ICELAND - REYKJAVIK

In this blog, I share my observations and insights into Icelandic life and their relationship to pools, as well as my experiences at the university and the beautiful landscapes.

The day I arrived in Iceland it was a sunny day, a bit windy but not too cold. Soon after my arrival, I figured out that there was a geothermal beach close by. The special part about the beach is the hot water that is pumped into the man-made lagoon. The outcome is a refreshing swimming area averaging between 15°-19°C in summer. Nowadays the sea temperature is roughly 10°C but people are still going for swims in the sea and having chats at the heated pool.

Based on the points above this leads me to one of the most exciting aspects of Icelandic life that I have encountered so far which is the cultural significance of public swimming pools. At first glance, they may seem like just another place for exercise or relaxation, but in Iceland, pools are much more than that, they are social hubs, integral to daily life and community bonding. Iceland’s abundant geothermal energy powers these outdoor pools year-round, making swimming in naturally warm water possible, even in the depths of winter. Locals visit pools not only for health and fitness but also to socialize, unwind, and exchange news. It’s a communal practice that seems to blur the line between recreation and tradition. You often see friends chatting in the hot tubs (hot pots) or families enjoying time together in the water, all in a serene, relaxed atmosphere.

When I first experienced this, I was struck by how pools in Iceland serve as places of community connection in a way that pools in my own country rarely do. Back home, swimming pools often feel more functional or purely recreational places to swim, exercise, or cool off. In Iceland, they are places of conversation and connection. In fact, some Icelanders even claim that more decisions are made in hot tubs than in offices! Reflecting on this, I realized it is not just about the pools themselves, but the Icelandic approach to public space and community. The emphasis on relaxation, wellness, and social interaction reveals a cultural value of balance between work, leisure, and connection to others. It also highlights the Icelanders' close relationship with nature, harnessing geothermal energy in a way that becomes part of everyday life.

Coming from a culture that can sometimes prioritize work and productivity above all else, this practice has made me reconsider my own values around relaxation and social connection. In my home culture, communal spaces like these aren’t used in the same way, and personal time often feels rushed or secondary to work commitments. Iceland's pool culture encourages a slower pace, emphasizing the importance of regular social interaction and self-care, something that is often missing in fast-paced modern life.

In experiencing this, I have come to appreciate the balance Icelanders strike between personal well-being and community engagement. It is a reminder that public spaces can foster connection and serve as important parts of our mental and social health.

The University of Reykjavik provides the students with everything they need. It is a relatively new campus with new technologies, a gym, a meditation room or a small supermarket right at the entrance. Despite the university being relatively small compared to the other universities here in the country, the lecture halls are welcoming and create a good atmosphere. I had the opportunity to have guest lecturers from different universities around the world. They were highly motivated and experts in their respective fields. The transfer of knowledge is high, and the overall learning experience is intense but highly recommended.

Finally, I would like to talk about what I have done so far and what the landscape of Iceland is. Since I arrived, we have been really lucky with the weather, and were able to go on weekly hikes with many day trips. By now I can say that the landscape is unique and one of the most astonishing I have ever seen. In addition, when we were driving through the country, we probably saw more sheep and horses than other cars. I am happy that I have chosen Iceland. I am looking forward to exploring new things and broadening my spectrum in the next few months.