Reykjavík Spa City - What’s That? In recent years Reykjavík has been portrayed as a Spa City. The word spa has an international context, and a variety of meanings. Most connect it with baths, massage, exercise and relaxation, but the original definition in Europe refers to a health bath in thermal water. Thermal water That which the capital of Iceland, Reykjavík, has over other European cities is abundant supplies of thermal water: over 55 million tons of very hot thermal water is pumped throughout the city annually. Thermal water is a renewable resource, and its heat-utilization is about 100%. It is harnessed to generate electricity, for space heating and in the city’s thermal pools and baths. It also has other uses, such as to heat private hot pots, pools, conservatories and greenhouses. Thermal water is also piped under sidewalks and parking lots to melt snow and ice. All these and other uses of thermal water are environmentally friendly, and as such there is very little air pollution in Reykjavík in relation to other cities in the world. Residents also have access to drinking water of the highest quality, which is sometimes called Champagne of the North. 800 meter beachfront (2649 feet) in Reykjavík - open year-round And the water temperature is 20°C (84°F). Actually, this isn’t standard beachfront, rather the thermal pools in Reykjavík. The city operates seven thermal pools and baths, most of which are outdoors. The water is kept at a comfortable 29°C (84° F). All pools have an assortment of hot pots with temperatures ranging from 37°C - 42°C (98°F - 111°F), and some are equipped with massage jet-nozzles. Most facilities also have steam or sauna baths. The art of bathing It has long been known that swimming is one of the healthiest forms of exercise, but swimming in thermal water while breathing in fresh, clean air is particularly wholesome. Yet most guests at Reykjavik’s pools have a second agenda: to enjoy bathing in the hot pots. After choosing a hot pot with the most appealing temperature - or going from one to another - one sits down and immediately feels tiredness and stress oozing out and replaced with a feeling of wellness. Steam baths are also very popular, and have positive affects on the skin and respiratory system. In addition to being health spas, the thermal pools are great places to meet people, and join in conversations. It has been said that you go to a pub to meet a Londoner, a coffeehouse to meet a Parisian, and to a swimming pool to meet an Icelander. Swimming and then bathing in thermal water in a fresh, clean environment is perhaps the best exercise experience available anywhere. This activity also has very positive affects on the body and soul: hot water softens stiff muscles and joints, reduces stress and increases the feeling of wellness. It is also beneficial for those suffering from arthritis, heart disease and respiratory ailments. Reykjavik’s thermal pools and baths are also one of the least expensive leisure activities available: admission is only about 2 USD, or 2 euros. Spa City Reykjavík Reykjavík is a small city by international standards, yet it offers most of what is found in the world’s major cities: a diverse cultural life, hot nightlife and great restaurants serving healthy, delicious meals made from clean ingredients. There is little air pollution in the city, the crime rate is low and you’re never more than a few minutes away from Mother Nature at her best. Residents are well educated, and most speak English, even one or two other languages. There is also a wide selection of health clubs and spas with numerous facilities, several types of messages and services such as facials and pedicures. The city also has well equipped and technologically advanced hospitals with highly educated and trained staff. The centerpiece of Spa City Reykjavík, however, is its seven thermal pools and baths. “The strength of Spa City Reykjavík,” says Sigmar B. Hauksson, project manager of the Spa City Reykjavik concept, “is the enormous abundance of hot water at our disposal. It is the heat in the water that affects the body and soul in such a positive manner. We know that 94% of our foreign guests consider a visit to the pools to have a beneficial affect on their wellness, and 98% of our guests responded that they would visit the pools again if and when they return to Reykjavík. “The social aspect of the pools is also an important factor. Our research showed that 47% of foreign guests who visited the pools had a conversation with an Icelander while bathing. It turns out that the pools are the best place to get information about life and living in Reykjavík. They are truly a wellspring of well-being for body and soul. In fact, we view the city as a full-service health spa. There are so many aspects of Reykjavík that provide people with the opportunity to improve their health, relax and simply enjoy life,” said Sigmar B. Hauksson. For further information: http://www.spacity.is e-mail: [email protected]