Come with me on an explorative article discussing the magical island of Iceland, emphasizing its lush geothermal activity, must-visit natural spring spas, and why this should be at the top of your bucket list!
By Jennifer Dyer
Iceland is well-known globally for its vast landscape, serene ambience, waterfalls, and wildlife. Each season brings a new flow to the island. Winters bring the spectacular northern lights and fewer tourists. Summers bring puffin and whale migrations, Icelandic horseback riding, vast lavender fields, and warmer temperatures. If you’re an extreme adventurer, there is even scuba diving between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates, which can be done all year round and with scuba suits that keep you dry, located at Thingvellir National Park. There is also a must-do car tour called the Golden Circle Tour. With the island being so dense in its natural richness, Iceland is a wanderlust’s paradise.
Iceland is known globally for its ability to harness geothermal energy from its active geology on the island. Icelanders have used geothermal energy to heat their homes, businesses and baths for centuries.
Iceland generates over 99 percent of its electricity from renewable sources: approximately 80 percent hydroelectricity and 20 percent geothermal, making them the leading country harnessing energy from renewable sources. Iceland was one of the first nations to get the majority of their power from renewable sources, a goal that Iceland met in the 1970s! Iceland is very geothermally active because the island lies on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, being a very active volcanic zone that powers all its geothermal systems.
The deliciously fresh Icelandic glacier water is another topic worth mentioning. I have been all over the world and have never tasted more pure, fresh natural spring water in my life. It’s not only the tap water that’s safe to drink, but even many of the clear streams and rivers that swathe the ethereal countryside are safe, delicious, and cold coming straight from glaciers, ready to be consumed. Iceland has even harnessed this water and sells it globally, called Icelandic Glacial. Icelandic Glacial is naturally alkaline, pH of 8.4, with naturally low mineral content, possessing exceptional natural balance. Icelandic Glacial is distinguished as the world’s first certified carbon-neutral natural spring bottled water for production and operation on the market.
The procedure of how it’s collected is fascinating: abundant rainfall and snowmelt are collected, then filtered through layers of ancient lava rock, landing into the legendary Olfus Spring, and bottled underground. A must-try spring water that is obtainable even if you can’t visit Iceland this year! They have done you the courtesy of bringing Iceland directly to you.
Top 5 Must-Visit Geothermal Spas in Iceland:
- The Blue Lagoon
- The Sky Lagoon
- Secret Lagoon
- Hrunalaug Springs
- Geosea Geothermal Sea Baths
1. The Iconic Blue Lagoon
It does live up to its name. The Blue Lagoon is set amid endless, majestic moss-covered lava fields on the Reykjanes Peninsula, in the southwest corner of Iceland. The peninsula is also home to Iceland’s major airport, Keflavik International Airport, which is only a 40-minute drive to Blue Lagoon directly from the airport. The peninsula straddles the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, the tectonic boundary where the North American and Eurasian plates converge. It’s a geothermal hotbed of activity so remarkable that it’s now protected as the Reykjanes UNESCO Global Geopark!
Volcanic landscapes surround Blue Lagoon and are incredible for exploration. In the immediate area, you can hike paths through sublime waterscapes, enchanting forests, and even to the top of an extinct volcano. I would recommend renting a car for your explorations, as the land is long and vast. There is so much to see in the area and to enjoy from lighthouses, lakeshores, mud pools, seaside cliffs, and so much more!
Make sure to book your package online before entering the facilities, as you don’t know how crowded it will be. There are different packages for purchase when booking your accommodations at the Blue Lagoon. There is the Comfort Spa Package or Premium Spa Package. Comfort offers you one towel and one face mask sample during your stay at the lagoon. The Premium offers you a cozy robe, slippers, towels, multiple alcoholic beverages, and four specialized face mask samples. Both packages include designated showers, wood sauna, steam room, lava stone steam bath, and the fabulous lagoon. Depending upon what experience you want, both are great options, but if you’re spending so much to even get to Iceland, I would recommend the Premium Package, as it will not disappoint. Even the little cafe was delicious with fresh cheese platters, sushi, espressos, and delicious Icelandic pastries. You also must check out the Blue Lagoon Skincare line, as I fell in love with the Silica Mud Mask and Algae Mask!
Another lovely option is booking a stay at the lovely Blue Lagoon to embrace the spa and beauty of the surroundings. This would be a lovely option for a romantic weekend getaway with your lover or even a solo trip for you to recharge, unwind, and revitalize. Their spa experience is like no other, providing water massages, float therapy sessions, hot stone massages, facials, and retreat spa experiences.
While staying on the property or just visiting the Blue Lagoon, you can book a fabulous dinner at the Lava Restaurant. After your lagoon experience or revitalizing spa treatment, stop in to conclude your evening with a gourmet dining experience.
2. The Sky Lagoon
The Sky Lagoon is another iconic spa experience. Being only 15 minutes from the main city of Reykjavik, this is a fabulous day experience. You’ll find the Sky Lagoon in Karsnes Harbor overlooking the sea beneath you, nestled on a beautiful cliff. There are two accommodations or packages you can utilize here at Sky Lagoon: Pure and Sky. Pure gives you access to the showers, hot spring lagoon, swim-up bar, and cold plunge. Sky is their more exclusive package, which I would recommend if you are able to upgrade. It gives you a private changing room with private showers, lagoon access, swim-up bar, cold plunge, and their 7-Step Spa Ritual. The 7-Step Ritual starts with the healing warm waters of the lagoon, leads into the cold plunge aiding in circulation and overall health, then into the wood sauna overlooking the ocean. After that, refresh your senses in the cold mist room, then renew your body with the delicious sky body scrub, and let it melt away in the steam room. Finally, rinse in a warm mineral shower and reconnect back to the healing waters of the warm lagoon. It is pure magic. When finished with your spa experience, I recommend you enjoy food and drinks at their delicious cafe, the Sky Cafe. Enjoy a coffee and delicious cup of soup overlooking the beautiful lagoon.
3. The Secret Lagoon
The Secret Lagoon is quite the secret, located in Hveraholmi, a few hours from Reykjavík. Gamla Laugin, also known as the Secret Lagoon, is Iceland’s oldest swimming hot spring pool. The Secret Lagoon was made in 1891 at Hveraholmi, which is an active geothermal area near Fluoir. What makes this place special is the rich natural resources of warm water coming from hot springs. Litli Geysir, an active geyser which spouts every few minutes, showing off for the guests, provides 100 percent of the water supply in the lagoon.
The pool water flows continuously, and it takes only 24 hours for its complete replacement. Warm, clean, and rich in sulfur, it stays at 38-40 Celsius all year round, making it relaxing and healthy in any weather. They have kept Secret Lagoon natural, simple, and unique for you so that you can get the true Icelandic experience.
You are able to book in advance online, or you can pay when you arrive. The Secret Lagoon was not crowded when we went during October 2023, but may be when you book, depending upon if you are going at high season or not. This was a beautiful experience. No packages, no spa experiences, just you and the nourishing minerals of the lagoon.
4. Hrunalaug Springs
Hrunalaug Springs was quite the original Icelandic experience. If you’re in the mood for a hike up a mountain to a privately owned hot spring, this is for you! Hrunalaug is a natural hot spring located in the Hrunamannahreppur region close to the village Fluoir, on the Golden Circle Tour. The Hrunalaug property is privately owned and operated. The property has been in the same family since the original was built back in 1890.
Hrunalaug is known for its relaxing and rejuvenating properties, and is a popular spot for both tourists and locals. The water in Hrunalaug’s hot springs are heated naturally by geothermal activity, same as the rest of the hot springs on the island, and are rich in minerals that have therapeutic benefits for the skin and muscles.
You can enjoy a soak in the warm waters of the hot spring, surrounded by the stunning natural beauty of the Icelandic landscape. Hrunalaug remains a tranquil and serene spa location, offering a unique and unforgettable experience for travelers!
5. Geosea Geothermal Sea Baths
If you have the luxury to explore nearly the whole island of Iceland, Geosea Sea Baths is an absolute must-visit. It is located in Vitasloo, about six hours northeast of Reykjavík. Perched along a western-facing cliffside that overlooks the Skjalfandi Bay and the Arctic Circle to the north, Geosea Baths provide the ultimate vantage point for whale watchers and for those seeking the northern lights. Unlike the natural hot spring baths in the south of Iceland, Geosea is warmed seawater. Thanks to the underground heat, the seawater in the baths is warm and comfortable, and the mineral-rich water aids in purifying the body. A very modern, relaxed bathing experience, they also offer refreshments from their café or swim-up pool bar.
Would you travel to one of these Icelandic natural spas? I’m sure by the end of this article, you are already on the phone with your travel agency ready to set up your Icelandic expedition! Not only were the lagoons world-class, but the delicious cuisine, culture, and overall feel of the island was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. The vast land and natural attractions were life-changing. Waterfalls, geysers, northern lights, and whale watching make it a nature lover’s paradise. Would you put Iceland on your Bucket List?
About the Author:
For more information on my next travel ventures, follow my main social media Instagram account @solymargoddess!
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December 2023 | Life Lovers Magazine.
Life Lovers Magazine® 