GeoSea tops the Time's list of Greatest places of 2019
Last August, Time Magazine published its list of the Greatest Places of 2019. Ranging from places to visit, stay and eat&drink, the brand new geothermal sea baths at GeoSea in Húsavík, North Iceland tops the list of places to visit. This is a big reward for the hard work that has gone into this project, which started a few years ago with the site formally opening in August 2018.
"Roughly 300 miles north in Husavik, a port town along the country’s Arctic Coast Way, a lesser-known geothermal spa gives its guests plenty of room to breathe. Opened in August 2018, Geosea draws its mineral-rich seawaters from two nearby drill holes. It has multiple infinity-edged pools and a built-in waterfall, swim-up bar and bathtub-warm water averaging around 100°F. The spa operates year-round, staying open till midnight in summer and 10 p.m. in winter—a spectacular way to catch the northern lights when swimming after dark," writes Ashlea Halpern of Time Magazine about GeoSea.
GeoSea is, as mentioned before, located in Húsavík which sits on the Arctic Coast Way and offers a unique view to the north while relaxing in the hot seawater. Learn more about the Arctic Coast Way here.
Here is a quick overview of the history of GeoSea from their website, to learn more click here.
"For centuries, the geothermal heat north of Húsavík has been known to residents, who have utilized it for bathing and washing. Drilling for hot water at Húsavíkurhöfði in the mid-20th century revealed water that turned out to be hot seawater, too rich in minerals to be suitable for heating houses.
Instead of letting this hot water go to waste, an old cheese barrel was installed at Húsavíkurhöfði. There, Húsavík residents could enjoy the health benefits of bathing in hot seawater. Those suffering from skin conditions such as psoriasis have found relief by bathing in the water, which is at an optimal temperature of 38°-39°C.
The water in the GeoSea sea baths comes from two drillholes, one located by the cheese barrel and the other by Húsavík harbor. There is no need to use any cleaning agents or equipment, as the steady flow of water from the drillholes, between the pools, over their edges and into the sea ensures that the water stays within the limits stipulated by health regulations.
The GeoSea sea baths enable you to enjoy nature in a unique manner. Thanks to the underground heat, the seawater in the baths is warm and comfortable and the mineral-rich water will caress your skin. While the warm sea works its miracles, you can enjoy the view of the mountain range to the west, Skjálfandi Bay beneath the cliffs and the Arctic Circle itself on the horizon."