Do
you occasionally feel the need to get away? We probably
all feel this way from time to time, especially when we’re
tired and need rest. One set of problems of modern times
is stress, ever-increasing demands and the rapid pace of
daily life. In addition, pollution is a serious problem
in large cities, which has a negative affect on us emotionally
as well as physically. For these reasons, among others,
it is necessary for us to find time to relax, to take the
time to replenish our body and soul. One place to enjoy
needed relaxation and rest is the capital of Iceland -
Reykjavík.
Reykjavík - Europe’s lung
One of Reykjavík’s main characteristics is
the widespread use of thermal water, for example in space
heating, which helps keep pollution to a minimum. The low
pollution level in Reykjavík is also the result of
few polluting factories in the metropolitan area, and that
the country is an island in the middle of the North Atlantic
blessed with fresh winds. And Iceland is a Nordic country,
so spring arrives later than in most states in the USA.
For these reasons Reykjavík is an ideal destination
for sufferers of hay fever, particularly in April and May
when pollen counts are highest. Reykjavík is therefore
sometimes called Europe’s “lung” because
of its low levels of air pollution.
Little city with a big heart
Reykjavík is a small city by international standards.
This makes navigating around the city by car or foot a simple
matter indeed. Geographically situated halfway between Europe
and the States has instilled in the city a lively, international
atmosphere. Cultural life is diverse, and the world-famous
nightlife colorful, making Reykjavík a great city
for strolling between coffeehouses, museums and handicraft
shops. Nature in the vicinity of Reykjavík is both
diverse and beautiful, and all residents speak English,
making it easy to get acquainted.
Reykjavík - the gourmet’s dream
All visitors to Reykjavík are impressed by the quality
of the city’s restaurants, and by the freshness and
distinct flavor of raw ingredients: fish from the cold,
clean North Atlantic and lamb that runs wild in the mountains
during summer months eating fresh grass and herbs. Icelandic
food is particularly clean, free of environmental pollutants,
drugs and animal diseases. The Icelandic kitchen, therefore,
is characterized by purity and wholesomeness, and the skill
of enthusiastic chefs. Visiting Reykjavík just to
experience the local restaurants is well worth serious thought.
Secrets of thermal water
Another factor that puts Reykjavík is a special position
vis à vie neighboring cities in Europe and America
is its vast reserves of thermal water. Thermal water contains
enormous energy, which is utilized in various ways, for
example, in space heating, to generate electricity and to
strengthen overall health. There are seven Thermal baths
and pools in the city, which are sources of wellness and
improved health for residents. Bathing in this water has
an amazing affect on body and soul by limbering up stiff
joints and muscles, and research has shown that bathing
daily in thermal water reduces stress and strengthens the
heart and lungs.
Hot pots
One of the most popular features of Reykjavík’s
thermal baths and pools are the hot pots, small pools of
water in diverse sizes and shapes with water temperatures
ranging from 98°-111°F. Some pots are equipped with
Jacuzzis and water massages. Guests go from pot to pot enjoying
the various temperatures, often cooling themselves in between
either in cool water or simply in the cool air (regardless
of season). There is nothing like relaxing in a hot pot
to revitalize the body at the end of the day, and these
trips to the baths and pools are particularly satisfying
for those who suffer from stress or arthritis.
Steam baths
The most popular addition to the thermal baths and pools
are the steam baths. By pumping thermal water at high pressure
through nozzles with hair-fine holes, steam saturated with
minute droplets of water is created. This steam heats the
body, while cleansing the skin and respiratory passages.
Steam baths are also particularly good for sufferers of
arthritis and respiratory diseases. In general, this steam
has a relaxing effect on both body and soul.
What is most popular among foreign tourists in Reykjavík?
According to a survey conducted the Icelandic Tourist Board
it’s the Thermal baths and pools in Reykjavík.
The reason is simple: the thermal pools and baths are not
an artificial world created for tourists alone. They are
places where great numbers of residents and foreign tourists
visit, and as a bonus they are great places to meet Icelanders.
Most important, however, is the delightful feeling one gets
from moving and stretching in a pool kept at a constant
temperature of 84°F. Surveys show that 94% of foreigners
who visit the thermal baths and pools in Reykjavík
said that the experience had a positive effect on their
health and wellness.
It should also be noted that admission to these most
enjoyable and healthy activities is very inexpensive: only
USD2 for a full day. If you would like more information
about SPA CITY REYKJAVÍK, visit our website at www.spacity.is
