Husafell Canyon Baths Review: A Soak & Hike Experience
So, you’re looking for a genuinely memorable thing to do in Iceland, are you? Well, a visit to the Husafell Canyon Baths combined with a brief hike in the highlands might be just what you need. This is a look at my personal experience, that details what you could expect, from the landscape and geothermal waters to those practical considerations like what to pack. Perhaps, it will give you enough insights that’ll make planning your own trip a little simpler. It’s not just a spa visit, it’s actually a whole thing, it’s very special and it’s very Icelandic in a way that feels genuine.
Getting to Husafell: A Scenic Beginning
The trip starts even before you get to Husafell Canyon Baths, alright? The drive, notably from Reykjavik, is already an eye-opener. It takes about two hours, and that goes through some really gorgeous Icelandic landscapes. The route almost takes you past lava fields and across these expansive plains, too it’s like you’re driving right into the heart of what makes Iceland so spectacular, you know? Roads can change though, sometimes depending on the weather of course, that always varies, I will say, but the main thing is that it’s usually accessible throughout the year. Just be mindful and check conditions prior to heading out. Once you get to Husafell, you find yourself at the edge of the Icelandic Highlands. The anticipation is palpable. You can feel like you’re moving away from tourist crowds into a place where you can kinda feel more in touch with nature, you see?
The Highlands Hike: Preparation and Expectations
Right, so the hike, very much shorter than you’re imagining, just maybe an hour each way, acts that connection to those Canyon Baths, does it? It’s not Mount Everest but rather more a chance to enjoy your landscape. This is through rugged trails with maybe a slight elevation here or there and you get stunning views, really breathtaking, of that surrounding area, which you could almost suggest looks ancient. Prior planning could make a positive change here. I’d absolutely say wearing layered clothing is key, I mean weather in Iceland has mood swings more extreme than my toddler on a sugar high, alright? You will need waterproof outer layers as there is rain almost every day, and good sturdy hiking boots, that’s important for comfort and safety. Do bring water and snacks. This would give you sustenance as there aren’t many places to buy anything once you leave Husafell. Getting ready like that makes you focus on enjoying nature so very much more and takes away from that “ugh, I wish I had…” feeling.
Canyon Baths Experience: Immersion in Nature
Ok, so, let’s discuss why we came here, the baths themselves are more than just soaking in hot water, they’re literally like getting a warm hug from mother nature. As a matter of fact, the Canyon Baths are crafted right into the landscape. In some respects, you will feel one with your landscape all around you. The water that’s trickling from these natural hot springs comes directly from the mountains; they stay at a very cozy temperature, usually between 30°C to 40°C (86°F to 104°F). This provides a supremely very cozy and therapeutic experience. There are no flashy distractions like jets or slides. What it almost all revolves around is tranquility. The area is really designed so that relaxation comes first. Honestly, I think you’ll notice, sitting there among those rocks with this mist rising and with those sounds all around, a huge calming sensation.
Sustainability and Respect for the Environment
What stands out, even if you were a newbie is how in sync Husafell Canyon Baths keeps with sustainable practices. I mean that’s something important, so you should note. They take very seriously preservation of your surrounding area so their impact can almost be zero. Everything, almost like the building materials and operation routines, does keep within very environmentally sensitive guidelines. So it might feel reassuring, in some respects that your tourist visit will not adversely impact nature. That adds something so special to an adventure I think, knowing I support tourist spots that respect their environment. Respect for nature isn’t an add-on but just like some natural core part. Now you know, just a little bit of the story here: The Canyon Baths actually draw its water from two hot springs, and it’s owned by the family whose land hosts the springs. Those pools use natural rock formations as their basins; everything is free from artificial or chemical additions. I find it reassuring, really. In short, if you are there, I think you might feel very relaxed when you do. As a matter of fact you may return to the site, once you know about their commitment to eco friendliness. In some respects, the location acts like this kind-of demonstration for us.
Practical Information and Tips for Visitors
Planning would turn into a more efficient tour. I mean that. Here’s some really useful info: So, definitely, you wanna book your visit well beforehand, particularly when traveling during peak season. That’s usually around summer or public holidays. You are able to secure a spot. Just make sure that you find something online. Remember, it is best to bring your own towel as rentals tend to get very costly. It’s possible for you to rent them. Wear proper swimwear because regular clothing just feels kind of weird in that hot spring water. Don’t just go naked and all of a sudden. You might want a waterproof camera to snap photos while you’re busy with baths. There might be photo opportunities, do you get my drift? Please stay hydrated by carrying drinks. Given that temperatures fluctuate from that hiking temperature down into freezing temps by evening. Last point here, I just would like to address this to make that much safer experience, always remain on your designated paths and respect wildlife. When walking, do be considerate of preserving such beautiful and pristine locations. Iceland looks spectacular when it is at its best.
Nearby Attractions and Activities
While you’re right there, think about seeing some neighboring spots? I’d just like to tell you of what else is possible while you are there. This will maximize a visit if you schedule something of this magnitude. Those magnificent Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls tend to be easily accessed just a bit of driving after Husafell; those places feature a series of glacial water cascading right over lava rocks. If you plan it effectively. In that respect this should really create a wonderful comparison point in all regards of geology or something related to that kind of setting I mentioned. In addition, you could have access to Vidgelmir Lava Cave, which I would propose offers interesting insights for what exactly that lava can really look beneath ground level by showing an expansive underground volcanic landscape. So what else would seem worth going by too: that historical site at Reykholt, known to have very rich Viking history coupled Icelandic heritage during earlier times.
Dining Options at Husafell
If you’ve got this big appetite developing following hiking along with this soaking that might be interesting; here’s options which help for knowing how to refuel yourself: this Husafell area may feature such local restaurants as the Husafell Bistro which provides delicious and casual eating alternatives, featuring dishes that emphasize those Icelandic produce too. Just in order that travelers eat well whilst they go exploring round Iceland’s natural attractions. Other options include either the more casual café offering quicker meals or small cafes at your nearby locations in Borganes town where there’s all kinds of different varieties available on many items for mealtime depending the thing I just was showing. Thus those stopping nearby may enjoy the conventional dining choices located right outside Husafell, especially if considering additional excursions inside such district or along your roads either to & out from these geographical landmarks found elsewhere, too. This should hopefully allow most of what folks love taking place here once lunchtime.
Accommodation Options in Husafell
Well, there are some different choices when selecting the best location around Husafell here depending those demands or budgets of all kinds tourists: Hotel Husafell gives excellent services offering cozy rooms/suites, also including features right across their premise something wonderful to have like your perfect stay inside their grounds that provide fantastic relaxation throughout someone traveling on something big. This type residence comes as convenient right because this makes reaching tourist locations possible & you find everything right close something handy during seeing those Icelandic environments. Instead different alternate places located close-at towns Borgarnes like guesthouses offering affordable lodging also being another consideration people usually turn-towards those staying short trips because affordability really goes deep right through people that consider cost something really great plus it should not become costly as they move towards Husafell areas!
