Nudity is Normal
Icelandic people have a high level of comfort with nudity. Being completely naked anywhere in the country is legal, provided that you do not offend anyone. Iceland’s cultural acceptance of nudity has strong historical foundations, shaped by its pool and hot spring traditions, folklore, and feminist protests.
While swimsuits are mandatory in public pools, there’s a unique twist: bathers are required to publicly bathe naked before entering the pools, especially at the Blue Lagoon. This practice is essential because many Icelandic pools are non-chlorinated, and it guarantees that bathers are free from germs before entering the water. This combination of cultural factors contributes to Iceland’s relaxed attitude toward nudity.
