Hot Pot Culture In Iceland: A Warming Tradition

Iceland is famous for its hot pots and pools, with volcanically heated water found all over the country. There are over 100 hot pots and more than 200 swimming pools in Iceland, and new hot springs are constantly cropping up due to the country's geological activity. The hot pots vary in size and shape, from bathing spots for one person to larger pools that can accommodate small groups. They are typically made from stones, concrete, or repurposed agricultural tubs, and are often located in remote and beautiful natural settings. The water in the hot pots can be extremely hot, with temperatures ranging from 36-40 degrees Celsius, so it's important to exercise caution when entering.

Geothermal pools in Iceland

Geothermal pools are dotted all around Iceland, and with volcanically heated water, they are a big attraction for visitors to the country. With more than 200 swimming pools to service just 350,000 people, Iceland has more pools per capita than any other nation.

The geothermal pools in Iceland range from small hill-side hot pots to outdoor pool complexes with water slides. There are over 100 hot pots around the country, and many more swimming pools. The volcanically heated water is used by Icelanders, who are experts at capturing it, to warm themselves through in the harsh landscape.

The geothermal pools vary in size and shape. Some are bathing spots for one person, while others can accommodate a small group. Some have stone walls and gravel bottoms, and are tucked away on hillsides. Others are concrete pools, or refurbished agricultural tubs. All have some kind of changing area, often temporary and basic, made from corrugated tin and wooden pallets.

The water in the pools is usually around 36-40 degrees Celsius, which is too hot for swimming laps, but perfect for sitting and warming yourself.

• Nautholsvik Geothermal Beach: A man-made sandy beach on the outskirts of Reykjavik where the sea is warmed by geothermal heat in the summer. It has a long, thin hot tub at the top of the beach, a playground, and BBQs.
• Secret Lagoon, Fludir: One of Iceland's oldest swimming pools, with modern, Scandi-style facilities. It has polished concrete floors, wood walls, birch twigs, old sepia photos, and a geyser that erupts regularly.
• Klambragil: A hot river in an active geothermal field north of Hveragerdi, about 45km southeast of Reykjavik. It takes 10-40 minutes to walk to from a parking spot at the end of a gravel road.
• Borgarnes Public Pool: A family-friendly swimming pool with three hot tubs of different temperatures, a shallow wallowing pool, a pool for swimming laps, and water slides.
• Heydalur Hotel Hot Pot & Pool: A pool in an old barn, with cherry trees and rose bushes, and geothermally heated warm water pouring in and out. There are also a couple of hot pots outside, with gravel bottoms and rock tors in the middle, and changing rooms.
• Myvatn Nature Baths: A similar experience to the Blue Lagoon, but less crowded and less expensive. Silica-rich blue waters surrounded by black lava landscapes in the north of Iceland.
• Blue Lagoon: Arguably the world's most unique place to swim, with milky blue silica-rich water surrounded by mossy black lava.
• Sky Lagoon: A luxurious oceanfront geothermal lagoon located a few minutes from Reykjavik.
• Seljavallalaug: A famous pool in the southern region of Iceland, built in 1923, making it one of the oldest pools in the country. It is surrounded by mountains and has green-tinted water due to algae.

Hot pot etiquette

Hot pots are a popular attraction in Iceland, and with over 100 dotted around the country, they are a great way to experience Icelandic culture. As hot pots are often maintained by the local community, it is important to be respectful when visiting. Here is some hot pot etiquette to follow:

Keep Them Clean

It is customary to shower before entering a hot pot to ensure your body is clean. It is also important to leave the hot pot in better condition than when you arrived. Make sure to take all your belongings and trash with you when you leave, and do not leave any litter behind.

Dress Appropriately

Make sure to pack a bathing suit and a towel, and perhaps some sandals, before visiting a hot pot. Some hot pots have changing rooms, but others do not, so be prepared to change in your vehicle or in nature.

Ask for Directions

Some hot pots are well-known and easy to find, but others are hidden gems located off the beaten path. If you're having trouble finding a hot pot, don't be afraid to ask the locals for directions. You can also try using an app like HotPotIceland, which provides GPS coordinates for hot pots near you.

Be Mindful of Others

Hot pots are typically open to everyone, but it is important to respect other guests. Be mindful of your noise level and behaviour to ensure everyone can enjoy the hot pot experience.

Be Cautious of the Water Temperature

Hot pots vary in temperature, and some can be extremely hot. Always test the water temperature before entering and be cautious when allowing children to enter. Some hot pots have multiple tubs with different temperatures, so you can choose the one that is most comfortable for you.

Be Aware of Nude Bathing

In some hot pots and public pools in Iceland, it is customary to bathe nude communally before entering the water. This may be surprising for visitors from other cultures, but it is a common practice in Iceland and is not frowned upon.

The Blue Lagoon

The water in the Blue Lagoon is characterised by its milky blue hue, due to its high silica content. The silica forms soft white mud on the bottom of the lake, which bathers can rub on themselves. The water is also rich in salts and algae, and has a temperature averaging 37–39 °C (99–102 °F). The lagoon renews itself every two days and has a pH of 7.5 and a salt content of 2.5%.

In addition to the lagoon, the Blue Lagoon features the LAVA Restaurant, the Blue Café, and the Lagoon Spa. Guests can enjoy cocktails, health products, gourmet cuisine, and treatments such as massages without leaving the premises. Saunas, steam rooms, and a small waterfall add to the luxurious experience.

Natural hot springs

There are dozens of geothermally heated pools dotted around the country, with over 45 natural hot springs and more than 200 swimming pools. The abundance of volcanically heated water means that sitting outside in hot water is part of Icelandic life.

Hrunalaug

Hrunalaug is one of the most special hot springs in Iceland. It is very small and located near Flúðir, a town outside the capital. It has stone walls and is very cosy, allowing for intimate interaction with nature. It is located on a privately owned farm, so it is important that visitors treat the area with respect and make a small donation to help upkeep the grounds.

Sky Lagoon

Sky Lagoon is one of the newest hot springs in Iceland. It is located only 10-15 minutes from the central Reykjavik area. Visitors can take part in the seven-step ritual therapy, which includes cooling, warming, exfoliating, and rejuvenating steps.

Reykjadalur Steam Valley

Reykjadalur is a river full of mud pits and hot springs, and is one of the most popular hot bathing spots in Iceland. It is less than an hour's drive from Reykjavik, but the best spots take about an hour of hiking to reach. The natural steam valley allows bathers to adjust the temperature of the water by moving closer to the hot or cold water source.

Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon is Iceland's most famous hot spring. It is one of the 25 wonders of the world, according to National Geographic. The light blue, milky waters have a temperature of 38-39°C. The lagoon was created in 1976 by excess water from a nearby geothermal power plant, and has been a popular bathing spot ever since.

Seljavallalaug

Seljavallalaug is Iceland's oldest man-made pool, heated by a natural hot spring. It is nestled in a remote area of southern Iceland near the Eyjafjallajökull Volcano. The water tends to turn green from algae and is only cleaned once every summer. There are basic changing facilities, so it is recommended to bring a dry set of clothing.

Hot pot locations

With over 100 hot pots scattered across the country, Iceland is a swimmer's paradise. These volcanically heated pools come in all shapes and sizes, from small hillside hot pots to large outdoor pool complexes. Here are some of the best hot pot locations in Iceland:

• Nautholsvik Geothermal Beach: Located on the outskirts of Reykjavik, this man-made sandy beach features a long, thin hot tub at the top of the beach, offering a unique way to relax and enjoy the Icelandic summer.
• Secret Lagoon, Fludir: One of Iceland's oldest swimming pools, the Secret Lagoon has been updated with modern Scandi-style facilities while retaining its historic charm.
• Klambragil: Located about 45km southeast of Reykjavik, Klambragil is a hot river in an active geothermal field. It offers a peaceful and joyful experience in a stunning mountainous valley.
• Borgarnes Public Pool: This family-friendly swimming pool complex features hot tubs, a shallow wallowing pool, a lengths pool, and waterslides, making it a favourite among locals and visitors alike.
• Heydalur Hotel Hot Pot & Pool: Nestled in the remote Western Fjords, Heydalur offers a unique swimming experience with a pool in an old barn and outdoor hot pots surrounded by nature.
• Mjoifjordur Roadside Hot Pot: In the stunning Strandir region, this hot pot is surrounded by mountains, rocky beaches, and driftwood, offering a truly wild and beautiful swimming experience.
• Reykjanes Public Pool: This 50m pool, heated by self-running geothermal water, offers a stark yet beautiful swimming experience with a wooden sun platform and benches.
• Hofsos: Hofsos is an infinity-style pool with a children's play area and hot tub, providing a unique swimming experience for both old and young.
• Oskatar (the Cheese Tub): Located just outside Husavik, this unique hot tub is housed in a long silver tank on a hilltop, offering stunning views of the ocean and a chance to warm up after a cold boat ride.
• Myvatn Nature Baths: Known as the Blue Lagoon of Northern Iceland, this hot pot offers a smaller-scale, less crowded, and more affordable experience with stunning views of the black lava landscape.

These are just a few of the many hot pot locations in Iceland, each offering a unique swimming experience in the country's volcanically heated waters.

Frequently asked questions