Atlantica - 01.09.2000, Page 27

A T L A N T I C A 25
LIGHTLY STEAMED
Photo Páll Stefánsson
There’s an autumnal nip in the air and the first snow has already fallen on the highlands,
but in Iceland the outdoor bathing season is never over. This is the joy of geothermal power
– not only is it environmentally friendly and cheap to produce, it also has the side effect of
pumping out glorious hot pools, to be enjoyed “eau” naturel by the lucky locals. Here at
Bjarnarflag near lake Mývatn, north Iceland boasts its own “blue lagoon”, where bathers
can relax their limbs in the medicinal waters, letting the steam soothe their cares away. The
all-too-brief Icelandic summer may be over, but the sense of warmth and well-being is here to stay. VC
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ICELAND
•REYKJAVÍK
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