Visits to the great public pools of Reykjavík have not increased anywhere near as much as city officials would have expected given the tourism boom. Why?
One explanation is a fear of showering in the nude. The director of Visit Reykjavík, Einar Bárðarson, believes that tourists might feel uncomfortable undressing and showering in front of others. He also speculates that tourists might not believe that pools this far north could be so nice and warm, or they might just be unaware that they exist.
But surely foreigners know there are hot springs in Iceland. So, why would they be surprised to find public pools with warm water? And what kind of pervert can’t take a shower in the nude? Tobias Fünke, perhaps, but, there can’t be that many Never Nudes? And they can’t all be traveling to Iceland, not visiting our pools?
Whatever the reason, the municipalities in the Greater Reykjavík area have announced they will launch a joint marketing campaign to inform tourists of the opportunities of their many public pools.
We, at the Reykjavik Grapevine applaud this campaign. The swimming pools in the Reykjavík area are amazing, and any tourist who fails to visit them is really missing out on experiencing one of the best things about Iceland. We also want to alert visitors to our handy guide to the pools, saunas and steam baths in the greater Reykjavík area.
Every Swimming Pool In The Greater Reykjavík Area, Rated
Any visitor to Iceland simply must visit one of the island’s ubiquitous public swimming pools. This is not a request. A point of pride for most locals, the pools are generally first rate, and admission is dirt-cheap (around 5-600 ISK). There is no better way to immerse yourself in Iceland…
And when traveling around Iceland, be sure to take advantage of the many wonderful rural pools, some of which are true gems.
Remember: you wash, sans clothes, before entering the pool. Nobody wants to bathe in other people’s dissolved dirt and sweat!
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