May 30 2008
Reykjavik’s Outdoor Thermal Pools
I just finished writing a piece about Reykjavik, Iceland for another website and I’ve got to say, it piqued my interest. Reykjavik has never made it onto my list of places I’d like to see someday, but now I’d definitely consider it.
It was one attraction in particular that did it. Outdoor pools. In Iceland. They have these outdoor pools all over the city of Iceland, and Icelanders visit them faithfully. The pools are kept at about 84 degrees, so they’re nice and warm even if it’s snowing outside. They also have several things they call “hot pots” which are kept at different temperatures, between 92 and 111 degrees. They called them “small pools” - sounds like a hot tub to me. Apparently, these pools are one of the most popular tourist attractions in Iceland. The Icelanders insist that regular use of these pools improves general health and well-being, and that it’s much better to go swimming outside in icy temperatures, because it’s fresh air and healthier than stuffy indoor pools.
I don’t know about that, but I want to try them.
