Due to the special geological location of Iceland, the high concentration of volcanoes in the area is often an advantage with respect to the generation of geothermal energy, heating and the production of electricity. In the winter, pavements near these areas (such as Reykjavík and Akureyri) are heated up.

Producing energy is not the only use of geothermal energy in Iceland. In every community, there is a high-quality outdoor swimming pool filled with warm geothermal water, hot tubs and other facilities, where people meet to exercise and chat. They are open year-round, regardless of the weather.

Visiting outdoor swimming pools in Iceland is a unique experience, particularly when the outside temperature is a few degrees below zero.

text © Sigurbjörg Þrastardóttir