Iceland sources. Iceland. Hot Springs. Tourism in Iceland
Since the times of the Vikings, Iceland has been famous for its hot springs, which are located throughout the country. It is worth noting that hot water in the homes of residents of the Icelandic islands comes directly from thermal springs, so there is no need to use heating systems. It's no wonder that the country's residents always look so young.
have many medicinal and cosmetic properties, which has already been confirmed by many doctors and cosmetologists. It is the springs that attract most tourists here. Moreover, it is possible to visit both equipped sources and wild ones. You can simply stumble upon the latter while exploring the area.
If the trip consists of visiting these wonderful waters, then it is better to immediately go to the equipped thermal springs of Iceland. At the same time, every tourist can choose a vacation to their liking and budget, because there are public swimming pools with thermal water, the entrance to which costs little money, as well as expensive spa resorts offering a wide variety of services. Let's look at the most popular of them.
First of all, let's highlight health complex"Blue Lagoon", located in the southwest of Iceland. There is a lake with thermal water, the temperature of which is +37 O - +40 O C. The composition of the water includes elements such as silicon, quartz, clay, salt, blue and green algae. In addition to bathing in the spring, clients can undergo a variety of cosmetic and therapeutic procedures (masks, wraps, peelings, etc.). Guests can take a shower and leave their things in the locker rooms. The cost of one visit will be approximately 40 euros; the Blue Lagoon is open from nine in the morning to nine in the evening.
Another popular place is Landmannalaugar, which attracts not only with thermal springs, but also with unique rhyolite mountains with yellow, white, green and turquoise colors. Near each thermal spring pool there is a sign indicating information about the composition and temperature of the water. You can swim in the waters of the springs all year round, but if you want to relax in nature, for example, spending the night in tents, then it is best to come in the summer. Tourists can also ride horses here and spend the night in guest house nearby.
One of the oldest thermal springs in Iceland counts Snorralaig. It is located in the small village of Reykholt. The water temperature in the Snorralaig springs fluctuates greatly, so it is not always possible to swim here. It itself is surrounded by stone slabs, and not far from it there is a tunnel through which you can walk and explore. A guest house was built 20 km from the source for those who want to relax and explore the area in more detail.
Amazing hot spring Reykholt, which has a water temperature of +97 O C, - Deildartungukver. Water vapor evaporating in the air is visible from afar in clear weather. A unique fern, Blechnumspicant, grows near the spring. Therefore, if you want to see this plant and admire beautiful scenery, then you should definitely come to this place.
Iceland's Hot Spring Valley is considered Hveravetlir. It is located on the way to the Kyolur Mountains. There are excellent and wonderful views here - glaciers alternate with lava fields. It will also amaze you that swimming in thermal springs takes place next to snow-covered areas.
The Blue Lagoon is a world-famous geothermal pool; in fact, it is the only place of its kind on the planet. It is one of the main symbols of Iceland and attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists every year. The Blue Lagoon is located on the Reykjanes Peninsula in southwestern Iceland. This peninsula is formed from porous lava, so loose that sea water seeps through it. Thanks to this process, entire reservoirs filled with hot geothermal sea water are formed deep underground, which is how the unique Blue Lagoon naturally appeared. In addition, there is a vast high-temperature area with geothermal activity.
The average water temperature in the Blue Lagoon is +37°C, rain and snow have a slight lowering effect on the water temperature in the Lagoon. The pH value of the water is 7.5, and the salt content is 2.5%. Such conditions might be ideal for the development of bacteria, especially since more than 300,000 people visit the Lagoon annually, but studies have shown that no bacteria, for some unknown reason, survive in the water of the Lagoon.
Volcano Snaefell
The Snaefell volcano has a regular cone shape, in good weather this huge thing can be seen from afar. Its peak, covered by a glacier of the same name - Snæfellsjökull, rises almost 1,500 meters into the sky of the North Atlantic.
Snaefell combines natural beauty and the deadly threat lurking in its depths. Last eruption Snaefell volcano, which lies under the covers of a glacier at a depth of 200 meters, occurred approximately 1900 years ago. But the volcano is considered active, because for 800 thousand years it “worked” quite actively.
On the slopes of the glacier, the interweaving of lava flows, formed in the form of long “braids,” look especially interesting. The volcanic system, including the Snæfell volcano, is about 100 kilometers long and is considered the longest active volcanic system on this island.
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Borgarnes Museum
The Borgarnes Museum is located in the city of the same name, which is located on west coast Iceland. The museum features two exhibitions: the first tells about the history of colonization, and the second is dedicated to the "Saga of Egil".
By the way, Russian-speaking tourists can use an audio guide, which is very convenient. After a brief overview of the Viking world, the audio guide moves on to the story of the colonization of Iceland by immigrants from Norway that began in the 870s. In addition, the museum has interactive maps, which allow you to highlight specific points that the audio guide tells about.
Much attention is paid to the colonization of western Iceland, in particular to the farms in the vicinity of Borgarfjord, founded by the first settler Skathlagrim, the son of Kveldulf and his descendants.
"Egil's Saga" tells the story of the life of four generations of the family to which Egil, an outstanding Icelandic skald, belonged, and covers the period from the end of the 9th to the end of the 10th century. In memory of him, there is a monument in the city by the sculptor Asmundur Sveinsson.
A little south of the city Akranes, which is located on the west coast of Iceland 50 kilometers north of the country's capital, is the Hvalfjordur fjord - one of the widest glacial fjords in the West. Its length is about 30 kilometers, and the average width is 5 kilometers.
It got its name (translated from Icelandic: “Whale Fjord”) because of the whale hunt that took place here in the past; the battle of the largest mammals continued until the 80s of the last century - it was then that whale hunting was prohibited.
Whale Fjord is also famous for having the longest underwater tunnel in the world underneath it. Its length is 6 kilometers, and maximum depth- 160 meters below sea level. This tunnel has significantly shortened the distance between Reykjavik and Akranes. Now, in order to get to the city, you don’t have to go around the fjord.
Barnafoss waterfall
Barnafos waterfall ("Children's waterfall") is located in national park Husafetle. This waterfall owes its name to a tragic story that happened many, many years ago.
A rich widow lived on Hraun's farm. She had two small children. During the Christmas holidays, all the adults went to evening services in Gilsbakki, and the children were left at home to play.
When the adults returned home, the children were not at home. Their traces led to a stone arch, carved by water in the rock, which stretched over the river, but on the other side there were no traces.
Out of grief, their mother destroyed the arch and cursed the place where they fell. Later, in memory of her children, the woman donated her farm to the church in Reyholt.
Reykholt town
Reykholt is one of the oldest historical cultural centers Iceland.
The greatest Icelandic writer and historian Snorri Sturluson lived here in 1206-1241, who captured these places in his sagas. A monument to him can now be seen near the local school.
In addition, this place has a round pool lined with stones, four meters in diameter, which receives water from a hot spring located 100 meters away. Covered from the north by a small hill, this famous artificial reservoir is suitable for swimming all year round.
Deildartungukvera hot spring
Deildartungukvera is the largest hot spring in Europe. It is located in the Icelandic town of Reykholt.
The thermal field of the spring is the largest in the country in terms of water flow; it evaporates about 180 liters per second. The water temperature in the Deildartungukvera spring is 97 degrees. When there is no thick fog, it can be seen from afar: water vapor continuously rises into the air. The Deildartungukver spring supplies hot water to all cities located within a radius of 100 kilometers from this place, namely all the cities of the “Western Land” of Iceland - Vesturland.
Town of Reykholt
Reykholt is a city in western Iceland. This picturesque town has many attractions.
In the Middle Ages, the famous Icelandic poet Snorri Sturluson lived and worked in Reykholt. In the city park you can see a sculpture of the poet created by the Norwegian sculptor Gustav Vigeland. Snorri Sturluson's grave is located in the city church cemetery. The city is also famous for its unique hot springs and swimming pools. In addition, in Reykholt you can see the city’s most beautiful churches and visit an exhibition of works by Snorri Sturluson. Not far from Reykholt are the famous Hreinfossar lava waterfalls and Europe's largest hot spring, Deildartungukver.
The most popular attractions in Western Iceland with descriptions and photographs for every taste. Choose best places for visiting famous places West Iceland on our website.
Urban sculpture on the coast:
Hallgrimskirkja City Cathedral:
Evening Reykjavik:
According to a 2007 UN study, Iceland is recognized the best country in the world to live. The country's leading position was ensured by a record average life expectancy (more than 81 years) and a very high GDP per capita. There are practically no poor people in the country, and class stratification is very weak. Plus, Iceland is the cleanest country in Europe, because the state is heated from geothermal sources, which do not pollute the environment (any hot water - in heating pipes, taps, swimming pools, etc. - is of natural origin and slightly radiates sulfur).
The population of Iceland is small - 317 thousand people live in the country, with 65% of the total population living in the capital and its suburbs.
Life here flows smoothly, the population is mainly employed in the service sector, and fishing is also thriving.
Tourists go to Iceland for a calm and comfortable holiday in harmony with nature: hiking through National Parks and in areas of volcanoes and glaciers, watching bird colonies and whales, horseback riding across vast flat areas. Patriots of Iceland made an unusual video about their country, the main goal of which was to increase the flow of tourists. The music theme of the video was the song "Jungle Drum" by the famous Icelandic singer Emiliana Torrini:
Volcanoes of IcelandIceland is famous for its volcanoes: the world-famous Hekla volcano and hundreds of other volcanoes are located here, because this region is located at the junction of moving lithospheric plates. At the same time, Iceland is the most big island volcanic origin in the world. In 2010 I woke up here famous volcano Eyjafjallajokull, which covered Europe with clouds of volcanic ash, causing air traffic to be blocked for some time.
Hekla Volcano has erupted more than 20 times and is considered the most active volcano Iceland:
Eruption of Eyjafjallajokull volcano:
Lakes of Iceland
The lakes of Iceland are notable for the fact that many of them do not freeze all winter due to the abundance of warm springs at the bottom.
Such places are usually inhabited by numerous colonies of birds. In the north of Iceland is Lake Mývatn, famous for the abundance of trout in its waters and wild ducks on its shores. The lake in translation is called "mosquito" because huge amount midges above him, which, however, do not cause any harm to a person. There are more than 50 islands in the lake:
Unusual-looking lakes form in many craters of extinct volcanoes:
Hot springs in Iceland
The hallmark of Iceland is its hot springs. Ancient name one of them - Geyser - spread throughout the world and became a household name. 100 km east of Reykjavik at the foot of the Langjökull glacier lies the unique valley of Haukadalur geysers, where this famous Great Geyser is located:
Within 10 minutes, the Geyser throws a stream of water 40-60 meters high into the sky three times in a row.
Big Geyser before releasing water:
Geyser Shot:
Getting too close to hot springs is dangerous - you can get burned, because... the temperature in them reaches 200 degrees.
Another large geyser is Strokkur:
All tourists must visit one of the world's most famous geothermal resorts, the Blue Lagoon:
Due to the fact that the temperature of the island's interior is very high, Iceland has the largest number of hot springs in the world. In total, 250 groups of thermal springs are open in Iceland, including 7,000 hot springs.
Iceland waterfalls:
Iceland has many waterfalls. Here is the most powerful waterfall in all of Europe, Dettifoss, which is fed by huge glaciers in the middle of Iceland:
The Gullfoss waterfall (translated as Golden Waterfall) is considered the most beautiful of all:
On the Botsna River there is the highest waterfall in Europe - Glumur (198 m):
Svartifoss waterfall is located in Skaftafell National Park. It is surrounded by dark lava, which has frozen in the form of crystals:
One of the most famous waterfalls The country of Seljalandfoss (in the south of Iceland) is famous for its beauty. It falls from a height of about 60 meters above the rocks of the former coastline:
And also on south coast Skogafoss waterfall is very popular in Iceland:
From small beautiful waterfalls You can note Godafoss (translated as Waterfall of the Gods):
During Viking times, it was very popular in Iceland to swim outdoors in hot volcanic pools. Several of these sources have survived to this day - they are now world famous business card Iceland. And, of course, it’s very pleasant to plunge into such a “jacuzzi” after a long hike, so we have prepared a selection of 10 geothermal springs where you can soak in cold days. The special effect of such sources with the purest water is described by cosmetologists and doctors. Be sure to try them out for yourself if you ever find yourself in this amazing country- Iceland.
1. Nauthólsvik Geothermal Beach, Reykjavik
Do you know what the northernmost capital of the world looks like? Check: White sand, a beach filled with sunbathers (although the maximum temperature here rises to 15 degrees). You won't freeze, because right on the beach there is a long pool with hot sea water, where the temperature reaches 38 degrees. This is what makes Iceland unique!
2. Laugardaslaug, Reykjavik
The advantage of this Icelandic spring is that there are bars and restaurants near it. You can relax and enjoy your daily swim, or you can sit with your friends at the bar and gossip about everything. This is the largest and best equipped complex in the country, great place for pastime. There are indoor and outdoor swimming pools, Jacuzzi, sauna, and waterslides for children.
3. Blue Lagoon, Reykjanes
This wonderful place with bright blue water is the most popular spa destination in Iceland. You can swim here all year round; the water temperature is 40 degrees. The water of the Blue Lagoon has a beneficial effect on the body - it heals and rejuvenates. There are steam rooms and restaurants here, so you won’t even notice how the day flies by. Take a look and you will definitely fall in love with this place!
4. Landmannalaugar
Situated on the edge of the mountains, this hot spring seeps out from under the edge of a fifteenth-century lava flow, then mixes with a stream of cold water. You enter cold water, then move upstream to where the two currents mix. Find a place where the temperature is optimal for you, relax and admire the local scenery.
5. Snorralaig, Reykholt
This thermal pool was named after the poet, who loved visiting the spring. Now you can swim here and recharge your health and positive emotions.
6. Grettislagh
Another pool associated with the story was used by Grettir to heal himself after he swam across the four-mile-wide icy bay that separates the mainland from the cliffs of Drangay. The servants found him, completely exhausted and immobilized. According to legend, the hot spring resurrected him. You can feel its power on yourself, but it is better not to repeat Grettir’s feat.
7. Leirubakki, Hekla
This is one of several farms that dot the foothills of the Hekla volcano. The 1,500-meter-high volcano erupts regularly. In the ninth century, when there was a Viking settlement here, it was believed that the volcano's crater was the gateway to hell. This village has a small swimming pool that can only fit 4 people. However, it is located overlooking the volcano, which makes this place breathtaking and impressive.
8. Hot lake Zhardbodin, Myvatn
If you visited Iceland in winter hoping to see northern lights, then this one modern resort on the Mývatn hills - perfect place, where it is worth going. The fourth largest lake in Iceland is located at the foot of the volcanic belt. There are excellent views overlooking the calm waters of the lake. As a bonus, there is a tectonically unstable landscape, pits of boiling mud, volcanic cones and hot lava! The last eruption was in 1988.
9. Grjotgja, Myvatn
In a small village east of Lake Myvatn lies Grjotgja, a flooded underground volcanic fissure that was once popular place for swimming until an eruption occurred in 1970, which made the water hot. The place is worth a look. And if you find yourself here in the cold winter, you can safely plunge into the hot waters.
10. Viti, Askja
After the eruption in 1875, lakes formed here. The road to these places is quite difficult, but the scenery is magnificent.
Was last modified: June 26th, 2016 by Olga Kulygina
Iceland is a country located on the volcanic island of the same name in the northern part Western Europe And Atlantic Ocean, northwest of Great Britain, between Norway and Greenland. The area of the state, including the island of the same name and adjacent islands, is 103 thousand km 2, of which about 12 thousand km 2 are glaciers. Natural resources Iceland is not particularly rich, with the exception of hydro resources and geothermal energy.
Water resources
Due to the large amount of rainfall, Iceland has a dense river network, the rivers are often rapids, have a short length and a steep level of water fall (waterfalls are often found), for the most part Due to the peculiarities of the relief and the constantly changing direction of the current, they are not navigable. The most significant river system is the Thioursau, 237 km long. Iceland has significant reserves of hydroelectric power, which this moment Only 6% is used. The area of rivers and lakes is 2750 km2, many lakes of volcanic and glacial origin, largest lakes Thingvallavatn, with an area of 83 km 2, Mountain Lake Thingvatlavatn, 83.7 km 2, unfrozen Lake Mývatn, a lifeless lake at the foot of the Hekla Thorisvatn volcano. The most high waterfalls countries - Hauifoss on the Fossad River with a height of 130 meters and Dettifoss - the most powerful European waterfall.
Land resources
The total land area on land is 100.25 thousand km 2, more than 20% of the territory is uninhabited. The relief of most of the country is represented by a volcanic plateau with numerous fjords; the entire territory of Iceland is covered with volcanoes, lava fields along with glaciers and big amount hot springs and geysers. The soils are mineral loess type, often swampy, enriched with minerals, volcanic ash, with an admixture of eolian silt and sand. This type of soil, together with unfavorable climatic conditions arable land is practically not used for growing crops. Potatoes and fodder grasses are grown on only 1 thousand hectares; vegetables such as cucumbers and tomatoes are grown in numerous greenhouses and greenhouses that use geothermal energy sources. The lands are mainly used for pastures (about 23% of the total territory). The vegetation is poor, represented mainly by mosses, lichens and herbs.
Minerals
Iceland does not have reserves of any types of minerals and mineral raw materials, with the exception of the huge potential of geo- and hydrothermal sources, as well as the extraction of diomite, a sedimentary rock that is used as an adsorbent in the textile, chemical, food industries, and in the production of various medicines , paper, various building materials and in other areas of the economy.
Iceland is the richest country in the world in terms of the number of hot springs and heat-containing mineral resources. Geothermal springs are distributed throughout the country, with the exception of the eastern part, composed of basalt rocks, where they are quite rare. There are about 800 hot springs in the country average temperature 750 0 C. Some hot springs erupt to a height of several tens of meters and are called geysers. One hundred kilometers away east direction from the capital of the country Reykjavik is the so-called Valley of Geysers (Haukadalur), here is located Big Geyser, which is the first geyser to capture the imagination of European pioneers. Its diameter is about 3 meters, it spews boiling water to a height of about 40-60 meters.
Geothermal energy, a type of renewable resource, is used in Iceland to heat 85% of homes, greenhouses and greenhouses where fruit and vegetables are grown. Built throughout the country a large number of thermal pools (170 pcs.) under open air, which are visited by almost all residents of the country (swimming is even included in the Icelandic school curriculum) from young to old.