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What is better than having a beer? Well, sitting in beer and having a beer, of course! Beer is probably not what most will think of when it comes to the health and wellness industry. But Bjorbodin Beer Spa has revolutionized the space, making people aware of the benefits of their beer-infused treatments.
This article will tell you everything you need to know about Bjorbodin and what you can expect from your visit. This is a one-of-a-kind experience here in Iceland that’s not to be missed!
Bjorbodin: An Overview
Bjorbodin Beer Spa opened its doors to the public in 2017 and the name literally means “Beer Baths”. But like most spas here in Iceland, Bjorbodin offers visitors access to a wide variety of facilities and amenities. At Bjorbodin, you can head to the beer baths, the hot tubs, or the sauna. Or you can grab something to eat and drink at the restaurant and bar. Or you can stock up on your beer products.
You will find 7 Beer Baths at Bjorbodin. They are made from Kambala wood (really making you feel like you’re sitting in a barrel of beer). These tubs are small and intimate and only have space for one or two people at a time. For those tempted to just open their mouths in the tub and start gulping – the beer used in the baths is undrinkable.
But each tub has a draught beer tap next to it where anyone older than 20 is welcome to indulge in a cold beverage while soaking in a hot, well, beverage. The beer you’ll be drinking and lounging in comes from the brewery nearby, Kaldi, and contains, water, beer, hops, and yeast.
It goes without saying that anyone with allergies to gluten, yeast, etc. should give the beer baths a skip, and if you suffer from heart problems or high blood pressure it’s always a good idea to consult your doctor first before taking a dip in a hot tub. Please also note that those 16 years and younger must be accompanied by an adult.
The entire beer tub experience lasts about 25 minutes before you move on to the next. The outside area offers visitors spectacular views of the mountains, Hrisey Island, and Porvalds Valley. Here you can have a relaxing soak in one of the two hot tubs (big enough for 8 to 10 people).
You can also spend some time in the sauna there. When grabbing a bite to eat, you’ll see that many of the restaurant’s menu items keep within the beer theme, and while there are plenty of beers on the drinks menu, you’ll still be able to order things like vodka, sodas, coffee, etc.
The Benefits of a Beer Spa
Many don’t realize how many health and wellness benefits this powerful combo has:
- The brewer’s yeast has high levels of Vitamin B and active enzymes that stimulate skin regeneration.
- Vitamin B has also been proven to restore intestinal microflora which helps with your digestion and strengthens your immune system.
- The hops are anti-inflammatory and antiseptic, helping to fight off bacterial growth and other illnesses.
- The warm water soothes aches and pains, especially muscle tension and things such as arthritis symptoms.
- The warm water opens up the pores, flushing out all the bad and helping to absorb all the good, such as vitamins and antioxidants.
- It goes without saying that this relaxing experience reduces stress.
- The warm liquid and its healing properties help improve blood circulation.
- It hydrates the skin and helps to smooth out wrinkles.
Where is Bjorbodin Beer Spa in Iceland?
Bjorbodin Beer Spa can be found in Arskógssandur on the Tröllaskagi Peninsula in North Iceland. It lies just south of Dalvik and is a mere 30-minute drive from Akureyri (the so-called capital city of the north).
How to Get to Bjorbodin in Iceland
There are a few ways to visit Bjorbodin Beer Spa:
Go On a Tour
As a once-in-a-lifetime experience, Bjorbodin is quite popular and often forms part of the tour packages of our local tour operators and guides. If you don’t find any that suits your needs or preferences, you can always inquire about a customized private tour.
Drive Yourself
This is our favorite way of exploring the island, and it certainly is the most convenient, with you always captaining your own adventure. Whether as a day trip or part of a road trip, driving to Bjordin from the direction of Akureyri is easy.
Take Strangata to Glerargata. Follow pjodvegur and Olafsfjardarvegur to Arskogsstrandarvegur in Dalvikurbyggd. Continue on Arskogsstrandarvegur. Drive to Aegisgata. Number 31 will be Bjorbodin.
When is the Best Time to Visit Bjorbodin?
Except for unexpected weather or events such as renovations, Bjorbodin Beer Spa is open to the public all year round. But deciding when to visit can be tricky. You will need to take the following factors into consideration:
- The outdoor area with the hot tubs is, well, outdoors, so many prefer to visit during the warmer months of the year, especially when it’s summer in Iceland.
- That being said, others swear by the experience of lounging in the warm water while the cold air brushes against your face.
- Just keep in mind that Bjorbodin is in the north of Iceland, infamous for its harsher and colder weather so that cold air brushing against your face could be a blizzard if you’re not careful.
- That’s if you’ll even be able to reach Bjorbodin in the first place since extreme weather often leads to sudden road closures here in the north.
- Summertime, on the other hand, is our peak season, so the island will be busier (and pricier) than usual, and making bookings well in advance is essential.
- If you’ll be traveling on a tight budget, but still want some of our summer advantages such as fine weather, visiting during the shoulder months (April/May or September/October) is recommended.
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How Much Does a Visit to Bjorbodin Cost?
Prices to the Beer Baths are as follows:
- Per Person = 17 900 ISK (+/-$129/€120.05)
- Per Couple = 23 900 ISK (+/-$173/€160.30)
- Children 13+ Years Old = 17 900 ISK (+/-$129/€120.05)
- Children 12 Years and Younger = Free
The above-mentioned beer experience fee also includes access to the outdoor hot tubs and sauna. But you’ll also have the option of skipping the beer baths and sticking exclusively to what the outdoors has to offer. Exclusive outside access costs the following:
- Per Adult = 2 000 ISK (+/-$14.45/€13.45)
- Children Between the Ages of 12 and 16 = 1 000 ISK (+/-$7.20/€6.75)
- Children 12 Years and Younger = Free
For the forgetful among us, there are also rentals available such as towels and robes at an additional cost. Also, take note that entry or rental fees do not include any food or drinks at the restaurant or bar.
Operating Hours of Bjorbodin Beer Baths in Iceland
Except for renovations and other unforeseen circumstances, the Bjorbodin Beer Baths operating hours are as follows:
The Beer Spa and Outside Facilities
Tuesday to Saturday – 12:00 to 21:00
Sunday – Closed
The Restaurant and Bar
Tuesday to Saturday – 12:00 to 21:00
Sunday – Closed
*Please just note that it’s also not unusual for operating hours to change along with the seasons, so please double-check with the establishment during the time of your trip and before heading out.
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How Long Does a Visit to Bjorbodin Take?
Most allocate at least 2 hours for the entire experience in their trip itinerary. It’s also recommended that you arrive at least 30 minutes before your appointment.
A Few Helpful Tips When Visiting Bjorbodin
If this is your first time to Bjorbodin, the following tips and advice could come in handy:
- While swimwear is usually a necessity at geothermal pools, hot springs, and other spa facilities, the beer baths are the one place where you can (but only if you want to) have a soak in your birthday suit. But this only goes for the beer baths, the other amenities such as the hot tubs will require the appropriate attire.
- This is a Beer Spa, so you know that you will be drinking. This means that you won’t be able to get in your car afterward to continue road-tripping. Icelanders don’t take too kindly to those who disobey the rules of the road, and except for the fact that it’s extremely dangerous, if caught driving under the influence (remember, a single beer will take you over the legal limit), you’ll be facing fines that may require remortgaging the house. Rather get a lift, have a designated driver, or stay over nearby (especially in Dalvik).
- Many allocate just one or two hours to Bjorbodin in their trip itineraries. But if you’d like to have something to eat and drink, and want to stroll through the little gift shop, we suggest giving yourself a little extra time (at least another hour and a half).
Places to Stay Near Bjorbodin
If you would like to stay over near Bjorbodin, you can consider the following places:
Other Things to See and Do Near Bjorbodin
If you decide to stay over and would like to add a few other interesting attractions and activities in the area to your trip itinerary, the following come highly recommended:
- Kaldi Brewery
- Dalvik Swimming Pool
- Hvoll Folk Museum
- Tvistur Horse Riding Tours
- Birdland Exhibition
- Arctic Sea Whale Watching Boat Tours
Bjorbodin Beer Spa; Your Turn to Test Out (and Taste) This Oasis
Bjorbodin Beer Spa is a unique blend of relaxation and refreshment. Here, you can literally raise a glass to relaxation. If you would like to explore the surrounding area further, or you plan on making Bjorbodin a stop along a road trip, we highly recommend that you rent a campervan in Iceland.
Not only does it add to the Iceland adventure experience, but it also makes for a much more convenient (and affordable!) road trip. So, get your camper and start cruising in the direction of Bjorbodin; a truly memorable escape.
