Iceland has opened its newest natural geothermal springs to visitors.
Hvammsvík Hot Springs is a unique wellness destination in the unspoiled Icelandic wilderness, offering eight hot springs of various sizes and temperatures.
Located in a 1,200-acre private estate, in the picturesque Hvalfjörður, the new geothermal pools are just a 45-minute drive from Reykjavík.
The temperature of each spring varies, as some quite literally disappear under the Atlantic Ocean during high tide, only to emerge again when it resides.
The springs come from a geothermal well on the estate that provides 90C water which is then cooled down by the ocean providing perfect temperatures of 37- 39C in most of the springs.
As one pool starts to cool with the tide, guests can migrate inland to hotter pools throughout their visit.
Guests can also cool off by diving into the ocean between springs and have the chance to swim with seals which are frequently spotted just offshore.
Skúli Mogensen, Founder of Hvammsvík Hot Springs, says:
“Our vision was to create an experience that blends perfectly with the spectacular mountains, ocean and wildlife that Hvalfjörður has to offer.
“The wellness destination allows our guests to lose track of time and space while immersing themselves in our geothermal nature baths.
“We want each of our guests’ visits to be personal, away from the crowds, where they can enjoy everything we have to offer at their own leisure.”
Hvammsvík is also home to a small, yet excellent Bistro & Bar called Stormur.
Renowned locally for its delicious seafood soup and Alges shots, the dining spot is headed up by Chef Hinrik Carl Ellertsson, who gained his experience at Michelin-starred restaurant Dill.
Adding to the memorable experience, guests can enjoy drinks served directly to them in the hot springs.
The estate is rich with history, dating back to the 11th century and is well documented in Landnáma, the book of the first settlers in Iceland.
Many of the existing buildings on the estate remain from WWII, with barracks laying low in the grounds, housing showers and changing rooms.
Guests can also use the more classically Icelandic hot spring showers, and shower under the open skies, with the chance to catch the northern lights throughout the winter season.
Visitors are encouraged to spend the day at Hvammsvík, either paddle boarding on the fjord, or wandering around the estate, and some of Iceland’s most spectacular hikes which are close by including Glymur Waterfall, Brynjudalur or Fossá.
Hvammsvík is also home to four high-end lodges and farmhouses that can sleep between four and nine guests each.
All of them have been renovated to the highest standard while still keeping to their original rustic charm, some even have their own private hot spring.
Open from 11 am to 10 pm every day, admission to the Hvammsvík Hot Springs is ISK 6900 (£42pp approx.) on weekdays and ISK 7900 (£48pp approx.) on weekends.
Guests can book online at www.hvammsvík.com prior to arrival.
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