The Best Open Water Swimming Spot Near Reykjavík
Ocean Swimming in Iceland
The history of swimming in Iceland dates to the Settlement Era and it’s considered that the know-how was pretty widespread. But for some reason, that knowledge got lost and in 1820, only six Icelanders knew how to swim. There are even records of fishermen drowning when dragging their boats to shore.
When urbanization started in Iceland, all of the new villages were next to the ocean and the main industry for those villages was fishing. With the increase of fishermen, who could not swim, an increase in drowning increased as well.
To prevent those deaths, people started to campaign for swimming lessons to be held across the nation. Most of those lessons took place in the ice cold ocean with facilities being built close to beaches. Soon people started to utilize the geothermal heat of Iceland’s hot springs to heat up swimming pools around the country. In 1927, swimming became part of the curriculum in Reykjavík’s elementary schools and in 1940 that rule was adopted nationwide.
With the construction of heated swimming pools around the country, Cold Ocean Swimming became less common with few exceptions. But in the last decades, cold ocean swimming has risen from cult status into the main stream.
Weekly, throughout the year, both formal clubs and informal groups of friends meet up around the country and plunge into the ice cold North Atlantic. The swimmers usually warm up in a steam bath or a hot spring before and after the ocean.
You will not find a more euphoric bunch of people than those who are sitting in a hot spring, feeling warmth coming back to their bodies, chatting about everyday events.
The Benefits of Swimming in Cold Water
There are several benefits that you can receive from practising cold water swimming. Both for your physical and mental health:
- It improves your fitness: It helps with calorie burn, muscle strength, and may reduce risks of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
- It improves blood circulation: Cold water stimulates blood flow to vital organs, boosting circulation efficiency.
- It gives you immune support: While research is ongoing, cold water immersion may help prime the immune system.
- Pain relief: It can act as a natural painkiller, especially for sore muscles.
- Mental health benefits: It elevates mood, reduces stress, and provides a natural high.
How to Prepare Before a Cold Plunge in Iceland
While it might seem tempting to just jump into the water, there are several things that you have to keep in mind before you go. Remember: the weather can change suddenly and the water is pretty cold – the only thing Iceland has in common with Hawaii are the volcanoes, not the warm water.
The Gear You Need Before Plunging Into the North Atlantic
As with any outdoor activity in Iceland that you have not done before, take full precautions. Ask locals and for open water swimming, ask around if you can join a group of swimmers. Swimming alone is the ocean is never a good idea, especially if you are not accustomed to the environment.
Having said that, here is what you should bring along for a dip in Icelandic waters:
- Food: You should eat before you go in and when you get out. Especially if the ocean is cold. Bring a banana to eat before and some chocolate to eat afterwards. It helps the body to warm up again after the swim.
- Drinks: Bring a Gatorade and a Thermos of something hot. There is a risk of hyperthermia.
- Swim Clobber: Show at least some decency to bring a swimsuit or trunks. But there is no shame in a wetsuit, hood or gloves. Worst case it might save you from getting minor cuts from rocks in shallow water.
- A bathrobe is also an option, especially if you are not swimming close to a source of hot water.
- Shoes: Wading shoes can always come in handy since some of the best beaches in Iceland are covered with small rocks. You could also go for thicker swim boots to keep your feet warm while you are in the ocean.
Final Preparations Before You Enter The Ocean
You should not just dive into the water. You will have to prepare your body and your mind for the shock of the cold water. Do some light stretching and a few light exercises to get the circulation going and get your muscles warmer.
Another pro tip is to get your body extremely hot to ease to transition to your body being surrounded by ice cold water. The best way to do that is to start with a hot drink, coffee, tea or hot chocolate. Then take a few minutes inside a sauna or a steam bath. The last thing you do before going for the plunge is spending five to ten minutes in the hot water – at least 40-42 degrees centigrade.
When you get into the water, remember to breathe – some like to control their breath by breathing slow and deep, others prefer the Wim Hof Method.
Remember that if you are using changing facilities for geothermal hot springs in Iceland, you will have to soap and shower before you put on your swim wear. Even if you are going straight into the ocean.
The Types of Icelandic Cold Ocean Swimmers
There is no specific protocol of what to do when you are in the water, if you swim a lot, take just a few strokes or if you get right out of the water. There are roughly two types of ocean swimmers in Iceland:
- The Plunger: The plunger usually plunges or wades into the water, takes a few strokes and then hurries back out of the water.
- The Swimmer: The swimmer likes it cold and treats the ocean like a swimming pool.
Most Plungers turn into Swimmers in the summer when the temperature of the ocean rises and many Swimmers plunge in the height of winter when the temperature of the ocean is close to zero degrees Celsius.
The Best Open Water Swimming Spots Near Reykjavík
There are several places where you can swim in open water near Reykjavík. Some of them have facilities such as locker rooms and hot springs and steam rooms where you can warm up before and after your cold water plunge. If you are not swimming in the height of summer (which can be as much as two day in Iceland), you should choose a place where you can get straight into hot water afterwards. It’s not only the best way to regain some body temperature but it’s also the best way to enjoy the euphoria of cold water swimming.
- Hvammsvík Hot Springs: Hvammsvík Hot Springs has everything that you need to get the best out of your cold water swimming in Iceland. The geothermal pools are located at the beach of the North Atlantic, surrounded by some of the most iconic Icelandic mountains. It’s also at the bottom of a fjord so you won’t get a lot of waves coming at you. If you are lucky, a curious seal might join you for the swim. You can get your body warm before your plunge and then relax in the hot pools afterwards. When you get out of the water, you can reward yourself with the traditional seafood soup and a cold drink afterwards at the bistro.
- Hoppland Akranes : OK, it’s not exactly a cold water swimming spot but it’s the only place in Iceland where you can take a 10 meter high plunge into the ocean. Located at Akranes’ harbour, Hoppland gives you the thrill of deep dives and adrenaline.
- Nauthólsvík: The home base for sailing in the capital area, Nauthólsvík also has a shallow hot pool and locker rooms. And it is Iceland’s only beach that you would picture a beach to look like in warmer countries; Yellow sand, beach volley ball but with cold weather. There is a lot of local groups that gather there for their weekly ocean swim.
- Lake Elliðavatn: At the outskirts of Reykjavík lies Lake Elliðavatn. A natural lake that used to serve as the reservoir for Reykjavík’s very own hydro plant. It’s a popular fishing lake and the the best spots for swimming are usually kept a secret between the locals. So you will have to get to the closest neighbourhood and ask the locals and they might let you on to a little secret.
- Silfra: Ever wanted to swim between continents? Silfra has got you covered. Better yet, you can dive between the tectonic plates of America and Eurasia. It might cost you a bit but it’s highly worth it.
Experience the Euphoria of Open Water Swimming in Icelandic Beaches
What are you wating for?
Grab your gear, pack your snacks, get on the road and get excited.
The best natural high is just 45 minutes away from downtown Reykjavík. Book your ticket in advance now for Hvammsvík Hot Springs and experience the thrill of a lifetime.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cold Water Swimming In Iceland
Can You Swim in The Water In Iceland?
Yes, you can. It's best to look for places with facilities such as locker rooms and hot springs. Hvammsvík Hot Springs is a popular location for a plunge in the Atlantic.
How Cold is The Ocean Around Iceland?
During the summer, the water can range from 10 degrees centigrade to 15 degrees. During the winter, it can get from 0 degrees to 5 degrees. Always check the local weather forecast before a swim.
Is the Ocean Around Iceland Clean?
The ocean around Iceland is unpolluted. Especially if you go at least half an hour away from the capital area.
Is Open Water Swimming Popular in Iceland?
Open Water Swimming has been gaining a lot of popularity in Iceland in recent years. There are open water swimming associations active with regular activities but it's also common for smaller groups of friends, families and co-workers that meet every week for their cold ocean plunge.
Are There Sharks in the Waters Around Iceland?
You won't get attacked by a shark when swimming in the ocean near Reykjavík. You might find sharks deep down in the ocean near the Westfjords but there aren't any recorded incidents of them attacking people. You are more likely to get attacked by the stench of the rotten shark delicacy on your plate.