The local swimming culture in Iceland and the pools of Reykjanes
If you’re planning to take a trip to Iceland, the first thing you’d better throw in your suitcase is a swimsuit. Swimming is a big deal here, not merely a leisure pursuit but an integral part of the local culture, and every settlement has a pool. Let’s find out a little more about why it’s so important and take a look at Reykjanes’ swimming pools while we’re at it.
Why is swimming part of the Icelandic culture
In Iceland, swimming pools (known locally as sundlaugar) have been a part of the culture for as long as anyone can remember – literally. In the early days of settlement, natural pools would have been used for washing clothes and bathing. It helped that Iceland has an abundance of geothermally-heated water, of course.
There’s written evidence in Landnámabók (Book of Settlements) that Snorri Sturluson, who was a lawspeaker at the Althing as well as a historian and author, dug himself a pool at Reykholt in the twelfth century. You can’t swim in Snorralaug today, as it’s a protected space.Nevertheless, pools like this have been popular ever since, the focus of one of the country’s most deep-rooted traditions.
Partly, that can be explained by Icelanders’ progressive attitudes and love of egalitarianism. Think about it: the swimming pool is a place where everyone can be the same. Stripped of your uniform or clues to your wealth such as what car you drive, no one knows what you do or how well off you are. You’ll encounter a cross-section of Icelandic society. Everyone has equal status for a while; in the pool, you get rid of what’s superficial and home in on what’s important, like a person’s character and what they have to say. Swimming’s not only communal, it’s a great leveller – and a good form of exercise too.
Kids in Iceland learn to swim at a very early age, many as babies. Swimming lessons have been part of the primary school curriculum since the 1940s and everyone, eventually, has to prove they can swim a significant distance unaided. That love of swimming is built in to the national psyche. Ask a local: whether you’re an angst-ridden teen or a grey-haired senior, it never really leaves you. The day just doesn’t feel right if you haven’t had a dip.
The rituals and practices you need to adopt if you’re swimming in Iceland
However, there’s a certain etiquette you need to follow if you plan to swim while you’re in Iceland. One of the most important things is cleanliness: there’s no quicker way to get on the wrong side of your new companions than expecting them to bathe in your dirt. You’ll leave outdoor shoes outside the changing room and prior to getting in the pool, it’s non-negotiable to shower first.
And there are no half measures: everyone is expected to shower completely naked. It might take some getting used to at first, but Icelanders are comfortable in their own skins, so as a visitor you may as well be too. It doesn’t matter what shape or size you are – no one cares – so you should shed your inhibitions with your clothes.
Another big no-no is the use of cameras or mobile phones. Unlike in tourist-centric geothermal baths and spas, the local swimming pool is a photo-free zone, not least because you definitely won’t want a nude Icelander to accidentally photo bomb your selfie. You’ll quickly learn it’s a good thing, liberating even, to take a break from your smartphone.
Now that you’re looking up from your screen, you might want to engage a local in conversation. In Iceland, swimming pools, just like the country’s geothermal lagoons, are social spaces and a place to chat to those you’re with. People come down after work or on their days off to hang out with friends as they let the warmth of the water relax them and ease any aches and pains.
Pools are often outside, but the weather isn’t ever a deal breaker as they’re heated. In fact, the dash from warm changing room through chilly air, rain or even snow is all part of the experience. Some would even argue that inclement weather enhances it; perhaps it’s thecountry’s Viking heritage or just an above average tolerance for enduring harsh conditions.
And maybe the popularity of swimming outdoors in a country so close to the Arctic Circle is because of the weather and not in spite of it. If activities such as hiking or jogging outdoors are not so pleasant because of the rain, you may as well get your exercise in the water if you’re going to get wet anyway. Embrace it. It’s not like you can control the weather, and especially not somewhere like Iceland.
Many of Iceland’s swimming pools now incorporate a cold bath. The water in these is typically 15°c or less. The popularity of cold therapy, as it is known, is on the increase. Devotees believe that it’s an effective way to ease stress, reduce inflammation in the body and even relieve pain. It’s a good idea to seek advice first as the cold water can exacerbate some conditions, but once you have the all-clear from a medical professional then you can try it for yourself and see whether you notice any health benefits.
Where to find Reykjanes’ swimming pools
Most of the swimming pools on the Reykjanes peninsula are outdoor pools, but they’re open all year round. If you’re not sure where the nearest Reykjanes swimming pools are in relation to the place you’re staying, help is at hand. We’ll list the six pools here, but you might also find it useful to check out this website that has a comprehensive listing of the country’s other pools along with information about them.
One useful thing to know is that in addition to the single admission price, you can purchase tickets in blocks of ten or more, which means you can take advantage of a discounted rate – handy if you’re in Iceland for a longer holiday.
Waterworld (Vatnaveröld) is a family friendly water park located in downtown Keflavik. It’s open every day of the week and is well-equipped, featuring a 50 metre long indoor pool as well as a smaller outdoor pool. There are also four hot tubs and a sauna. Children will enjoy playing on the water slides and making use of the floats and toys provided. Admittance for kids less than ten years of age is free.
Grindavík's modern swimming complex centres on a 25 metre long outdoor pool. The place also has two hot tubs; one of them is a Jacuzzi. Kids will love that they have a dedicated children’s pool and can have fun on the slide. You’ll also find a sauna, solarium and fitness suite here. Entrance is reasonably priced at 980ISK for adults and children aged six and under aren’t charged. Swimsuit and towel rental is possible.
This is another of Reykjanes’ swimming pools that offers a range of facilities. These include a 25 metre long pool, the popular Chills and Buna slides, a couple of hot tubs, sauna and other sports facilities. Local residents qualify for free admission, as do children under the age of five. Older children will pay 400ISK while adults need to stump up 950ISK.
This lovely swimming pool is 25 metres long, but there’s also a shallower wading pool which is great if you have young kids in tow. There’s a hot tub, sauna, and Jacuzzi as well. Children younger than five don’t have to pay to get in. However, note that the under tens will need to be accompanied by an adult or an older child aged at least 15.
The pool at Vogar measures 16 metres in length and is outdoors. You’ll also find a wading pool, hot tub, cold tub and sauna, as well as an indoor gym and sports hall. Youngsters qualify for free admission until they turn six; adults are charged 670ISK for single entry.
This is one of the smaller pools that you’ll encounter on the Reykjanes peninsula; it measures 12.5 metres. There are also hot tubs and a steam room. Like the others, it’s open year round, though it’s closed on Sundays.