Iceland is the hottest destination in Europe — literally.

The island in the North Atlantic may have chilly air but its abundant natural hot springs make for steamy diversions. In the trendy capital, Reykjavik, the social scene swirls around the city's half-dozen municipal geothermally heated pools. Such are the benefits of being situated on top of colliding tectonic plates.

A few hours in the Blue Lagoon

The lagoon is 40 minutes from downtown Reykjavik, but only 15 minutes from the airport. A great way to cap off a trip to Reykjavik is to stop at the lagoon en route to the flight home. The setting is gorgeous. The Blue Lagoon is a lake full of mineral-rich seawater heated by underground lava. The lagoon is actually outflow from the adjacent Svartsengi geothermal power plant. This sounds dangerous but is considered healthy. The silica and salt content of the water — a bubbling 113 degrees — is said to cure psoriasis and eczema. Blue-green algae and the white silica mud form a light natural sediment that gives the lagoon its vivid aquamarine color. Steam rising from the surface shrouds the view in shimmering mist.

The Blue Lagoon holds six million liters of geothermal seawater, which is renewed every 40 hours. In addition to the main lagoon, exciting geothermal spa options await Blue Lagoon's guests:

• Blue Lagoon waterfall, which provides an energizing massage.
• Exclusive steam bath with white walls that resemble white silica mud
• Cozy steam bath located in a lava cave
• lava-walled sauna cutted into the lagoon's banks

The only danger here is that visitors will be so relaxed they'll miss their flights. Bathing in this surreal environment is a unique experience no one should miss and will be one of the highlights of your visit to Iceland.