Iceland is known for its thermal waters, and you will find many resort-type venues utilizing these waters to bring you the ultimate geothermal experience. But Geosea is an exceptionally unique geothermal outlier and offers visitors a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
In this article, we tell you everything there is to know about this hot spring hot spot, what makes it so special, why you should visit, and how to prep for your trip. So, without further ado, let’s see what all the fuss regarding Geosea is about.
Geosea: A Quick Overview
The name “Geosea” is very descriptive of this unique geothermal experience, but can also be a bit misleading. Many who first hear the name, expect to arrive at a man-made ocean or wave machine, but Geosea is rather the other way around: here, you’ll find real seawater in geothermal pools.
The fact that Geosea runs on geothermal seawater is what gives it its unique edge here in Iceland. Geosea also boasts incredible facilities with breathtaking views. The pool with its warm water of between 38 to 39 degrees Celsius, is in an abstract shape, resembling a big pond. It’s also tiered with loads of little nooks where people can sit and relax.
The views from the pool are also spectacular as it looks out across the bay, and don’t be surprised if you spot some of our sealife, such as dolphins or whales living their best bay lives. For those who start to feel a bit thirsty, there’s not even a need to get out of the water. Geosea’s convenient swim-up bar allows you to grab a drink (alcoholic or non-alcoholic), all while remaining in the warm waters.
Geosea’s relaxed take on a geothermal experience also doesn’t end there; you can grab a bite to eat in the dining area in your bathrobe! For further spa treatments, you can use the steam room, offering various health benefits and skin rejuvenation. Geosea has the basics down pat, so you don’t need to worry about facilities such as changing rooms, bathrooms, or showers.
In fact, Geosea even provides you with free shampoo, conditioner, and shower gel made by one of our local companies, specializing in natural skin care. As an additional benefit and unique feature, Geosea doesn’t use any chemicals or other cleaning agents to clean the pools. The flow of the hot springs along with the water running over the edges of the pool (acting as a type of filtration system) keeps the water naturally fresh and clean.
The History and Origins of Geosea
Iceland’s geothermal waters are not just to have relaxing experiences. The thermal water here on the island plays a significant role in generating electricity and in the heating of our homes and businesses. But finding these natural hot springs takes some digging (literally), and it is during one of these drilling excavations here at Husavikurhöfdi in the 20th century that they were in for quite the surprise.
They did not find the usual natural hot spring water, but warm seawater filled with so many minerals that it would be impossible to use in houses or businesses. That being said, while a high mineral content can cause problems with piping etc, it has many health and wellness benefits for us humans. So, in an effort to not let the warm healing waters go to waste, a cheese barrel was used to collect the water and let locals have a soak.
We’ve clearly come a long way since that cheese barrel. The Geosea development used the water resources from the original cheese barrel as well as another at Husavik Harbor to create the incredible geothermal experience we know and love today. The Geosea Geothermal Sea Baths officially opened its doors to the public in 2018.
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The Health Benefits of the Water at Geosea
As mentioned, the mineral-rich warm waters of Geosea have many health and wellness benefits. These include the following:
- It’s a very powerful resource when it comes to skincare. Not only does it do the basics such as open pores, remove toxins, and soften the skin (the sulfur and silica are especially good for this), but it also helps bring relief to those suffering from dermatological conditions such as Psoriasis.
- The entire practice of relaxing in the hot springs in Iceland is said to have contributed to the country being on the official list of happiest people around the world for many, many years. This is because soaking in our hot springs is such a common practice and it has been proven to reduce stress and anxiety.
- It aids in weight management and betters insulin sensitivity.
- It improves vascular functions, circulation, and even blood pressure as your blood vessels open in the warm water and the minerals start doing their part.
- The warm water soothes away all sorts of aches and pains as it decreases inflammation, something that’s been making a very noticeable difference in symptoms of some chronic illnesses such as arthritis.
- The warm water also has a domino effect on your immune system. It helps increase the production of white blood cells, which in turn boosts your immune system and enables you to fight off sickness.
- Lounging in our hot springs builds a sense of community and adds an element of socialization. In a world where loneliness is becoming more and more of a problem, this is key. Here in Iceland, soaking in the hot springs isn’t just a fun outing to a heated pool, it’s traditionally a way for locals to connect, gather, converse, and catch up.
- Our hot springs can improve respiratory function. The combination of the warm water along with the humidity, steam, and minerals can help ease congestion (related to sinus and allergy issues - please don’t visit the hot springs when sick). It’s also got a great track record when it comes to relieving the symptoms of respiratory conditions, such as asthma.
Planning Your Visit
Below you will find all the important info you’ll need to plan the perfect trip to Geosea:
Geosea’s Location
Geosea can be found right on the northern border of Husavik in Northern Iceland. Sitting against the cliffs underneath the Husavikurviti Lighthouse, it overlooks Skjalfandafloi (“Shaky Bay”).
How to Get to Geosea in Iceland
The nearest city will obviously be Husavik. Driving from there to the Geosea Sea Baths won’t even take you 5 minutes. So, if you just want to do a day outing, Husavik is the way to go as a base. The other bigger cities in the area are Akureyri and Myvatn and a drive from there will take you about an hour.
Reykjavik is 464 kilometers, so a day outing from there is out of the question. But to many, a visit to Geosea makes the perfect pitstop on a Ring Road road trip. It’s one of our main roads here on the island and a visit to Geosea requires only a minor detour.
Booking and Prices
Booking at Geosea is essential, especially during our busy summer peak season. Bookings can be made via phone, email, or Geosea’s online booking platform. You will be required to pay an admission fee. Pricing is as follows:
- Adults (17+ years old) = 6 490 ISK (+/- $47.25 /€43.50)
- Children (those between 6 and 16 years old) = 3 290 ISK (+/- $24.00 /€22.05)
- Children (those between 0 and 5 years old) = Free
- Seniors, the Disabled, and Students (only those with a valid student card) = 4 390 ISK (+/- $31.95 /€29.40)
There are also a few rental options available:
- Towels = 1 390 ISK (+/- $10.15 /€9.35)
- Swimwear = 1 090 ISK (+/- $7.95 /€7.30)
- Bathrobe = 2 690 ISK (+/- $20 /€18.05)
Opening Hours at Geosea Baths
If you’re planning on visiting Geosea near Husavik, you’ll have to plan your trip itinerary carefully since opening hours change throughout the year:
1 September to 31 December
12:00 - 22:00
1 January to 29 February
Mondays to Thursdays, 17:00 – 22:00
Fridays to Sundays, 12:00 – 22:00
1 March to 31 May
12:00 – 22:00
1 June to 31 August
12:00 – 00:00
*Please note that whenever Geosea closes at 22:00, guests can only enjoy the baths till 21:45. And whenever Geosea closes at 00:00, guests can only enjoy the baths till 23:45.
Other Attractions Near Geosea
If you would like to add to your trip itinerary while at Geosea, you can consider the following sights and attractions:
- Asbyrgi Canyon
- Godafoss Waterfall
- Lake Myvatn
- Krafla Caldera
Geosea is Just a Road Trip Away!
Immerse yourself in the Icelandic scenery and the warm waters of Geosea on a road trip around the island. A Ring Road road trip offers visitors the chance to escape on an adventure filled with natural wonders, unique experiences, and once-in-a-lifetime sightings.
Rent your motorhome in Iceland to make your Icelandic adventure extra convenient and affordable, and be sure to make your relaxing pitstop at the enchanting Geosea, where tranquillity will wash over you (literally) and bring rejuvenation for the rest of your journey.
