Iceland review - 2016, Page 137

ICELAND REVIEW 135
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 relaxing dip or a few laps. 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 ‘Swim-
ming 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 (55-yard) 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 western 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
Unrivaled Aerial Views
Helo offers a wide range of helicopter tours around Iceland. From the sur-
prisingly affordable aerial view of Reykjavík and its surrounding mountains,
to the even more exotic trip to North Iceland’s unforgettable Diamond Circle.
All tours include complimentary pick-up from the city center or your hotel.
Helo operates Iceland’s only luxury helicopter, which accommodates up to
six passengers in face-to-face executive leather seats, each with unrivaled views.
Passengers have top-of-the-range BOSE noise-canceling headsets to chat and
listen to music in peace. The helicopter is fitted with rare floor to ceiling bub-
ble windows, which allow an almost panoramic view from sky to ground and
work to enhance the feeling of flying. The Bell 407 is famous for its efficient
operation and great safety record.
Helo also has access to other helicopters, which allow the company to
consistently provide a reliable service and have extra capacity for large groups.
helo.is
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 renovated, 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 expe-
rience. As swimming stimulates 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
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