March 28, 2024

Iceland’s Hot Springs

Hot Pots In A Cold Land. Iceland’s Hot Springs.

Although Mother Nature wreaks occasional havoc over this land, she also extends an apology by providing Icelander’s a special retreat in the form of hot pots.

The photo to the left shows the bath built by Snorri Sturluson at his farm at Reykholt, around the year 1210. It's fed by water piped from separate hot and cold water springs, so the temperature can be adjusted to suit. The door in the hillside behind the bath leads to a tunnel which probably led back to Snorri's farmhouse.
A photo of the bath built by Snorri Sturluson at his farm at Reykholt, built around the year 1210. It’s fed by water piped from separate hot and cold water springs, so the temperature can be adjusted to suit. The door in the hillside behind the bath leads to a tunnel which probably led back to Snorri’s farmhouse. Photo from the great website Hurstwic.org

Bathing has become an important part of the Icelandic culture over the centuries, first in natural hots springs for basic health and hygiene and now in modern days for relaxing and socializing in geo-thermal fed pools. Near every community regardless of it’s size has a

Icelands Hot Springs
The tiny village of Drangsnes, in the north west fjords provides these wonderful hot “pots” right on the edge of the sea…for FREE!

‘hot pot’, some just a jacuzzi tub others full size recreational pools, most of which are only a few dollars for hours of relaxation. Because the water is non-treated and natural, strict pre-soak showering rules must be followed whether bathing in a man-made pool or a natural spring which are always posted. All over this vast land, you will find traditional hot pots, even in the most remote locations. More easily accessible are a few we stopped to enjoy on our journey.

Myvatn Nature Baths
Myvatn Nature Baths

In the Myvtan region of the northwest, there is the large man-made Myvtan Nature Baths , situated within an expansive lava field within the shadows of volcanic craters . But even better are the nearby lava tubes formed with natural caves filled with geo-thermal heated springs inside.

Iceland's hot springs
Natural hot pot cave in Myvatn region.

Many today are too hot for bathing, but if your nice and respectful a friendly local might share with you their secret swimming hole safe for enjoyment. In the eastern region most famously is Iceland’s Blue Lagoon. Just minutes from the Keflavik International Airport outside of Reykjavik,  it is the idea spot to spend your last day before flying home. Beautiful blue tinted pools lie within a vast lava field.

The Blue Lagoon... Best place to spent your last day in Iceland!!
The Blue Lagoon… Best place to spent your last day in Iceland!!

The main building is near futuristic with state of the art facilities. Besides just a lovely lazy soak in this giant geo-thermal pool, there are great health benefits for your skin and overall well being. The Blue Lagoon facilities offer a full range of luxurious spa treatments including a floating massage, but book that way in advance to your visit. Our last few hours relaxing in Iceland’s hot springs with a cold beverage, reminiscing over the weeks sights and adventures, made me wonder if those ancient vikings perhaps would have been right here centuries  before doing the same, sipping from a horn full of mead, relaxing in this strange wonderful water and discussing all the wonders they had seen while exploring the new and strange land they called Iceland.