City guide: Reykjavik for health nuts

CLEAN air and waters, rugged mountains, rivers, healthy thermal pools and more fresh fish than Rick Stein's fridge all combine to make Reykjavik a destination that guarantees to deliver a rejuvenating break to blow away the winter blues.

LEAN air and waters, rugged mountains, rivers, healthy thermal pools and more fresh fish than Rick Stein's fridge all combine to make Reykjavik a destination that guarantees to deliver a rejuvenating break to blow away the winter blues.

With only 120,000 citizens and a steaming cauldron of geothermic activity that emerges as geysers and blissfully hot lagoons that can be enjoyed in freezing conditions amid the spectacular volcanic landscape, the island's capital is a haven of healthy hedonism to head for when the stresses of life get too much.

From whale-watching to hot tubs, Rekyjavik has a wealth of feel-good options that you won’t find anywhere else in the world, and despite still hovering on the brink of bankruptcy, it is as big a hit as ever with hip young travellers.

JANET CHRISTIE

t bar can fill up quickly - handy on cold nights. At the stylish Astro Bar (Austurstraeti 22), the light display features a mesmerising 300 different colours and then there are the two dance floors that make this one of the coolest spots in a very chilled city. For authenticity, visit Gaukur a Stong (22 Tryggvagata) Reykjavik’s oldest pub, frequented by Viking-beared sailors and Nordic beauties alike. Remember this country has produced more Miss Worlds and conquerors than any other (three and four respectively, since you ask). Responsible for the invention of the famous vodka-spiked beer that was served before the legalisation of lager, this bar also serves the lethal local Brennivin liqueur - a great pick-me-up.