![]() Three more trendy Icelandic hot springs to try… But the main wellbeing benefit is simply the relaxing sensation of bathing in a hot spring. ![]() General manager Tinna Jóhannsdóttir claims the water still contains beauty-boosting minerals collected on its journey through millennia-old basalt rocks. The source was discovered during digging for a new toll tunnel in 2015, now part of Iceland Ring Road Route 1. While water flowing from lava fields into Keflavik’s world-famous attraction is rich in silica (giving it a distinctive milky blue colour), at Forest Lagoon it’s simply a mountain spring heated by energy from the Earth’s core. How’s it different to the Blue Lagoon? Although built by the same design team, BASALT Architects, the main difference is… it isn’t blue. Plus it’s open until midnight – later than any other purpose-built lagoon in Iceland – meaning you can stay out later to watch the midnight sun or catch a glimpse of the northern lights, depending on the time of year. A choice of two swim-up bars avoids long queues. ![]() So what else makes it so special? It might sound a bit technical, but having 27 outlets pumping water into the lagoon is a game-changer, allowing water to flow evenly, so there are no annoying cold patches to surprise you. Inside, a wooden glass-fronted sauna looks onto the water, framing a view of snow-dusted mountains and deciduous trees, whose boughs rotate through a seasonal palette of golds, bronzes, silvers and greens. The lagoon is divided between two main pools – heated to 39C and 41C. Trees from east Iceland have been planted at the entrance – where a bistro serves meals, coffees and drinks – and stone sinks are a striking feature in the changing rooms. What’s it like? Cut directly into a mountain, with exposed basalt rock forming a feature wall, the wooden spa building is a natural beauty. (A direct link to Manchester will follow in October.) In fact, it’s possible to leave home in the UK and be bathing a few hours later, thanks to a new direct flight from Niceair (niceair.is), launching June 3. Overlooking the 60km Eyjafjörður fjord – where humpbacks regularly migrate to feed – it’s across the water from mountain-backed capital of the north, Akureyri. Is it easy to reach? While many of Iceland’s hot springs are hidden in (almost) inaccessible places, this one is a doddle to find. Along with the sweet smell of sap and earthy moss, the natural attraction of the location is its sheltered position – exceptional in a country where winds can gust up to 70mph. Although perhaps not so much of a novelty for Brits who’ve grown up surrounded ancient oaks, there is another benefit to the choice of setting. But this nature-driven, purpose-built spa, which opened last month, makes the most of what’s available by occupying one of the few leafy sites in the north. Where is it? Harsh winds prevent trees from growing too tall in Iceland, making forests a rarity. Here’s why everyone’s so excited about the new bathing spot in the north… Recently opened, the Forest Lagoon in Akureyri is setting a new standard for Icelandic hot springs. But it’s not the only super spa in the land of fire and ice. The Blue Lagoon in Keflavik, close to Iceland’s main international airport, has been declared a world wonder for it’s therapeutic silica-rich waters. From dipping in hidden lagoons to pumping heated water into purpose-built pools, Icelanders have harnessed the power of geothermal energy to create one of the country’s biggest national pastimes. Naturally, the Earth’s non-stop rumblings have shaped a national culture too.īathing in hot springs is a tradition stretching back centuries. Lava fields tangle from the foot of gas-spewing peaks and steam spurts from cracks in the ground. BUBBLING both below and above the surface, volcanic activity has defined Iceland’s landscape.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Details
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |