Trip to Iceland - Hot Springs

 Here is an Icelandic humor, a man walked into a hot spring... and that's the end of the joke. The punchline might lean towards the zizekian or dark humor, much like the steam that billows from the thermal vents themselves. However, the reason behind this peculiar scenario is soon unveiled - these thermal vents spray boiling water, with temperatures nearly reaching 100 degrees Celsius.

Today, we find ourselves in the charming city of Vik, eagerly preparing to embark on an adventure to witness the awe-inspiring glaciers and enchanting caves. But before delving into these icy wonders, let's take a moment to marvel at the natural splendor of the secret lagoon hot spring, where the temperatures are pleasantly mild. Adjacent to this oasis of relaxation is The Great Geysir, the very term "geyser" finding its roots here. It's worth noting, however, that not all hot springs are suitable for a leisurely swim. Some pools are so scorching that they could singe your skin within seconds.

Interestingly, many of these scalding spots aren't meant for swimming at all; they serve as potent sources of geothermal energy. As we journeyed through a quaint city, we heard tales of locals supposedly burying dough wrapped in kitchen foil underground, only to unearth freshly baked bread come morning. While I can't personally vouch for this account (our Croatian guide, Yosif, seems a bit dubious), it does underscore the remarkable geothermal power that lies beneath the surface.

Now, let's return to the heart of our story - the natural swimming pool. Our guide proudly describes it as a triple treat, offering a warm bath, rejuvenating steam, and mineral-rich water all in one. The pool's vivid green hue owes itself to the flourishing moss that lines its edges. And, to be frank, the experience is truly invigorating.

As our Icelandic escapade unfolds, we can't help but be enchanted by the juxtaposition of Iceland's fiery underbelly and its icy landscapes. From the steamy embrace of the secret lagoon to the curious tales of geothermal energy, our adventure continues to unfold in ways we could have never imagined.

- Ajith Dharma posted -13/08/2023

Previous Post:Trip to Iceland - Day 1 

Trip to Iceland - Day 1 - Hallgrimskirkja  Cathedral in Reykjavik 

Trip to Iceland - Day 2 - The crater

The second day, we were traveling outside the capital, Reykjavik. 

We took a tour bus to go our journey as it is easier to that way. 

Our first stop was the explosion crater, Kerid. In this area, you can observe a lot of lava-filled terrain along with grass and small trees in the surrounding areas. The moss you see is protected by law; you cannot touch or walk over it. Throughout Iceland, you'll notice these endless fields of moss, but touching or walking on Iceland's moss can cause permanent damage. They are very protective of the scarce vegetation around these sites.

The crater Kerid was formed about 6500 years ago and lies at the northern end of a row of craters known as Tjarnarholar (these names are challenging to write correctly, much like our names). It stretches 270 meters in length and reaches a depth of about 14 meters.

In the shopping center, there's a unique underground line. If you stand there with your legs apart, one leg will be on the European tectonic plate, and the other on the North American plate. The center was built on top of the fault line, and minor tremors can be recorded.

Previous Post:Trip to Iceland - Day 1 

Trip to Iceland - Day 1 - Hallgrimskirkja  Cathedral in Reykjavik