DREAMSCAPES WINTER/SPRING 2023
66
S
teaming fumaroles dot the barren landscape all
along the trail to Reykjadalur Hot Spring in south-
western Iceland. The valley's volcanic activity
makes it feel Mordor-esque like in the J.R.R. Tolkien
classic, Lord of the Rings and my swim bag seems to take on
the weight of Frodo's ring (a Tolkien character) as I trek
uphill for four kilometres.
After an hour, the geothermal river appears, sided by
raised wooden boardwalks and partitioned changing areas.
Toque-wearing bathers cluster in the warm water; segments
of the creek have been partially dammed with rocks to
create deeper pools for soaking. My husband and I quickly
don our swimsuits and get into the piping water.
This blissful soak is more than worth the effort to get
here. Not only are we tapping into one of Iceland's geolog-
ical marvels, but we're also participating in a cultural
tradition: bathing. Icelanders have been taking the waters
since at least the 12
th
century. They seek the circulatory
and anti-inflammatory health benefits of the hot mineral
water along with its social perks—natural springs and
public pools are places for the community to gather, con-
nect and relax.
The best part? Hot springs hopping is just one wellness
activity in the land of fire and ice.
I S L A N D W E L L N E S S F E A T U R E
Northern Lights
INSIDER TIP
Visit in April. It's one of Iceland's least busy
months and there's still a good chance to
see the Northern Lights.
When it comes
to wellness, Iceland
wows in the off-season
BY LISA KADANE
Chasing
waterfalls,
hot
springs
and
the