Visiting the Blue Lagoon, other Icelandic geothermal pools make for a relaxing Ring Road trip
Research any town in Iceland, and one of the most surprising commonalities you'll find will be elaborate discussions of the town's public pools and spas. What at first glance may seem like an odd feature to highlight makes sense when considering their equivalents in other European countries. In the warmer climates of France, Spain and Italy, ornate piazzas or plazas are the central meeting places for the community. When traveling in the southern European countries, you'll see the locals gathering in plazas to relax, drink a glass of wine, sip on a cappuccino and watch the neighbors stroll by during their passeggiata . Steam rises over the Blue Lagoon in Iceland as swimmers enjoy the geothermally heated waters. Courtesy of the Blue Lagoon But in Iceland's cooler, subarctic weather, geothermal pools provide a space for people to connect with one another outdoors while staying warm — even when the daylight hours are scarce in the winter months. As discussed by Dan Kois
