Visiting the Blue Lagoon, Sky Lagoon or another geothermal lagoon in Iceland for the first time?

There are a few rules and customs that can catch first-time visitors by surprise — particularly when it comes to showering, swimwear, your hair and taking your phone into the lagoon.

And yes, the showering rule really is a thing!

We’ve visited geothermal lagoons around Iceland ourselves, including the Blue Lagoon, Sky Lagoon and Secret Lagoon, and they’re genuinely some of our favourite experiences in the country.

But knowing what to expect before you walk into the changing rooms makes the whole experience much more relaxing.

In this guide, we’ll explain Iceland lagoon etiquette, what to wear, what to bring, the Blue Lagoon shower rules, what to do with your hair and some of the mistakes first-time visitors should avoid.

Quick Guide: Iceland Lagoon Etiquette

If you just want the essentials before your visit:

• Shower thoroughly before entering the water.
• Follow the individual lagoon’s changing-room and shower instructions.
• Wear normal swimwear in the lagoon.
• Protect your hair before entering mineral-rich water such as the Blue Lagoon.
• Respect other guests when taking photographs or videos.
• Follow any phone and photography restrictions.
• Stay hydrated.
• Listen to staff and follow posted safety instructions.
• Don’t assume every geothermal lagoon or hot spring has the same rules.
• Leave natural hot springs exactly as you found them.

The biggest thing to remember is that geothermal bathing isn’t simply a tourist attraction in Iceland.

Swimming pools, hot tubs and geothermal bathing are a genuine part of Icelandic culture, so a little etiquette goes a long way.

1. Do You Have to Shower Before the Blue Lagoon?

Yes.

You need to shower thoroughly before entering the Blue Lagoon, and you should expect the same basic hygiene requirement at Icelandic swimming pools and other geothermal bathing facilities.

This is probably the Iceland lagoon rule that surprises first-time visitors the most.

You don’t simply change into your swimming costume and walk straight into the water.

You’ll enter the changing facilities first and shower before going into the lagoon.

Do you shower naked in Iceland?

At traditional Icelandic swimming pools, showering thoroughly without your swimsuit before entering the pool is standard practice.

If you’re feeling slightly horrified reading that from your sofa in Britain — don’t panic. 😂

It’s completely normal in Iceland and nobody is interested in looking at you.

Major tourist lagoons may have more privacy options than traditional public swimming pools, so follow the instructions provided at the specific facility you’re visiting.

The important part is simple:

Actually shower properly before getting into the water.

Don’t just perform the international three-second splash of water while hoping nobody notices manoeuvre.

2. Why Do You Have to Shower Before Icelandic Lagoons?

It’s primarily about hygiene and keeping communal bathing water clean.

Iceland has a strong swimming and geothermal bathing culture, and showering before entering the water is treated much more seriously than visitors from some other countries might be used to.

You’ll normally see signs in the changing areas explaining exactly what you need to do.

Don’t worry about getting it wrong.

Follow the instructions, have a proper shower, put your swimwear on when instructed and you’re good to go.

3. What Do You Wear to the Blue Lagoon?

You wear normal swimwear in the Blue Lagoon.

You don’t need any special type of swimming costume specifically for geothermal water.

A normal:

• Swimming costume
• Bikini
• Tankini
• Pair of swimming shorts

is absolutely fine.

The same general principle applies to other commercial geothermal lagoons.

We’d choose something comfortable that you’re happy spending a couple of hours wearing.

Do you need flip-flops?

They’re not essential for every lagoon, but we often find waterproof sandals or flip-flops useful.

Remember, you’re in Iceland.

Walking outside in bare feet can become rather motivational when it’s freezing. 😂

Check the current facilities at the lagoon you’re visiting before packing, as what’s included or provided varies.

4. What Should You Bring to the Blue Lagoon?

You don’t need to bring half your suitcase.

For most lagoon visits, we’d consider bringing:

• Swimwear
• Hair tie
• Reusable water bottle
• Waterproof phone case
• Conditioner if you prefer using your own
• Flip-flops or waterproof sandals if wanted
• Dry bag or waterproof pouch
• Something to put wet swimwear in afterwards

Major commercial lagoons provide various facilities and amenities, but exactly what’s included can depend on the lagoon and the package you’ve booked.

Check your booking before travelling rather than assuming something is included.

That’s especially important if you’re visiting several different lagoons during the same Iceland trip.

5. What Should You Do With Your Hair at the Blue Lagoon?

This one is important.

The Blue Lagoon’s geothermal seawater contains minerals including silica, and getting your hair thoroughly soaked in the water can leave it feeling extremely dry and stiff.

That doesn’t mean your hair is going to spontaneously fall off the moment it touches the water. 😂

But we’d definitely prepare it before getting in.

Before entering the Blue Lagoon:

1. Wet your hair thoroughly with fresh water.
2. Apply plenty of conditioner.
3. Leave the conditioner in.
4. Tie longer hair up.
5. Avoid repeatedly submerging your hair if you’re concerned about it becoming dry.

The Blue Lagoon provides guidance about looking after your hair, so we’d always follow its latest recommendations when visiting.

6. Why Can’t You Put Your Hair in the Blue Lagoon?

Technically, it’s not that your hair is forbidden from touching the water.

The issue is the effect the mineral-rich water can have on it.

Silica can make hair become stiff, dry and difficult to manage, particularly if it’s submerged for a prolonged period.

That’s why you’ll see plenty of people walking around the lagoon with their hair tied up.

If you’re visiting primarily to relax rather than recreate a shampoo advert in slow motion, keeping it out of the water is the easiest option.

7. Can You Take Your Phone Into the Blue Lagoon?

Phones are commonly used by visitors around commercial lagoons, but you should always check the current rules of the individual lagoon and follow any photography restrictions.

We strongly recommend using a proper waterproof phone case if you’re taking yours near the water.

Not just because of the water, either.

Dropping your £1,000 phone into a steaming geothermal lagoon is probably not the Icelandic memory you were hoping to bring home.

Be considerate when taking photographs

This is the bit that matters.

You’re sharing the lagoon with other people.

Try to:

• Keep strangers out of close-up photographs.
• Avoid filming people without their permission.
• Take photographs quickly when areas are busy.
• Follow any designated no-phone or no-photography areas.
• Never take photographs in changing or shower areas.

We’ve taken loads of photographs and videos during our lagoon visits, but you can get the shot without turning someone else’s relaxing afternoon into the background of your TikTok.

8. Blue Lagoon Rules and Etiquette

The Blue Lagoon attracts visitors from around the world, so don’t worry if it’s your first geothermal lagoon experience.

The basic etiquette is straightforward.

Before entering

Shower properly and follow the changing-room instructions.

In the lagoon

Respect the people around you and don’t behave as though you’ve just arrived at a water park.

Photography

Follow the current photography rules and respect other people’s privacy.

Alcohol

If you’re drinking, follow the lagoon’s rules and any limits that apply.

Remember that you’re sitting in hot water, so staying hydrated is important too.

Staff instructions

Always follow staff guidance, particularly if conditions, facilities or specific areas of the lagoon are affected by operational or safety restrictions.

9. Sky Lagoon Rules and Etiquette

Sky Lagoon is a different experience from the Blue Lagoon, so don’t assume the rules and facilities are identical.

Located close to Reykjavík, Sky Lagoon combines geothermal bathing with its signature ritual experience.

The overall etiquette remains familiar:

• Shower before entering.
• Follow changing-room instructions.
• Respect photography restrictions.
• Keep noise at a reasonable level.
• Follow staff guidance.
• Respect other guests.
• Check what’s included with your particular booking.

Sky Lagoon is designed around relaxation, and that’s very much how we’d approach it.

Slow down and enjoy it.

You’re not trying to complete geothermal bathing in record time.

10. Blue Lagoon vs Sky Lagoon: Are the Rules the Same?

Not necessarily.

The basic principles of hygiene and respecting other guests are similar, but Blue Lagoon and Sky Lagoon are separate businesses with their own facilities, packages and policies.

The same applies to other geothermal experiences around Iceland.

That’s why we’d always check the official information for the exact lagoon you’re visiting shortly before your trip.

Rules, opening arrangements and package inclusions can change.

11. What About Icelandic Public Swimming Pools?

This is where understanding Icelandic bathing culture becomes particularly useful.

Public swimming pools are a huge part of everyday life in Iceland and are very different from something like the Blue Lagoon.

They’re also one of our favourite ways to experience a more everyday side of the country.

You’ll usually find heated pools alongside geothermal hot tubs, and prices can be considerably lower than the major tourist lagoons.

The pre-swim shower is particularly important at Icelandic swimming pools.

Don’t assume the behaviour you’d get away with at your local leisure centre back home will necessarily be viewed the same way in Iceland.

Read the signs and follow the local rules.

12. Iceland Hot Spring Etiquette

A natural hot spring is different from a commercial lagoon.

There might be:

• No changing rooms
• No showers
• No staff
• No bins
• No toilets
• No safety monitoring

That makes responsible behaviour even more important.

If you’re visiting a natural geothermal bathing area:

• Take all rubbish away with you.
• Stay on established paths.
• Respect private property.
• Follow access restrictions.
• Don’t damage vegetation.
• Don’t use soaps or shampoos in natural water.
• Don’t assume water is safe simply because it’s warm.
• Pay attention to signs and warnings.

And please don’t leave wet wipes, bottles, clothing or other rubbish behind.

Leave the place exactly as you found it — or better.

13. Not Every Icelandic Hot Spring Is Safe to Enter

This is incredibly important.

Iceland is geothermally active, and hot water does not automatically mean bathing water.

Some geothermal areas contain water at dangerously high temperatures.

Never enter an unmarked geothermal pool simply because you’ve seen steam rising from it.

Use established bathing areas, follow warning signs and never cross barriers around geothermal features.

A beautiful Instagram photograph isn’t worth receiving a geothermal cooking.

14. Should You Shower After the Blue Lagoon?

We do.

After leaving a geothermal lagoon, having another shower gives you a chance to rinse your skin and properly wash and condition your hair.

If you’ve been in the Blue Lagoon, pay particular attention to your hair.

Rinse it thoroughly with fresh water and use conditioner.

You might need to condition it again later depending on your hair type and how much contact it had with the lagoon water.

15. Can You Visit More Than One Lagoon in a Day?

You can, but personally, we wouldn’t cram loads of them into one day.

Part of the enjoyment is slowing down.

If you are visiting two bathing experiences on the same day, we’d definitely bring a second swimsuit if you have one.

Putting cold, wet swimwear back on several hours later is an experience we wouldn’t particularly recommend. 😂

Give yourself plenty of time at each lagoon rather than treating them like another attraction to tick off your itinerary.

16. How Long Should You Spend at an Icelandic Lagoon?

There’s no perfect answer because it depends on the lagoon and the type of experience you’ve booked.

For us, though, a lagoon isn’t somewhere we’d rush.

Allow time for:

• Checking in
• Changing
• Showering
• Enjoying the water
• Any ritual or spa experience you’ve booked
• Showering and changing afterwards

If you’ve scheduled another attraction 20 minutes after you’re supposed to leave the lagoon, you’ve probably made your day unnecessarily stressful.

17. 10 Mistakes First-Time Visitors Make at Iceland’s Geothermal Lagoons

Having visited several ourselves, these are the mistakes we’d particularly avoid.

1. Not showering properly

Don’t skip the pre-lagoon shower.

2. Not protecting your hair

Especially at the Blue Lagoon.

Wet it with fresh water, condition it and consider tying it up.

3. Forgetting your swimwear

An impressively easy way to complicate your relaxing spa day.

4. Assuming every lagoon has identical rules

They don’t.

Check the facility you’re actually visiting.

5. Assuming everything is included

Towels, robes, treatments and other extras depend on the lagoon and your booking.

6. Filming everyone around you

Take your photographs, but remember other people haven’t volunteered to appear in your holiday video.

7. Not drinking enough water

Hot geothermal water + alcohol + dehydration isn’t a brilliant combination.

8. Trying to rush the experience

You’ve paid to relax.

Actually relax!

9. Putting your hair straight into the Blue Lagoon without preparing it

Your future self attempting to brush it may have some fairly strong words for you.

10. Worrying too much

This is probably the biggest one.

Yes, Iceland has its own bathing customs.

No, you don’t need to spend your entire visit terrified that an Icelander is going to appear from behind a rock and arrest you for incorrect lagoon etiquette.

Read the rules, respect the people around you and enjoy yourself.

Watch Our Iceland Lagoon Etiquette Guide

Want to see what visiting Iceland’s geothermal lagoons is actually like?

In our video, we talk through the things you should know before your first visit, including shower etiquette, what to bring and some of the mistakes you should avoid.

Our Iceland Lagoon Essentials

After visiting several geothermal lagoons around Iceland, there are a few things we regularly take with us:

• Swimwear
• Waterproof phone case
• Hair tie
• Conditioner
• Reusable water bottle
• Waterproof sandals or flip-flops
• Dry bag or wet-swimwear pouch

You really don’t need loads.

Most importantly, bring your swimsuit and check what your chosen lagoon already includes before packing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have to shower before the Blue Lagoon?

Yes. Guests are required to shower before entering the Blue Lagoon. Follow the instructions provided in the changing and shower facilities when you arrive.

Do you have to shower naked before entering an Icelandic lagoon?

Showering thoroughly without swimwear is standard practice at Icelandic public swimming pools. Facilities and privacy arrangements at commercial lagoons vary, so follow the instructions at the specific lagoon you’re visiting.

What do you wear to the Blue Lagoon?

Normal swimwear such as swimming shorts, a swimsuit, bikini or tankini is suitable. You don’t need special geothermal-lagoon swimwear.

What should I bring to the Blue Lagoon?

At minimum, bring your swimwear. We also like having a hair tie, waterproof phone case, reusable water bottle and something for wet swimwear afterwards. Check what’s included with your booking before travelling.

Can you put your hair in the Blue Lagoon?

Your hair can come into contact with the water, but the mineral-rich geothermal water can leave it feeling dry and stiff. Wetting your hair with fresh water and applying conditioner before entering can help protect it.

Why does the Blue Lagoon make your hair stiff?

The Blue Lagoon’s silica-rich water can coat the hair and leave it feeling dry or stiff. Thorough rinsing and conditioning afterwards can help.

Can you take your phone into the Blue Lagoon?

Check the Blue Lagoon’s current photography and device rules before your visit. If you take your phone near the water, we’d strongly recommend a secure waterproof case and being considerate of other guests.

What are the rules at Sky Lagoon?

Visitors should follow Sky Lagoon’s current guidance covering showering, changing facilities, photography, behaviour and any rules relating to its ritual experience. Don’t assume its policies are identical to the Blue Lagoon.

Can you wear flip-flops at Icelandic lagoons?

Policies and facilities vary, but waterproof sandals or flip-flops can be useful, particularly when moving between indoor and outdoor areas.

What should I avoid doing at the Blue Lagoon?

Don’t skip the pre-entry shower, ignore staff instructions, disregard safety rules or photograph other guests inconsiderately. We’d also avoid repeatedly submerging untreated hair if you’re worried about it becoming dry or stiff.

Is Iceland lagoon etiquette difficult for first-time visitors?

Not at all. The biggest difference for many visitors is the importance Iceland places on showering properly before entering communal bathing water. Follow the signs and staff instructions and you’ll be absolutely fine.

Are Iceland’s natural hot springs the same as the Blue Lagoon?

No. The Blue Lagoon is a managed commercial facility. Natural hot springs may have few or no facilities and require extra care around access, safety and protecting the environment.

Final Thoughts

If you’re visiting an Icelandic lagoon for the first time, don’t overthink it.

The shower rules might feel unusual if they aren’t part of the bathing culture where you live, but once you’re there, it all feels completely normal.

Shower properly, protect your hair, follow the individual lagoon’s rules, respect the people around you and then get in the water and enjoy it.

Some of our favourite memories from Iceland have involved sitting outside in beautifully warm geothermal water while the Icelandic weather does whatever the hell it wants around us.

And that’s part of what makes it so special.

Whether you’re visiting the Blue Lagoon, Sky Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, a local swimming pool or another geothermal experience, give yourself enough time to slow down and actually enjoy it.

Because once you’re sitting in warm geothermal water surrounded by Icelandic scenery, you’ll probably wonder why we don’t do this everywhere.

Enjoy your Icelandic Adventure! 🇮🇸