What does Reykjavík,
the capital of Iceland,
have over other cities in
Europe? Well, it is Europe’s smallest
capital–some call it the biggest
little city in the world. Reykjavik’s
uniqueness, however, is its enormous
reserves of thermal water.
Residents use the water in various
ways, the most important being for
home heating, and as a result there
is very little pollution in the city.
Another important use of thermal
water is to increase wellness. No
other city in the world has as many
spas per capita as Reykjavík.
Hot pots and pools
If you want to meet Parisians,
go to a coffeehouse. Want to meet
Brits? Go to a pub. But if you want
to meet Icelanders, then go swimming.
Reykjavik’s Thermal Baths and
Pools are an outstanding cultural
phenomena, where people improve
their health while interacting. They
are also the best spots to get information
about what’s going on in the
city.
The pool waters are kept at
a constant temperature of 84°F
(29°C). The most popular place
to be, however, are the small hot
pots that are kept at varying temperatures,
from 98°F – 111°F (37°C
– 42°C). Soaking in Icelandic hot
pots is a special art: begin by sitting
in a warm hot pot, then cool
off before going into a hotter one,
and so on. Bathing in thermal hot
pots and pools in the open air has a
most positive influence on health:
it strengthens the heart and respiratory
system, relaxes stiff joints and
tight muscles, reduces stress, and
basically makes you feel better.
Laugar Spa
One of the largest spas in
Europe is Laugar Spa, which has an
Olympic-size indoor pool, outdoor
pool, and hot pots. It also has one of
Europe’s best equipped fitness centers,
and a bathhouse with a variety
of sauna baths, steam baths, and
pools. Various services are available,
for example several types of massages
and health treatments. Located
in Laugardalur Valley, Reykjavik’s
recreation and athletic park, Laugar
Spa is a place that everyone interested
in improving their wellness
should visit, whether you are on
your own or part of a group.
www.laugarspa.is
Nordica Spa
Nordica Spa is a comfortable
wellness center for all who want
to relax and enjoy life. There are
numerous spa services and health
treatments, with emphasis placed
on personal service to ensure that
guests feel well. Nordica Spa is
located in Hotel Nordica, Iceland’s
most elegant hotel. Also in the
hotel is Vox, one of the better restaurants
in Europe. An ideal plan
would be to indulge yourself at
Nordica Spa before enjoying good
dining at Vox restaurant.
www.nordicaspa.is
Baðhúsið
Baðhúsið is a unique health
spa. It was founded by former Miss
World, Linda Pétursdóttur, and
is strictly for women. It is a place
where women can relax and just
enjoy themselves, far from any
testosterone. Emphasis is placed on
treatments, fitness, and relaxation.
There are also various special services,
for example beauty treatments.
Baðhúsið is popular among Icelandic
women, and an ideal opportunity for
women visiting Iceland to talk with
the women of Reykjavík.
www.badhusid.is
Saga Spa
Saga Spa has a special position
among Icelandic spas: it employs
rehabilitation doctors, physical
therapists, and nurses. Saga Spa
emphasizes various types of massage
and sophisticated spa treatments.
Other services include manicures
and facials. Saga Spa provides
wellness consultations, and assists
clients to choose the correct course
of treatment to improve health and
deal with illness or injury caused by
accidents.
www.sagaspa.is
Hveragerði
Visitors to Reykjavík should not
miss an opportunity to experience
Iceland’s pristine nature beyond
city boundaries. One destination
that should be on everyone’s itinerary
is Hveragerði, a friendly town
about 45 minutes away. The town is
unique in Iceland as it is built on a
geothermal field, which has made it
the center for greenhouse horticulture
in the country. There is also a
sanatorium providing rehabilitation
treatments, as well as a great outdoor
swimming and bathing facility.
Hveragerði is an ideal place to stay
as some of Iceland’s most famous
tourist attractions are in the vicinity,
for example beautiful Gullfoss
Falls, and the world famous hot
spring, Geysir.
www.southiceland.is
Borgarnes
Another great destination is
Borgarnes, only 50 minutes from
Reykjavík. It is also close to some
beautiful natural attractions, making
it a perfect place to stay while
exploring the region. Borgarnes has
a wonderful thermal pool and bath,
using water considered especially
healthy. The town provides a good
range of tourist services, and nearby
are many farms that give the region
a particularly interesting appearance.
www.borgarfjordur.com
Spa City Reykjavík
A survey conducted by the
Iceland Tourist Board among tourists
revealed that Reykjavik’s seven
thermal pool and baths received the
highest marks: 78%. These facilities
are quite inexpensive––only 2 US
dollars for adults (dependent on currency
exchange). In addition, there
are the numerous private spas mentioned
above that provide excellent
services at reasonable prices. Within
an hour’s drive from the city are
friendly towns that make it easy to
experience Icelandic nature, and
enjoy the benefits and luxury of
thermal water. Apart from being a
spa wellness city, Reykjavík exudes
an exciting energy: it has a diverse
cultural life, fine restaurants, lively
coffeehouses, and a colorful nightlife.
All in all, a great place to visit!
www.spacity.is and
www.visitreykjavik.is
