In December 2025, it was confirmed that Icelandic swimming pool culture had been added to the UNESCO Intangible Heritage list.
A total of 77 countries applied to have elements of their culture recognised by UNESCO, and just over 60 practices were approved. Alongside the pool culture, Italian food, yodelling, and kohl makeup were added to the organisation’s list.
Over the years, UNESCO has been recognising traditions it deems worthy of preservation, including culinary practices, dance, and wedding rituals, among others. Since 2003, a total of 185 nations have had elements of their heritage recognised.
According to Vísir, this is the first time Iceland has been honoured independently. In 2021, Nordic clinker boat tradition was added to the list, recognising all the Nordic countries collectively.
UNESCO’s website describes Iceland’s swimming pool tradition in relation to the widespread use of heated outdoor pools.
“Despite cold climates, these spaces remain popular, welcoming people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities. People visit the pools for various reasons, such as to exercise, relax or socialise. The public swimming pools are run by the community, for the community — a dynamic that has created unique social arenas. For instance, hot tubs have become informal debating parlours. Swimming pool culture is passed down through the generations, with parents bringing infants to the pool. As children grow, they continue to visit the pools, attending swimming lessons, participating in school activities, and spending time there with friends or family,” reads the organisation’s statement.
“People of all genders, ethnicities and abilities are included in swimming pool culture in Iceland. Children learn the pool rules and customs through formal lessons and informal interactions with peers, family and staff. Youth organisations and sports clubs, as well as older pool guests, also play an important role in transmitting the tradition to younger generations. Swimming pool culture is an integral part of daily life for the practising communities. It promotes physical, mental and social well-being while offering a space for connection. It also fosters inclusion, mutual respect and cohesion among people from all walks of life.”
Icelandic swimming pool culture is the topic of the 2022 documentary Sundlaugasögur, or Swimming Pool Stories by Jón Karl Helgason and the brand-new book Sketching Bathing in Iceland by Rán Flygenring.
