The Engineering Mistake That Became A Tourist Sensation in Iceland - Free Nature Bath

This is the story of the strange unofficial nature baths that come into being during a tunnel project that ran into massive problems due to an engineering mistake. I can't promise you that bathing will be possible there in future, but please enjoy it while it lasts since this is very unusual.
Location link: maps.app.goo.g...
German Travel Blog with Hot Baths in Iceland: www.25u.de
All about the nearby town Akureyri - The Capital of the North.
Akureyri Mini Doc: • Visit Akureyri - The C...
Akureyri Autumn: • Wonderful Icelandic Au...
Strange Free Shower in North Iceland: • Strange Free Shower By...
Whale Spy Hopping in Akureyri: • Pilot Whales Visit My ...
Pilot Whales in Akureyri: • Waking Up With A Bunch...
Channel support is highly appreciated with many thanks to all my supporters.
www.buymeacoff...
Paypal.me/justicelandic
What to do in Akureyri - Affiliate link.
www.getyourgui...
Akureyri Whale Watching: gyg.me/EmYibNnY
Music, sound and video effects:
Envato Elements is my goto source when it comes to music and other creative themes.
Check them out for your own work: 1.envato.marke...
My "Print on Demand stores" Warning - Icelandic sarcasm
Redbubble store: gylfigylfa.redbubble.com
TeeSpring store: justicelandic....
My Pond5 account is a showroom for many of my videoclips and photos for with special emphasis on topics related to geology and volcanology to use in commercial projects. You can also contact me directly If you want to licence my work. www.pond5.com/...
The thermal drone (Autel Evo 640T)
autel-robotics...
Free video clips and photos for subscribers and content creators.
Pexels: www.pexels.com...
PixaBay: pixabay.com/us...
Thank you for visiting the Just Icelandic Channel.
Greetings from Iceland. Gylfi

[@ambergris5705]

A similar thing happened in Switzerland, when digging the Lötschberg base tunnel they found a spring of hot water. Problem is, contrary to this tunnel with the sea being a few meters away, there was nowhere for the water to go except in the cold mountain streams of the Frutigen valley, which would be an ecological catastrophy. To avoid this, they created a greenhouse to produce tropical fruits, and grow fishes (including sturgeon). Great use of the warmth given to us, and I am sure it's fun to eat a mango grown in the mountains of Switzerland! It's called Tropenhaus, you can check it out (although they closed the restaurant recently).

[@T1M6]

I love the way Icelandic people can turn mistakes around in such a humorous way.... 😅. By the way the ' chair' is a fantastic feature 👏.

[@b.a.erlebacher1139]

I like the way you observe the tourists, sort of like migratory wildlife, spotted in various places depending on the water temperature. 😊

[@JustIcelandic]

Glad you enjoyed it 😊

[@Soken50]

Humans like to think themselves better than other species but from an ethological perspective we're pretty ordinary primates, except for our high dexterity and extensive vocabulary. 😅

[@elizabethcritchfield6647]

Only in Iceland....... I love this place, thank you, Gylfi.

[@JustIcelandic]

Thanks :)

[@zapfanzapfan]

Happy 100k! Cold beers and warm baths to you! 🛀🍺

[@JustIcelandic]

Thank you kindly

[@ericfielding2540]

That is an interesting story told in a humorous way, as usual.

[@JustIcelandic]

Enjoy :)

[@adelaferreira4575]

There is no doubt Icelandic people are very ingenious ,taking advantage of a natural mistake into this wonderful warm water cascade ,brilliant ! magical land for sure is your country ,breathtaking beauty all around ! Love to hear your stories ,thank you !

[@barneyrubble4293]

aww you just missed the chance to say the road crew dug themselves into some hot water!

[@milodemoray]

Thank you for sharing this, Gylfi. I have seen pictures of this waterfall before but I did not know the story behind it.

[@JustIcelandic]

My pleasure 😊

[@DeadManWalking4574]

Yeeeeeeeeeeees, you are promoting this place.

[@JustIcelandic]

👍

[@dianem2071]

You’ve gotta love engineering messes! At least this one only cost money and no one was hurt!❤😂

[@General_Confusion]

Who would have guessed that you could dig a hole in Iceland and hot water would squirt out? Someone should think of something useful to do with that.

[@dianem2071]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@55VickyV]

@@General_Confusion They do! They use it to produce electricity and heat their homes.

[@General_Confusion]

@@55VickyV 😊

[@Dao0253]

100k my friend, 🎉 congratulations 🇨🇦

[@JustIcelandic]

🎉 thanks a ton :)

[@marjamerryflower]

Sounds wonderful for as long as it lasts

[@JustIcelandic]

Enjoy :)

[@adamzimmerman6660]

That is a fascinating story. It's amazing that they were able to finish construction after many setbacks. Even my wife, who thinks I watch waaay too many videos about Iceland and rolls her eyes at me when Iceland is brought up in a conversation yet again, sincerely thought that that was an interesting story. 😊

[@stonecold958]

I was there in August. We stayed in the area on the right of the water looking over the city. Absolutley stunning location.

[@JustIcelandic]

Totally agree! and the waterfall could be a great shower :)

[@JustHim1710]

Thank you for the video, Peace to Iceland ✌🏻

[@JustIcelandic]

Peace from Iceland✌🏻

[@charleswebster2550]

​@@JustIcelandic You are so awesome, sir Gylfi. I salute you! 🖖 I have not been waiting long for this newest chapter in your excellent compilation of Icelandic History. This is such high quality, beautiful & interesting filming! Along with this, your voice is so crisp & clear as tho' you are in the room where I am sitting thousands of miles away! From all of us who continue to keep you in most high esteem, we send you our Best Regards, ....Live Long & Prosper 🖖😊

[@MnGirl1994]

My sisters and I are taking my mom on a surprise trip to iceland for her 80th birthday sometime during November 2025. It's her dream, so we are going to make it happen. Thank you for sharing all the beautiful areas, It's helping me figure out what we should do. She's a yoga expert and in incredible shape, so we will be able to do some excellent exploring, star gazing, and hopefully experience the norther light. If any viewers have info on affordable (for Iceland😂)tours/fun/food/accommodation, etc., I would appreciate the advice!

[@MajesticNaturePhotography]

Every video you post makes me miss Iceland that much more!! Such an amazing, captivating place! I absolutely LOVE these "secret gems" videos - little sights and activities that aren't super well known - please do more of them! :D As always, fantastic video, Gylfi! Superb drone work, amazing visuals, and the presentation is absolutely perfect! I loved the bit of history thrown in; it adds that special flair to the site! Thank you again! :)

[@sonorasky3982]

You are a wonderful storyteller, Gylfi! Thanks for starting my morning with a smile 😊

[@jansenart0]

This is terrific information. I wish I had enough money to explore the world, I'd definitely go check this out.

[@JustIcelandic]

Enjoy :) more to come and enjoy the travels on my channel :)

[@dolphinschild62]

Thank you Gylfi I learn so much from you. I appreciate all you do so much. Love and blessings

[@PapaDutch]

Just the thing after a day of hiking!

[@JustIcelandic]

Exactly :)

[@nicholar1236]

Lovely and green in this part of Iceland, looks like a more friendly area to live in.

[@adelaferreira4575]

Not in the winter season !

[@candui-7]

Hooray for 100k! Congratulations and just dessert!

[@JustIcelandic]

Thank you 😋

[@yomogami4561]

fantastic video gylfi thanks

[@JustIcelandic]

My pleasure 😊

[@graham2105]

Thankyou...i always enjoy your videos.

[@JustIcelandic]

So nice of you

That one chair is just hilarious! Lovely fun nonpromoting video❤

[@JustIcelandic]

Thanks :)

[@mariabrazao3437]

Beautiful landscape.❤

[@JustIcelandic]

Thank you ❤

[@Jillysmom63]

Thats pretty funny and kinda neat too.

[@JustIcelandic]

Enjoy 👍

[@Frying_Owl]

I have been there last year in summer had a nice temperature of around 38° and views of some whales was awesome, noone else there for hours! Quite scary though sittin so close at the edge, but you get a food massage from the pebbels swirling around in the lower part of the pool haha

[@simontay4851]

FooT massage. Not food.

[@Frying_Owl]

@@simontay4851 you might think that ;-)

[@thhseeking]

At 01:00 it looks like there's a giant black cat living in the tunnel :P

[@lowwastehighmelanin]

Hahah this is wild. Thanks for this delightful side adventure, I didn't know about this. Curious how long it will last.

[@jeanettefunderburg166]

This was fun, and hilarious in parts! Thank you Gylfi!

[@JustIcelandic]

Glad you enjoyed it :)

[@johneberhard8412]

Great story and wonderful narration thanks for taking the time to put this together take care

[@carolined5923]

Amazing waterfall and what a great engineering result. Great drone shots too.

[@balusmbox]

I absolutely loved Forest Lagoon, my favorite baths in the country and I have been to 4 of them.

[@misterlokinl]

Thanks for the video! Very cool to know the background information about the tunnel. I am currently staying in Akureyri and we are taking this tunnel to Husavik tomorrow.

[@matthewcook3839]

Fantastic engineering with pioneering solutions.

[@sorschn]

Thank you for the details. We actually stopped there on our Iceland roundtrip when we decided to take the scenic route in stead of the tunnel. Didn't know the story of the water source until now

[@jan-ovepedersen5764]

Me and my family visited Akureyri and the waterfall in June last year, temps were around 30C in the creek. We found this waterfall thanks to an earlier video of yours. Greetings from Norway 🙂

[@Jablicek]

The world is full of these beautiful, ephemeral things. Enjoy them while we have them!

[@JustIcelandic]

👍

[@marcelasantander7457]

And a bonus: the fantastic colour/sound gem you made when testing the thermal drone...

[@susiesue3141]

Awesome video footage! 😊 Thanks for sharing!

[@JustIcelandic]

Thanks for watching

[@BradThePitts]

Fantastic video, I'm planning my 2nd trip back and I'll add this to the list of my yet un-seen beauties in Iceland!

[@zachbowden1993]

Forest Lagoon is well worth the visit if you're in the area. The tunnel is incredible as well!

[@VonL1963]

Very picturesque location Gylfi, and greener than I expected the north to be. Thank you.😊

[@JustIcelandic]

You’re welcome 😊

[@kpl9439]

I sat in that river this winter, lovely view and great water temperature with snow all around.

[@infeliciter]

I was there less than two weeks ago. Our tour guide talked about this. I didn't go bathing in the creek but I saw it. Iceland is so beautiful! 😍

[@gonemadinnz]

I love it! 😂 Can't wait to try it next month!

[@aprilpotter3054]

That thermal footage, creepy cool. 😱

[@77ladentelliere]

Quelle histoire incroyable ! Entre ce projet de tunnel et sa destinée, et le Blue Lagoon je ne peux qu'admirer le sens pratique du Peuple Islandais !

[@johnmeneses7039]

Thanks Gylfi, great bit of information. Great video!!

[@theotherandrew5540]

A land full of surprises!

[@JustIcelandic]

👍

[@paulmartin2664]

We've been there a couple of times for a picnic, our kids turned us on to it

[@JustIcelandic]

Welcome back :)

[@ThatOpalGuy]

an interesting curiosity !

[@JustIcelandic]

Enjoy :)

[@alanharney5278]

Hot water falls, sauna tunnels, and a shower by the roadside. Oh, and the "Chuck Norris Grill" in Reykjavik. I love Iceland. Thanks for the video.

[@Divig]

20°C too cold for bathing?! 😂 That is the usual temperature in the lakes I usually swim in. You need more scandinavian tourists.

[@Dennis-lp7xe]

😂 I like the 45 degree hotpots the most

[@Blackadder75]

Dutch here, seems fine, I swim in the North Sea from 18-22C

[@causewaykayak]

Bad Gastein used to have an underground spa facility in a gold mine. GOOD LUCK BEAUTIFUL ICELAND 👍

[@jimmcintosh9045]

Too cold?! 15c here in SW Scotland.

[@causewaykayak]

@@jimmcintosh9045 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿. From a neighbour across the north Channel to say, it always was "Scotland the Brave". The all season swimmers are out in force.

[@ellenalden6611]

Great story. Thank you.

[@JustIcelandic]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@nickylambert5462]

Visited Akureyri last year &our whale watching boat went right up to the hot water fall-v steamy on a cold but sunny day 😍

[@aerthman]

Thank you Gylfi, You’ve been swaying my interest toward the north. Akureryi looks much prettier than your capital. The NW for sure too. 😊 A similar project in Skåne/Halland in Sweden multiplied the cost of the tunnel. It took mass amounts of engineering and money ,,, all to save 10-15 minutes. The train now goes under a mountain instead of through a beautiful area. Their water wasn’t hot though,,,

[@maz-m7w]

Hahaha delightful, thank you Gylfi

[@JustIcelandic]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@eigeneart5896]

Very nice Gylfi, which shows us that you should never give up!

[@MrNicetux]

Very cool. 😊 I love the idea to made something other with such circumstances.

[@imagesbyandrea]

Wonderful video ❤

[@JustIcelandic]

Thank you 🤗

[@oyvind-b]

Really funnny facts, we might go and have a look when we get there

[@JustIcelandic]

Welcome to Akureyri 👍

[@kirknewton100]

So i take it the tunnel was successful and opened? Plus you have the added bonus of the attraction and the hot baths? All in all a great success 😂❤. Thanks for sharing this story, very interesting.

[@WhirledPublishing]

Very interesting - and amusing - story.

[@JustIcelandic]

Glad you think so 🤗

[@petramaas8574]

An engineering mistake that created a very interesting feature and gives a wonderful video in regular and in thermal imaging. It must have been very dangerous in the tunnel at times, I hope there were no casualties?

[@JustIcelandic]

There were casualties :)

[@bevinboulder5039]

What a story! I was going to say Only in Iceland, but that line has already been taken. 🙃

[@prisd7821]

Just wonderful

[@markuserikssen]

What a fascinating place!

[@JustIcelandic]

Welcome :)

[@WhiteTiger333]

I like the drone footage starting a bit after 6:00 and panning around because it shows the bits of hayfield, wherever it's possible to harvest, all neatly cut with the wrapped bales ready for winter. Is all that blue on the hill the lupines in bloom?

[@thruknobulaxii2020]

Good story 👍

[@JustIcelandic]

Thank you 😀

[@joopterwijn]

Hahaha, 😝 lol. For sure you have unique problems over there!

[@JustIcelandic]

You got that right!

[@kathrynronnenberg1688]

How very Icelandic to be presented with a problem, too much hot and cold running water, and quickly decide on a practical way to not waste this unexpected gift. Kind of like the borehole roadside shower pad in one of your other videos.

[@wildernesscapes]

I swam in the hot creek below the tunnel about 8 years ago when they were building the tunnel.

[@lesliecowles4851]

I had no idea about this, even after spending days in Akureyri and driving along the road that goes past it. (Didn't want to pay the tunnel toll and also miss the scenery)

[@williamlloyd3769]

Manmade version of Landmannalaugar where you can boil eggs on some parts of the stream and freeze on the other end. Fun place to camp!

[@DzikiFotograf]

Wonderful country :)

[@JustIcelandic]

👍

[@Varasalvi2]

I got to take a tour through the tunnel when they had finished digging through it but hadn't stopped the leaks and reduced the heat to manageable level. Don't ask me what it looked like because i don't know, nothing could be seen due to steam, it was an experience though, just not a visual experience.

[@michaelstarr4837]

How much difference did this tunnel make to the journey time going through the mountain rather then around it ? I lived and worked in this area for a number of years before the tunnel was opened. I travelled along the old route of course, and wonder if it was worth the trouble to build the tunnel. I would be interested to know what you think.

[@Sindrijo]

I think it was mostly about the increased safety of not having to drive over the mountain during winter as that winter road is a bit notorious for having difficult conditions. The biggest motivation was to reduce the risk of travelling in winter overall but also for medical emergencies as the hospital in Akureyri services the whole region.

[@michaelstarr4837]

@@Sindrijo I wondered about the problems with winter travelling as a possible reason for the tunnel, and the situation for the emergency services makes good sense also, as I had not thought about this. Thank you for replying, and best wishes.

[@JustIcelandic]

It's 15 minutes :) so I always do the old road :)

[@marjamerryflower]

@@JustIcelandic lol

[@manon_m_18]

To hit ground water twice in a tunnel project is really bad luck. (Or really bad engineering?)

[@JustIcelandic]

Some say it's due to lack of preparation, to few holes to test the ground!

[@billistefansson5309]

Saell Gylfi minn! Alltaf jafn gaman adh få "skrytnar" frjettir frå Islandi. Vona adh thu fåir gott sumar. Beztu kvedhjur frå Svithjodh, Billi.

[@nlo114]

I'd love to make a house there. With hot and cold running water laid on, and a waterfall for small generation hydro electricity. All you need then is a food source.

[@aoilpe]

Nature doesn’t always behave like you expect…

[@DianeSmith-h3t]

My list is getting longer of places to visit. Great things G. Di….Cumbria

[@JustIcelandic]

Keep taking notes 👍

[@GoCoyote]

The number of "only in Iceland" features is too numerous to count.

[@SnowTiger45]

Why in heck would they not use a Tunnel Boring Machine and Line the Walls while directing the hydrothermal water elsewhere (or at least around the tunnel) ? Have they never heard of a PUMP ? They could Harvest the Hot Water for Heating Homes or Harvest the Steam for Electrical Generation or whatever. There are so many things they could do to not only build their tunnel but to utilize the new water resources.

[@sfos4898]

I've seen this!!!

[@JustIcelandic]

Welcome 😊

[@jenniferofholliston5426]

“Silly tourist” is such an oxymoron.

[@andrewharris4268]

I’m guessing a sense of humour is pretty much compulsory in Iceland.

[@rob8754]

We just arrived here today. Hope we see whales as well.

[@ranvik3]

20c is not that cold, is normal summer in norway

[@Alewxx]

"Only double of original estimate" :D again germany tops it all, we can just ten fold the cost of a single trainstation or airport when we get into construction :D

[@jimmcintosh9045]

300 million to build 2 new car ferries on the Clyde and 6 years late!

[@Alewxx]

@@jimmcintosh9045 easy, restoring a ship initially for 10 Million Just Triple the time and raise it to 110million 😀

[@JanetClancey]

Fabulous mistake 😂

[@StarfireReborn]

Only In Iceland.

[@JustIcelandic]

👍

[@steveh7866]

Who photoshopped in the trees?

[@JustIcelandic]

Wow, that was the expensive bit of the video :)

[@bigantplowright5711]

The tunnel is so boring, ha ha what a pun, the long route is beautiful.

[@feather1950]

What a beautiful country you are showing us. The first video I watched from another channel never showed any of what you have and some other people. I wish I had the money to visit 😏. I’ll have to settle for your beautiful videos ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤