Wellness tourism is a big deal in Iceland. Our mineral-rich geothermal lagoons and spas combine extraordinarily scenery with well-thought out spaces designed to promote health and relaxation.

You’ll find one of Iceland’s hot springs in the heart of the Golden Circle, the country’s premier sightseeing route. It’s called Laugarvatn Fontana and and with Reykjavik Excursions, you can book a tour that combines the two . Thanks to our handy guide, here you’ll find everything you need to know to prepare for a visit.

What are the key attractions and services at Laugarvatn Fontana?

Laugarvatn Fontana perches on the edge of Lake Laugarvatn. People have been coming here for almost a century, capitalising on the hot springs that bubble up in the vicinity and hoping to enjoy health-enhancing benefits from their water. Guests can relax in a steam room, soak in a natural pool and take a dip in the invigorating waters of the lake itself:

Steam rooms

Locals first took advantage of the lake’s natural steam back in 1929. Today, steam directly enters three purpose-built steam rooms through specially designed grids in the floor. It’s a multi-sensory experience – if you listen, you can hear the hot spring bubbling underground. The steam varies in temperature but typically sits between 40°C (104°F) and 50°C (122°F). This, coupled with the high humidity, encourages the pores to open which promotes skin health. Aficionados believe that it lowers stress, improves circulation, clears congestion and relaxes stiff joints.

Outdoor baths and hot tub

Laugarvatn Fontana’s trio of outdoor baths, known as Lauga, Sæla and Viska, are ideal spaces in which to relax. Overlooking the lake, nature plays a central role as you breathe in the fresh air. They vary in terms of size, depth and temperature, so you’re sure to find a spot that suits your preferences. Viska in particular makes the most of the remarkable setting; this hot tub is raised in comparison to the other two pools so that you have an uninterrupted view of the lake as you soak.

Finnish sauna

Punctuating hot with cold is a technique employed throughout the Nordic region and the Finnish sauna is a welcome sight. Inside, the temperature is set to between 80°C (176°F) and 90°C (194°F), though the humidity is lower than that of the steam baths. A huge window overlooks the lake and enables visitors to enjoy the beautiful surroundings and clear their minds – this is a place for mental as well as physical relaxation.

Lake Laugarvatn

For maximum benefit, you should brace yourself for a dip in the lake when you emerge from the sauna. Accessible from either the central pier or from the warm black sand of the geothermal beach, the temperature of the lake is a marked contrast to the baths and sauna. Yet, some say that switching between the two can aid circulation, soothe tired muscles and even ease joint pain associated with inflammatory conditions. Will you notice the benefit? You won’t know until you try!

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Unique to Laugarvatn Fontana: a geothermal bakery

There are many geothermal baths, spas and lagoons littered throughout Iceland but only one has a geothermal bakery as well. Bread is baked here in the hot sand following a long-held local tradition. Hot water in the ground seeps up into the sand and gently cooks the dough until it’s ready. The process takes a day, so little heaps of sand mark the spots where the carefully wrapped tins have been buried so they don’t get lost.

If you’ve signed up for this fascinating activity, your group will gather on the beach to learn how ingredients such as rye flour and milk are mixed. The guide will fetch a spade which is used to dig a hole to bury the dough; yesterday’s is excavated in the same fashion. Inside, the tin is unwrapped to the delight of the audience. As the steam rises, a delicious smell wafts towards expectant nostrils. Once sliced, everyone gets to taste the still-warm bread, spreading it thickly with locally churned butter and topping it with smoked trout that once swam in the lake. For many foodies, the chance to experience a geothermal bakery in Iceland is a standout highlight of their time in the country.

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lanning, you can prepare for anything an adventure in Iceland might throw at you. We’ve rounded up loads of tips for a planning trip to Iceland, from what to pack and how long to stay to airport transfers and how to get around the island. We’re with you every step of the way.

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Laugarvatn Fontana’s cultural importance

Hot springs in Iceland are an integral part of its social and cultural fabric. Spas in Iceland are a place to meet, chat and relax with friends and family and this one’s no different. But it’s also the subject of a legend from a thousand years ago. When Icelanders converted to Christianity it was a requirement for them to be baptised as they renounced their old beliefs.

According to local lore the thought of taking a dip for any purpose, religious or otherwise, in a cold lake such as Thingvallavatn filled some chieftains with horror. Instead, they argued that such ceremonial necessities should take place at Lake Laugarvatn where the water was considerably warmer. So it’s believed that a hot springs called Vigdalaug, which is just a few hundred metres from Laugarvatn Fontana, might have been used.

How to reach Laugarvatn Fontana

One of the most attractive aspects of a visit to Laugarvatn Fontana is its location, because it is easily accessible from Reykjavik. To drive straight there from the Icelandic capital takes around an hour and a quarter, though most visitors will schedule a stop at Thingvellir National Park along the way either on a self-drive itinerary or as part of an organised tour.

Independent travellers can reach Iceland hot springs such as Laugarvatn Fontana by car. Whichever route you take, approaching on the 36 from the west or the 37 from the south, the road is in good condition and suitable for any vehicle – no gravel to contend with. Laugarvatn Fontana is a year-round attraction and even in winter this part of the country is usually accessible to tourists either on day trips from Reykjavik or for an overnight stay as you travel to or from the scenic south coast.

As Laugarvatn Fontana sits within the Golden Circle region and is located beyond Thingvellir National Park and before Geysir, it makes sense to visit in between. You’ll most likely find the late morning bakery session the most convenient, but you can also also do the route in reverse if you’re keen to visit Geysir and Gullfoss first. To take a dip in the baths, you should plan to allow at least a couple of hours on top of that, as you’ll need to shower and change.

Visit Laugarvatn Fontana as part of a Golden Circle tour

It’s also possible to visit Laugarvatn Fontana as part of an organised tour. Take the stress out of route planning with the Golden Circle & Fontana Wellness day tour. During this excursion, you’ll visit the main trio of attractions that comprise the famous Golden Circle – Thingvellir National Park, Geysir and Gullfoss – as well as enjoy the bread tasting activity at Laugarvatn and a relaxing dip in the geothermal baths.

The Golden Circle is one of Iceland’s must-sees. At Gullfoss, the water of the Hvítá River plunges over a double step in the rocks and into a steep-sided canyon at a rate of more than 100 cubic metres a second.

Nearby, the Haukadalur valley is home to an array of geothermal landforms including active geysers, steaming fumaroles and mud pots. Rounding off this iconic trio is Thingvellir National Park . Here, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates slowly tear apart, Iceland’s historic Althing once met.

How much does it cost to visit Laugarvatn Fontana?

Laugarvatn Fontana is one of the most reasonably priced of Iceland’s thermal pools. Standalone adult tickets cost 5490 ISK per person, regardless of time of day or time of year. This includes admission to the steam rooms and thermal baths as well as access to the lake. You’ll be able to use the showers and store your possessions in a locker. Swimsuits and towels can be rented for a small additional charge but you are welcome to bring your own.

Many visitors also like to sample the rye bread and so adding on the geothermal bakery activity is highly recommended. Secure your place for an additional 3190 ISK per adult. The activity takes place twice-daily year-round with an extra slot in summer to satisfy extra demand, so you can slot in in before, during or after your Golden Circle sightseeing.

Visitors will need to factor in the method and cost of getting to Laugarvatn Fontana. Some may opt to hire a car, but many tourists prefer the ease of booking a package. Our daily tour to Laugarvatn Fontana is part of a wider Golden Circle day trip. The cost of this nine hour excursion for one adult is 16999 ISK which we think represents excellent value for money.

If you plan to visit at least one geothermal spa in Iceland then we’d strongly urge you to consider Laugarvatn Fontana. Offering modern facilities against a breathtaking backdrop of nature, it’s the ideal place to relax after your Golden Circle sightseeing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Laugarvatn Fontana Spa & Geothermal Bath

How do I get to Fontana Spa from Reykjavík? You can reach Laugarvatn Fontana Spa from Reykjavík by car in about an hour and a quarter. Most visitors opt to stop at Thingvellir National Park along the way. Alternatively, you can join an organized tour such as the Golden Circle & Fontana Wellness day tour offered by Reykjavik Excursions.

Where to get volcano bread in Iceland? You can find the unique volcano bread, also known as geothermal bread, at Laugarvatn Fontana. The spa offers a special geothermal bakery experience where you can see how the bread is baked in the hot sand and even taste it fresh.

What is the bread made underground in Iceland? The bread made underground in Iceland is traditionally rye bread. At Laugarvatn Fontana, the dough is buried in the hot sand, where geothermal heat bakes it over the course of a day, resulting in a dense, sweet loaf.

What is the temperature of the spa in Iceland? The temperatures at Laugarvatn Fontana vary depending on the facility. The steam rooms typically range from 40°C (104°F) to 50°C (122°F), while the outdoor baths and hot tubs offer a range of temperatures to suit different preferences.

Can you cook in the ground in Iceland? Yes, cooking in the ground using geothermal heat is a traditional practice in Iceland. At Laugarvatn Fontana, you can see this method in action with their geothermal bakery, where bread dough is buried in hot sand and baked by natural geothermal heat.

What are the key attractions and services at Laugarvatn Fontana? Laugarvatn Fontana offers steam rooms, outdoor baths, a Finnish sauna, and access to Lake Laugarvatn for a refreshing dip. A unique highlight is their geothermal bakery, where you can watch and taste bread baked in the hot sand.

What should I bring for my visit to Laugarvatn Fontana? It’s recommended to bring a swimsuit and a towel, although these can also be rented at the spa. Don’t forget to bring flip-flops and a water bottle to stay hydrated.

Are there any age restrictions for visiting Laugarvatn Fontana? Laugarvatn Fontana welcomes visitors of all ages. However, parents should supervise young children closely, especially in the steam rooms and outdoor baths.

Can I visit Laugarvatn Fontana during winter? Yes, Laugarvatn Fontana is open year-round and offers a unique experience in winter. The contrast between the cold air and the warm geothermal baths can be particularly invigorating. The roads to Laugarvatn are generally well-maintained, but it’s advisable to check weather conditions before traveling.