A thermal beach and geo spa is set to open by Urriðavatn lake near Egilsstaðir in East Iceland in 2019. Warm water from geothermal boreholes in the vicinity will be used to create bathing facilities by the lake. The project will be launched with the signing of a collaboration agreement today.
A group of locals has been planning to launch the project for three years with 11 shareholders committing to contributing ISK 280 million (USD 2.5 million, EUR 2.3 million). Other investors, including the owners of the Blue Lagoon and Mývatn Nature Baths, have agreed participate in the project, the total cost of which is estimated at ISK 500 million, ruv.is reports.
“With their participation the final step has been taken. They are knowledgeable about such projects so we are very pleased about them taking a seat at the table,” commented Ívar Imgimarsson, one of the owners.
Annually, a swimming contest is held in Urriðavatn. The 2.5 km (1.6 mile) swim is one of the four challenges in the Landvættir competition.
