With an average water temperature of between 36°C-40°C (97°F-104°F) you can enjoy the benefits to mind, body and soul of a lovely soak as you travel around this incredible country.
I photographed the lovely stream and nearby fumaroles at the top of this post while driving around Iceland, the land of ice and fire. The photo was made, in the early hours of the morning, as geysers expelled steam from beneath the earth.
The steam was colored by the light, reflecting from the clouds above, back down onto the surface of the stream. The tiny yellow flowers add extra color and a sense of positivity to what might otherwise be quite an eerie scene.
As I say, the photo was made in the early hours of the morning. However, it was summer in Iceland, so the color of the light is mostly due to the setting sun and some rain clouds beginning to form.
The photo, which contains a lovely combination of color, light and texture, was made on a full frame Canon camera with a Canon 24-105mm f/4 L series lens.
The lens’s focal length was set to 24 mm and the exposure time was 2 seconds at f/11, with the camera’s sensitivity set to ISO 100.
The slow shutter speed allowed the water and clouds to render relatively smooth, which adds to the dreamy appearance of the image.
What Are Hot Springs?
Hot springs are bodies of water, heated by geothermal energy, that are hotter than the earth surrounding it.
The temperature of the water in most hot springs will be a minimum of 38°C / 100°F. However, some hot springs are significantly hotter and, for your own safety, it’s important to be aware of this fact prior to taking a dip.
The factors determining the actual heat of any one particular hot spring can be summarized as follows:
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The depth of the magna chamber, which is the actual underground depth from which the heat is supplied.
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The rate at which the water flows into and around a hot spring.
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The degree to which any above ground water is able to cool the temperature of the incoming hot water.
Why Does Iceland Have So Many Hot Springs?
With over 30 active volcanoes, Iceland has an almost endless supply of geothermal energy.
While natural hot springs are located all around Iceland, most are located in the west and south west of the country. That’s primarily due to very active geothermal activity in those regions.
Nonetheless, with around 250 geothermal areas producing hot springs, there’s quite possibly a niche guide book just calling out to be written.
Mind you, such a project would requite a laser focus, an extreme level of determination and a sizeable budget. And you wouldn’t be undertaking such a project as a way to make money.
After all, the population of Iceland is only around 398,000 people. Yes, there’s lots of international tourists that you could pitch your project to. All I’m saying is that, given the cost of travel and accomodation in Iceland, such a project would best be considered a labor of love.
Still, if you’ve looking to add an abundance of bliss into your life this might be just the project for you. If I was fortunate enough to live in Iceland for a year, I’d probably do it.
But why are there so many hot springs in Iceland?
Iceland just happens to be the nation where two tectonic plates, the North American plate and the Eurasian plate, separate from each other.
The ridge where these two plates butt up against each other is called the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. The divergence of the plates is what causes molten rock, called magma, to rise up and erupt as lava.
It’s common for volcanic activity to occur along tectonic rifts. As a consequence of this volcanic activity, water is heated underground and referred to as geothermal activity.
Hot springs are a result of pressure from geothermal activity pushing hot water, in the form of steam, up through the surface of the earth and into the air above.
What Are the Health Benefits of Soaking in Hot Springs?
The mineral-rich waters of a hot spring offer relaxation, rejuvenation and provide benefits for a variety of ailments and conditions.
What Are the Different Minerals Found in Hot Springs?
It’s the mineral-rich content of most hot springs that makes them so beneficial to mind and body.
Some of those minerals, commonly found in Iceland hot springs, include the following:
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Sulphur, which is beneficial to respiratory problems and dermatitis.
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Magnesium, which is good for the skin and clearing acne.
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Potassium, which is beneficial in removing toxins from the body.
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Calcium, known to increase oxygen flow and improve blood circulation.
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Sodium, which can reduce joint pain and inflammation and help to regulate the lymphatic system.
Benefits to Blood Circulation
Immersion in warm water is known to promote a more relaxed state of mind. In doing so, a reduction in blood pressure can be achieved.
While soaking in hot water is great for lowering blood pressure and relieving stress, the minerals in hot springs, such as calcium and sodium bicarbonate, are great for improving blood circulation.
Eczema
I’ve suffered from eczema since my teenage years. Over the years I’ve tried all manner of lotions and potions that, while keeping the condition relatively in check, have been completely unsuccessful at curing this nasty ailment.
Most recently I’ve made a number of pretty dramatic changes to my daily diet to reduce inflammation, improve sleep patterns and reduce stress.
It’s very early days, but I can tell you that, in just a few weeks, I’ve lost 10 kg and really hope that, over time, my eczema and a range of allergies will no longer be a part of my life.
While hot springs aren’t credited with curing eczema, there’s a lot of anecdotal evidence that the mineral-rich waters of a hot spring will bring soothing relief to folks suffering from this very debilitation condition.
Body Aches and Pains
Folks with arthritis, swollen joints, muscle pain and a range of other muscle or bone complaints may well find relief in the waters of a natural hot spring.
I know I did.
Iceland Hot Springs Admission Price
You can expect to pay 4700 ISK (Icelandic Krona), around USD $40, for adult admission to one of the commercial geothermal baths around the country.
Fortunately, as well as commercial enterprises, there are also plenty of natural hot springs around Iceland where entry is free.
Iceland Hot Springs Beauty Tip
I’m reliably informed that, if you want to make the most of your dip in an Icelandic hot spring, it’s best to remove any makeup you might otherwise be wearing.
That goes for you to guys.
This will allow your skin to better benefit from the silica and algae within the steaming waters of the hot springs.
It’s good to be aware that, while not harmful to hair, silica can make your hair stiff and difficult to manage.
With that in mind, the folks at the Blue Lagoon recommend that bathers apply conditioner to their hair before entering a sea-water hot spring.
It’s also recommended to leave conditioner in your hair throughout your stay at the Blue Lagoon.
Hot Springs Near Reykjavík
The good news is that, if your time is limited, you won’t have to travel far from the capital, Reykjavík, for a therapeutic and relaxing soak in one of Iceland’s numerous hot springs.
Hot springs in and around the Reykjavík area include the following:
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Kvika Hot Spring Footbath
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Blue Lagoon Spa
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The Secret Lagoon
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Nauthólsvík Geothermal Beach
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Laugardalslaug Swimming Pool
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Sky Lagoon
1. Kvika Hot Spring Footbath
The Kvika Hot Spring Footbath is located near the Grótta Lighthouse, only about 5 km out of Reykjavík. It’s a great place to soak your feet while watching the sunset.
For someone who’s never tried out a hot spring before, this is a very simple and easy introduction. Indeed, all you need to do is to remove your shoes and socks, prior to dipping your feet into the warm waters of this tiny little hot spring.
2. Iceland’s Famous Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon Spa is Iceland’s most famous hot springs and arguably the country’s most popular tourist destination.
This large, commercial operation is known around the world and is a popular place on the itinerary for most visitors to Iceland.
The Blue Lagoon Spa is easy to find, located just off the highway between Keflavík International Airport and the nations capital, Reykjavík.
So what is it that makes the Blue Lagoon special?
The Blue Lagoon is a man-made structure, consisting of a series of geothermal pools set amongst a surreal black lava rubble landscape.
The waters of the vividly colored Blue Lagoon are actually waste water from the nearby Svartsengi geothermal power plant.
The Blue Lagoon contains waters that are rich in salts and algae. What’s more, the fine white silt is said to be a cure for all manner of skin conditions.
It’s true the experience is quite expensive. However, given the extensive bathing and swimming areas, variety of grottoes, steam rooms and a restaurant it’s easy to spend an entire day at the Blue Lagoon.
Blue Lagoon Water Temperature
The water temperature of the Blue Lagoon averages a very pleasant 37°-39°C / 99°-102°F.
It’s an amazing, and very restful experience, soaking for hours in the warm water while taking in the surreal views surrounding Iceland’s Blue Lagoon.
3. Gamla Laugin (The Secret Lagoon), Iceland
If you’re looking for a less highly touristed alternative to the Blue Lagoon, Gamla Laugin, or the Secret Lagoon, is a great option worth considering.
Located at Flúdir in South Iceland, the stunning Secret Lagoon is only 98 km or 60 miles from Reykjavik.
Created in 1891, and one of the oldest swimming spots in Iceland, the Secret Lagoon is a geothermal pool with a spouting geyser that erupts every few minutes.
The complex includes showers and a bar, with plenty of dinning options available nearby.
Be aware that, for reasons of hygiene, everyone is required to completely disrobe and shower prior to entering Gamla Laugin.
The Secret Lagoon is a popular place so, to avoid missing out on experiencing this wonderful site, book your tickets in advance.
As an alternate to the famous Blue Lagoon, some folks add a visit to the Secret Lagoon into their day touring the famous Golden Circle.
4. Nauthólsvík Geothermal Beach, Reykjavík
You’ll find Nauthólsvík located on a small, white sandy beach in Reykjavík.
Featuring two hot tubs, that operate at a temperature of 38°C / 100°F, Nauthólsvik also offers a long, shallow pool that’s heated with seawater.
5. Laugardalslaug, Reykjavík
Iceland’s largest and best equipped swimming complex, Laugardalslaug is a lovely place with loads of fun options for the entire family.
Here’s what you can expect to discover at Laugardalslaug.
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50-metre outdoor pool
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Accessible pool
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Children’s pool
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Steam Bath
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Hot tubs
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Cold tub
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Whirlpool bath
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Waterslide
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Saltwater tub
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Beach volleyball
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Wading pool
Cost of Swimming at Laugardalslaug
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Children, from 0-15 years, free admission
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Youth, ages 16 and 17, cost Icelandic Króna 210 / USD $1:60 approx.
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Adults, 18 years and older, cost Icelandic Króna 1,380 / USD $10:30 approx.
6. Sky Lagoon
The Sky Lagoon is a geothermal spa located in the town of Kópavogur, about a 15 km drive from Reykjavík’s city centre.
Offering dramatic views across the North Atlantic Ocean, and a range of experiences including Ritual, a seven-step experience guiding participants through the history of Icelandic bathing culture.
The Sky Lagoon hot spring is known for its high iron content, which is not a mineral that most hot springs have in abundance. It’s said to be particularly helpful for folks who suffer from anemia, which is a condition described as a lack of red blood cells that results in an unhealthy, pale appearance and weariness.
You’ll find the Sky Lagoon at the following address:
Vesturvör 44-48
Kópavogur
Iceland