Lectures and sightseeing

1 What is geothermal energy?  How do we use it? Find out at the geothermal plants at Nesjavellir and Hellisheiði.
2 Thermal pools. Sightseeing.
3 The Ylströnd thermal beach. Sightseeing.
4 Heated streets and pavements. Lecture and sightseeing.

Nesjavellir geothermal plant generates electricity and hot water for the Reykjavík capital area.  Geothermal energy is used in a variety of ways, such as space heating, greenhousing, swimming pools, fish farming, snow-melting and industry.  Geothermal harnessing is a renewable and virtually non-pollutant source of energy.  Visit Nesjavellir or Hellisheiði and learn all about it.
Learn more about the Geothermal and how it works by clicking here at Reykjavik Energy website.

An important aspect in the utilisation of thermal water is health related. Reykjavík has seven thermal pools and baths, and the residents simply love them. The city’s population is 115,000, yet a total of 1.9 million visit the pools annually. The main reason for this interest are the positive effects thermal water has on both body and soul. The water softens stiff muscles and joints, creating ease of movement. The water is also ideal for senior citizens and those who suffer from various ailments such as arthritis, heart conditions, asthma and allergies. After a session at a thermal pool and a bath, people feel considerably better, and when the body is happy, so is the soul.

In the summer of 2000, a marvellous thermal beach, the Ylströnd, was opened to the public in Reykjavík. Large breakwaters were constructed, and yellow beach sand was pumped in behind them. Within the breakwater, there is a lovely lagoon where cold seawater and hot thermal waters mix. Under the most advantageous conditions, the temperature of the water in the lagoon is 18–20°C. These conditions are more akin to Mediterranean beaches than an inlet in the North Atlantic Sea in the northernmost capital in the world. The thermal beach has become a multifunctional recreational area where the emphasis is on outdoor activities, sun and sea-bathing and sailing. The Ylströnd has a service centre with changing rooms and showers for guests. The Ylströnd in Reykjavík has been awarded the International Blue Flag. To obtain Blue Flag certification, facilities must meet stringent requirements for cleanliness, water quality, safety, facilities and education for guests, as well as environmental protection.

The City of Reykjavík uses the thermal water to heat city streets and pavements. The benefits are diverse, e.g. improved driving and walking conditions, increased road safety and improved access, an environmentally friendly method of preventing icy roads and increased environmental quality in general. Snow-melting systems are laid in streets and pavements during the renewal of streets in the city centre, in new neighbourhoods and in concentrated areas as appropriate.