As I touched on in my last blog (Will you try a cold water dip?) natural hot springs are prominent in Iceland's geography. I vividly remember my encounter with the clean, soft, very warm, and milky white water of Iceland. Some years back, I was traveling quite frequently back and forth between the US and Denmark. I would often fly with Icelandair. That meant a stopover in Iceland. Sure, it was one of the cheaper routes at that time, but even better: the itinerary had a fixed four-hour stopover in Reykavik, which gave me just enough time for a quick trip to the Blue Lagoon, merely 10 miles away from the airport. I mean, when have you ever been looking forward to a stopover? That tells you a lot.
I would lay there in the warm water, looking up at the stunning Icelandic nature, speculating about one question: Did the early settlers of Iceland - Vikings as they were – also enjoy soaking in the geothermal waters ?? Can you imagine a Viking enjoying a warm viking bath, just like I was?
For centuries people have been bathing in the Icelandic natural geothermal pools. In the famous Blue Lagoon, the water's milky blue shade is due to its high silica content. The water temperature in the lagoon's bathing and swimming area averages 99–102 °F.
The first people exploring Iceland came from Norway (unlike other regions colonized by the Vikings, Iceland had no indigenous population). It is so fascinating to think that, as Iceland became inhabited more than 1000 years ago, the new inhabitants must have been puzzled by this natural phenomenon in "the Land of Fire and Ice."
The original Norse settlers believed that Iceland was the land of the Gods and full of spirits. No wonder. Even today, elves are prominent in Icelandic culture.
Iceland is fascinating in so many ways, and I want to go back and spend some more time there soon: the stunning natural beauty draws me. The landscape is nothing short of mystical with an endless series of snow-covered volcanoes, mountains and ice fields, waterfalls, lava plains, hot geysers, glaciers, strange rock formations, hot geysers, and black sand beaches.
And with a rugged, "other-worldly" terrain, the icy Nordic views are like nothing else you'll see in this world. But on top of all that, Iceland is known for its avant-garde design and outstanding traditional craftsmanship.
That is why I am so proud of having the 100% organic handmade skincare in our newest box. Angan Skincare is the authentic Iceland nature brought to your home so that you can take an Icelandic bath.
See all items in the Norlii home decor box February 2021 here
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Scandinavia and the Nordics
The meaning of 'Scandinavia' is the group of countries in northern Europe that includes Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, sometimes also Finland, Iceland, and the Faroe Islands.
Finland and Iceland are not considered part of Scandinavia geographically, but certainly culturally.
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Scandinavia and the Nordics
The meaning of 'Scandinavia' is the group of countries in northern Europe that includes Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, sometimes also Finland, Iceland, and the Faroe Islands.
Finland and Iceland are not considered part of Scandinavia geographically, but certainly culturally.
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