Celebrate the good life at Hvammsvík Hot Springs

One of Iceland’s most precious resources is its geothermal water. In many places, it either bubbles out of the ground or is accessible by drilling a hole. This is amazing for our country. We can heat most of our houses with hot water, greatly enriching the Icelandic economy and eliminating our carbon footprint from house heating. Soaking and bathing in natural geothermal water is just wonderful. And if the location is beautiful, like at Hvammsvík, you are in for a treat. I am delighted to call the great people who run Hvammsvík Hot Springs, my partners. Sign up for my free and exclusive newsletter to receive a discount code for their Classic Package. My wife and I celebrated the first day of summer at Hvammsvík Hot Springs, and when we emerged from their hot springs, we were truly recharged and refreshed.

The history of the first day of summer

A few words about the first day of summer: it is celebrated late in April, always a Thursday, and a public holiday. It also is called “Young Maiden’s Day”) and is the first day of Harpa, the first of six summer months in the Old Norse calendar. There are records of summer gifts in Iceland on this day as far back as the 16th century. Icelandic folklore says that if summer and winter “freeze together,” it means a good summer, but that means the temperature drops below freezing on the eve of the first day of summer. People celebrated this day simply because they were still alive after a long, hard winter.

Taking a much needed break

On the first day of summer, we were indeed alive after a long, hard winter, and we were excited about heading to Hvammsvík Hot Springs. We had heard many good things about Hvammsvík Hot Springs, and a visit there was long overdue. We recruited my wife’s cousins to drive us and pick us up. After all, the sun was shining, and I had taken the following Friday off. To lounge in hot springs with a nice drink sounded like a plan on the festive first day of summer.

Heading to the hot springs after a nice lunch

Let me paint a picture of the stunning Hvalfjörður Fjord. It’s one of the most picturesque routes near Reykjavik, a true feast for the eyes. After a delightful drive through the fjord, we reached Hvammsvík Hot Springs. Our appetites whetted, we started our visit with a light and delicious lunch at Stormur Bistro. Then, it was time to indulge in the hot tubs. But before you immerse yourself in the hot springs, a thorough shower is a must. Don’t worry if you’re shy; private showers are available.

Take your special someone to Hvammsvík Hot Springs

We found the hot springs were incredible. Hvammsvík has several different hot tubs with varying degrees of water temperature. I would advise you to rent the wading shoes or bring your own since the hot springs are on a beach and there is a bit of gravel around. My wife took things to an extreme when she dipped into the ocean. I am genuinely puzzled by this kind of behavior from anyone. The hot springs are nice and warm; the sea is freezing cold.

We spent a lot more time at Hvammsvík than we planned. The sun was shining, and the wind was brisk. The drinks flowed easily. The view was spectacular: snow-capped mountains, clear skies, and the deep blue sea. What else do you want or need?

It was a perfect day for us to relax and reconnect after a long bout of hard work. I dare say that Hvammsvík is a highly romantic place. So take your special someone there.