Geothermal heat can make outdoor swimming and bathing in Iceland a gorgeous experience – with some springs and lagoons hitting about 36 °C (96°F). In fact, some bathing areas are too warm to swim in!
People Also Ask
Iceland is famous for its hot springs and warm pools but apparently going for a swim in really cold water is a thing here as well. During winter times the ocean around Iceland is, as you can imagine, pretty cold. We're talking below 4C (39F).
On a warm summer day, The Nauthólsvík beach is one of the most popular spots for locals to frolic, sunbathe and relax in the long hot tub, but it is also a meeting point for groups of locals who like to indulge in the benefits of sea swimming, even in winter!
The temperature of Iceland's springs differs from place to place. However, they typically reach about 40°C (104°F). That means that the waters are perfectly warm enough for you to enjoy a dip no matter the weather.
The Blue Lagoon is designed for relaxed bathing. Its warm, milky waters are not suitable for vigorous exercise. Likewise, diving is not allowed anywhere. Since geothermal seawater is cloudy and saturated with minerals, underwater visibility is non-existent and thus goggles are of no use.
The pool is checked regularly by the spa for “foreign bacteria” and waterborne diseases, which are a risk in other geothermal pools including in New Zealand. The Blue Lagoon says it is perfectly safe to submerge your head in the Blue Lagoon, although your hair may not thank you afterwards.
The water in the Blue Lagoon is heated to around 37-40 degrees Celsius (98-104 F). Due to fluctuations in weather conditions, the precise temperature may change month to month, however you can expect pleasantly warm waters year-round. The sensation is similar to stepping into a hot bath.
Once you hit the showers you have to wash with soap and without your swimsuit. Icelanders take swimming pool hygine very seriously, so don't think of trying to skip the showers! Leave your towel and shampoo in the nearby shelves.
Tectonic plates are breaking Iceland apart at Silfra, creating a fissure flooded with crystal clear 35°F degree glacial water. If you didn't already know, Iceland has a lot of volcanoes. About 130 of them to be exact.
Iceland is privileged with many natural resources and geothermal water is one of them, filling our natural hot springs, nature pools, swimming pools and baths all around the country.
No, it is not harmful. Geothermal seawater contains high concentrations of minerals, such as sulfur, silica, and magnesium. While these are great for your skin, they can leave your hair feeling dry and matted.
Regular sampling of this natural resource—which is rich in salt, silica, and other minerals—shows that foreign bacteria do not thrive in the lagoon's ecosystem. Thus, disinfectants such as chlorine are not needed. In essence, the lagoon is a self-cleaning ecosystem.
Do you shower after the Blue Lagoon? Yes, you should shower before and after your stay at the lagoon. Guests are required to shower, without their swimsuit, prior to using the geothermal spa. Simply use the showers and soaps available in the changing rooms.
The Blue Lagoon water has high levels of silica. Silica is not harmful to hair. However, if you get your hair wet from the water, it can become stiff and difficult to manage. We highly recommend you apply conditioner to your hair and leave it in while you bathe.
All guests must shower—without a swimsuit—before entering the Blue Lagoon. Use of Blue Lagoon skin care shower gel and hair conditioner is complimentary. If you desire more privacy while you shower, locate a shower that is equipped with a door.
Before entering the lagoon, apply a conditioner and leave it in your hair. This will help to keep your hair hydrated and protected from the effects of geothermal seawater. Hair conditioner is provided free of charge in all showers. If you have long hair, tie your hair in a bun.