Here is What You Must Know About Hvammsvík Sizzling Springs

Together with whale watching and taking in cinematic landscapes, soaking in geothermal sizzling springs is without doubt one of the finest issues you are able to do whereas in Iceland—and there’s one sizzling spring the place you are able to do all three.

Positioned 50 minutes north of Reykjavik off Ring Highway, Hvammsvík Sizzling Springs sits on a hilly peninsula that juts out into the waters of the picturesque Hvalfjörður (Whale Fjord). Set on a 1,200-acre property, this distant nature resort (which opened in 2022 with a modernist bathhouse and beachfront baths) could look like the one trace of human habitation round—however the website has deep roots in Icelandic historical past. It was first settled by the Vikings within the eleventh century, and served as an Allied naval base (codenamed “Falcon Seaside) throughout World Conflict II.

Now, nevertheless, it is a serene place to soak in toasty waters amid Iceland’s beautiful surroundings.

Fronted by the fjord’s sculpted partitions and sheltered waters, eight rock-rimmed pure sizzling springs sit proper by the shore, starting from a lukewarm 95 levels Fahrenheit to a scorching 104 levels. Bathers can cool off in among the decrease swimming pools, the place lapping waves maintain the temperatures delicate (at excessive tide, some even change into fully submerged), or stroll down the seaside for a salty chilly plunge into the Atlantic Ocean.

Whilst you’re enjoyable, you possibly can watch the waves for curious seals—they’re so widespread, the employees name them the “supervisors” and “high quality managers.” And in the event you’re actually fortunate, you might even see whales. Regardless of its title, Whale Fjord isn’t identified for whale watching, and it was once the positioning of a whaling station. However employees say whales have been noticed within the space, with humpbacks lastly making a return after a 25-year absence.

For night time sky lovers, the new springs are from sufficient from Reykjavík to have solely low ranges of sunshine air pollution, and the night time skies are clear sufficient for the northern lights in winter.

Facilities within the art-filled bathhouse embody showers and altering areas (each communal and personal), a geothermal sauna, a swim-up bar slinging drinks like cocktails and seaweed-derived wellness photographs, and a bistro for Icelandic eats like seafood stew and open-faced sourdough sandwiches. Actions equivalent to ocean swimming classes and stand-up paddle boarding, in addition to Wim Hof respiration and chilly endurance courses, are on supply. Visitors may also strive their hand on the stone-lifting Atlas Problem to win prizes like complimentary drinks and even free admission for a yr.

In case you don’t need to make the drive again to Reykjavik, a variety of historic farmhouses and cabins—tastefully up to date to protect their heritage whereas having trendy creature comforts—present locations to relaxation your head in a single day. Perched atop an elevated rise with panoramic views from its non-public sizzling spring and glass-walled front room, the Hilltop Home not solely has the perfect views on the property, but additionally the best backstory. Initially constructed by the British Navy, the cabin is alleged to have been the positioning of secret conferences held by Winston Churchill.

Climate allowing (that is Iceland, in spite of everything), Hvammsvík Sizzling Springs is open every day all year long. Admission begins round $65 USD and contains limitless sizzling springs and sauna entry. To achieve Hvammsvík, you’ll both want a rental automobile or you possibly can ebook transfers with a tour operator like Reykjavik Excursions.