We’ve had two very wet and cold days holed up in Höfn having a rest from cycling, so we thought we’d try out the local swimming pool. This one was outdoors, with a slightly heated pool, water slides, a sauna and two hot pots (which are small heated pools with the water at around 40 degrees). There was also an “ice bath” which in this case just meant a small container with room temperature water (so 8 degrees), which you could dunk yourself in if the hot pots become too much (which believe it or not we actually did a couple of times). It was so good that we’ve decided we may well visit one every day from now on (just about every town has one).

Similar to Japan with their public baths, the town swimming pools seem to be a bit of a social hub. There is a very strict process for entering and exiting the pools, which is much the same wherever you go. First, you need to take of your shoes and leave them on racks and then head into the change room. You then need to shower (without your togs), before you get into your togs and head for the pool. Coming out the other way, you then shower again and take off your togs. You then dry yourself before heading back into the change room and out to get your shoes. Needless to say, showers and change rooms are completely communal (so you need to leave the Australian prudishness at the door).

We came out incredibly warm, looking like cooked lobsters from spending too much time in the hot pots, and ready to tackle another cold evening.