The Beer Spa: A Beer Drinker’s Dream

Ever wanted to soak in a tub filled entirely with beer? While having a fresh, cold pint? Well, you can enjoy this centuries-old practice in northern Iceland at The Bjórböðin Beer Spa! When we were on our road-trip around Iceland, we heard about this place and initially thought it might be a bit gimmicky. However, we decided to give it a try, because heck - why not, we love beer and what better than soaking in said beer right next to an all-you-can-drink keg. Beer baths are an ancient tradition found across Europe, especially in Nordic and Eastern European countries. Soaking in beer, many claim, cleanses the skin and removes toxins from your body. Ingredients that go into making beer like hops, polyphenols, and other compounds seem to have anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. I have to admit, my skin did indeed feel smoother immediately after the beer soak.

Your time at the beer spa starts with a shower (very important in Iceland, everywhere!) to cleanse yourself and get ready for your soak. Then, you get 30 minutes to soak in a tub filled to the top in wort and hops. Enjoy an ice cold beer right there; you have your own personal tapped keg next to you, serving up the spa’s locally brewed beer (which you can enjoy at the bar again, later). Once your half-hour of soaking bliss is up, you are ushered up to a cozy resting room where they wrap you up like a burrito in blankets, dim the lights, and let you doze off for another 30 minutes. Finally, you have the rest of your time free to enjoy the two wooden hot tubs and dry sauna outside (and of course, more beer if you choose so). Whether you’re big on beer or not, The Beer Spa located in the north of Iceland, in the town of Árskógssandur, is an absolute worthwhile stop if you are in the area.