Geothermal Activity in Iceland

Geothermal Activity in Iceland

Extensive geothermal activity is one of Iceland‘s most distinctive features, with geothermal areas covering more of this country than any other. In fact, geothermal heat is known to be present at over 700 Icelandic sites. For geothermal warmth to reach the surface, water needs to bring it there from underneath.

Ever since the settlement, Icelanders have used geothermal water for washing and bathing. This is often mentioned in the sagas, with the most famous instance probably being that of Snorri Sturluson at Reykholt, in Borgarfjör›ur, West Iceland. Snorri, who was a productive saga writer, enjoyed relaxing in the hot water and discussing the topics of the day, just as people still do in hot tubs at modern swimming pools all around Iceland.

The island‘s geothermal activity clearly caught the attention of the early settlers, as they referred to geothermal phenomena in their place names. Thus a great number of the original names include terms such as varm (warm), reyk (smoke/steam) or laug (bathing pool). It is estimated that at least 55 place names, or around 2% of all saga place names, are linked to geothermal activity.

At several places in Iceland, it so happens that geothermal water collects naturally at comfortable temperatures for bathing. In other places, people have come to nature’s assistance to obtain the right temperatures and amount of water. Finally, in modern times many special swimming pools, hot tubs, etc. have been constructed.

Therefore, it is often difficult to distinguish which pools are natural and which are not. For instance, there was no geothermal activity at the surface when construction started on the Blue Lagoon. Its water is pumped up out of drill holes and the surroundings are entirely designed by people. Thoses places are categorized as spas.

No man should call himself clever but manage his mind. A sage visitor is a silent guest. The cautious evades evil. Never a friend more faithful, nor greater wealth, than wisdom. (From Hávamál Eddaic poems (AD 700-900).

Natural Hot Pool. Photo by Olga

Natural Hot Pools:

    Kvika/Seltajarnarnes

    Hellulaug/Flokalundur

    Pollurinn/Taiknafjödur

    Heydalur/West fjords

    Hörgaslhidarlaug/West fjords

    Grettinslaug/Skagafjördur

    Klambragilslaug/Hveragerdi

    Landmannalauger/Highland

    Kerlingarfjöll/Highland

    Hveravellir/Highland

    Laugafell/Highland

    Viti/Hihland

    Laugarfell/Highland

Spas:

    Blaa Ionid/Blue Lagon

    Nautholsvik/Reykjavik

    Jardbodin/Myvat Nature Baths

    Hoffell

    Secret Lagon/Fludir

    Fontana/Laugavatn