Hello World of pools
Iceland is located at the meeting point of the Eurasian and North American plates, causing hot magma to rise close to the surface in the form of volcanoes, geysirs, and hot springs. There isn’t a more picturesque place to relax in warmth than a land of ice and snow. Of course it barely even gets warm in Iceland so any time of year the thermal pools are a great way to refresh. We visited in April and while enjoying the heat of the baths were greeted with hail. There are a lot of options for thermal pools in the South and Southwest of the country, here are my insights based on experience and research. We visited Laugarvatn Fontana and Seljavallalaug Pool. Or course we missed the Blue Lagoon, which is the most instagram famous bucket list location in all of Iceland, but more on that below.
Blue Lagoon
The most visited location in all of Iceland, some think it is a must-see, others find it overrated. The most important thing to know: YOU MUST BOOK FAR IN ADVANCE, usually at least 4 weeks in advance. At $60-$70 some find it offputting due to large crowds, only mildly warm water, and the fact that it is not a natural pool. In 1976 runoff water from a power plant overflowed, forming a pool. Later the waters were thought to have healing powers. Along with the turquoise blue water, low rising steam, and exfoliating mud, it has become a huge attraction. Most blogs say you need at least 2-3 hours to fully enjoy the experience. The standard package gets you entrance and 1 silica mud mask, so bring your swimming suit and towel. Luckily, it is near the airport. The perfect solution in my mind is to visit right after arrival as the perfect thing to combat jet lag. However, be careful, when you book you select a specific entrance time at the Blue Lagoon so if your flight is delayed or canceled you could miss out. But just prior to departure may be a great way to relax and lower the stress of flying home. http://www.bluelagoon.com/book/experience-standard/
Laugarvatn Fontana
This thermal pool (for better or worse) does not take reservations. Located near the midway point of the Golden Circle (day 2 of my itinerary) it has the largest variety of facilities with four or five pools of different temperature, sauna rooms, access to the lake, Þingvallavatn, and even a bread cooking demonstration. The pools all use natural springs, which next door are used to run the local power plant. This is the only geothermal pool that also has a traditional finnish sauna. It really is enjoyable to in traditional Nordic fashion, alternate between hot pools and the cold lake. When we visited it was really cold, but apparently in the summer locals will swim laps in the lake. $35 per person includes everything (pools, sauna, etc). The short baking demonstration, in which they cook bread by burying the pot under the hot geothermal dirt next to the power plant costs about $15 extra and includes as much bread as you’d like. Cara really liked this little extra but I as a non-baker could have passed on it. Again bring your own swimming suit and towel. I recommend showing up right as Laugarvatn Fontana opens in order to have it all to yourself. If you do visit as part of the Golden Circle itinerary then I recommend getting an early start so you don’t get here midday with the rest of the people doing the same. https://www.fontana.is/
Secret Lagoon
(needs to be booked about a week in advance). This is near the end of the Golden Circle (day 2). It is more rustic but still has some facilities, about $30 http://secretlagoon.is/ Seljavallalaug Pool This is a “warm pool” originally built so Icelanders could learn how to swim. It comes from a thermal spring but the temperature isn’t nearly as hot. The changing facilities were kind of gross, so Cara just used her towel to change in public. It is an easy 20 minute or so walk from the parking lot on a really pretty trail. While it is not really hot it is very unique to hike up the glacier valley to this swimming pool that is used by locals rather than tourists (though there were about 10ish tourists with us the whole time there). This is also situated next to a river so we alternated between the warm pool and the cold river. It is also a nice stop on day 3 because just before this on the main road there is a waterfall you can walk underneath. So we did that, got drenched, then hiked and took a dip in the pool. http://www.iheartreykjavik.net/2013/05/seljavallalaug-a-hiidden-gem-in-south-iceland/ Reykjadalur Hot Springs This is hot springs can be found after a 3km easy trail (~45 minute). It is free, but has no facilities. It is literally people swimming in a small river. But the hike is supposed to be beautiful and the swimming is a unique experience. https://guidetoiceland.is/connect-with-locals/regina/reykjadalur-hot-spring-valley-in-south-iceland