Iceland’s Geothermal Bathing Tradition Nominated for UNESCO Heritage List
Iceland’s long-standing bathing culture, built around geothermal hot springs and lagoons, has been nominated for UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list. Natural geothermal water has shaped daily life across the island for generations. Icelanders use it not only to relax but also to socialise and recover after long days outdoors, making hot pools a familiar part of everyday routines rather than a rare spa experience.
Across Iceland, geothermal landscapes reveal how closely daily life is tied to volcanic activity. In the Kerlingarfjöll highlands, steam rises from hot springs and fumaroles scattered across the Hveradalir valley. Baths fed by mineral-rich water are found even in remote mountain areas. At Highland Base Kerlingarfjöll, iron-rich geothermal pools colour the water deep orange and are valued for soothing irritated skin and tired muscles.
“The baths are fed with water rich in iron, drawn from deep beneath the valley. The iron gives the water its vibrant hue, while its natural acidity helps soothe skin redness and irritation."
Geothermal bathing is also part of Iceland’s social culture. Locals often gather in hot pools to talk, unwind and spend time together outdoors. On the Reykjanes Peninsula, the Blue Lagoon geothermal complex grew from mineral-rich water released by the nearby Svartsengi power plant. The lagoon’s silica-filled water has drawn scientific interest and has been used in research on skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema.
Places where geothermal bathing shapes the experience
- Kerlingarfjöll Highlands – remote baths surrounded by steaming geothermal valleys
- Blue Lagoon complex – mineral-rich lagoon formed near the Svartsengi geothermal plant
- Reykjanes Peninsula – volcanic landscapes where geothermal activity is part of everyday life
These locations show how bathing in natural hot water is woven into Icelandic landscapes and travel experiences across the country.
UNESCO’s decision draws attention to a tradition that becomes visible almost everywhere in Iceland. Hot pools sit in small towns, spa resorts and remote valleys, giving people a place to warm up in naturally heated water. Many visitors end up including at least one geothermal bath in their trip, simply because these pools are so common across the country.
