All
cities have their individual characteristics. New
York is like a cauldron - the crossroads of
the world, where all races, religions and cultures
meet. In Paris, it’s the coffeehouses, and incredible
museums that set it apart, while in Venice roads are
made of water and gondolas carry people to their destinations.
But what characterizes Reykjavík? Well, it
is clean air, proximity to beautiful, untouched nature,
and, most foreign visitors add that it is also the
thermal pools and baths.
Most popular tourist destination
Reykjavík’s thermal pools and baths are
the city’s most popular destination. According
to a survey conducted by the Icelandic Tourist Board,
78% of foreign tourists responded that the thermal
pools and baths received top marks. The reason? Reykjavík’s
exceptional position in comparison with other cities
in Europe and the USA is its enormous reserves of
geothermal water: 55 million tons. This water is used
to the fullest, for example to generate electricity,
in space heating, to increase wellness and for pleasure
and enjoyment in the city’s thermal pools and
baths. Understandable, then, that most foreigner tourists
view bathing in this most unusual water as a unique
experience.
Very hot and plenty of it
There are, however, thermal baths in other countries,
for instance Hungary and Italy. But the uniqueness
of Reykjavík’s thermal experience is
that there is no need to conserve it; there is more
thermal water available to Reykjavík than anywhere
else in the world, with the possible exception of
Japan. In addition, thermal water here is much hotter
than other places in Europe: it exits the earth at
temperatures approaching boiling. Most thermal pools
and baths in Reykjavík are outdoor, so having
very hot, hot water fits in ideally with the cooler
air temperatures. Breathing in clean, fresh air while
relaxing in a hot pot or swimming a few laps is the
perfect way to reduce stress while loosening up tired
muscles and joints.
7
pools and baths
Reykjavík operates seven thermal pools and
baths, most outdoor. Water in the pools is kept at
a temperature of 29°C (84°F). One of the main
attractions of these facilities is the hot pots of
various shapes and sizes. The round hot pots are most
often 3 m (9 feet) in circumference, and water temperatures
range from 37°C - 42°C (98°F - 111°F).
Research has shown that bathing in hot pots of varying
temperatures reduces stress. They also limber up stiff
joints and relax tired muscles. But primarily bathers
enjoy the wonderfully relaxing feeling they get when
sitting up their necks in hot water as the cares of
the day gently ooze away. Other facilities at the
thermal pools and baths are saunas, steam baths and
whirlpools.
Another world
When you enter one of Reykjavík’s bathing
facilities you are transported into another world,
a world of wellness and relaxation where you enjoy
the moment to the fullest, where you swim and completely
relax in a steam bath or hot pot at a temperature
that suits you. Strangers find themselves discussing
topics of the day: our surveys have shown that 47%
of foreign guests talked with a local resident during
their pool experience. These pools and baths are therefore
ideal places to meet Reykjavíkers, and get
information about what’s going on in town: what
restaurants to visit, interesting cultural events,
etc. Thermal pools and baths are the places to visit
to improve well being, both body and soul. And for
those
suffering from arthritis or various heart and respiratory
ailments, these facilities will provide well deserved
relief.
Only 2 euros or 2 dollars
A visit to Reykjavík’s thermal pools
and baths in one of the least expensive health and
leisure activities available today. Admission fee
is only 2 euros or 2 dollars (depending on currency
exchange rates). You can stay as long as you like,
and there are no additional charges. It is most certainly
worth while to visit Reykjavík - even
if only to experience the thermal pools and baths.
Naturally, the city has much, much more to offer,
including a diverse cultural life, colorful nightlife,
good restaurants and close proximity to beautiful,
untouched nature. Energy City Reykjavík is
like no other city in the world.
For more information about Spa
City Reykjavík,
check out our website at
www.spacity.is
