Hot stuff (Daytime)

Iceland is hot! Located 64° North, the island sits right on one of the Earths ‘hot spots’ making Iceland a very hot place indeed. Volcanic eruptions are frequent and there is an abundance of geothermal energy. All this makes Iceland one of the hottest places on Earth!

Take a look at these photos by Enrique Pacheco. They show how HOT Iceland can be.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It’s easy to be hot in Iceland during the day, even though temperatures might indicate otherwise. Take a ~hot~ tour during the day, visit the areas where volcanic eruptions have made their mark, or where hot springs are abundant … Either way the steam and the heat will be noticeable and memorable. Don’t forget your camera.

Take a look at some of these options, then contact us and we’ll give you the best option for your interests – like:  Gullfoss waterfall and Geysir hot springs and /or the Beautiful Borgarfjörður day tour. Volcano tours like Eyjafjallajökull and Grimsvötn, upon request.

 

Swimming pool in the west part of Reykjavik. Photo: Spa City

 

Hot things to do (if not taking a day tour) are among other things to go swimming in one of the many local swimming pools, heated with geothermal water. Read a Grapevine article here, for more info on Icelandic swimming pools. Swimming is a national sport in Iceland and there are in all just over 120 pools in Iceland. Mostly outdoor swimming pools, geothermally heated. Some of the nations most imminent problems are “solved” by the locals who attend the pools every morning. Swimming is a necessary skill in a society dependent on fishing and is therefore mandatory in all the schools of Iceland. You can also get more information on swimming pools from Reykjavik Spa City

 

 

 

 

 

 

For a truly ‘hot’ experience during summer is to visit Nauthólsvík Geothermal (man made) beach in Reykjavik. During the summer, happy bathers, families and friends visit the golden sand imported from Morocco and bathe in the artificial but totally hot, hot springs. A truly sociable experience. See here the Lonely Planets account of this otherworldly place

And last but not least, for a hot day at the spa, visit Laugar Spa with massage, saunas, exercise, training, swimming, running or whatever else you might fancy.

 

 

 

 

To ride the Icelandic horse through Icelandic nature is truly a wonderful experience.

Many Icelanders own and regularly ride horses for their enjoyment and companionship. Several championships and shows are hosted annually and biannually which celebrate the Icelandic horse and horsemanship.

The Icelandic horse can be traced as far back as to the settlement of Iceland in the late 9th century. The breed has remained pure for over a thousand years and is the only breed of horse in Iceland.  The Icelandic horse was often referred to as Iceland’s most necessary servant, for without the horse, life in this country would have been a whole lot harder than it was and probably would have been a key factor in Iceland being all together uninhabitable.

 

There are nearly 80.000 horses in Iceland, which is testimony to the popularity of the horse.  The Icelandic horse has 5 gaits, which is unusual in modern times. They are called: walk, trot, canter/gallop, tolt (specialty of the Icelandic horse) and flying pace.  Hot to trot! on the Icelandic horse.

 

Other hot things to see and do in Iceland include but are not exclusive to:

1) Visit Hveravellir geothermal area. Unique nature reserve almost in the ‘middle of nowhere’ or rather in the middle of the west highlands between the glaciers Hofsjokull and Langjokull. One of the most beautiful and authentic geothermal areas in the world. Untouched, rough and very interesting. You’ll find a geothermal pool at Hveravellir with both hot and cold water, so the temperature can be regulated. The water is very clean and it is claimed that the water has medicinal powers.  Great place for hiking and exploring, whether for a short visit, camping or staying in the huts that belong to the area.

2) Visit Landmannalaugar, located in a valley between very colorful rhyolite mountains. Many hot and cold springs are to found there and people frequently bathe in these springs.

Landmannalaugar is one of Icelands pearls of nature and not to be missed if you are indeed a nature lover. Great for hikes and you can go horseback riding there too (an 8 day tour or so), or by bicycle, motorcycle or car. The tour can be done in a day or in several days, depending on what the clients want and need.  Landmannalaugar is near Hekla volcano and is a geothermal area. The whole area is literally a wonderland! no ifs and buts about it. Some of the most famous or well-known photos from Iceland are indeed taken at Landmannalaugar.

3) Visit the Reykjanes peninsula is in the South-west of Iceland and is the youngest part of the country. The North Atlantic ridge is clearly visible in this area as it comes ashore in Reykjanes. The peninsula consists of lava fields, lava tubes, hot springs, caves, The Blue Lagoon and more. Interesting in many ways, no less for the distinct lack of trees so the landscape as it unfolds is clear and nothing shadows the view.  Great for hikes, walks, geothermal exploration or relaxation.

 

Check out this video from Reykjanes