Author: Jennifer Dyer 

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 for 2024!

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Iceland is well known globally for its vast landscape, serene ambiance, waterfalls and wildlife. Each season brings a new flow to the Island. Winters bring the spectacular northern lights, and less tourist. 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 Eurasia and North American tectonic plates, which can be done all year round and with scuba suites that keep you dry, located at Pingvellir 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 long used geothermal energy for direct applications, such as heating homes and baths. Iceland generates over 99% of its electricity from renewable sources, hydroelectricity, approximately 80%, and geothermal, approximately 20%, being 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 a premium natural spring water, possessing exceptional balance featuring a naturally low mineral content and a naturally alkaline pH of 8.4. Icelandic Glacial is further distinguished as the world’s first certified carbon-neutral natural spring bottled water for product and operation. The procedure on how it’s collected is fascinating, abundant rainfall and snowmelt is 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 curtesy, bringing Iceland directly to you. 

Top 5 must visit Geothermic Spas in Iceland  

1. The Blue Lagoon 

2. The Sky Lagoon

3. Secret Lagoon 

4. Hrunalaug Springs

5. Geoseo Geothermic 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, being 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. On foot in the immediate area you can follow paths through sublime waterscapes, enchanting forests, and even to the top of an extinct volcano. With a car the options multiply, to take in 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, espresso cafes and delicious Icelandic pastry’s. You also must checkout the Blue Lagoon Skincare line, as I fell in love with the Silica mud mask and algae mask!

Another lovely option is booking a few night 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 in 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 on the premise. After your lagoon experience, or revitalizing spa treatment stop in to conclude your evening with a gourmet dining experience. 

2.

The Sky Lagoon was another Iconic Spa Experience. Only being 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 accommodation packages. Pure gives you access to the showers, hot spring lagoon, swim up bar and cold plunge. While, Sky is their more exclusive package, which I would recommend if you are able to upgrade. Sky accommodations gives you a private changing room with private showers, lagoon access, swimup bar, cold plunge and 7 Step Spa Ritual Experience. Starting with the healing warm waters of the lagoon, leading into the cold plunge aiding in circulation and overall health. Then into the wood sauna overlooking the ocean. After that refreshing 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 was pure magic. When completed with your spa experience, I recommend you enjoy food and drinks at their delicious cafe, the Sky Cafe. Enjoy a cafe, and delicious cup of soup overlooking the beautiful lagoon. 

3.

The Secret Lagoon is quite the secret, located in Hveraholmi, a few hours from Reykjavík. The Secret Lagoon, known locally as Gamla Laugin, being the oldest swimming pool in Iceland. It was made in 1891 at Hverahólmi, a geothermal area near Flúðir. 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, provide 100% of the water supply in the lagoon. 

The pool water flows continuously, and it takes only 24 hours to its complete replacement. Warm, clean, rich in sulfur, stays at 38-40 Celsius all year round. 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 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 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 closed to the village Flúðir, on the Golden Circle Tour. The property is privately owned and has been in the same family since it was originally built back in the 1890s.

Hrunalaug is a popular spot for tourists and locals, as well as being known for its relaxing and rejuvenating properties. The water in the hot spring is naturally heated by geothermal activity and is rich in minerals that are said to 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. Despite its popularity, Hrunalaug remains a peaceful and serene location, offering a unique and unforgettable experience for those who visit!

5

Geoseo Geothermic Sea Baths

If you have the luxury to explore nearly the whole island of Iceland, Geoseo Sea Baths is an absolute must visit. Being about 6 hours northeast of Reykjavík, located in Vitasloo. Perched along a western-facing cliffside that overlooks the Skjálfandi Bay and the Arctic Circle to the north, Geoseo baths provide the ultimate vantage point for whale watchers and for those seeking the northern lights. Unlike the natural hot spring baths like in the south of Iceland, Geoseo bath 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. With just the baths to enjoy. Also offering refreshments from their cafe 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 cuisines, 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, whale watching, a nature lovers paradise.

Would you put Iceland on your Bucket List?

I would love to hear from you about your travel experience or questions write me at hola.jenniferdyer@gmail.com!