Iceland review - 2015, Síða 121

ICELAND REVIEW 119
SPECIAL PROMOTION
Soaking in Style
Laugarvatn Fontana Geothermal Baths are located right on the black beach of
Laugarvatn Lake, which is boiling hot in places due to geothermal activity. An
hour’s drive from Reykjavík, Laugarvatn Fontana is a must-stop on the popular
Golden Circle route. Laugarvatn Fontana’s steam rooms are built over a boiling
hot spring which has been used for this purpose for over 80 years. Elegantly reno-
vated, the steam rooms have special grates in the floor allowing guests to see, hear
and smell the natural hot spring. A Finnish-style sauna has also been added to the
area, along with a series of interconnected baths and natural pools of various
temperatures and depths, ideal for the entire family to relax or play. A refreshing
swim in Laugarvatn completes the bathing experience. As swimming heightens
the appetite, you can spontaneously decide to try the freshly-made delicacies in
the in-house buffet, available daily at noon and in the evening. fontana.is
Bringing Reykjavík to Life
Want to learn about the heritage of Iceland, uncover what makes Icelanders tick,
and take in some beautiful Icelandic scenery? Check out the new Reykjavík City
Museum. This combination of top museums lets you explore and discover what
makes Reykjavík such a dynamic and inspiring city. For archaeology buffs, look
no further than The Settlement Exhibition. To explore Reykjavík life present
and past, visit the Reykjavík Museum of Photography and for imaginative and
creative exhibitions devoted to the ocean’s role in transforming Iceland over the
ages, a trip to the Maritime Museum is a must. Árbær Open-Air Museum takes
you back in time with a quaint collection of original houses giving a good idea
of life in Reykjavík in the olden days. For those who love nature and outdoor art,
the island of Viðey, a mere ten-minute boat trip from Reykjavík, is a paradise.
reykjavikcitymuseum.is
Pools Worth Making a Splash About
Reykjavík’s geothermal swimming pools offer a place to soothe your cares away
and soak up the many therapeutic benefits of Icelandic water. Perfect for a relax-
ing dip or a few lengths. There’s fun for the young-at-heart on the water slides
and it’s always a good time to unwind in the range of hot tubs by the poolside
and get to know the local gossip. Why not visit the ‘swimming palace,’ Sundhöll-
in, Iceland’s oldest and most charming pool, designed by renowned architect
Guðjón Samúelsson? Enjoy the range of facilities at Laugardalslaug, including
50-meter (164-feet) in and outdoor pools, a range of hot tubs and waterslides,
and for family fun look no further than Árbæjarlaug where the little ones can
enjoy a children’s pool, paddling pool, slides and water fountains. In the west-
ern part of town is the recently-renovated, small and friendly Vesturbæjarlaug.
Located within walking distance of the city center, it’s good for a soothing soak
after a day of shopping and sightseeing. visitreykjavik.is/swimming-reykjavik