The Húsafell area of West Iceland is a natural gem where sustainability is apriority. The area is the passage to the Highlands of Iceland a short distancefrom Langjökull and natural phenomena such as Hraunfossar, Vídgelmir and the famous man-made Icecave of Into the Glacier. The key attribute of Húsafell how ever is sustainability as it has a long history in the area with its first small hydro generator built in 1948 and geothermal energy from 1986. Húsafel lis therefore the ideal destination for the environmentally aware traveller. Húsafell is fully self-sufficient in 100% renewable energy.
You can still find the old remnants of the first hydro energy powerplant built in 1948 in the area. It isn‘t as large as you think, just a small concrete house which was built to shield the generator from the elements. But it did its partin providing Húsafell with sustainable energy (13 KW) and from there on it has been a top priority to secure sustainable energy for the growing activities in the area.
Húsafell is located in West Iceland and is on the verge of the highlands. It is the gate way to Langjökull glacier and many natural phenomenon in the are suchas Vídgelmir, Hraunfossar and Húsafell itself which looks like an oasis in the area. The location draws heavily on the benefits of abundant water.
In 2018 the latest energy plant was built, Urðafellsvirkjun, with a flow of 500litres per second generating 1125 KW. Combined there are four energy centres in Húsafell today generating 12-14 GW per hour which is enough for 3000 houses.There are however only about 200 houses and a luxurious hotel in the area so Húsafell delivers energy to the Borgarfjörður area as well. This is the benefit from abundance of fresh and cold water as the area is surrounded by glaciers. Húsafell uses the cold water to generate electricity and hot water, or geothermal energy, to heat houses, swimming pools, hot tubs and nature baths.
The Sustainable Húsafell Canyon Baths
The latest and most interesting development is however the Húsafell Canyon Baths. It has taken sustainability to an entirely new level. No cement or concretewas used in the construction of the baths. In fact the baths can be removed without a trace as they were built with locally sourced natural materials like flagstone from the canyon floor. Even the bathhouse is made from salvaged timber. There are no chemicals used in order to conserve the natural surroundings, not even soap is allowed for showering. The water in the bathsflows in such abundance that the entire water is renewed every hour eliminatingthe need for chemicals to combat bacteria.
And the idea of sustainability for the Húsafell Canyon Baths goes further as you cannot drive up to the baths. It is an easy hike but the benefit is you will be almost by your self without any light pollution during winters to enjoythe dancing northern lights above and during summers you will enjoy the 24 hour sunlight in the most dramatic setting. You can choose from three geothermal pools of varying temperatures, 30-41°C(86-105°F), plus a cold-water spring at 10°C (50°F) and they are all set in amagnificent canyon with un obstructed views of nature.
For bookings be sure to check availability here as the Húsafell Canyon Baths are exclusive andonly 20 visitors can attend each time.
