Shy

Bysiakadventure

Where are we? 
Yes, again in wintery Iceland. Lot's of photo's to share.

Alphabetically this time, just to throw you off course!
So let's start off with the unknown, above and below.

corpusbruni

Hot guys have hot bath in hot spring in non hot weather … #iceland#hotspring#hotsprings #bath #polishboy#czechboy #instaguy #czechguy#polishguy#winter #water #nature #naked #cold #shy#friends #bottom #snow#thermal#geothermal #nationalpark #spa@mattdemolaque

Captured

jessicadadiomoff 

Throughout our travels we take countless photos. And then there are days when we choose to leave the camera behind and simply experience the magnificence of life simply through the lenses we were born with. Capturing moments only to memory- secrets that only he and I can truly know… …but we rarely regret bringing the gear out with us. ✨ Photo credit:@irishxplorer#secretspots #naturalwonders #hotsprings#skinnydip #naturalpool#worththejourney#innature#sohappytogether#authenticlovemagazine #creativettravelcouples#neverendinghoneymoon

Lot's of soaks in Iceland starting with a G. I believe above is Grettislaug, following the hot spring cave of Grjótagjá.
H follows G, above the classic soak of Hrunulaug.

orvarbg

Ætlaði að henda í eina sexy mynd for my fans en endaði næstum því á að drukkna 🇮🇸#iceland #sexy #grjótagjá

jantacheci:

#mujmilacek #pohoda #klidek#nude #zadecek #prdelka #ass#nahotinka#samavbazenu #czechgirl #girl #hrunalaug#iceland #zlaticko#tattoo #tetovani

Hidden

allyjinthehouse 

If there’s one thing I learned about myself on this trip, it’s that I’m willing to withstand bitterly cold air to be in luxuriously warm water#hotsprings #hiddenhotpot #iceland#nakedinnature#mermaidwannabe#adventureday #naturetime

Sometimes an informed guess. 
Above I believe Kualaug; following the certainty of Langbrotalaug (but not of the adjacent soak hole).
Rounding out, a couple of what look like great soaking experiences.

thms_vi

swirling in the hot spring

mrindflish at Reykjadalur:

New Year, Same Butts 🖤 #2019📸:@lindsayckw
•••••#couplesgoals#iceland#hotspringadventures#icelandhotsprings

adorably_naked at Reykjanes:

Naked all day in the #hotsprings of #iceland with friends. Nothing better … well almost nothing ...#freedom #wanderlust #befree #bodypositive#nojudgement #clothingoptional ..#adventurenaked#mynudefreedom#getyournudeon#getyourassintonature#nakedinnature#livenaturism#baretobefree#barebynature#nakedadventures#nudewithnature#adventurebuns1

thelitestriders at Snorralaug:

The wonderful thermal bath, Gudrunarlaug#iceland#iceland#guðrúnarlaug#thermal#thermalbaths #naturephotography#nature#explore#skinnydipping#landscape#travellife#outdoors#outdooradventures#exploretocreate#swim#naturelovers#nude#nudism#natural#nudismo#naked#tattoo#inkedgirls#inked#mountains#earthpix#discoverearth#naturegram

Escapism

roman_sivokoz at Guamka (Krasnodar, Russian Fed.):

Изучаю номинал монет на дне этого фонтана, стоя в кипятке! Это не биткоин майнить, а живые деньги!!! Напиши в Директ, расскажу как зарабатывать не парясь! Уйди из сетевого и майнинг-ферм!!! #стартап#бизнесмолодость #горячиеисточники#гуамскоеущелье #гуамка #кипяток#кипятокчелендж #поездкавгоры#турвыходногодня #фотодня #горы #пар#вода #сфильтром #instaboy#photooftheday #tagsforlikes

Come New Year everybody is looking forward / backward. Past highlights / coming intentions.
Me? I'm just glad that I can still hang on to this spinning planet ...

But anyway, nearly six months back (Jul. 28), Fromrusttoroadtrip had an overview  of their best hotsprings visited on the European landmass:

'In our two years of travelling the continent, we’ve been lucky enough to visit an extensive number of natural, wild and free hot springs across Europe, and we thought it was about time we shared our knowledge and experience with other travellers!

They made a list of 12 hotsprings visited, from 8 countries, based on such as  Appearance, Temperature, Location and Odourless. 

The latter one I feel is a bit strange. Sulphur may by far from odorless but is a good grade of medicinal value of spring water; i.e. the less odor the less medical benefit? 
Also tips on etiquette for soakers.

Finishing first in their listings, with perfect marks is Prats Balaguer (Pyrénées-Orientales, France), second is Santa Fé (Andalucía, Spain) and Rupite (Blagoevgrad, Bulgaria) third.

Fabiola Castro‏  at Prats Balaguer:

Escapadeta de cousins!! #termes #natura #fontpedrouse#menjantnoslamona #cousins

Hmmm, all three are certainly very, very good. 
I always find it difficult to compare. No two visits to the same springs are the same; so you could visit one of the three above and have a poorer experience, with giving lower marks. I for instance would include Icelandic hotpots in the listings, however if you've not been there ...

Anyway, Fromrusttoroadtrip have some very important general concluding remarks to share:

'It's worth remembering that these sites are free to use, just as nature intended. As a result, there are often no facilities at these sites. Please ensure you respect the locations mentioned above.

• Take rubbish home.
• Respect the surrounding area.
• Respect the locals and their customs.
  

Don’t use any products in the water that will cause damage to the delicate eco-systems in and around the water'.

siemoturkka at Santa Fé:

Hipit on rautaa ja Kärpät on kultaa! Oulussa syntyneenä uin kuin kuka tahansa hippi kuumissa lähteissä👍Ekassa altaassa jossa nautin ansaitun Alhambra special oluen lillui kanssani paikallinen hippi ja Malagan kaksi Helvetin Enkeliä. Siitä saisi jo perheen hullunkuriset perhepelikortteihin😁 Paikassa plussaa sen aito hippi meno ja olin vähemmistöä kun käytin ujona uimahousuja🙈 Paikka on yllättävän helppo löytää vaikka ei sitä missään mainosteta ja vain 20min Granadan kaupungista. Voin suositella näin toisen kerran käynnin perusteella😊🇪🇸 ja paikalla hitokseen koiria joka on aina parasta matkakohteessa🐶#hippies#thermalbath#granada#santafe#luonnonkylpylä#relax#auringossa#visitgranada#nakedhippies#olivetrees

Slipped
Off the continent, Soakpodcast has an interesting special about Ireland's pursuit of seaweed soaking. In the podcast:

'... we explore seaweed bathing, Ireland’s only indigenous bathing tradition, and how this edible sea vegetable has played a role far beyond the bathtub. We trace seaweed’s slippery history from an essential crop on the emerald isle, to it falling out of favor with the arrival of the potato, to its vogue as a vitamin rich tonic in Edwardian seaweed baths'.

Over to England. 
The trial to use geothermal water for a pool upgrade in Penzance (Cornwall, UK) has seen a drilling come up with hotter than expected water.
Cornwalllive (Nov. 15):

'The Jubilee Pool geothermal spa will be hotter than expected and that means the water will reach temperatures of up to 30C.Geothermal Engineering Ltd, the company which has been drilling holes into the earth below the famous Jubilee Pool to tap into the earth's natural heat, said it found a warm water 'geothermal vein' 410 metres deep into the rock below Penzance's iconic sea water open air Lido.The company, which is also involved in building the UK's first ever geothermal power plant at United Downs near Redruth, where it is drilling two 4,5km deep holes into the earth's crust as part of a £18m EU-funded project with the potential to power 3,000 homes, said the hot water will now be tapped up to heat a section Jubilee Pool all year round'.

Note that the geothermal involvement will result in higher pool temperatures,  the waters are not to be used as pool water itself.

A nice find. 
Sheexploreslife (Oct 10) has a women's take on the baths of Bath and the city itself. 

It takes on Jane Austen, Bath's role in the suffragate struggles, Mary Shelley, cocktails and for the morning after: the hot spring baths.

Self-love
Back to the continent. 
While not really concerning hot springs, it does involve bathing etiquette. La sex en rose visits a spa in Köln (Apr. 18):

'Now I tell you what it feels like to relax naked in Neptunbad and Claudius Therme, the two Spa centres in Cologne with only one thing in common: the wristband.
...
Why naked?
Because there’s nothing more natural.
Because it’s a way to temporarily forget all the social and cultural constraints we’re used to, and embrace an ideal of freedom and naturalness.
Because showing ourselves to others with no veils means communicating with honesty and no shame.
Because your body absorbs the sauna heat evenly and releases toxins by sweating free of the swimsuit.
Because nudity is not about voyeurism and exhibitionism here, but rather self-love and body care. As well as it’s nothing to do with sexual arousal and the orgy as an inevitable outcome'.

iosug at Tiermas (Navarra):

➕Mid week spoiler & hot springs➕•••#wintercamping #desert #hotsprings#patagonia #photography #wild #nature#van #vanlife #campvibes #winter #mountain#naturephotography #doggo#basquecountry #fun #adventure#adventurephotography

From the informative tierrassinfronteras (Nov. 6): they head to the Alicun thermal bath surroundings. With 28ºC these are more warmer than hot. Lots of good info, would have come in handy when I was here a couple of years ago.Google translated:

'Is it worth going to this place? Well, for us, yes, it is always a pleasure to enjoy hot springs in the middle of nature. In addition, the Raja de Alicún has the charm of being in a small canyon surrounded by rivera vegetation, a small oasis in a semi-desert environment of spectacular beauty.
...
The temperature of the water resembles more the Balsa de Cela in Almería. What we mean by this, is that these natural thermal baths are ideal for sunny days in the fall and spring season. If we choose the winter season, it is better to decide on other hot springs with higher temperatures, such as those mentioned above'.

Saved

mirabilisviola at Saturnia (I think) Toscane:

Hot Springs in Winter! Save the nature!#nature #nude #hotspring #hotsprings#sfxartist #makeupartist #model #dreads#dreadhead #tattoos #ink #nomink #piercing#travel #traveladdict #workandtravel #skin#artist #weldingartist #savethenature

Tusciaweb reports (Oct. 14) on the procedures on Viterbo - Lazio (Italy) hot springs. Google translate:

'Summing up, the college rejects the complaints proposed by Antiche Terme and Le Masse, confirms the order of 26 January 2018 and condemns the complainants to reimburse the costs of the dispute at Free Time for 4 thousand euro, along with other lump sums. Another piece of an infinite story'.

Meanwhile ThinkGeoenergy reports (Oct. 15):

'Among the many examples offered during a recently held conference on Perspectives and impact of the green economy, organized in Pisa within the International Robotics Festival, is a project that cultivates geothermal energy and spirulina, having created around 100 jobs in Tuscany/ Italy'.

Last

chrisbierl

Iceland, Torfajökull Caldera, 2018
On our 9th day of hiking through stormy weather in the southern highlands of Iceland we turned eastwards. Refuges and busroutes were closed already after the summerseason and offpath we just felt like the last humans on earth. The temperatures dropped quickly, the wind and rain raised. What could be better than a lonesome hot spring to take a bath and warm up, before we @svetlanabierl continued our longest day-march of the tour? . ...........#iceland #hiking #trekking #lonesome #far#hotspring #hotpot #travel #highlands#valley #mountains #photography#landscape #landscapephotography #island#photographer #nature #naturephotography#nakedbath #naturebath #backpacking#nakedhiker #naked #icelandtravel#iceland.explore #vulcanic #exploreiceland#natgeo #natureart #nakedwoman #fujifilm

Likewise another personal experience. 

Photographer Romydermout (Nov. 4) heads for a unique experience in the otherwise well-trampled Reykjadalur hot river, Iceland. Tip you might need google translate, but basically two friends head up in the dark and are the sole soakers early morn, so ...:

'Het plan was om naar de hotsprings te gaan bij Reykjadalur. Onderweg daarnaartoe merkten we dat de sneeuw erg plaatselijk was gevallen want al snel reden we weer door het vertrouwde groene gebergte. In het donker begonnen we aan onze klim naar de hotsprings. Het eerste stukje was zwaar maar te doen. Maar naarmate we hoger kwamen hoe meer sneeuw er op ons pad lag. We waren de eersten want er waren geen sporen in de sneeuw zodat we die konden volgen en dus moesten we goed uitkijken niet van het pad te raken en in een ravijn naar beneden te glijden. Elke keer dachten we dat we er waren, maar na de zoveelste bocht zonder resultaat begonnen we ons een beetje af te vragen of we wel goed gingen. En net toen we dachten we moeten maar omkeren zagen we in de verte een bord staan. We moesten toen nog een kleine 5 minuten hiken en daar was het dan! We waren helemaal alleen en dus besloten we gewoon lekker in ons blootje erin te springen. Dat scheelde weer natte badkleding in onze rugzakken. Het voelde hemels om daar in het warme water te liggen tussen de besneeuwde bergtoppen, even bijkomen van de hike naar boven'.

CupofTJ has a slightly older vlog:

'ICELAND TRAVEL VLOG DAY 5. Head into the North on the Ring Road around Iceland. Discovered the falls Gufufoss and geothermal cave Grjótagjá near Myvatn!' 

Brisk

And now for the Icelandic topicals.
The Reykjavik Grapevine reports (Oct. 26) on some less exciting news:

'The Environment Agency of Iceland has announced that blood flukes, a type of parasitic flatworm, have been discovered in the geothermal springs of Landmannalaugar.
In this case, the parasites were likely borne to the waters by ducks, in particular mallards and greater scaups. Visitors to Landmannalaugar should be aware that they may contract this parasite by bathing in the geothermal pools, and therefore caution is strongly advised'.

ThinkGeoenergy (Oct. 25) reports on yet another new geothermal bath in Iceland:

'With several geothermal baths and spas all over the country, with the Blue Lagoon as the most known, there are now several other bathing facilities being built or planned in Iceland.
The newest, as reported by Icelandic national TV station RUV, is now being built at Lake Urridavatn near the town of Egilsstadir in the East of Iceland.
...
Around 1,000 guests per day will be able to bath in the running pool'.

Basalt Architects are in the design business, they also announced that they have added a hot spring pool at Akranes: 

basaltarchitects

Today was the much anticipated inauguration of Guðlaug nature sea baths in Langisandur, Iceland. The sea swimming club were the first to give it a try after a brisk swim in the December sea. Guðlaug is now open to the public free of charge. Come to Akranes and enjoy bathing in warm geothermal water at the edge of the Atlantic ocean.#basaltarchitects #guðlaug #akranes#mannvit #liska

A Facebook post from 3 years ago reveals what the idea was:

'The beach is a popular common space for the people of Akranes who both simply pass by to enjoy the vista as well as using the beach for a variety of activities. The baths are open to the public and play a supporting role, for example as a gathering point for ocean swimmers in dire need of warming up. The formal expression of the baths is inspired by the naturally occurring pools of seawater that form around rocks sitting on the beach as the tide flows in and out. It is composed of three platforms, the top as a viewing deck/roof, the middle as the Guðlaug bath itself that flows into the bottom, a shallow pool at beach level'.

Flashed

zurragamundi

Enjoying #icelandic nature at its purest 🗻•#iceland #islandia #ísland #westiceland#hotspot #hotsprings#landbrotalaug#icelandicnature #exploreiceland #fireandice#roadtrip #traveller#instatrip #inlovewith🇮🇸

Getting naked in Iceland is a titillating title presenting an article by Guide to Iceland; seems pretty current.

'Attitudes towards nudity in Iceland are very relaxed.
...
It is, however, perfectly legal to be nude in public in Iceland, as long as you don't offend anyone.
...
Shy travellers face both a blessing and a curse when it comes to nudity and swimming pools in Iceland.
On the one hand, swimsuits are mandatory in all public pools (not including bikini tops), so you don’t need to worry about getting flashed while you’re trying to relax. On the other, you are obligated to shower and wash your naked body before you enter the pool.
...
Iceland is a geothermal wonderland, dotted with bursting geysers, churning mud pools, and steaming hot springs. Many of these have the perfect temperature for bathing, and some are so remote that you can jump in naked without worrying about other people seeing you.
Before indulging in the wonders of nude bathing in Iceland’s naturally heated waters, however, there are a few things to be aware of.
...
Many hot springs, however, are perfectly safe to enter in the nude and some can be found without anyone around. There is no judgement from Icelanders for this kind of skinny-dipping, even if you are caught. Not only is naked bathing seen as a wonderful way to connect with nature, it’s a smart way to keep your clothes dry and lighten your laundry load'.

linelotta22

#hrunalaug #hotpot #hotspring#nature #naturephotography #naturelovers#me#bug #reykjavik #naked #iceland #travel#whatsonrvk #igersiceland #tattoo#inked#inkedgirls #wonderlusticeland#exploreiceland#exploringiceland#icelandlove #home #travelling #traveller#move #moving#icelandtravel#wheniniceland #icelandexplorer#icelandexplored@wakeupreykjavik

Reykjavik Grapevine reports (Dec. 5) on (another?) geothermal beer:

'This is the story of Ölverk, a brew pub and pizzeria in Hveragerði, just a short drive from Reykjavík over the dramatic Hellisheiði mountain pass. The town is mostly known for the Reykjadalur “hot river” bathing spot, and the plentiful geothermal energy that helps run large greenhouses that glow brightly throughout the dark winter, but Ölverk is seeking to put itself on the map.

...

“We use geothermal energy in the process,” he says, venting one of the tanks dramatically. “The steam is piped in at 150 degrees, and it heats up the freshwater, barley, hops and yeast.”

Finally, just a no-nonsense picture: soaking in Georgia.

vani_hostel

Spa 3km from our house!#Spa #Resort #countryspa #Countrywellness#Georgianwellneas #Wellness#Countrywellnesa #Sparesort #Hotsprings#Healthysprings #sparemedy #Women #Bath#Bathing #bania #Sulori #Vani#კურორტისულორი #ვანი #სპა#ველნეს

Chat

We continue with Sascha's soaking tips for Băile Herculane, Romania.
Next up is the hot spring named Izvorul Scorillo.

This website gives an intro (in German):

'Izvorul Scorilo" (+52°C)"Sapte Izvoare" (die sieben heissen Quellen), liegt von Báile Herculane aus gesehen ca. 4 km talhochwärts. Hier handelt es sich um mehrere Thermalquellgebiete, in denen sich das ganz normale Volk vergnügt und miteinander plaudert. Die oberste Quelle speist sogar ein ganzes Freibad. Wenn man die Strasse von Herkulesbad hinaufkommt, dann ist diese Quelle "Izvorul Scorilo" hier die erste, in dessen Wasser man sich begeben kann. Für bescheidene Camper besteht hier auch eine Zeltmöglichkeit'.

Maybe outdated?

Other than this there seems precious little non-Romanian info out there.

 

source

Sascha writes:

'These hot springs require a longer hike on the main street or better a taxi or an own car. After around 10 minutes by car from Hotel Roman hot springs, you will find these hot springs on your left hand side, a few meters after a small restaurant. This is probably the most commercial hot spring with massage services, and locals who sell fruits and vegetables. Even early in the morning you will find a number of cars who park on the street close to the spring, so impossible to miss them'.

'There are two pools; the right pool has a temperature of 37°C and the left pool of 40°C. The temperature at source is 58°C. Both pools are made of concrete and apparently the water is particularly recommended for skin diseases'.

Rooted

Now on to the last Băile Herculane hot springs to be featured by Sascha, those named Izvoare Calde. Sascha:

'That’s probably the most special hot spring in the area because it is located under the main road. When you drive on the road, you will not detect the hot spring. 

Watch out for a small sign “7 Izvoare Calde” that explains already Romans in the district around Baile Herculane used 

"with great confidence these curative waters for the most dangerous and rooted diseases”. 

'The springs are approximatively 200 m away from the Izvorul Scorillo spring but the entrance is again 100 m further down the road. The water is only 34°C warm and that’s probably one reason why people stay quite long in the pool. Unfortunately, from the pool inside you only have a look to the concrete but not to the river'.

The pictures of this last soak: