When visiting Laugarvatn Fontana you will feel the healing power of steam baths and enjoy relaxing hot pools, plus you can try their traditional rye bread baked on the spot in hot sand.
Laugarvatn Fontana is a popular geothermal resort in the very heart of Iceland’s most frequented tour – the Golden Circle) – on the western banks of lake Laugarvatn. The place is nested in stunningly picturesque surroundings: Lush nature, lava fields, hills, humming streams and the beautiful lake. All this makes for a great scenery to relax in.
The main part of Laugarvatn Fontana includes three outdoor hot pools: Lauga, Saela and Viska. The pools have different depths, sizes and temperatures. They are great for soaking and rest. Viska – essentially a large jacuzzi – is elevated and offers a panoramic view of the lovely surrounding scenery.
Right next to the pools you will find steam baths. The temperature here varies depending on how hot the spring is at any given time and on the weather. Usually it is between 40 oC and 50 oC. The baths are built to fit the natural processes occurring underground, so the whole experience is truly unique.
Next to these baths you find Ylur – Finnish-style dry sauna. Here the temperature is 80°C – 90°C. Humidity is much lower than in the steam baths and a large window offering a magnificent view of the lake is a big bonus.
After going to the baths, or maybe between them, you can dip into the cold waters of the adjacent lake. You can walk down to the lake on the black sand of the beach or choose the deck.
The Laugarvatn Fontana complex includes a restaurant and a unique, traditional geothermal bakery. Everyday at 11:30 and 14:30 you can visit the bakery to see the traditional “underground” rye bread baking – in hot sand. Naturally, you can sample this fresh, warm bread… (the dough is placed in the ground in specially designed, covered pots, so you won’t find grains of sand between your teeth).
Tickets for visitors above age 12 cost 1500 ISK (children below 12 are admitted free of charge). The bakery does not make reservations, unless you are in a group of more than 10 people.
The place is open all year round.
Opening hours (except for holidays) to:
– from 1 June till 31 August: 10:00 – 22:00.
– from 1 September till 31 May: 11:00 – 22:00.
Compared to other geothermal pools (such as the immensely popular Blue Lagoon), the Laugarvatn Fontana is less crowded and more affordable. However, and actually because of this, it makes sense to book your visit in advance. It is best done through their website: Laugarvatn Fontana
Tickets for pools and saunas:
– adult ticket at the cash desk – 3950 ISK (25 EUR);
– adult ticket online – 3800 ISK (22 EUR);
– youth aged 13 – 16 – 2000 ISK (14-15 EUR);
– children below 12 (only under adult supervision) – free of charge
– seniors (67+) – 2000 ISK (14-15 EUR).
Additional services:
– bathrobe rental – 1500 ISK (10-11 EUR),
– towel rental – 800 ISK (5-6 EUR),
– swimsuit rental – 800 ISK (5-6 EUR),
Lunch buffet (12:00 till 14:00):
– adults and children above 13 – 2900 ISK (~20 EUR),
– children aged 7 – 12 – 1450 ISK (~10 EUR),
– children below 6 – free of charge.
Dinner buffet (18:00 till 21:00):
– adults and children above 13 – 3900 ISK (~25-30 EUR),
– children aged 7 – 12 – 1950 ISK (~13-15 EUR),
– children below 6 – free of charge.
Tour of the geothermal bakery:
– adults and children above 12 – 1500 ISK (~10 EUR),
– children below 12 – free of charge.
Laugarvatn Fontana is in the town of Laugarvatn, on the road 37 (close to the junction with road 365), between the Thingvellir National Park and Geysir. It is in the northern part of the so-called Golden Circle.The shortest route to Reykjavik (via road 365 and the Thingvellir National Park) is approx. 80 km.
Map: directions to Laugarvatn Fontana.
Most tourists tend to visit other places during the day and come to the pools in the evening. If you choose to do the same your warm bath may be in the nearby Secret Lagoon in Fludir, the exceptional hot river Reykjadalur (also nearby), one of the pools in Reykjavik or the Blue Lagoon a bit farther.
However, it really is worth hitting the Laugarvatn Fontana during the day (11:30 or 14:30) to see the traditional bread baking and of course taste the fresh rye bread. This is a truly unique experience at Laugarvatn Fontana.
