We start off with TheWorldPursuit which lists 30 hot springs in Iceland (Feb. 4). Instead of Blue Lagoon they say.
Highly trendy, especially as the Blue Lagoon needed to be evacuated mid-March due to the most recent eruption very nearby. Q&A by Icelandreview (Mar. 18):
'Q: Is the Blue Lagoon in Iceland open after the eruption?
A: No, the Blue Lagoon is currently closed after the volcanic eruption that began at Sundhnúkagígar on March 16. Due to its close proximity to the eruption site, the Blue Lagoon had to evacuate its guests and temporarily close down all facilities. It will remain closed through Tuesday, March 19.
This is the fourth eruption since December 2023 and is, in time of writing, still active'.
More specific alternatives.
National Geographic has a travel article (Feb. 1) on some of the lesser known soaks of Iceland, albeit just Hvammsvík.
'I’m at Hvammsvík. Opened in 2023, it’s the newest addition to Iceland’s impressive collection of hot springs, all of which make use of the country’s abundant geothermal waters'.
Heed the post-script:
'This story was created with support from Hvammsvík, PLAY Airlines and Grandi by Center Hotels'.
The Reykjavik Grapevine on tour. They head out and report (Mar. 13) on the Forest Lagoon, Akureyri:
'Forest Lagoon, or Skógarböð, opened its doors in May 2022 and has since welcomed more than 200,000 visitors. Natural baths aren’t a new concept in Iceland, in fact, there’s one in almost every corner of the country. But, until Sigríður María Hammer and her husband Finnur Aðalbjörnsson turned their land into a thriving business, providing a haven for both locals and tourists to relax in the region, there wasn’t one in this part of the North.
...
“When they were drilling the tunnel, they found hot water within the mountain that wasn’t supposed to be there. It was quite a surprise,” Sigríður explains.
The discovery of the hot water caused considerable delay for the construction work of the tunnel. “The construction workers were actually working just in speedos, because it was 50 degrees inside,” says Sigríður. “Ever since the tunnel was finished, this water has basically been going into the ocean. Nobody was doing anything with it. What a waste.”
The 50-degree water, rich with oxygen and minerals, wasn’t suitable for heating houses. Finnur, who’s a contractor and has worked on many infrastructure projects in the area, first thought of the idea of building a nature bath. However, the problem was that the hot water vein lay approximately three kilometres from what is now the Forest Lagoon. The project sounded ambitious but very costly.
...
I change into my swimsuit in the shower area, which is equipped with both open public showers and individual shower cabins for those who aren’t used to the Icelandic bathing customs of showering naked. A good shower is essential, highlights Sigríður — the water in Forest Lagoon is free from any chemicals, including chlorine. The only thing Forest Lagoon adds to the water is cold water, exchanging it a few times a day to stay free from bacteria'.
The inevitable, subject wise.
Icelandwithaview on naked showering before bathing in Iceland's mostly hot spring sourced swimming pools (Dec. 8, 2023). Quite something, that you can make an extensive article on something that's actually a non-item.
'Once you overcome the initial shock of having to shower at the pools in Iceland naked, it’s actually quite liberating.
Don’t let it scare you; not only is it an amazing experience, but you also gain a better understanding of the local culture.
I’m not a member of any Iceland naturist community, I swear, but I do think it’s pretty cool!
Thank god we've still got the pictures that soaking in nature in Iceland still exists, phew!
'Welcome to Hvammsvík - Nature Resort & Hot Springs, a newly opened nature resort located in the middle of Hvalfjörður in Visit West Iceland, which is only 45 minutes drive from Reykjavik. This stunning resort offers eight natural hot springs situated along the shoreline, allowing guests to enjoy this magnificent view of the ocean and the surrounding mountains #inspiredbyiceland'
'Eight natural hot springs that evolve into the ocean; temperatures range from ocean temperatures (around 10°C) to 42°C in the old original hot spring'.
Google has 44 reviews, all but one are 5 star reviews. While Tripadvisor's 18 reviews come to 5 stars as well. Consistency across the board.
'There’s now a new way to experience the Icelandic waters at the recently opened Hvammsvík Hot Springs. Located in Hvalfjörður, just about an hour northeast of Reykjavik, the 1,200-acre family-owned estate is home to eight hot springs that pull from the property’s own geothermal source 4,593 feet underground'.
If you google Hvammsvík, you will receive a great number of hits concerning a recent soaking experience. Do note that some seem not to have headed out there at all it seems. For instance Thetravel.com (Sep. 22) went to experience Hvammsvík. At least that's what the article implies. Reality: I don't think so. Why then leave this impression? The place must have a good PR person.
Actually looking at the many current photos and one such as above, I do believe it does look similar to what may have been in the past: a free hot spring.
Proof? Reykjavik Grapevine (Dec. 29, 2012) has a list of hot springs in south Iceland. It also has geo details of what they note as Hvalfjarðarlaug hot spring:
'This pool is in Hvalfjörður near Hvammsvík. Driving along route 1 from Reykjavik, turn right on road 47. Follow this road until you can turn left near Hvammsvik'.
The GPS numbers used in the article are also identical to those of the new resort ...
Then there are a couple of Iceland Monitor articles. Nov. 25, 2019:
'There are plans to build sea baths in Hvammsvík cove in Hvalfjörður fjord, West Iceland - a 40-minute drive from Reykjavík. The plans, which require changes to the current land-use, have been posted by the Kjósarhreppur district, Morgunblaðið reports.
...
The sea baths are to be located at the site of the cove’s natural pool. A parking lot for 50 cars is planned, in addition to parking spots for 2-3 buses. The service building will measure 500 m2 (5,400 sq ft). Efforts will be made to use Icelandic material and Icelandic art as much as possible for the project. All the pools will be built of stones from the beach or the vicinity'.
'Further development of a recreational area and sea baths in Hvammsvík cove in Hvalfjörður fjord, West Iceland, will be partly financed with proceeds from the sale of 30 lots in the area, Morgunblaðið reports.
Hvammsvík, located only a 40-minute drive north of Reykjavík, was purchased in 2011 by former WOW Air CEO Skúli Mogensen'.
So the hot spring hype continues, another free accessible hot spring to be off-listed ...
Connect
But is Hvammsvík something for you? I don't have the foggiest. Nowadays, there is literally too much info out there, making a choice of hot pots is mind-blowing. Unless you decide to visit them all.
But maybe there's a shortcut. The Iceland Hot Pot Guide, a recent (?, Sep. 13 updated) app on Android:
'Iceland Hot Pot Guide - app with all hot springs and pools over the Iceland'.
Quite a few of the most popular hot springs and hot pools from near Reykjavik are included, this info for free. Want more? For (just) €5,49 they claim info on 160 hot springs / pools on the island.
Roughly 1000 downloads of the app currently, no reviews however on the app itself?
I must say it looks pretty slick, it might be a good alternative to other websites or guidebooks, though the former of course require no wifi ...
Directly in competition is the EpicIceland list of all hot springs:
'Enjoy our unique and detailed list of all Icelandic hot springs! Currently 59 hot springs. Note: the page is still a “work in progress” and we are adding new and new info every day. If you think some info should be updated, feel free to contact us! Also, please, if you know of any hot spring not listed here, let us know and we will give you all the credit for that one!
Comes with some descriptions and an interactive map!
Then there are a couple of websites which deem themselves invaluable when concerning soaking info.
Reykjavik Excursions (Aug. 9) has a guide to hot springs and geothermal pools in Iceland. Mostly though of the constructed variety.
With this in mind, Tosomeplacenew informs of the alternatives to the Blue Lagoon (Jun. 3). They list 23 alternatives:
'We have been to the Blue Lagoon twice, and although quite liked it (but have a new favorite now), we do understand many don’t wish to visit this hot pool.
When we spoke to travelers, these are some of the reasons they shared:
Too expensive (it is expensive as compared to some of the other geothermal pools listed in this guide)
Too crowded (it is not super crowded at the pool as the lagoon is big enough to accommodate a large crowd and tickets are time-stamped)
Difficult to find a time slot that works for your itinerary (we have been there. Because the Blue Lagoon is located near the airport it is suggested that people visit before flying in and out of the country, and sometimes tickets are sold out in advance!)
Too popular (and you want to visit something offbeat)'.
Readers might be interested in this small soaking side note (and in itself quite a step in noting how mainstream soaking has become). IcelandMonitor (Nov. 14):
'The board of directors of the Blue Lagoon has made a decision to begin preparing for the registration of the company on the Nasdaq Iceland Main Market'.
Anyroad. Hey Iceland (Nov. 11) has compiled an overview of possibly 30 soaks. The intro is catchy:
'Hot tubs and natural hot springs have been a part of Iceland's culture since the settlement era. The love for swimming and bathing is engraved in our DNA. For centuries we have known the health benefits of bathing in the oh-so-wonderful warm mineral water and de-stressing and relaxing every muscle in your body after a hard day at work. Almost all Icelandic swimming pools are geothermally heated so they are warm and cosy all year round. Most of the facilities also sport a hot tub or two. Swimming pools are even considered one of the most important places to socialize, work out and unwind'.
'Iceland is notorious [not] for its natural hot springs all over the island, and one of the things visitors love to do is sit in the warm water and watch over the chilly, majestic Iceland landscape. In this article, we reveal which Iceland hot springs are worth a dip during your next visit'.
One of their of what is to believed to be the benefits of a soak on Iceland:
'Feeling Connected
This is an interesting benefit that we all discovered first-hand during the Covid pandemic. We all have an incredible need to feel connected with one another (no matter how big of an introvert you think you are). And you don’t need to stock up on your social engagements to do so – even just being around people will give you that connected feeling and lift your spirits. All over the world community baths have served that purpose all over the world and the Iceland thermal baths are no different'.
With a best of springs and a best of pools.
Heading more locally, Beyondthemoments (Jun. 9) has a best secret hot springs of Southern Iceland. It actually means just one (secret) and goes at lengths to reveal the secret which results in quite a lot of feedback from other tourists who have consequently done likewise rendering the secret quite useless.
Less of a secret (depending on your definition I suppose), but yes south Iceland. And that all important connection feeling:
from one of our magical @twimclabel expeditions in Ísland. blistering cold, sea sickness and salt. just like home. looking forward to our next adventure ❄️
Fear
And then we delve into Icelandic soaking culture.
First up a recent (Sep. 22) lengthy Reykjavik Grapevine article on the most controversial soaking related habit of Icelandic pools:
'Many tourists in Iceland try to avoid bathing before going to swimming pools, reports Fréttablaðið. The staff at the swimming pools say that the problem is a fear of being watched.
...
They all say that there are no special penalties for not taking a shower without a swimsuit before going to the pool.
“This is a problem and has always been a problem,” says Aðalheiður. “We’ve done what we can to avoid this, for example, by being in the changing rooms during the busiest times,” she adds.
Visitors to Vök Baths who book in advance receive a video sent by email 24 hours before arriving at the pool, where the local rules are reviewed, including the fact that everyone must take a shower.
...
Elín, Karen and Brá agree that there is nothing to fear, even if one and all go to the pool without bathing. The pool’s chlorine level increases in line with its dirtiness.
“We also use this to get people to shower, saying that the more people who don’t, the more chlorine there will be in the water,” says Karen.
In Vök Baths, things are different because there is no chlorine in the water but a continuous flow.
...
“Most people take a shower, but the question is always whether people wash properly or take off their swimsuits, but we also have a changing room where people can take off their swimsuits privately and we just have to trust that people take off,” says Elín
“It varies depending on the nationality, but most people have a fear of being seen naked in common that’s why they avoid showering naked,” adds Elín'.
Is this really such a contentious issue? Yes, delve a little deeper in the web and you'll hardly believe what you will find. Dangerousbusiness has updated (Sep. 12) its 10 essential tips for visiting Icelandic hot springs:
'7. You have to shower – naked There's no naked bathing at any of the organized hot springs in Iceland, though. Speaking of showering, you're expected to do it – sans swimsuit – before getting into any pool or hot tub in Iceland. There are signs all over every locker room, and sometimes locker room attendants around to remind you, too. In some cases, there may be one private changing room, or a few shower stalls with doors in each locker room. But in most cases there's just one large open shower area that everyone is expected to use. I know this part is often shocking and uncomfortable for some American women (I get it; naked people in locker rooms wasn't normal where I grew up either), but it's quite normal in Europe. It's very likely (in fact, I'd say it's guaranteed) that there will be women walking around in the locker room naked – and the same is true in the men's locker room. Don't stress about it if there's no private area to shower. Avert your eyes if you want, shower quickly, put on your swimsuit, and then move on'.
Is showering not naked in Iceland a taboo? Apparently:
On Reddit/visitingIceland there's even a recent (3 months old) posting concerning the showering possibilities at most of the paid soaking places:
'I am a very modest and self-conscious person, so one thing I was worried about is if any of the baths would offer private showering areas- so I will list that as well in my review of each place in case it helps anyone else'.
Well, that might just be a lifesaver for the more prudish soakers, possibly a sign how soaking culture is moving forward (or dare I say backwards ...).
Again a good comments section; comments sections usually never cease to be boring, often better than the article / question itself.
But we are not there yet.
Things can get even weirder (in my eyes). Again Reddit (maybe I should ignore this as a reputable source of info), a month ago:
'I am a 24 year old girl , currently in Reykjavik and I want to go to a outside pool such as Blue Lagoon which I heard it is a turist trap.
In others pool I heard there is a communal shower thing I need to have completely naked. I am not used to this. My concern is if it is okay to wear nipple coverings so I will not get fully exposed.
Do you think I will stand out as weird by doing that?'
Islandia Dzień 4 🧡 Pamiętajcie, że rzeka jest gorąca u góry. Na dole pizga. #iceland #reykjadalur #reykjadalurhotsprings #hotsprings #icelandhotsprings #rangarbingeystra #polishgirls #travelphotography #traveltheworld #travelgram #icelandroadtrip #icelandtravel #icelandadventure #icelandnature #icelandphotography
Luckily for the counterbalance, there's this from What a shame Mary Jane, a recent (Nov. 7) vlog. The author heads out to an underground hot spring (now that's a secret) which all genders enjoy naked. Why not?
This brings Mary Jane to discuss why we are so hung up on non-nudity. It's all thrown at us on a daily basis: naked equates sex, such is what advertising firms want us to believe. But of course it's not she discovers. And prefers.
More or less on the same subject. But a less recent find. Urvor (Mar. 17, 2020) has a post called Getting Naked. In the article author Ellen Wild reflects on the role the (mostly) geothermally fed swimming pools are playing both in city life as well as in Icelandic village life (the feeling connected maybe?). And how the author shuns swimming pools outside of Iceland but embraces these when on sojourn on the island:
'It doesn’t matter how small or remote the village, it will have a swimming pool. The origin of this social meeting habit lies in those amazing hot springs lying around in the Icelandic nature. It is the middle way between two Icelandic extremes, the weather and the searing hot volcanic activity. Now and then you find that sweet spot that is a hot spring with just the right temperature.
But what I love the most about this swimming pool culture is maybe not the pools in and of itself. It is the culture of body neutrality that is a direct consequence of it. The male and female dressing rooms are open and communal. The shower is also open and communal. On top of that, everyone is required to shower and wash thoroughly before entering the pool. Naked. Considering the frequency Icelandic people go to the pool, it means that they see each other naked a lot. Mother and daughter. Grandson and grandfather. Nieces. Schoolchildren and their teacher. Friends. They grew up with this being a normality. There is no shame. A body is a body, without any unnecessary connotation.
I love the confrontation this brings to tourists. A confrontation that hopefully makes them question their own belief systems and the cultural habits of their upbringing. There is no need to have shame for oneself. And a good starting point to practice this is with your own body.
The discomfort that is brought to said tourists is forcing them to come out of their comfort zone and face oneself. It is something to contemplate while enjoying the warm water. This is the personal growth that comes with a visit to an Icelandic swimming pool.
So, once in a while, skip a psychology session, come to Iceland and get naked'.
For the sheer amount of geothermal in Iceland, naturism is frowned upon... we've only had the chance a couple of times.
Then on the opposite scale: a couple which fund their travelling by selling pictures of themselves clothesless. Yahoo (Sep. 7) note that their travails also include Iceland. A Patreon account -no less- for proof.
Finally for something totally different.
A swim-in cinema?
'SWIM-IN SCREENINGS
RIFFs popular SWIM-IN CINEMA took place in the pool of Sundhöll Reykjavíkur'.
Found a hot spring in a sheep field!.....#iceland#geothermalpool#geothermalpoolsoficeland#hotsprings#burners
A separate posting on Icelandic soaking and soaking related news.
Let's start with just a couple of mentions of the many intro's to soaking in Iceland.
We12travel (Sep. 24) notices the many hot springs of Iceland:
'When going to Iceland, you can’t miss a visit to a hot spring. Or a hot pool. Or a hotpot, as the Icelanders call it. I’ve written a couple of posts about the best hot springs in Iceland and they are among the most popular posts on my entire blog. So I figured I’d combine them into one post, making this ultimate guide to the best hot springs in Iceland. Having been to Iceland no less than ten times over the past decade, I think I can say I’ve become quite an expert to all there is to know about hot springs in Iceland. Enjoy!
A Dutch website,hipenhot (Nov. 3) has it's own take on Iceland's hot pools. I counted an impressive 16 soaks in the mix. Translated:
'That's why in this blog everything about hotpools in Iceland! Where can you find them, how is the water heated, what should you think about? I explain it all so that you go to Iceland well prepared'.
West Iceland • We are missing Iceland and all its magic. My mermaid in action!!#westiceland#landbrotalaug#iceland#flanna#mylove#travel#travelphotography #travelphotographer#travelwriter#wanderlust#doyouseewhatisee #notallthosethatwanderarelost#seetheworld#lifeistooshort#shootfilm #leica#nikon#hasselblad#analog#digital#iPhone8 #fujifilmX100F#diana#decisivemoment#oldschool#getlost#jdwashere#chasethedream #magic#picoftheday
Helka (Nov. 7) has a top 10 of best natural soaking spots. Though the list is arbitrary, it contains quite a bit of additional background info.
'While the Blue Lagoon is definitely Iceland’s most famous hot spring, it was actually created by a mistake made by humans, so it’s not exactly natural. We’ve put together a list of the best 10 natural hot springs in Iceland. Explore some of Iceland’s most phenomenal hot springs'.
Lonely Planet (Aug. 20) looks at hot spring fed pools:
'Large or small, rich or poor, every community in Iceland has its own public swimming pool. Here neighbours catch up, children misbehave and the local mayor is confronted about his latest decision. Mix in naturally heated water and some wonderful settings right across the country, and it’s easy to see why a trip to the sundlaug is a great way for visitors to soak up Iceland. Here are 10 of Iceland’s best pools, where swimming is only part of the pleasure'.
Tour de l'Islande avec le kuku 🚐💓En 10 jours: 21/01 ➡️ 01/02 🇮🇸 2k19DAY 8 De Grettislaug À Drangsnes 🚘 301kmPetite baignade avant de reprendre la route 😜..#iceland#islande#grettislaug#sourcechaude#hotspot#hotspots#hotsprings #hotspring#geothermal#naturalhotsprings#piscinenaturelle#paysage#landscape #cielgris#voyage#roadtrip#trip#hiver#winter#neige#snow#nofilter #huaweip20pro#p20pro
The worldpursuit (Aug. 23) has the 10 best hot springs of Iceland (possibly):
'There is no way you can travel to Iceland and not experience just a few of the countries best hot springs! Hot springs in Iceland are a right of passage and even the locals regularly use them. Iceland is filled with enough geothermal pools, geothermal spas, and natural hot springs to fill up every day of your Iceland itinerary. This is really only the tip of the Iceberg when it comes to places to soak in Iceland. Unless you want to want to get pruney and never dry off you won’t have time for them all. Some of these hot springs in Iceland are popular tourist attractions and a few aren’t much more than a hole in the ground. We’ve broken down some of the best hot springs in Iceland, and no there is no mention of the famous Blue Lagoon'.
Big deal
Icelandin8days has a special on getting naked (Aug. 27) in Iceland:
'Ah, Iceland. Is it really as icy as the name implies? Are those stories about forced nudity in pool showers true? Can I casually walk down the street to a pool shirtless, only to then dip inside completely naked? Those would be a triple ‘not quite’, but also an indication of a remarkable conundrum around Iceland, its restrictions or lack of on nudity, and how culture plays a major role in when and where you can and can not, should and should not disrobe'.
And then follows the explanation, sort of.
Always shower prior to hitting the hotpot. aritzrst:
Si estas a -10 grados no desaproveches una ducha en mitad de la nada.#iceland #islandia #viticrater #hverarönd#husavik #nofilter #kukucampers#camper #campervan
Sort of on the same topic, Becomingheather has a long hard look (Aug 24) at group showers Icelandic style:
'The swimming pools in Reykjavik are hard core about you showering, naked, before you get in the pool. They tell you when you first pay and enter. Then there are signs everywhere. Finally, an attendant in each locker room keeps an eye out for non-showerers who think they can slip past without being noticed. Nope, there is no way around it. You’ve gotta shower. Naked. ... We went to Laugardalslaug half a dozen times on that trip, and I increasingly grew more comfortable with the ordeal of group showers. By the final trip I confidently walked around naked for a good three minutes before hiding behind my towel. And something else happened. I found I grew more confident when I was wearing clothes, too. ... But walking around surrounded by bodies that looked like mine, not covered up in all of the costumery we use to make ourselves pretty and preened for men (and each other) – bodies that had fat on them, or scars, or evidence of having carried a child, I started to grow more appreciative of my own body. I was there with my daughter, who grew in my belly, which expanded to fit her and give her a cozy place to grow. How could I be upset with the marks that now graced that belly, evidence of its expansion to give life? I found that by our last time at the pool, I was going in and out like the older women I would see. They would take their clothes off at their locker, and carry their towel – not wear it, but carry it to the side – over to the shower. They wouldn’t stress about how close to the shower they left their towel. They turned the water on, and took a normal shower, washing all their parts the way you would at home. And then they walked back and got their towel, dried off, and put on their swimsuit. No big deal'.
Think GeoEnergy shares (Aug. 6) info on Iceland's newest soaking theater, that of Vök:
'Vök Baths, the newest geothermal destination, and tourist attraction in the East part of Iceland have opened. The destination main landmarks are warm pools that float by the lake’s shore. This beautiful area also includes an outdoor pool bar, a steam bath, and a restaurant. EFLA was responsible for all the engineering design of the facilities. Vök Baths is located at Lake Urriðavatn about 5 kilometers northwest of Egilsstaðir. Vök Baths harness the geothermal power of the region to create a unique bathing experience with amazing views of the lake and the surrounding area. One of the main attractions will undoubtedly be the floating pools, which are in the lake. The pools are Iceland’s first floating pools and create a unique experience for visitors'.
'A Canadian company has purchased a 51% stake in luxury startup Geothermal Lagoon for 11 million USD, RÚV news reports. The startup will build a geothermal lagoon, at the edge of Kársnes, an industrial area surrounded by a residential neighbourhood. ... The planned location has sparked some interest. Bathers will have a view of beautiful scenery, “including the ocean, and Bessastaðir, the villa of the President of Iceland.” The president’s offices could not be reached for comment regarding questions wether this would disrupt the president’s morning stretches routine in the gardens of Bessastaðir'.
The Reykjavik Grapevine had an article (outdated?) concerning the hot pools of Strandir area; 5 in all, all thermal fed:
'Exploring the swimming pools in the region is an adventure worth tolerating the bumpy road for. There are four of them. Yep, there are four swimming pools, and several hot tubs, for 800 people (well, and a bunch of tourists). What’s perhaps even more surprising is that the pools in the more remote areas are actually far older than the ones in the more populous areas'.
I Heart Reykjavik heads for Reykjadalur and scribbles down all the info required. Or has it just been updated (Nov. 4)?
'The Reykjadalur hike is probably one of Iceland’s best-known hiking trails for a few reasons:
It’s close to Reykjavík
It’s relatively easy
It offers amazing views and geological wonders
The reward for the effort of hiking up there is a dip in a cozy and warm geothermal river'.
Hot springs at the end of our hike 🙌🏻 #hotsprings #iceland #natureisrad #hiking #mountainlife #swimminginsnow #goodlife #holiyay
Reykjavik Grapevine (Sep. 8) has a slightly different experience in getting to Reykjadalur:
'Eldhestar stables are located near Hveragerði, in the south west of Iceland. The area is well known for the Reykjadalur valley hot springs, and one of the tours that Eldhestar offers is to ride up to the hot river and take a dip. It’s nothing short of idyllic—the combination of two Icelandic pastimes that are as old as the Vikings. ... The trail up to the hot springs and hot river is rough and steep and I was amazed at our horses’ sure-footedness on the rocky terrain. We leaned forward in our saddles as we went uphill to make things easier, and admired how they are a natural fit for this landscape and topography. We reached the paddock around midday and from there it was just a short 15 minute hike to the hot river, past ominously bubbling mud springs and the ever-intensifying smell of egg. Reykjadalur is a popular trail these days and on a sunny day in August the river was packed with humans poaching themselves in the warm water. I am used to more bracing experiences of bathing in rivers so it took a while to get used to the bath-like temperatures, but lying in the middle of nowhere, hills rising up on either side, gently lapped by balmy waters—this is something I think I could get used to.
Adventurouskate relates (Oct. 8) the untold concerning soaking in the Blue Lagoon, updating her nearly 8 year old original blog entry:
'And being the most popular destination, there are plenty of guides and how-tos for the Blue Lagoon Iceland. But to be honest, I was surprised by how many things I didn’t know. I’ve visited the Iceland Blue Lagoon several times, in different kinds of weather. As you can see by my photos, I’ve seen the Blue Lagoon on a gorgeous day in May; I’ve also visited the Blue Lagoon on a cold and rainy August day. It wasn’t ideal, but it was still worth visiting the Blue Lagoon in the rain'.
What I learnt from the article:
'The water at the Blue Lagoon is not good for your hair. I would especially be cautious if you have natural, curly, or color-treated hair.I thought my curly hair would be okay. Well, after covering my hair in conditioner, twisting it up in a French twist, leaving the conditioner in, and going into the Blue Lagoon, then coming out, rinsing my hair, conditioning it like crazy, and leaving it in again — my hair was destroyed for the next five days. Take my advice — even if you condition your hair, don’t let it touch the water. You’re not missing out on much if you don’t'.
From the comments section:
'Hannah Thanks for this information! After hearing all this, I might consider skipping the Blue Lagoon on my next trip to Iceland. Though you said that you ultimately enjoyed your time there, it does seem like there are some negatives. Just the fact that you have to get naked is enough to scare me away!
Loads of comments on the naked showering, as if there's another way to this.
Tradicions islandeses!! Un dels molts tolls termals k et trobes pel camí !#iceland🇮🇸 #islandia#familytrip#travelwithkids____________________________#travel #traveling #vacation #visiting #instatravel #instago #instagood #trip #holiday #photooftheday #fun #travelling #tourism #tourist #instapassport #instatraveling #mytravelgram #travelgram #travelingram #igtravel #hotsprings #aiguatermal
I Heart Reykjavik (Nov. 9) also has a personal look at Iceland's premier pool, the Blue Lagoon:
'I think I’ve mentioned before here on the blog that Icelanders have a bit of a love/hate relationship with the Blue Lagoon. I believe what the locals dislike the most about it is the prices and how they’ve kept creeping up over the last few years. Many locals also remember a time when the Blue Lagoon was a lot more rustic than it is now. They long for the old days when we could enjoy our natural wonders without “paying the white of your eye” as some have put it. When people ask me about whether the Blue Lagoon is worth visiting, I’m often quite torn about how to answer that question. ... So my official answer to whether the Blue Lagoon is worth it or not has been that if you feel it is worth it, then it is. As long as you know that the price is high in comparison to other pools and hot springs and you’re OK with paying that premium. ... Until last weekend that is. ... With that in mind, I feel like I need to add a new sentence to my official answer to whether or not the Blue Lagoon is worth it. If you feel it is worth it, then it is. As long as you know that the price is high in comparison to other pools and hot springs and you’re OK with paying that premium. And you’re OK with the fact that you might be unlucky and get stuck in a changing room that feels more like the inside of a clown car than a spa.
At least now you know and you can adjust your expectations accordingly – saving you the shock I experienced'.
Nightswimming in the volcanic crater. Temperature dropped below zero. Summer is gone. Highlands, Iceland 🇮🇸
Finally, a Polish website, Icestory, headed for Askja. A long entry. At the Viti crater:
'We see a small crater, filled with milky blue, to which a group of tourists walks naked or in costumes. The water is ideal for bathing. Viti owes its name to its fragrance. Thordur tells us that they called him Hell because after you leave the water you stink like Satan. You can actually smell it even on the edge of the crater, and it should be mentioned that it is really high. However, it is not as intense as we expected. The place for it completely exceeds our expectations. We get an hour to celebrate, but we realize that if we had a book, wine and a blanket, we'd probably like to stay here longer.
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#inspiredbyiceland'
