Island
#island #iceland #icelandtrip #icebath #snow #mountains #roadtrip #travelphotography #travelgram #travelblogger #traveltheworld #swimming #hotsprings #vulcano #holiday
A bit of an inbetween post for this Icelandic themed post. A bit content. A couple of photo's.
The World Pursuit starts the year (Jan. 1) with a post dedicated to alternatives to Blue Lagoon in Iceland:
'You cannot travel to Iceland and not experience just a few of the best Iceland hot springs! Hot springs in Iceland are a right of passage; even locals regularly use them.
Iceland has enough geothermal pools, spas, and natural hot springs to fill up every day of your Iceland itinerary. This is only the tip of the iceberg regarding places to soak in Iceland.
Unless you want to get pruney and never dry off, you won’t have time for them all. Some of these Iceland hot springs 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 because you’ve likely heard about that one already!'
With a focus on (real) natural hot springs.
Anywhereweroam has a guide (Aug. 14) to spefically visiting Reykjadalur. It probably covers all aspects entailing a visit, though with little enthusiasm.
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
Out
Gonow (Mar. 24) has 9 hot springs in the West Fjords of Iceland. On Heydalur (as an example):
'There is an absolutely stunning pool and hot tub inside a greenhouse at Hotel Heydalur, where geothermal energy is also used to grow vegetables and fruits. Finally, outside the hotel, there is a natural hot tub where hot water is pumped from the ground. Overall, this location is ideal for bath enthusiasts'.
📍Hot Spring Krosslaug
#Roadtrip Day 10
#iceland #island #travel #travellover #hotspring #hotsprings #hotspringsiceland #westfjords #westfjordsiceland #hot #hotpool #hotwater #couple #couplegoals #swim #relax #relaxing #krosslaug #wondersofnature #nature #naturehotpool #pool #naturalpool #naturepool
Tophotsprings (Dec. 4) has a list of 13 famous hot springs on Iceland: 'There’s no shortage of competition when it comes to picking the best hot springs in Iceland. This small Nordic country has around just 272,000 residents and over 45 hot springs with more than 200 pools, including one that formed in the wake of the Holuhraun volcano eruption as recently as 2014'.
Famous apparently means mostly commercial and/or non-natural.
Iceland.org has a list of 21 hot springs (Mar. 23, 2022). They mention that there are only 45 hot springs on the whole of island. I very much doubt this claim. I suspect there are many more. Well, there are more: Epiciceland notes a list of 59 hot springs. Then again, Iceland Hot Pot Guide is currently above the 150.
The Times has a recent (Jan 7) travel article on Iceland: 'Rather than the rocks, what woos me immediately is the hot springs. There’s the Sky Lagoon, which we head to straight from the airport. On the industrial outskirts of Reykjavik, we immerse ourselves in the warm pools overlooking the inky sea and distant mountains. Airport-to-lagoon turns out to be a brilliant way to switch instantly into holiday mode, especially when young tourists and Icelanders drinking beer and wine are bobbing beside you (from £40; skylagoon.com).
On day two, down the road from Husafell, we find another set of geothermal baths, Krauma. We now know the routine: shower first (crucial etiquette); naturally warm pools with their eggy, sulphurous aroma; sauna; steam; then plunge into the kaldur pottur (cold tub). Ten seconds is my PB in the icy water, but I see one local woman sitting there for minutes, barely shivering (from £31; krauma.is).
In five days we tackle five different spas or hot springs. Husafell’s seriously remote Canyon Baths, where we float under a starry sky, feel truly restorative for the soul — a hot soak cocooned by canyons with the sound of a river rushing past. Our guide, a sheep farmer called Olgeir, recounts local legends about witches and elves and hands out beers (I pass). We’re in a small group of tourists and we compare our respective road trips. “You’re turning into Icelanders, drinking beer in warm pools in the dark and sharing stories,” Olgeir says approvingly (from £57; husafell.com)'.
The website 57hours (Nov. 22) notes Icelands cultural tradition: hot spring dipping. Just as people take hikes to volcanoes in Iceland, treks to natural hot springs are popular too. However, while “hot springs” get the most renown, they are only one of four main types of thermal pools found in the country. To explain each type, I like to think of them as a different alcoholic beverage.
Local pools: Beer
First we have local pools, which are like beer: everyone can enjoy them and it’s not too expensive.
Most towns have their own public version that anyone can attend at a low cost. Each pool has its own uniqueness to it—some are fancier than others with saunas, steam rooms and various sizes, like a craft beer, while others are more like a rustic hot tub. Community pools are man-made and in outdoor areas since they are heated year round by geothermal water which is often pumped from kilometers away. Even in the dark and cold winter months, locals can come to exercise, socialize and relax.
Hot springs: Moonshine
The next option is what most foreigners think of when they hear “Iceland hot springs.” These are like Moonshine because they tend to be the most raw and natural.
Unlike geothermal pools (covered next), hot springs haven’t been manipulated other than the occasional access trail or walkway needed to reach them. The water coming straight from the ground is at its natural temperature and often full of minerals. However, because there is no heat regulation, you must always check the water before getting in to make sure you don’t burn yourself—just like moonshine you never quite know what you might get.
Geothermal pools: Red wine
Next up are geothermal pools that to me are like red wine; they are a bit more cultivated and come in a range of price and quality that accommodates many tastes (and budgets).
These are man-made pools that pump water from the ground or hot springs into the pool and are often mixed with cooler water to regulate the temperature. Geothermal pools can be found in remote locations with minimal features or can also be found close to cities with easy access to parking, changing rooms, and often additional areas to relax.
Geothermal spas: Champagne
The fanciest and most elaborate of the pools in Iceland are the geothermal spas. They are what I would consider the champagne of our pools: classy, expensive and really only for special occasions.
Geothermal spas are man-made complexes that offer extensive bathing options, spa treatments, restaurants and often a hotel to stay in. The Blue Lagoon, Iceland’s most famous geothermal spa, is a perfect demonstration of the luxury that Iceland’s geothermal spa can offer.
And then 7 examples. and some pointers:
'What are the benefits of soaking in a hot spring in Iceland?
There are a bevy of benefits to soaking in warm water. Across Iceland, the hot springs vary in average temperatures, typically between 35-40°C (mid-90 to mid-100 ºF), though some water can be as low as 18 ºC (64 ºF) or as high as 50 ºC (122 ºF).
Primarily, this is a relaxing activity. We often don’t designate (enough) quiet time to sit and unwind—and doing so in hot, calming waters is a great opportunity for this. Hot water also boosts blood circulation, primarily by dilating vessels which increases blood flow, and can help loosen tight muscles.
The mineral composition can have anecdotal, albeit unproven effects as well. Typically you will find sulfur, silica, calcium, magnesium, iron, chloride, potassium, zinc'.
They don’t get much more natural than this one. Located in East Iceland, this gem makes sure the drive and short hike is more than worth it.
Use #hotspringsiceland and tag @hotspringsiceland to show us your hot spring and geothermal pool moments 🇮🇸 #hotsprings #hotspring #geothermalpool #naturalhotsprings #naturalhotspring #iceland
'If you’re thinking about taking a trip to Iceland, you might be wondering about the iconic hot springs – And specifically, whether or not there are any nude hot springs.
To get naked or not – that’s the question. Next, it’s time to weigh the pros and cons'.
Of course it also provides the answer(s):
'Although Iceland is most well known for its natural hot springs and steamy geothermal pools, the country also has a few delightful clothing-optional hot springs you can explore if you’re particularly daring.
These hidden gems are typically located off the beaten path and tucked away in remote areas of the island, allowing adventurous types to take advantage of them in their natural state.
...
As it turns out, Icelandic fashion norms make going to the pool a little more interesting than usual.
It’s mandatory to wear a swimsuit, but only of the bottom-half variety.
While this might seem strange or risqué for some, it’s no big deal for locals.
In conclusion
If you’re looking to get naked, Iceland is a great place to do it – but you’ll have to find your private spot!
There are no official nude hot springs in Iceland, but there are a few secluded spots where you can get skinny dip without being seen.
Just be careful – the Icelandic weather can be unpredictable, and you don’t want to get caught in the cold!
Are there any other places in the world where you can get skinny dip? Let us know in the comments below, and visit our other blog posts for more travel tips and tricks!
Unfortunately no comments yet!
Um chuveiro termal no meio do nada na Islândia. #iceland #thermal #islandia #islandia🇮🇸
#icelandicadventure #assout #bundadefora #largadosepelados #nudismo #naturismo #naturista #nudism #instatravel #inatatrip #naked #nude
From
GuidetoIceland (Dec. 25) an explanantion concerning Icelandic culture and Icelandic people. And aspects which they describe as weird, though that's a very subjective term. Concerning soaking / hot spring culture:
'Nudity is normal in Icelandic culture, and this routine nakedness may not surprise other Northern Europeans, particularly Nordic, Baltic, or German readers. Still, many others, particularly those from North America, should be given fair warning.
While showering before swimming is standard worldwide, but in Iceland you are required to do it naked and, in some cases, publicly. This requirement is because most of the pools in Iceland are not heavily chlorinated, so fellow bathers and swimmers need to be confident that the waters they will be entering are clean.
...
The inhibitions of locals are not only absent in the changing rooms. Many Icelandic people bathe naked in certain natural hot springs or jump naked in the sea. If you want to immerse yourself in Icelandic culture and do the same, make sure that the hot pool you are going to doesn't have anyone else in it and is safe for bathing (you can't expect everyone to be as free-spirited as yourself)'.
It's actually an older article, probably rehashed.
Living in a harsh and cold place like Iceland, it's hard to explain the importance and appreciation we have for the countries geothermal energy to an outsider. Without it this place would be damn hard to inhabit. Just the heating of homes alone would be insanely costly and a much more polluting enterprise. ..... and let's not forget the hot springs. Who could live with out them on a snowy winter day.
