Iceland is a country that
sits on two tectonic plates and is undeniably renowned for its geothermal
sources of water and energy. For hundreds of years, the local folk have been
using these pools as a recreational activity, as a laundry room, as a fresh supply
of water, and as a way to rejuvenate and keep the body Young. The waters from
the ground and Iceland are said to have magical properties, keeping all
icelanders looking young and fresh. So needless to say, here's a bit of
information on these wonderful little additions to Icelandic culture.
Because the waters are naturally pumps from the ground, and heated bye the lava underneath the surface, the water quality is very different from water quality in the states. It is pure, and contains a lot of minerals and Trace elements, and as such, is not treated with chlorine or other sanitizing chemicals that are used in other countries. In order to enter the geothermal pools, you are required to take a shower with soap and water before entering to clean yourself of any environmental impurities. You also need to shower in front of many other people of the same gender, and usually no shower curtains. Don't worry though, these individuals are in watching you shower. Instead, they're wondering if you are watching them shower. It is best to be tactful and Swift in your approach, and then to go about your day.
The two hot pots I visited were in Drangsnes and Reykjavik (Specifically Vestubærlaug). The hot pots in the North are scattered few and far between, and there is actually an app that you can use to find geothermal pools around the country. It is beneficial to get some background information on the pools before you go. For instance, the one that drums nests is paid for your donations, and has a single-stall bathroom that you can shower in. The ones in Reykjavik are Public Access pools and cost money. If you go to Blue Lagoon, you'll be paying around $70 American dollars for Access, but in Reykjavik, you'll be paying around $9 for access.
What makes these pools so wonderful is the fact that they are visited by tourists and locals alike, and year-round. There is nothing quite as rewarding as sitting in 38 to 40°C water, watching your skin turn into a prune, as the outside temperature it's so cold that it freezes the breath outside of your face. The only thing that sucks is when it's time to leave and you need to try and retain as much body warmth as possible as you sprint for the nearest bathroom to change at.
Should you bring enough money to cover expenses, there are some wonderful Lagoon's and spas and hot pots scattered all around Iceland. Some are toe pools, others you can summarize your entire body in. By the way around, it's an unforgettable experience.
Because the waters are naturally pumps from the ground, and heated bye the lava underneath the surface, the water quality is very different from water quality in the states. It is pure, and contains a lot of minerals and Trace elements, and as such, is not treated with chlorine or other sanitizing chemicals that are used in other countries. In order to enter the geothermal pools, you are required to take a shower with soap and water before entering to clean yourself of any environmental impurities. You also need to shower in front of many other people of the same gender, and usually no shower curtains. Don't worry though, these individuals are in watching you shower. Instead, they're wondering if you are watching them shower. It is best to be tactful and Swift in your approach, and then to go about your day.
The two hot pots I visited were in Drangsnes and Reykjavik (Specifically Vestubærlaug). The hot pots in the North are scattered few and far between, and there is actually an app that you can use to find geothermal pools around the country. It is beneficial to get some background information on the pools before you go. For instance, the one that drums nests is paid for your donations, and has a single-stall bathroom that you can shower in. The ones in Reykjavik are Public Access pools and cost money. If you go to Blue Lagoon, you'll be paying around $70 American dollars for Access, but in Reykjavik, you'll be paying around $9 for access.
What makes these pools so wonderful is the fact that they are visited by tourists and locals alike, and year-round. There is nothing quite as rewarding as sitting in 38 to 40°C water, watching your skin turn into a prune, as the outside temperature it's so cold that it freezes the breath outside of your face. The only thing that sucks is when it's time to leave and you need to try and retain as much body warmth as possible as you sprint for the nearest bathroom to change at.
Should you bring enough money to cover expenses, there are some wonderful Lagoon's and spas and hot pots scattered all around Iceland. Some are toe pools, others you can summarize your entire body in. By the way around, it's an unforgettable experience.
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