Hot Natural Pools

Akranes is most populous urban area in Vesturland, with about 7.688 inhabitants. Numerous walking trails can be found,with varied terrain and interesting resting places. Walking trails can be found on the outskirts of the town, by the sea and into the town itself, allowing visitors and residents of Akranes to experience great diversity.   Akranes has a lot to offer when it comes to leisure and experience, but the best-known areas are Langisandur beach and Breiðin lighthouse area. Langisandur beach is extremely popular among residents of Akranes, but there are numerous recreational opportunities, whether it´s going to Guðlaug natural pool, sea swimming, exercising or enjoying the coastline and the beauty it holds. Breiðin is a popular destination for tourists, with good infrastructure and good information center. Akranes has done great things regarding accessiblilty and information around the walking trail and is a hugely interesting destination to visit.    Area: Akranes  Road number to the starting point: Kalmansbraut (nr. 51), at the campsite of Akranes.  Level of difficulty: Easy  Length: 10.36 km  Elevation: 0-50 meters  Markings: No markings.  Duration: 2.15 hours  Route type: Paved paths and small rocks.  Obstacles on the way: No obstacles.  Service in the area: At the campsite and different service companies in the area.  Illumination: The majority of the path is lit, but a part that is unlit.  Season: The walking trail is open all year round.  GPS coordinates to the starting point: N64°19.5756 W022°04.0371 at the campsite of Akranes.  GPS coordinates to the ending point: N64°18.7945 W022°02.6144 at the monument „Heaven“.  

According to Laxdaela saga, Gudrun Osvifursdóttir used to dwell by a geothermal pool in Laugar in Saelingsdalur. The pool is mentioned in Sturlunga saga and it seems to have been used a great deal. The pool is believed to have been destroyed in a landslide. In 2009 a new pool was built near to the location where the old pool is thought to have been situated and named Gudrunarlaug. A changing facility, referred to as a ”house of modesty“ in Icelandic, was also built at the same time.

Deildartunguhver highest flow hot spring in Europe !Deildartunguhver is Europe's most powerful hot spring. It provides 180 l/sec of 100°C hot water.Most of the water used for central heating in the towns of Borgarnes and Akranes is taken from Deildartunguhver. The hot water pipeline to Akranes is 64 km long, the longest in Iceland and the water is about 78 - 80 degrees when it reaches Akranes. If you take a shower anywhere within a 65 km radius of the spring, you have already bathed in the hot water from this powerful spring!

Hiking around Reykholt saga ring trail is educational and fun. An extensive work has been done on installing signs and build footpaths, making it possible to walk into Reykholtsskógur which is located above the village. It's possible to download an audioguide that adds more fun when walking around the area.  Reykholt in Borgarfjörður is a well-known village for tourists and locals. An ancient and protected pool, Snorralaug, is located in this area. According to Landnáma (the oldest book of the Settlement in Iceland), Snorralaug has been there since 960. In Reykholt is also possible to visit two churches. Reykholtsskógur "forest" is above the churches and there is an ancient highway that passes through and along the forest. Snorrastofa is a research centre where it is possible to get information about the area and where you can find guided tours, lectures and exhibitions. There is also a shop with unique products and gifts. The area has a lot to offer, specially to visitors in search of nature and/or history. Reykholt Festival is held every year at Reykholt.  Area: Reykholt, Borgarbyggð Road number to the starting point: Hálsasveitarvegur (nr. 518), Borgarbyggð Level of difficulty: Easy Length: 1.64km/1 mile Elevation: 50 meters elevation/164 ft.  Markings: No markings on the way Duration: 25 minutes Route type: Small rocks and a paved path Obstacles on the way: No obstacles Services in the area: Toilet is accessible on the route, garbage can be dumped in bins on the way and there is an option to buy guided tour of the route. Snorrastofa provides some services and there is also Fosshótel Reykholt that offers accommodation, restaurant and assistance providing information to visitors.  Illumination: Part of the route is illuminated Season: This hiking trail is open all year round GPS coordinates starting point: N64°66318 W021°292 GPS coordinates finishing point: N64°66318 W021°292