ve tried it a couple of times, Icelandic shower etiquette becomes second nature. Many visitors even grow to appreciate how clean and fresh everything feels. It’s a small step that opens the door to one of the most relaxing parts of Icelandic culture: soaking in warm, mineral-rich water while surrounded by mountains, ocean, or snow.
Whether you’re staying at Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður, Stykkishólmur Inn on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, or Ísafjörður Inn in the Westfjords, Ourhotels.is is a comfortable base for exploring Iceland’s pools and hot springs. Arrive curious, shower like a local, and you’ll fit right into the steam-filled, story-rich world of Icelandic bathing.
