There are some unsavory habits tourists engage in when visiting pools or hot springs in Iceland, and tossing coins into the clean pools is a common one. But what’s so bad about throwing a coin into a pool and making a gentle wish that disturbs no one? Well, this act may look harmless to you, but in Iceland, it’s one gesture that’s highly unwelcome at the country’s hot springs — and you should avoid doing it at all costs. Locals and even conservationists consider it to be a disrespectful thing to do. Not only that but the act itself is environmentally damaging.
Beyond their ornamental appeal, Iceland’s geothermal waters are seen as treasures worthy of great reverence. This is because they play a significant role in Icelandic culture, as they have existed for centuries. Unlike hotel pools which typically tend to be chlorinated, most of Iceland’s hot springs are rich in minerals and preserved naturally — ensuring their pristine heritage is well kept. As such, it’s expected that visitors also uphold this tradition and carefully follow the country’s “leave no trace” ethic, which requires that they avoid acts that alter the natural environment.
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What happens when you toss a coin in the hot springs
Person walking towards a mountain with patches of snow – Tuul & Bruno Morandi/Getty Images
When coins or other foreign metals are introduced into Iceland’s hot springs, they can upset the natural environment. Due to the high mineral content (such as the skin-nourishing sulfur) present in the natural pools, metals can easily corrode in them — releasing substances that create a toxic impact on rocks, vents, and plumbing systems. Worse still, many springs are connected to the same underground geothermal systems, so introducing a corrosive object into just one is enough to create a damaging ripple effect. Ironically, these effects can destroy the very purity that travelers themselves come to experience.
When you go swimming at an artificial pool like Blue Lagoon, you can notice dedicated staff, part of whose job is to maintain the pool, including cleaning out foreign objects. However, many of Iceland’s natural hot springs — such as Reykjadalur and Landmannalaugar — often don’t have the luxury of adequate staffing or supervision. This means that coins dropped in such natural pools (especially in remote locations) could remain there for several years, undisturbed. Over time, this silently degrades the pristine natural makeup of the pools. The accumulation of coins has been described as a great problem, especially in remote areas like the Geysir Geothermal Area, as authorities have complained about the unceasing act.
What to do instead of tossing coins
Aerial view of steaming hot springs – NorthSky Films/Shutterstock
If you so badly want to toss a coin and make a wish, there’s a fissure — known as Nikulásargjá or Peningagjá (Money Fault) — where you can do so at Þingvellir National Park (one of the best European national parks to visit in the winter). This is the only Icelandic location where tossing coins into the water is allowed. But in the case of thermal springs, rather than littering them with coins or other foreign materials, there are other thoughtful things you can do during your visit. For starters, simply observing a silent pause at a scenic spring could be an interesting way to enjoy the natural ambience. Notice the geothermal steam, and enjoy the unfiltered serenity of the moment.
Another tangible thing you can do is support local conservation efforts. If you want to support financially, you can donate to nature preservation groups like Landvernd. Similarly, you can engage in volunteering activities such as pool cleanups. This way, you’ll be making a meaningful impact that’ll leave a lasting and positive effect. Also, educating other tourists and travelers about why Iceland’s hot springs shouldn’t be littered with coins is another viable way to give back. This helps to ensure sustained preservation of that experience of purity — and perhaps spirituality — which everyone troops there for in the first place.
Iceland remains one of the best places to immerse yourself in therapeutic hot springs. No doubt, its beautiful springs are magical enough without a need for sneaky metals, so keeping them clean and unaltered for generations to come should be your ultimate priority. Be a considerate tourist whose actions do not affect the host community adversely, and do not be that inconsiderate traveler which Rick Steves describes as the “ugly tourist.”
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Read the original article on Explore.