Spas in Iceland: discovering Nordic thermalism
Iceland, renowned for its pristine nature, is a must-visit on our journey into the world of thermalism.
The thermal baths in Iceland, both natural and man-made, are an integral part of the country's culture and tradition: used for centuries for therapeutic and wellness purposes, today they are a very popular activity, offered by the wellness sector for both tourists and locals.
Indeed, due to the powerful Geysir (from which all such phenomena, the geysers, get their name), the boiling volcanoes like Vatnajökull, the impressive waterfalls like Gullfoss, the black beaches and the beautiful rugged fjords, this country can be seen as the homeland of thermal springs.
Let's discover together the secrets of Icelandic thermalism.
The history of thermal baths in Iceland
Thermal baths have been an important part of Icelandic culture for centuries. The country is located on a "hotspot" on Earth, characterized by intense geothermal activity, but its territory is also dotted with numerous glaciers. This unique mix of ice and fire has given rise to numerous hot water springs and geysers, scattered throughout the country.
This has allowed the local population to exploit the healing properties of thermal waters.
It is said that the first natural thermal baths in Iceland were already used by the ancient Vikings to relax and heal wounds after battles. However, the culture of thermal baths in Iceland became more common from the 18th century, when the first public baths were built in Reykjavik.
Today, Icelandic thermal baths are known worldwide for their therapeutic properties, particularly for the ability to treat skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema. Thanks to these benefits and their natural beauty, the thermal baths in Iceland have become a popular destination for thermal tourism enthusiasts looking for relaxation in these scenic locations.
Iceland thermal water
Icelandic thermal waters are famous worldwide for their regenerative and therapeutic properties. This is due to Iceland's geographical location, situated on a fault line between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates: here, underground geothermal sources provide thermal water composed of a mixture of fresh and salt water heated to high temperatures.
Thanks to its unique composition, rich in minerals like silicon, algae and especially sulfur which give it soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, Icelandic thermal water is particularly suitable for relieving muscle and joint pains. Moreover, it can:
- improve blood circulation,
- stimulate the immune system,
- regenerate the skin.
According to Icelandic tradition, this water can be used both for bathing and direct consumption, thanks to its both healing and purifying properties. In any case, the Icelandic thermal springs represent a unique testimony of the beauty and power of nature, offering humanity an invaluable resource for health and well-being.
The oldest and most famous thermal pools in Iceland
In Iceland, there are several famous thermal sites, both natural and man-made, that offer breathtaking views of the pristine nature of this land: like the Blue Lagoon, located near Reykjavik, or the Myvatn Lagoon, located in the far north of the country. These and many other spa resorts offer a complete wellness experience with hot water pools, saunas and massages.
Here are some of the most characteristic locations.
Secret lagoon
Dating back to 1891, the Secret Lagoon is Iceland's oldest pool, located near a small geyser that erupts every five minutes. It was built to exploit the Hverahólmir spring, located near the town of Flúðir. From the start, it became a highly successful destination for the thermal tourism sector, attracting hundreds of people from all over the world, eager to spend a relaxing day in a picturesque environment. Inside the pool, which is just over a meter deep, there are one million liters of water at a temperature between 36 and 41 degrees Celsius.
Blue lagoon
The Blue Lagoon has become a popular destination thanks to its healing and regenerative properties. The water of this spa, rich in mineral salts, algae and silica, is kept at a constant temperature of 38°C, perfect for relaxation and body wellness. Moreover, the lagoon is surrounded by a stunning landscape of lava fields and mountains, making it even more attractive as a destination for thermal tourism.
Forest lagoon
During the excavation of the Vaðlaheiðargöng tunnel in 2014, workers accidentally discovered a new source of geothermal hot water deep within the mountain. This led to the creation of an outdoor pool overlooking the city of Akureyri and the Eyja fjord. The Forest Lagoon is famous for offering a spectacular panoramic view of one of Iceland's longest fjords, Eyjafjörður. Thanks to its secluded location, the pool allows visitors to enjoy relaxing in the geothermal waters in a tranquil and peaceful atmosphere, far from the hustle and bustle of the city.
How to behave in Icelandic thermal baths
In Icelandic thermal resorts, there are rules to follow to ensure respect for nature and the safety of guests. In some places, it is enough to adopt appropriate behaviors, such as avoiding loud noises and not contaminating the environment by leaving behind waste. In others, there is a specific etiquette to follow, such as:
- removing shoes before entering the changing rooms;
- taking a shower, completely naked, before entering the thermal pool;
- changing pools often based on the temperatures (for example, moving from a 32° pool to a 40° one, then plunging into a 4° one).
The perfect skincare for your trip to Iceland
Iceland is a country where nature plays a starring role, characterized by its natural landscapes and harsh climate.
If you are planning a trip to Iceland, it's important to consider the health of your skin because the moderate-to-low temperatures and dry air that characterize this country, even in the summer months, can damage the protective barrier of the skin, causing dehydration, sensitivity, redness, dryness and cracking.
For this reason, Il Tempio della Salute has identified a series of perfect products for your trip, made from thermal cosmetics based on bromo-iodine-salt water.
These products have a rather heavy texture and deeply hydrates, making them particularly suitable for very cold places, where the skin needs more protection.
Face cosmetics for your trip to Iceland
To ensure that the climate does not prevent you from fully enjoying your trip to Iceland, you can take care of your skin with our selection of face products:
- Gemina cleansing butter deeply cleanses and is particularly suitable for tired and dull skin. Cleansing, smoothing and velveting, it helps the skin regain strength and elasticity.
- Nebula remineralizing thermal water, perfect for travel as it is also available in mini-size, is suitable for any season and occasion. The thermal water from Salsomaggiore naturally soothes and rebalances, helping to restore the skin's pH, oxygenating, hydrating and protecting it from the damage of cold, dehydration and dryness.
- Serum rebalancing serum provides an intensive hydrating treatment for demanding skin. The product rebalances the water/sebum ratio of the skin to maintain the right amount of water, protecting it from shocks caused by travel, stress and temperature changes.
For a good barrier, you should also add a face cream to the routine: you can choose the most suitable one for your needs on our website.
Body cosmetics for your trip to Iceland
Not just the face, but the body also needs care and attention, which you can provide with our products:
- Serica thermal cleansing oil helps to remineralize, make elastic, nourish and deeply hydrate skin stressed after a journey. Indeed, the shock caused by temperature changes can cause dryness and cracking, but Serica provides the nourishment and hydration needed to restore skin health.
- Supremo coconut nourishing butter performs an intensive hydrating action and preserves the skin's barrier function, making it elastic and vital. It contains Rosa Mosqueta with anti-flaking and anti-aging actions.
And if you prefer to travel light, you can bring with you Il Tempio della Salute beauty routines: travel kits that include all the thermal cosmetics you need for a holiday. For Iceland, you can try the mini body routine Nutritious which encompasses the synergistic action of Serica gentle cleansing oil and Nebula Fossil Thermal Water in pure Nebula to hydrate and nourish the skin while taking up little space in your suitcase because they are in travel size!
The thermal baths of Iceland: a rejuvenating experience in the heart of nature
The thermal baths in Iceland are among the most picturesque destinations in the world offered by the wellness sector for thermalism enthusiasts. Thanks to its ancient and evocative thermal springs, every thermal site on the island, from the famous Blue Lagoon to the lesser-known geothermal springs in the heart of the mountains, offers a unique and unforgettable experience.
And to ensure a complete wellness experience during your trip to Iceland, don't forget to take care of your skin with our selection of products for a perfect and effective skincare routine.
