Sky Lagoon, overlooking the North Atlantic, outside Reykjavik, Iceland.
©2021 Christopher Lund
My grandfather used to frequent what was colloquially known as the “Schvitz” (“Sweat”) Baths, a gathering place for European immigrants from countries with bathing cultures. The “Schvitz” was a 130-year old bath house on Manhattan’s Lower East Side, where men of a certain age and time would gather in a cramped steam room or sauna to relax and socialize, then take a break to gorge on rich foods forbidden by their cardiologists, and re-enter the stifling heat to socialize some more.
At the “Schvitz,” the men would pour ladles-full of icy cold water over their shoulders to cool down, an age-old rendition of the modern-day hot/cold plunge that is so popular in the wellness world right now.
Hot and Cold Plunge: Sky Lagoon
Sky Lagoon sauna, with the largest single pane window in Iceland.
Courtesy Sky Lagoon
Sky Lagoon, a sleek, modern, geothermal lagoon in Kársnes Harbour, Kópavogur, an easy 10-minute drive from Reykjavik, is a much more glamorous rendition of the “Schvitz” tradition, Icelandic-style. There are hot springs and natural geothermal pools all over Iceland, and, as it is elsewhere in Scandinavia, soaking is a deeply ingrained part of Icelandic culture. “Icelanders love hot bathing any time of year, it’s a social, shared experience, which is the idea behind Sky Lagoon,” says Helga Albertsdottir, Managing Director, Sky Lagoon. Icelanders can purchase a year’s pass, and many locals do.
Sky Lagoon opened in 2020, and, just a few months ago, underwent an expansion in order to accommodate the launch of Skjól, a seven-step ritual that threads through the stunningly beautiful Turf House–a central structure modeled after a traditional-style Icelandic home. Skjól means “sanctuary,” or “protection,” and, similar to hygge, it is one of those Scandinavian words that evokes a deep feeling of contentment. For Icelanders, skjól signifies a haven, or a shelter from the storm. “Every aspect of the ritual is designed to tell the story of our Icelandic heritage and bathing culture,” says Albertsdottir.
Enjoying the cold plunge pool
COURTESY SKY LAGOON
Beyond the pleasurable aspects, there are practical benefits, too. ”Because warm pools were essential to our staying alive, for us, from the beginning of Iceland, it’s always been hot and cold as a part of our history,” says Asa Valdimarsdottir, Marketing and Experience Coordinator. And the benefits of a hot and cold bathing circuit run deep: alternating heat and cold stimulates the circulation and improves blood oxygenation, reduces inflammation, raises the heart rate and revs up the lymphatic system. Plus, it leaves you feeling energized and exhilarated.
Skjól Wellness: Icelandic Bathing Ritual
Begin by walking or floating through Laug (lagoon), the 230-foot infinity-edge lagoon that overlooks the North Atlantic. Surrounded by rising mist and warm water studded with volcanic boulders, lulled by the sound of a hypnotic waterfall, the experience is intended to melt away stress before bathers gather the courage to dip into the outdoor Kuludi (cold plunge), designed to shock the system and build mental strength and fortitude.
Northern Lights view from the Lagoon
@jonfromiceland
The Turf House, built with layers of turf and found materials (wood, stone, earth, corrugated metal sourced from all over Iceland), is where the ritual continues. “The entire building is filled with history,” says Valdimarsdottir. “Everything comes from somewhere and has a story to tell.” Ylur (sauna) is the next step. The two-room undulating sauna features a floor-to-ceiling glass wall–Iceland’s largest single-pane window–designed to showcase captivating views of the ocean. To cool down once again, Súld (cold mist) features an open-air chamber with a fine mist around 23°F.
Súld opens onto a gorgeous room with vaulted ceilings where guests begin the next step, Mýkt (sky scrub), an application of the signature Sky Lagoon scrub, made with pure Icelandic salts mixed with almond and sesame oils, beside a gurgling indoor stream. Gufa, the steam room, beckons, amd the warm embrace of geothermal heat (114°F) is followed by a shower to rinse off the scrub. Saft, a straight shot of invigorating crowberry juice, popular in Icelandic cuisine, is the grand finale.
Gravlax Breakfast Board at the Sky Cafe.
Courtesy Sky Lagoon
Begin the day at the rustic Sky Café for a delicious breakfast board (try the gravlax if you love cured salmon). Enjoy Icelandic specialty cocktails or a bit of bubbly at the Lagoon Bar, which is nestled into a grotto at the edge of the Lagoon, along with a breathtaking sunset or, if you’re lucky, a view of the Northern Lights or Dark Sky constellations. The Smakk Bar next to the Sky Café is a lovely spot to enjoy a local craft beer or cocktails, and delicious Icelandic tasting menus. The gift shop features irresistible Icelandic goods–local salt, organic towels, hand-knitted sweaters–that make perfect gifts, especially for yourself!
Then, once you are fortified, head back to the Lagoon, and start all over again.
EXPLORE REYKJAVIK
Who doesn’t love Iceland? Or the idea of Iceland, if you haven’t been. Iceland is one of my go-to destinations, a place I return to time and again.
Prepare yourself for a visit by reading some favorite Icelandic authors: Jón Kalman Stefansson, Yrsa Sigurðardóttir and Halldor Kiljan Laxness, the Nobel Prize winner. Fun fact: this tiny Nordic nation, with just 390,000 people, claims more writers, books published and books read per head than anywhere else in the entire world.
Here are some special spots in Reykjavik.
EAT
La Primavera On the fourth floor of the Harpa Concert Hall, designed by Olafur Eliasson, La Primavera offers delicious northern Italian cuisine made with Icelandic ingredients, and a picture-perfect view of Reykjavik Harbor through a wall of glass. Owner and head chef, Leifur Kolbeinsson, is Reykjavik-born and -bred, and spent enough time in Italy to truly master the cuisine, and add his own touches to signature dishes like bottarga bruschetta, veal milanese and roast monkfish.
Moody mise-en-scene at Monkeys
RANNANNA M
Monkeys Reykjavik From small shared plates to a multicourse dinner (including a vegan version), this lively spot features Japanese Peruvian fusion and amazing sushi–the fish in Iceland could not be more delicious–and a great wine list, with extensive bubbly options.
Oto Oto offers a long bar and a kitchen that features delicious plates such as sashimi and crudo, along with heartier fare including pasta dishes and wagyu beef in preparations the you’ve never had before, from award-winning Icelandic chef Sigurður Laufdal.
Jómfrúin On your way home, don’t miss an open-faced sandwich from this Danish-inspired spot at Keflavik Airport (or try the restaurant in Reykjavik). It is so delicious that you will crave it until you return!
Bæjarins Beztu Hot Dog Stand. Who would expect that a hot dog would be such a delicacy here, but Icelandic hot dogs are unique because they are made with lamb. This famous stand is at Tryggvagata 1, 101 Reykjavík. Make sure to get yours “with everything”–Icelandic mustard, remoulade sauce, fried onions, raw onions, Iceland-style ketchup (with apples subbing in for sugar as a sweetener.) There is also a vegan version.
SHOP
Feldur.is Cozy slippers, clothing, home accessories.
Jurta Apotek Handmade Icelandic teas, bath salts and herbal remedies
Rammagerdin Icelandic salts, beauty products, woolens and sheepskin, many made by Icleandic artisans and crafters.
Verslun Braedurnir Eyjolfsson The oldest booksellers in Iceland, this shop also offers beautiful pens, notebooks and a great selection of books.
As We Grow Beautiful sustainable and organic clothing for children and adults
ENJOY
Skolavordustigur, the famous rainbow-painted pedestrian street in Reykjavik
Rannanna M
Fly Over Iceland by Pursuit Strap yourself in and get ready for a thrilling simulated flyover ride across the breathtaking entirety of Iceland. Dip and soar over glaciers, fjords, forests in front of a huge spherical screen while your feet dangle and you really feel like you’re flying. Pursuit, a global attractions and far-flung hospitality company that includes Sky Lagoon in its portfolio, also offers Fly Over Vancouver, Las Vegas and the newest, Chicago.
Skolavordustigur Reykjavik’s famous pedestrian street is painted with a rainbow, designed to telegraph Iceland’s culture of inclusivity and equality for all. It also hosts iconic restaurants, shops, bars and galleries, and is framed by the imposing Hallgrimskirkja church on one end.
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Publish date : 2024-11-19 04:59:00
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