Laugarvatn Fontana is my favourite geothermal spa in Iceland. Located within the Golden Circle, the Laugarvatn Fontana Geothermal baths are the perfect place to unwind after a day of adventure. Lesser known than the famous Blue Lagoon, Fontana spa is frequented by locals and tourists alike. With a great cafe attached and four different pools to enjoy, I recommend everyone passing through South Iceland stops here.
The village of Laugarvatn sits atop of a geothermal zone. The hot water and steam has been utilised in Laugarvatn for cooking, house heating and bathing since 1929.
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Geothermal Pools at Laugarvatn Fontana
There are four pools at Laugarvatn Fontana geothermal baths: three connected mineral pools and a hot tub. The water comes from the natural hot spring underneath, so varies in temperature and are rich in minerals.
Moving from pool to pool to experience the different temperatures and views, is the best way to enjoy all that the spa has to offer.
Shallow pools
The first pool you will see as you enter the spa is shallow and rectangular, spanning the length of the outdoor area. There is a powerful shower you can sit under and sculptures to rest against. This pool is a favourite with children, as the shallow depths and interactive sculptures make it a lot of fun. However, it’s also a nice place to rest and chill as an adult. The roof of the spa provides cover over this part of the pool.
Within the same pool, there is a raised platform made of textured stone. The water flows over this platform, but is only a few inches deep. This area is a great spot to lay and cool off between pools, or to move over to get a gentle massage from the stone.
On the other side of the platform the pool continues, with deeper water and more sculptures to rest against. This part of the pool feels hotter, as you can submerge more of your body in it. With no cover here, you can look up to see the stars, clouds or even aurora.
Natural pool
The natural pool isn’t tiled like the others and instead is made up of volcanic rock. Seats have been carved into the rock edge, allowing you to sit on the sides. This pool is one of the most relaxing to me and mimics the feel of bathing in a natural geothermal pool or river.
Infinity pool
The infinity pool is deeper and looks out across the lakes. With slightly warmer temperatures than the long shallow pool, this is a place for deep relaxation. The deeper water makes it less appealing to children, so it’s a good spot for couples, solo adults or anyone wanting a peaceful moment.
Hot tub
The hot tub is more like a pool than a traditional hot tub, with easily room for 12-15 people. Positioned higher than the other pools, you can enjoy views across the lake as you bathe in temperatures of up to 40°C.
Steam baths
One of the most unique experiences at Laugarvatn Fontana geothermal baths is the steam bath. The steam bath sits atop of the hot spring below, with the steam varying between 40°C and 50°C. The grated floor allows you to listen to the sounds of the spring below bubbling as you relax. The humidity here is very high and the exact temperature will vary depending on the hot spring and weather. Thermometers outside tell visitors of the current temperature.
Saunas
Next to the steam bath is a Finnish-style sauna, with views out over the lake. The humidity here is lower and more predictable than the steam bath.
A Dip in the Lake
Laugarvatn Fontana geothermal baths is situated on the banks of Lake Laugarvatn. You can walk right out of the sauna and into the lake, if you’re feeling adventurous. Or, take a stroll along the warm black sand. There are numerous health benefits of ice bathing, from better circulation to faster recovery post-exercise. I’ll gladly admit I tend to watch my husband Aaron take a cold dip, from the warmth of the infinity pool. Scientific data on the health benefits of that are … Still being studied.
Laugarvatn Fontana Geothermal Baths with Kids
Laugarvatn Fontana geothermal baths is very family friendly. Anytime we’ve gone with our daughter Aurora, she’s made friends with children playing in the shallow pools and it’s been a highlight of the trip for her.
Interactive artwork by Icelandic artist Erla Thorarinsdottir can be found in the pool. A whale which spouts water from different places provides hours of entertainment for little ones. I’d recommend couples looking for a tranquil bathe avoid sitting too close to that one!
Whilst kids are allowed in all the pools, they may find the hottest ones too hot and deep. We tend to take it in turns to visit the hotter pools, whilst one of us stays with her in the shallow ones. Occasionally bribing her with a slushy, or the opportunity to pelt me with snowballs, in exchange for some shared time in the hot tub.
When to visit Laugarvatn Fontana
Whenever you go, you’re bound to have a great time. Laugarvatn Fontana geothermal baths are always relaxing, whether it’s sunny, raining or snowing. If you time your arrival with opening, you might just find you’ve practically got the place to yourself! Even in peak times, there’s enough room for everyone to spread out and chill.
Midnight Sun at Laugarvatn Fontana
The midnight sun is a natural phenomenon in the polar regions where the sun never sets below the horizon. Iceland experiences midnight sun in Summer, giving you extra time to explore and enjoy. During the midnight sun, pools like Laugarvatn Fontana stay over longer, allowing you to soak up even more of this extended day.
Laugarvatn Fontana in Winter
I especially love visiting Laugarvatn in Winter. Bathing in hot geothermal water whilst it’s snowing outside is bliss. The contrast in temperature feels amazing and it’s a wonderful way to sit outside and enjoy the outdoors, whilst it’s literally freezing outside.
During the winter months, the spa is lit by lanterns and candles which feels so cosy.
Laugarvatn Fontana After Dark
If you visit Iceland in Winter, the days will be quite short. Between December and January, there can be as little as 4-5 hours of daylight. These longer periods of darkness are great for aurora hunting, but are not so great for hiking and other activities.
The good news is the local geothermal pools will be open into the evening, so whilst you wait for the northern lights to come out and play, you can relax in 40°C water. Bliss! And if you’re really lucky, you might even get to watch nature’s best light show from the pool. Can you imagine?
Showers and Lockers at Laugarvatn Fontana Geothermal Baths
Before entering the changing area, you remove your shoes and store them on a rack. Inside the changing rooms are walls of lockers for you to safely store your belongings. There are plenty of mirrors and hair dryers available, for after your swim. Once you’ve changed and stored your things, you can head to the showers before going out to the pools.
Showering in Iceland
You may be wondering about the shower situation. Yes, you do have to shower naked, but don’t panic! Laugarvatn Fontana has a private cubicle in the showers for anyone feeling shy. The first time I visited Iceland and realised I had to shower naked, I was mortified and headed straight for the safety of the cubicle. Anyone else from the UK will relate I’m sure … But now, I don’t bat an eyelid at stripping off and showering before a swim. It’s completely normal in Iceland and an important step to ensure the pools stay clean. Unlike our pools in the UK, they’re not full of chlorine, so showering properly is essential.
It feels quite empowering to not be so hung up about nudity in that setting and definitely made me think about why we’re so different in the UK. I’m sure for children and teenagers, routinely seeing normal bodies in all shapes, ages and sizes helps develop healthier attitudes towards body image. But with all of that said, if you’re just on holiday and worried about it, rest assured you won’t have to be more naked than you want to be at Laugarvatn Fontana geothermal baths.
Sóley Organics
Laugarvatn have Sóley Organics products in their showers and changing areas. I loved these products so much after trying them, that I treated myself to the Varmi (which means warmth in Icelandic) shower gel and body lotion. Every time I smell the scent (Icelandic herbs) in my shower I am transported back to Laugarvatn Fontana. Sóley Organics products are made in Iceland and vegan/cruelty free, so a great gift or treat for yourself which you can purchase after you’re finished bathing.
Laugarvatn Fontana Geothermal Baths Cafe
The cafe at Laugarvatn Fontana Geothermal Baths serves delicious food, made with locally sourced ingredients. The perfect place to grab a bite to eat, post-swim.
Drinks at Laugarvatn Fontana
Drinks can be purchased from inside the cafe, or via a hatch pool side. Whilst it’s not technically a swim up bar, it can be if you rope someone with you into braving the elements to get out and get you a drink.
Food at Laugarvatn Fontana
There’s a good range of food, made using locally sourced ingredients. I’m a vegetarian so appreciate there’s always a veggie option here too. I love the soup, which is refillable and comes with bread (including rye bread made in the volcanic bakery), butter and pesto. There’s traditional Icelandic lamb soup and for the vegetarians like me, a spicy warm tomato based option.
Where to eat volcanic bread in Iceland?
Laugarvatn Fontana geothermal baths is home to a geothermal bakery! Where rye bread is baked in the sand, using the geothermal heat. Each day a new loaf is buried and after 24 hours, dug up. Those taking part on the tour can see the bread being dug up and sample it with Icelandic butter.
Lake Laugarvatn
Whether you’re braving the cold, or just gazing out over it, Lake Laugarvatn will be an unforgettable part of your spa experience.
In the summer, there will be the inevitable midges, but fear not, they seem to be deterred by the hot water and so don’t feature much whilst in the spa.
Useful Things to Know When Planning Your Visit to Laugarvatn Fontana
It’s best to book in advance. Whilst Laugarvatn Fontana is quieter than tourist traps like the Blue Lagoon, it can still get busy during peak season. And, if your visit coincides with a bus tour arriving, you may find you get turned away if you haven’t booked in advance.
For a quieter visit, try going just after opening or a few hours before close.
Laugarvatn Fontana geothermal baths is in the Golden Circle and so you can combine your visit with a trip to Thingvellir national park, or the other nearby sights. We first visited after snorkelling in Silfra (in Winter, when it was literally freezing). If you’re coming from Reykjavik or Selfoss, don’t miss out on Kerid, a volcanic crater well worth checking out.
Laugarvatn Fontana is wheelchair accessible.
Prices and Opening Times
You can rent towels, or save money by bringing your own. Lockers are included with your entry fee.
Children under 9 go free with a paying adult. The volcanic bakery tour requires booking separately. Check the website for the latest up-to-date pricing information, opening hours and to book.
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