Clothes are Optional

Iceland

By Richard Burnham
March 2001, March 2002, September 2003, July 2005, Sept 2007 Updated 17 August 2005

Iceland may not seem
a good place for naturism
but it has good potential
if someone will develop it.

The place

I have been to Iceland four times, not for naturism but to see the geology of the place and genral sightseeing. Iceland is geologically unique and fascinating, one of the most active places in the world, with a volcanic eruption about every five years. This is because the Mid-Atlantic ridge, where Europe and North America are separating, cuts through the island and appears on land, rather than on the ocean floor. I went to Iceland on tours conducted by Geo Supplies Ltd. Contact me if you would like a trip report.

One of the results of this activity is the widespread availability of natural hot water, which is piped into Reykjavik to heat homes, provide hot water for showers and to fill the municipal swimming baths. Natural hot water also heats greenhouses that grow the island's fruit and salads, and natural steam is used for generating power.

Naturism

I don't think that organised naturism exists in Iceland, and it can't be very common out of doors in any case, in a country where the summer temperature rarely reaches 24°C.

Nude swimming is not practised in the various swimming pools in the capital, but I have been told by an Icelander that it is common in small pools in the country.

One thing that is heavily emphasised in the tourist brochures and on cartoon-style posters in the changing rooms, is the importance of hygiene. You are expected to get naked in the changing room and wash thoroughly under the shower, including the "private parts", before donning your swimming togs.

But Iceland is a premier tourist destination, not only because of its unique scenery but also as a 'cool' place for its night clubs. It seems to me there is scope for a naturist resort that makes the most of Iceland's hot water attractions under glass while combining this with both day and night outings for the customers.

Note added in 2005

This time we took our own car to Iceland using Smyril Line's big car ferry, which travels the North Atlantic between Denmark, Norway, Shetland, Faroe Islands and Iceland. Our schedule allowed a week to drive around Iceland and 3 nights in the Faroe Islands on the return.