ICELAND HAS NEW THERMAL BATHS: REYKJABÖÐIN OPENS AT REYKJADALUR
Iceland has another place where visitors can experience the power of geothermal water. New thermal baths, Reykjaböðin, have opened near Hveragerði, right at the entrance to the famous Reykjadalur valley. The lagoon covers around 900 square metres and can accommodate up to 300 visitors at a time. The entire project cost approximately four billion Icelandic krónur.
Iceland has a special relationship with hot water. It is part of everyday life: locals use it to relax, meet friends and take a break from the ordinary rhythm of the day. And now, near Hveragerði, a new place has emerged that aims to take this experience to a significantly more comfortable level.
The new Reykjaböðin opened at the beginning of September in the Árhólmar area, right at the entrance to Reykjadalur valley. The project had been in preparation for more than five years, while construction itself took around two years. The original plan expanded considerably during construction, resulting in not only a large outdoor lagoon but also extensive spa facilities and a restaurant.
HOT WATER WITH A VIEW OF THE ICELANDIC MOUNTAINS
The main attraction is a geothermal lagoon covering approximately 900 square metres, with room for around 300 people at a time. The water offers views of the surrounding landscape and mountains, while the restaurant is located on the same level as the lagoon.
But Reykjaböðin is not simply a large heated pool. The entire concept is based on combining heat and cold.
The complex includes a cold pool with two temperature levels, a sauna, a Kneipp pool and relaxation areas. There is also a swim-up bar and a bistro. Visitors who choose the extended bathhouse admission gain access to a series of ten spaces designed around different temperatures and forms of relaxation.
One of the more unusual features is a snow room. After spending time in the heat, visitors can cool down in a distinctly Icelandic way – with real snow. The complex also has special showers where the water gradually becomes colder as you move through them.
REYKJABÖÐIN THERMAL BATHS COST FOUR BILLION KRÓNUR
The entire project ultimately cost approximately 4 billion Icelandic krónur. The investment increased during construction as the lagoon and visitor facilities were expanded. The complex now also includes an upscale restaurant and additional spaces for visitors.
Reykjaböðin is not aimed exclusively at foreign tourists. Its operators emphasize that they also want to attract Icelanders themselves, for whom bathing in geothermal water has a long tradition.
And that may be the most interesting part of the entire project.
Admission | Price in ISK | Approx. EUR |
Basic | 7,900 ISK | €57 |
Signature | 15,900 ISK | €114 |
WHY REYKJADALUR?
The location was not chosen by chance. Reykjadalur, meaning “Smoke Valley,” is one of the best-known geothermal areas around Hveragerði. A popular hiking trail runs through the valley, eventually leading visitors to a river with naturally warm water where they can bathe.
The natural river is one of the reasons why Reykjadalur is so popular. Here, you do not step out of hot water into a concrete pool, but into a landscape of steam, slopes and geothermal springs.
Reykjaböðin therefore does not try to replace natural bathing. Instead, it presents itself as a more comfortable counterpart. The natural hot river remains in the valley, while the new complex offers comfort, facilities, saunas, a restaurant and other services right at its entrance.
That is also one of the reasons why the new attraction could be interesting even for people who already know Reykjadalur.
JUST A SHORT DRIVE FROM REYKJAVÍK
Reykjaböðin is located in Hveragerði, approximately 35 minutes by car from Reykjavík and about 15 minutes from Selfoss. The journey from Keflavík International Airport takes roughly 75 minutes. The location is therefore convenient for visitors travelling towards the Golden Circle or Iceland’s South Coast.
Visitors are advised to book their place in advance. Basic admission to the hot springs currently starts at 7,900 Icelandic krónur, while the extended admission combining the hot springs with the bathhouse starts at 15,900 ISK.
That is no longer the price of an ordinary Icelandic municipal swimming pool. Reykjaböðin belongs to a completely different category – closer to modern wellness resorts such as the Blue Lagoon.
ICELAND IS BUILDING ON WHAT LIES BENEATH ITS FEET
The new baths also illustrate one of Iceland’s most remarkable characteristics. Geothermal energy is not only a source of electricity or heating for homes. It has also become an important part of the tourism industry.
From simple local swimming pools and natural hot springs to large luxury spas, an entire tourism world has developed around geothermal water.
Reykjaböðin enters that world in grand style. For four billion Icelandic krónur, a place has been created that combines something that has always been natural in Iceland – hot water emerging from the ground – with everything that is thoroughly modern: wellness, gastronomy, design and tourist comfort.
And yet, all you have to do is leave the complex, walk uphill and Reykjadalur reminds you where this whole story began.
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