Wellness and health in Reykjavík

One key theme of modern life is being unable to disconnect from the noise, the demands, the "always on" mode. Reykjavík may not have opulent hotels, centuries-old monuments or crown jewels, but what it does have is quiet, stars, and room to breathe. The calm of a small city by the ocean and fewer choices can come as a relief, alongside very easy access to serotonin boosters that are hard to find elsewhere: geothermal waters, northern lights, cool summers and clean air.

It's a new form of luxury: the city where you feel well.

Plan your wellness break, Reykjavík-style

Is finding a couple of days to focus on your own wellbeing really that hard? It’s a decision, and it’s time to be more intentional about seeking experiences that deepen your sense of wellbeing and improve your mental and physical health. Are you ready for us to spill some secrets to recharging, Reykjavík-style?

If your goal is disconnection and restoration

Breaking the routine helps with the reset. So does trying something new. A bike ride across the lava fields, whale watching or horseback riding can all take you out of your usual headspace and into the moment.

Even if you just about manage to get on a horse, you are already a winner. Staying on it will focus your mind on the immediate task at hand, rather than on whatever problem you left behind. And just like that, the reset can begin.

Now let’s deal with stress and tiredness

A comfortable bed in a nice hotel would be a great start. Then put your phone in flight mode, curl up with a book and give yourself permission to do absolutely nothing else. Chances are, you’ll drift off to sleep.

Evening darkness can help you get a good night’s sleep, so dim the lights, open a window to let Iceland’s cool air float in, and drift off. A well-rested mind will help you make those small and big decisions, reconnect with yourself and be more present in the destination around you.

Try this to feel well

Do nothing for a change.
Slow right down into Icelandic time. Sometimes it´s okay to be a little late.
Throw away your must-see list. Doing 12-hour tours every day without a break is exhausting.
Stay longer and have a lie-in without feeling guilty.

How about calming your mind?

Reykjavík is a city where nature surrounds you, where every landmark or that nice neighbourhood café is a short walk or bus ride away, and where taking your time is okay.

Step off the treadmill, into your walking shoes, and head out on a nature walk in Hafnarfjörður. Wondering what you might find there? An elf garden, bubbling mudpots in the Krýsuvík geothermal area, a mountain formed during the last Ice Age or a lava cave? If any of those sound like a good idea, go for it.

Or simply stop for a moment and watch the water flow, be that the North Atlantic Ocean, a salmon river in the city or a waterfall. Slowing down and paying attention to what’s around you makes it easier to quiet a busy mind.

And if your entire family needs a reset

Reykjavík’s public pools are multi-generational places. There are hot pots, steam baths and saunas, kiddie pools and even slides. While kids throw a ball in a shallow pool (floaties are available for free), grown-ups can keep an eye on them from a nearby hot tub. There are plenty of excellent pools in the capital area, in and around Reykjavík. You can swim laps, sweat it out in the steam, or soak in a hot tub and let the worries melt away. Some of our favourites in the capital area are Vesturbæjarlaug, Laugardalslaug, Sundhöll Reykjavíkur and Árbæjarlaug (entry to these pools and more is included free with the Reykjavík City Card).

Tiptoe Top Tip: If you want to venture out of Reykjavík into the nearby towns, there are pools in Kópavogur, Seltjarnarnes and Hafnarfjörður. Your kids will definitely approve. Especially if they get a hot dog and a juice from a nearby stand.