With a history of Iceland's population using its wealth of geothermal springs for bathing, washing, heating, and power generation, Deildartunguhver, Europe's most powerful hot spring, has been used to supply water to most of the homes and buildings in a 65-kilometer vicinity. Surfacing from the ground with a flow of 180 liters per second at a temperature of 100˚C, the steam and mechanics built around the spring are visible and a destination of their own for travelers, who take in the springs from a nearby wooden platform.
West Iceland's Krauma Geothermal Baths is a modern commercial hot spring facility built adjacent to Deildartunguhver that harnesses the hot springwater for use in its pools and steam rooms. Krauma includes a full bar and restaurant (bathers are welcome to take drinks from the bar to the pool area as well), two steam rooms, a relaxation room with reclining chairs set around a central wood-burning oven that heats the quiet area, and six pools ranging from a cold pool that is about 5˚C to warm and hot pools. All water is derived from the hot spring, along with glacier water, in order to adjust the pool temperatures to their set ranges. The pools have a constant replenishing flow, with no chemicals added to the water.
An open south-facing wall gives soakers views of the neighboring mountains and countryside, as well as the vast steam vents of the source hot spring.
Krauma's restaurant menu offers alchoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, along with snacks and meals. The window-lined dining area also faces the spring and countryside.
Admission includes access to the pools, steam rooms, and relaxation room, along with free locker use. In addition, Krauma offers towels, bathing suits, and bathrobes for rent.
Krauma Geothermal Baths is open year-round, with the warm tubs being comfortable even on our cold winter visit. In contrast to some of Iceland's crowded outdoor pools and its primitive tubs, Krauma is for those looking for a modern and luxurious soaking experience.
For more information on hours and prices, visit Krauma.is.
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