Best of North Iceland 2018: Best Bathing Spot

A five-hour drive away from the capital area, the North’s spectacular sights and vast unspoiled nature will amaze the most seasoned of travellers. Drive towards its coastline where the sun never sets and enjoy everything the North has to offer—from its many canyons and hiking trails, to more urban environments. Whether you choose to visit the up-and-coming town of Siglufjörður or fine-dine in the countryside; whether you go for a week-long hike in Fjörður or decide to travel all the way to Húsavík for a whale watching tour; whether you’ll be driving across the otherworldly landscape of Askja or the mellow hills of Mývatn, you’re inevitably bound to take on an adventure you’ll never forget.

Best Bathing Spot

Beer Baths

Ægisgata 31, 621 Árskógssandur

If you’re looking for something different from the classic Icelandic pools and geothermal spas, you’re in for a treat at the Beer Baths. Soak in a mixture of beer, water and yeast to feel as decadent as a modern Cleopatra. If soaking in fizzy beer is not your thing, however, you can always hop into the water-filled hot tub that overlooks the harbour and get lost in your thoughts.

Runner-Up:

Mývatn Nature Baths

Jarðbaðshólar, 660 Mývatn

The Mývatn Nature Baths is a smaller, quieter version of the Blue Lagoon, with silky white water that seems to coat your skin with geothermal goodness. It’s a bit more expensive than your average municipal pool, but it’s an experience that’s worth it, and it makes for a scenic and relaxing final stop after a drive around Mývatn or the Diamond Circle.

Newcomer:

Geosea Sea Baths

Vitaslóð 1, 640 Húsavík

This new luxury spa, opening in Húsavík in June, takes the concept of healing geothermal water to a whole new level. The baths, in fact, are filled with geothermally heated seawater. The place has all the facilities you need, from geothermal water to affordable food, but it’s the view over the Arctic Ocean that will captivate you. Try to spot a whale while you soak in a hot tub under the northern sky.

More Best Of Iceland Awards

South Iceland

West Iceland

The Westfjords

North Iceland

East Iceland

You can buy a copy of the full Best Of Iceland 2018 magazine—an essential guide to having fun in Iceland—here, posted worldwide. We also have a Special Offer double-pack that also includes our Best Of Reykjavík magazine, about places to eat, see, swim, visit, and shop in the country’s capital city, here.