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Iceland. The hot springs.

The hot springs are a world famous feature. The tectonic features of the island give the country incredible advantages both economically and in the form of numerous attractions for tourists.

On the very first day of your stay in Iceland, you will learn about one feature - water heating is not used here for heating and running water. He just isn't needed. Water comes directly to the kitchen or shower directly from natural geothermal sources. They say this is one of the secrets why most Icelanders look so young.

Tourists are attracted by a completely different "side of the coin". The special effect of natural hot springs is described not only by cosmetologists, but also by doctors. You can accidentally find "wild" hot spring just touring looking for scenic spots, or set a goal and visit the places specially designated for this. Among them, you have a choice:

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Public swimming pool.

Almost any more or less large public pool in Iceland contains a separate jacuzzi - thermal springs. Everyone will choose the right temperature here exclusively according to their tastes and will be able to combine pleasant relaxation with sports activities. For example, the Laugardalur Valley will delight you not only with the largest warm pool in Reykjavik, but also with an incredible beautiful botanical garden.

Public hot springs.

Their visit is usually free, or costs a penny. But be prepared to see a truly "public place" that attracts the attention of both tourists and local people, which means it is often crowded.

The most striking source of this kind is the thermal beach Nautholsvik. A place with an amazing view and the opportunity to feel directly the border between warm thermal and severe cold ocean water.

Spa resorts

— Spa resorts Is the most sophisticated use of hot springs. Undoubtedly the most famous among them, which is located on the Reykjanes Peninsula in the southwestern part of Iceland, near Reykjavik. This place really makes an impression, and at any time of the day.

Relaxing in the warm and healthy waters of the lagoon under the starlight is a unique experience. No less striking and daytime incredible beautiful view... +37 ° С - the average temperature of the water, which is rich in mineral salts, quartz, blue and green algae. In addition, without leaving the source, you can try on yourself the effect of white clay, unique in its properties.

open daily throughout the year.

Working hours:

• from 1 to 30 June - from 9:00 to 21:00
• from July 1st to August 15th - from 9:00 am to midnight
• from 16 to 30 August - from 9:00 to 21:00
• from September 1 to May 31 - from 10:00 to 20:00

Except for New Year and Christmas holidays;

In the period from December 23 to January 1, the opening hours of the complex should be checked on the Blue Lagoon website.

Guests can stay at the thermal complex for 45 minutes after closing.

The entrance ticket price depends on the season:

• From 1.09 to 31.05 - 33 euros for adults, 15 euros for teenagers 14 and 15 years old.
• From 1.06 to 31.08 admission for adults costs 40 euros, for adolescents 14 and 15 years old - also 15 euros.
• The cost of admission for children under 13 years old is free if accompanied by adults.

Hot springs are just one of the many benefits Iceland has to offer. They will be able to give health to someone, they will simply entertain or delight someone. Do not forget to experience their effect on yourself while you are in this wonderful country.

Is in the north Atlantic Ocean amazing island, which has collected so many natural attractions that it could be declared in its entirety as a UNESCO heritage. Ostrovnoye is spread over an area of ​​just over 103 thousand km 2, some of which are occupied by volcanoes, geysers, lakes, forests and waterfalls.

Since it is a maritime country, the main industries that generate income for the state are fishing and processing industries.

People live along the coast, making a trip to Iceland saves time to fully explore it.

Capital of Iceland

Reykjavik is the country's northernmost capital in Europe and home to most of the country's population. The city was founded by the Viking Ingolf Anarson in 874, who, after asking the gods to indicate where to build a new settlement, threw 2 sticks into the water. Where they washed ashore, there the first farm grew, which became the basis of Reykjavik.

The hot springs surrounding the city are the reason for its name, which in Icelandic means "smoking bay". There are several features of the capital that distinguish it from others:

• Firstly, the city is recognized as the cleanest on the planet, and this is due to the fact that there is not a single production in it. As guests of the city say, the air there is so clean that people who came from large cities and industrial areas, dizzy.
• Secondly, in 2000 he was recognized as the most cultural capital in the world as defined by UNESCO.
• Thirdly, the residents of the city are so accustomed to the honesty and decency of each other that they do not close the doors of houses and cars.
• Fourth, it is the only city on the planet where the parliament existed for over 1000 years and was not disbanded during periods of wars or crises.
• Fifth, the weather in Iceland, namely in Reykjavik, is conducive to sightseeing without the fuss and fainting from heatstroke or freezing. On the hottest summer day, the temperature rarely rises above +15, and in winter the average is -6 degrees.

These are not all the distinctive features of the city. For example, its old architecture is most often converted farmhouses with outbuildings, from which shops, bars and museums were made. To experience its beauty, purity and originality, you can find out what tours to Iceland are offered by tour operators, and buy those where Reykjavik is given maximum attention.

National parks of the country

Iceland has three national parks, one of which - Tingvellir - is included in the list of natural treasures of the world according to UNESCO. Although it is the oldest in the country, it is only 5,000 hectares in size. Next to him is the youngest nature Park Vatnajökull, which was founded in 2008, seems like a giant. It occupies 12% of the island's area and is the largest in Europe.

Travelers who have preferred ecological tourism to all other beauties of the world (Iceland has something to boast about in this regard) should definitely visit here. The most famous object of the park is its eponymous glacier. Its dimensions are simply amazing. It covers an area of ​​8100 km 2, and its thickness ranges from 400 m to 1 kilometer.

The most amazing thing is that 7 volcanoes still operate under it, which make it "cry", as a result of which the stunning beauty of caves with hot springs and lakes located on the surface are formed. A trip to Iceland is unlikely to be forgotten if you swim in one of the underground springs, as the local population does.

Third national park is located in the west of the island and has the difficult to pronounce name Snйfellsjökull. This is also a glacier, but much smaller. Interesting not only he, but also the villages that nestled near him. See a real fishing village, which has preserved old traditions, visit a museum under open air, go fishing with local fishermen, eat fresh seafood in local restaurants - these are the tours to Iceland that active people choose.

Blue Lagoon

Another natural phenomenon that has no equal in Europe is the geothermal complex Blue Lagoon... Azure water, smoking steam above it, equipped wooden platforms, bridges, staircases to the source and an emerald frame made of moss growing along the shore - all this makes the rest truly unforgettable.

The spring water has medicinal and antibacterial properties, has a good effect on the immune system, it contains silicon, quartz and microelements from algae. The resort works all year round, since the temperature of the source is always +16 0 or higher.

It is important to remember that visiting many of the country's natural sites is paid, so you should find out the prices in advance. Iceland is visited by hundreds of thousands of people every year, and a visit to the hot springs brings the country a good income. For example, the entrance to the Blue Lagoon for an adult will cost 30 euros. For children under 13 years old - free of charge, disabled people and adolescents from 14 to 18 years old are given a 50% discount.

Famous volcanoes

Operators often advertise Iceland as a land of ice and fire when offering tours to Iceland, and this is generally true. Part of the country is covered with glaciers, while the other part is covered with active and extinct volcanoes. There are famous ones among them.

Another attraction with the unpronounceable name Eyjafjallajökull awaits guests in the southern part of the country. Its height is 1666 m, and the crater reaches 4 km in diameter.

For 200 years, this giant slept. During this time, it was covered with a glacier, until in 2009 its activity began, which lasted until May 2010. During the eruption of the volcano, hundreds of thousands of aftershocks were recorded. For example, in March, only in a day they were counted 3000 with a strength of 1-2 points.

The Eyjafjallajökull volcano immediately became famous, since its 3 eruptions, which occurred with some interruption, threw ash to a height of 8 to 13 km, which meant it fell into the stratosphere. All flights to Denmark, Sweden, Norway and parts of the UK were suspended, for example, only on April 15, 2010, a total of 6,000 flights were canceled in these countries.

Today Eyjafjallajökull is an attraction that many Iceland tours offer. Especially impressive above its crater.

No less popular among tourists is the Laki volcano, which consists of 115 craters following each other for as much as 25 km. Some of them are active, others have been sleeping for hundreds of years. Its most famous eruption was the "explosion" of 1783-1784. He destroyed 20% of the country's population, almost all livestock. Due to emissions of gases and ash, famine has come in Europe. Today, it is visited by 8,000 people a year on a jeep tour. You can also choose such tours to Iceland, although you should remember about safety when visiting such places and be sure to use the services of a guide or guide. For the safety of both volcanoes and people, Icelanders have specially equipped trails with decks, from which it is better not to leave.

Waterfalls

Tourism in Iceland is primarily associated with the natural attractions of this country, and waterfalls are one of their manifestations. There are so many of them that not all of them even have names. Iceland is most beautiful in summer, when glaciers begin to melt, and water flows increase significantly, which affects the power and beauty of the waterfalls.

The most famous of them - Gullfoss - consists of two steps, one of which is 21 meters high and the other 11 meters. There is information that once they wanted to build a hydroelectric power station on it, and the legend that the daughter of the engineer Toumas threatened that she would throw herself into its waters if her father destroyed this natural beauty.

It is not known what prevented people from disfiguring this natural site, but today thousands of people come to stand on observation platforms near this majestic miracle and enjoy its power.

For those who travel around Iceland by car, there is a unique opportunity to live near such a miracle. The Skogafoss Falls overthrows its waters from a height of 60 meters, and not far from it there is a camping, where you can comfortably settle down to admire the stunning views of this handsome man.

Tourism in Iceland is famous for its extreme sports, which people often lack in everyday life. A visit to the 196-meter Glimur waterfall is a prime example. This miracle of nature has a natural arch on one of its steps, and nearby there are caves, visits to which provide for some trips to Iceland. The trip to this natural beauty will cost an average of 70 euros, which also includes visits to extinct volcanoes.

Rivers of Iceland

Since there are waterfalls in this country, then there are rivers that give birth to them. They are absolutely not suitable for navigation, as they have countless rapids, but they are a real joy and test for rafting lovers. This sport is one of the most popular in Iceland.

The longest rivers in the country are rivers with difficult to pronounce names - Tjorsau (230 km) and Jökülsau-au-Fjödlum (206 km). They originate in glaciers, and if the first flows into the Atlantic Ocean, then the second into the Greenland Sea.

When tourists are wondering what to see in Iceland, one of the interesting activities is a visit to the Elfusau River, which is famous for its width at the confluence with the Atlantic. It reaches 5 km, making it the richest and most salmon-rich river in the country. Its spills are a truly majestic and often dangerous natural phenomenon.

Iceland resorts

Tourism in Iceland has nothing to do with the understanding of the word "resort" to which travelers are accustomed. There are no hot sand beaches and warm sea, but nevertheless, thousands of people come here every year to spend time at local resorts and improve their health.

All of them are associated with thermal springs, which, like nothing else, have a wonderful effect on the human body, launching programs for self-healing and increasing immunity.

West Iceland is the most popular destination for its sheer number of attractions. There are mountains, the air of which has an invigorating effect on visitors, and geysers, and glaciers, and forests, and lakes full of fish, and bird colonies, and geothermal springs, and whales. The latter have chosen the western part of the country for rest and food.

If the weather in Iceland permits, then travelers will find Langisandur - a golden beach. The most western ancient settlement the country of Reykholt is renowned for its distinguished sons. Here lived and worked, who wrote the most famous in the XIII century. Once upon a time great Vikings lived in these parts, whose exploits are immortalized in the history of the Icelandic people. Here you can meet a motley tourist audience - climbers, fishing enthusiasts and those who love to explore the fjords and admire their beauty.

Country customs and people

To fully appreciate the beauty of this country and its traditions, you need to know when Iceland is most hospitable. The tourist season here is from July to October. It was during this period that the island is warm, less moisture, and all the famous festivals and national holidays of the country take place.

And what will help you get to know Icelanders better than participating in one of the festivals? Musical gatherings are especially popular. If earlier these were mainly folklore groups, then since 1980, for example, rock (Iceland Airwaves) and jazz festivals Reykjavik Jazz Festival have been held in Reykjavik.

By tradition, all Icelanders know how to knit, even men. Their traditional lambswool sweaters and jumpers are still considered the warmest and are popular around the world.

The peculiarity of the people of this country is their friendliness to foreigners with complete internal secrecy. It is difficult to obtain citizenship here and expats have to change their name to traditional Icelandic.

Like hundreds of years ago, they lead a calm lifestyle, rarely leave the borders of their country, and they are rather indifferent to their own attractions.

Icelandic hotels and cuisine

Be aware that the prices in Iceland are high compared to other European routes. Here you can find excursions, souvenirs, food, and accommodation - everything is quite expensive. If you choose hotels in Iceland, the cost of living in them depends on the location. In the capital, it will be from 3000 to 12000 rubles. per day, in other cities - from 2,000 to 11,600 rubles. per day. A room from a local will be cheaper and can be rented over the Internet.

Traditional Icelandic cuisine can be tried in any cafe and restaurant, as they prefer to treat guests with hearty and simple food, but if you wish, you can find both Asian food and fast food here. The most popular dishes are shark and whale meat, lamb, dried fish with special sauces, and sweet buns.

Amazing facts about Iceland

This country can surprise even experienced travelers:

• Many tourists mistakenly think that Iceland "dies out" from the cold in winter, but in fact, in the inhabited part of the country, the temperature rarely drops below -6 degrees.
• Residents of the country do not have surnames, but simply add the father's name to the name with the ending a son in boys or daughter for girl.
• Every Icelander, in addition to the main profession, also develops a creative specialty, for example, a designer or an artist.
• hasn't changed for over 1000 years.

This country was created to surprise, so it is worth exchanging another warm coast for its cold and unique beauty.

Thermal springs in - business card of this country eternal ice... Swimming in their waters will bring real pleasure to vacationers, will have a beneficial effect on health and skin.

Features of thermal springs in Iceland

Natural hot springs in Iceland have special beauty and medicinal properties... So, those tourists who decide to explore the country may “accidentally” discover a “wild” source or visit public pools (vacationers should pay attention to Laugardalslaug, which has a jacuzzi, saunas, water slides for younger guests, indoor and outdoor pools) and public hot springs (of interest is the geothermal Nautholsvik beach - there lies White sand, and hot water is poured into the multi-meter pool, the temperature of which is at the level of + 38-42 degrees all year round; in winter it can be visited from 11 am to 1 pm, and in summer - from 10 am to 7 pm).

Of no less interest is the valley of the Haukadalur geysers, among which the Big Geyser stands out. Since 2003, during eruptions, it “shoots” hot water to a height of 10 meters about 3 times a day (before the Geyser erupted 8 times a day). During the dormant period, the Geyser becomes a lake, the depth of which is 1.2 m.

And those who find themselves in Griotgja in cold weather should definitely take a dip in the local hot waters.

Blue Lagoon

The water temperature in this geothermal lake is + 38-40˚C, and in addition it contains silicon, salt, quartz, white clay and blue-green algae. Here you can not only swim to get rid of cellulite, soothe shattered nerves, rejuvenate, solve skin and dermatological problems, but also take a course of necessary procedures (masks, peels, wraps, thermal baths) at the local thermal complex “Blue Lagoon”. There, in addition to the outdoor pool, guests will find changing rooms and showers, where you can use shampoo and shower gel for free, as well as waterfalls, saunas and a bar where everyone will be offered to enjoy the taste of vitamin cocktails and alcoholic beverages.

It should be noted that in order to conveniently move for guests of the complex, numerous bridges are provided, and for those who are interested in the closed part of the lagoon, access to which is limited - Exclusive Bath and Lounge (maximum capacity - 12 people; there are separate recreation areas, rooms for dressing up, etc.).

Helpful information: working hours: from 9-10 am to 8-9 pm; visit cost: 33-40 euros.

Hweravetlir

The Valley of Hot Springs is famous for its thermal baths. In winter, everyone will be able to swim in pools with hot thermal water, and in summer they can also plunge into nearby reservoirs, the water in which is cooler. It is worth noting that the most famous source is Eyvindahver.

Landmannalaugar

Landmannalaugar attracts tourists here with its rhyolite mountains (they are painted in blue, yellow, white, green, turquoise colors) and geothermal springs - unique natural pools filled with warm water (next to each there are signs showing information about the water temperature). Bathing in them is available throughout the year, as a result of which everyone will be able to cope with depression, stress, migraine, and get rid of back pain.

In addition, in Landmannalaugar you can ride a horse and stay in a guest house (it is designed to accommodate more than 70 people).

If you want to stay in this area for a few days, pitching a tent, it is best to plan a trip here in July-August. And if your plans include visiting the most interesting places and swimming in the hot waters of Icelandic springs, then it makes sense for you to join the trekking route called “Landing on Mars”.

Snorraleig

Snorraleig is the oldest thermal spring located in the village of Reykholt. It should be noted that the temperature of the water often fluctuates sharply, which makes the water unsuitable for bathing (it is too hot for this).

The first mention of the source was reflected in the writings of the Icelandic writer Snorri Sturluson, who, as you know, used it for swimming as a natural heated pool. Today Snorraleig is surrounded by stone slabs, and not far from the source there is a tunnel that can be explored if desired.

If you decide to stay closer to the spring, you can find Guesthouse Milli Vina 20 km away (where you can order breakfast and dinner in your room).

Deildartunguwer

The water temperature of the Deildartungukver spring is +97 degrees (180 liters of water are poured out per second). And nearby you will be able to find the unique fern Blechnumspicant growing in this area.

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 positions were ensured by a record average life expectancy (over 81 years) and a very high GDP per capita. There are practically no poor in the country, and class stratification is very weakly expressed. Plus, Iceland is the cleanest country in Europe, because the state is heated by geothermal sources that do not pollute the environment (any hot water - in heating pipes, taps, swimming pools, etc. - of natural origin and slightly gray).
The population of Iceland is small - 317 thousand people live in the country, while 65% of the total population lives in the capital and its suburbs.
Life here is measured, the population is mainly employed in the service sector, and fishing is flourishing.

Tourists go to Iceland for a calm and comfortable rest in harmony with nature: hiking in National Parks and in areas of volcanoes and glaciers, bird watching and whale watching, horseback riding in vast flat areas. Icelandic patriots shot an unusual video about their country, the main goal of which was to increase the flow of tourists. The musical theme of the video was the song "Jungle Drum" by the famous Icelandic singer Emiliana Torrini:

Volcanoes of Iceland

Iceland 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. Moreover, Iceland is the largest volcanic island in the world. In 2010 woke up here famous volcano Eyjafjallajokull, which covered Europe with clouds of volcanic ash, due to which air traffic was blocked for some time.

Volcano Hekla has erupted more than 20 times and is considered the most active volcano Iceland:

Eyjafjallajokull volcano eruption:

Lakes of iceland

Iceland's lakes 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 bird colonies. In the north of Iceland is Lake Myvatn, famous for the abundance of trout in its waters and wild ducks on the shores. The lake in translation is called "mosquito" because of the huge number of midges above it, which, however, do not cause any harm to humans. There are more than 50 islands in the lake:

Unusual-looking lakes are formed in many craters of extinct volcanoes:

Iceland's hot springs

Hot springs are the hallmark of Iceland. 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 Lungjökull glacier lies the unique Haukadalur geyser valley, 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 water release:

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 - Strokkur:

All tourists must visit one of the most famous geothermal resorts in the world "Blue Lagoon":

Due to the fact that the temperature of the interior of the island is very high, Iceland has the largest number of hot springs in the world. A total of 250 thermal spring groups have been discovered 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 most beautiful of all is considered to be the Goodlefoss waterfall (translated as the Golden Falls):

The highest waterfall in Europe is located on the Botsna River - Glumur (198 m):

V national park Skaftafell is the location of the unusual Svartifoss waterfall. It is surrounded by dark lava, which has congealed in the form of crystals:

One of the most famous waterfalls in the country, Seljalandfoss (in the south of Iceland) is renowned for its beauty. It falls from a height of about 60 meters above the rocks of the former coastline:

And also on the southern coast of Iceland, the Skogafoss waterfall is very popular:

From small beautiful waterfalls Godafoss (in translation - the waterfall of the Gods) can be noted:

Iceland is a country located on the eponymous island of volcanic origin in the northern part Western Europe and the 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 precipitation, Iceland has a dense river network, rivers are often rapids, they are characterized by a small length and a steep level of water fall (waterfalls are often found), mostly due to the peculiarities of the relief and the constantly changing direction of the current, they are unnavigable. The most significant river system is Tjorsau with a length of 237 km. Iceland possesses significant reserves of hydropower, which in this moment used by only 6%. The area of ​​rivers and lakes is 2750 km 2, there are many lakes of volcanic and glacial origin, the largest lakes Tingvadlavatn, with an area of ​​83 km 2, Mountain Lake Tingvatlavatn, 83.7 km 2, non-freezing Lake Myvatn, lifeless lake at the foot of the Hekla Tourisvatn volcano. The highest waterfalls in the country are Hauyfoss on the Fossad River, 130 meters high, 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 not inhabited. 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 a large number of hot springs and geysers. Soils of the mineral loess type, often swampy, enriched with minerals, volcanic ash, with an admixture of aeolian silty and sandy. This type of soil, together with unfavorable climatic conditions for growing crops, is practically not used for arable land. Potatoes and forage grasses are grown only on 1 thousand hectares; vegetables such as cucumbers and tomatoes are grown in numerous greenhouses and greenhouses that use geothermal energy sources. The land is mainly used for pastures (about 23% of the entire territory). Vegetation is poor, represented mainly by mosses, lichens and grasses.

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, 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-bearing mineral resources. Geothermal springs are common 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 with an average temperature of 750 0 C. Some hot springs erupt to a height of several tens of meters and are called geysers. One hundred kilometers in eastward from the capital of the country Reykjavik is the so-called Valley of Geysers (Haukadalur), here is the Great Geyser, which is the first geyser that struck 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 renewable resource, is used in Iceland to heat 85% of residential buildings, greenhouses and greenhouses where fruits and vegetables are grown. A large number of outdoor thermal pools (170) have been built throughout the country, which are visited by almost all residents of the country (swimming is even included in the Icelandic school curriculum) from young to old.