Hot springs are widely celebrated for their health-boosting properties as well as giving you a chance to relax in some breathtaking locations on your travels.
Here’s the special etiquette you should know before your geothermic bathing experience.
What are hot springs?
Hot springs are basically nature’s original version of a spa. They form when rainwater seeps deep into the earth’s crust, where it is naturally heated by geothermal energy before rising back to the surface through cracks in rock, emerging as naturally warm.
Best of all, as the water travels on its way underground it also dissolves minerals from the surrounding rocks, often emerging rich in elements like magnesium, calcium and sulphur. These minerals, combined with the natural warmth of the water, are said to have powerful therapeutic benefits, helping with skin concerns such as psosoris as well as joint pain and general wellbeing.
Around the world, communities have built rituals and bathing cultures around these natural pools, meaning enjoying them definitely isn’t the same as your typical swimming pool or ‘dip in the sea’. For example, there’s the ancient onsen practices of Japan, as well as Tuscany’s sulphur-rich pools and Iceland’s signature Blue Lagoon experiences.
In fact, today, hot springs are among the most sought-after wellness experiences in travel. But before slipping into the water, it helps to understand the etiquette that protects both the springs themselves and the traditions surrounding them.
Here’s what you need to know…
1. Understand the environment
Unlike traditional spas, geothermal hot springs often sit directly within the landscape: carved into rock, hidden in river valleys or nestled among volcanic terrain. Some have developed facilities and changing areas around them to make using them easier and more enjoyable, while others remain simple natural pools where the environment is part of the experience. Most importantly though, not every geothermal spring is safe to swim in. Some can be dangerously hot, chemically unstable, or environmentally fragile. If you’re exploring natural springs (especially those that are not managed locations), here’s a checklist to keep in mind:
Look for signs
The clearest signal that a spring is safe to swim in is signage, followed by facilities such as changing areas and obvious steps into the pools. Many geothermal landscapes are clearly marked as safe or unsafe. If you see fragile ground warning, ‘no bathing’ signs or barriers, do not ignore them.
Check the temperature
The biggest risk posed by thermal springs is extreme heat. Some can reach temperatures that could easily burn your skin, or even be approaching boiling in some areas. This is particularly important to consider in volcanic regions like Iceland or Yellowstone National Park in the United States, where some geothermal pools are far too hot to enter. Always look for posted temperature signs if the site is managed, test the water carefully with your hand or foot first, and notice if others are comfortably bathing.
Avoid ‘off the beaten track’ springs with strong odours or discolouration
While sulphur-rich bathing pools do give off a signature rotten egg smell (and many other thermal experiences have a strong aroma too), it’s best to avoid pools that aren’t noticeably designated as ‘for public bathing’ if they have a bit of a pong. Really strong smells, an oily film, unusual foam and dead nearby vegetation can all be signs of unsafe chemical concentrations. Avoid stagnant water spots too. Healthy hot springs for bathing usually have clear, moving waters, keeping them fresh and reducing bacterial growth.
Finally, while those bright, unnatural colours in the water might look pretty, they are actually a potential sign that microorganisms or minerals could be present that make the water not safe for bathing. Admire from afar instead!
2. Rinse before you soak
Once you know the waters are safe, it’s time to have a rinse! Even when bathing outdoors, arriving clean is considered essential etiquette, not least because natural hot springs rely on natural circulation not heavy chlorination to keep them fresh. That means even small amounts of contamination, say from sunscreen, cosmetics and body oils, can quickly affect water quality.
A quick rinse before entering is a simple act which ensures the mineral water remains fresh and clear for everyone sharing the pool. Avoid washing your hair in the pools themselves as well, and keep food, drink and your clothes, bags and towels away from the edge. It matters both for hygiene and for preserving these fragile environments.
Many geothermal bathing areas provide showers or rinsing stations, which makes it really easy to prep before you head in. However, if you’re visiting a remote spring without facilities, it’s best to arrive without lotions or oils already on your skin. Some travellers also bring a reusable water bottle so they can rinse their feet or legs before entry.
3. Follow local swimwear norms
Unlike some other traditional thermal experiences, like Nordic saunas, most outdoor geothermal bathing sites require swimwear, particularly those designed for visitors. If you’re exploring a more rustic spring – perhaps discovered along a hiking route – you might be able to enjoy some nude bathing. Still, in those cases, observing local behaviour if there are others around is always best practice and following any posted signage is always the safest approach.
4. Take it steady
Hot spring water is often warmer than it first appears. In fact, many geothermal pools range between 37°C and 42°C, and some areas within a spring can be hotter than others depending on where the water emerges.
So, just like you should do during sauna sessions, don’t jump right in. Entering slowly allows your body to adjust to the temperature and helps prevent dizziness or overheating, which is especially important for your safety if you are bathing alone.
Many hot spring facilities have now developed rituals where you can move between warmer and cooler pools too, turning your experience into a natural version of contrast therapy. Many experienced bathers follow a rhythm of ten to twenty minutes in the water followed by a short cooling break. Step out, drink some water and allow your body temperature to return to normal before slipping back into the pool.
5. Respect the atmosphere
One of the defining pleasures of outdoor hot springs is the atmosphere they create. Unlike busy swimming pools, geothermal baths are usually quiet spaces where people come to relax and connect with the surrounding landscape. And very often those landscapes are beautiful enough to take your breath away – complete with rolling hills and snow-topped mountains.
As a result, conversations should generally be kept low, and splashing is discouraged, even in places like the Blue Lagoon in Iceland where the waters can get busy. Approach the experience with awareness and respect for the environment, and you’ll discover that thermal bathing is one of travel’s most rewarding outdoor rituals. Many visitors simply sit quietly in the water, watching steam rise into the air or taking in the scenery.
Three hot springs to experience on your travels
Terme di Saturnia, Tuscany
Perhaps Italy’s most famous natural thermal springs, Saturnia’s cascading limestone terraces create a series of steaming turquoise pools that spill gently down the hillside. The mineral-rich water flows continuously from the earth at around 37°C, making it comfortable for long soaks year-round. Visiting early in the morning or at sunset is particularly magical, when mist rises over the surrounding Tuscan countryside. Best of all, you can stay at the nearby Terme di Saturnia Hotel and Thermal Resort spa – as our wellness director did – for an even broader thermal pool experience, complete with great food, comfy hotel rooms and indulgent spa treatments too.
Blue Lagoon, Iceland
One of the most iconic geothermal spas in the world, Iceland’s Blue Lagoon sits within a dramatic lava field on the Reykjanes Peninsula. Its milky-blue waters are rich in silica and minerals, and, as a dedicated wellness location, the facility is very well set up, with showers, changing rooms, saunas, steam rooms, and even massage services to complement your bathing. You can smear yourself with the lagoon’s silica mud mask (an Instagram favourite), float in the open-air water, or just take in the stark volcanic landscape around you. The combination of warm water, mineral-rich mud, and black volcanic rock around you, all under a wide open sky makes it easy to see why this place is world-famous.
Peninsula Hot Springs, Australia
The Peninsula Hot Springs are a wellness seeker’s paradise, situated roughly an hour and a half from Melbourne. The award-winning geothermal retreat offers a full range of bathing and wellness experiences, with the naturally heated mineral waters, drawn from deep underground aquifers, rich in calcium, magnesium, and sulphates, which provides a soothing and restorative experience for friends and couples. Plenty of outdoor mineral pools, hilltop soaking tubs complete with panoramic views, plus quiet garden spaces, and an adults-only Spa Dreaming Centre provide options for every type of visitor, and the facilities also include saunas, steam rooms, reflexology walks, and private treatment rooms for massages and spa therapies. Guests can even extend their visit by staying on-site in Eco Lodges or Glamping accommodations, featuring private decks, ensuite bathrooms, and king-sized beds. That makes it a uniquely restorative retreat.
FAQs
What are the benefits of bathing in hot springs?
The mineral-rich waters found in hot springs are said to help soothe sore muscles and improve circulation, as the heat and minerals penetrate your skin and relax tense muscles. They are also thought to nourish and soften the skin, and can be beneficial for inflammatory skin conditions like eczema. The warm temperatures can reduce stress and support overall wellbeing too, by promoting relaxation and triggering the body’s natural calming responses.
What should I bring to a hot spring?
You don’t need much – mainly your swimwear and a towel for drying yourself afterwards. Hairbands are a good idea for tying up long hair too, as while the water can be great for your skin, it can be drying to your tresses. Equally, it’s a good idea to bring flip flops for navigating around the edge of the pools, or even wet shoes to be worn in the water (just ensure they are washed beforehand) to avoid cutting your feet on any natural rocks.
How long should I spend in the water?
Hot springs are typically very warm so it’s recommended to soak for 10 to 20 minutes at a time and take breaks to stay hydrated and avoid overheating.
When should I shower after bathing?
After soaking, you should rinse lightly with lukewarm water almost immediately to remove excess minerals and sweat, but avoid very hot showers that can strip the skin.
Are there any health considerations when visiting hot springs?
Pregnant visitors, those with heart conditions, or anyone with significant skin sensitivities should consult a doctor before using any hot springs. People with open wounds should also avoid communal pools.
Becki Murray is Citizen Femme’s Beauty and Wellness Director. As one of the only UK journalists to hold a Distinction-grade diploma in cosmetic science, she combines her unique knowledge with an editor’s eye to help you make smarter choices about beauty, wellbeing, and aesthetics. Becki also heads up CF’s spa guide so you could say she’s an expert in the science of relaxation too…
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