Laugarvatn Fontana: A Relaxing Spot in the Golden Circle

In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about Laugarvatn Fontana, from its famous geothermal baths to its unique rye bread baking experience. We’ll also provide practical information about how to get there, what to do nearby, and some useful tips for your visit.

What’s Laugarvatn Fontana?

Laugarvatn Fontana is a geothermal spa located in the small town of Laugarvatn, situated in the heart of the Golden Circle. It’s a peaceful oasis that combines traditional Icelandic bathing culture with modern spa facilities, bringing together the best of both worlds. It offers a series of thermal pools, steam rooms, and scenic views over Laugarvatn Lake. The geothermal activity beneath the earth’s surface heats the water and creates steam that is used naturally in the different pools and steam baths.

What makes Laugarvatn Fontana particularly special is its connection to Icelandic culture. The spa incorporates traditions that date back to the early 20th century, making it more than just a relaxing stop—it’s also a cultural experience. There has been recorded use of the geothermal activity here since 1929. You can even enjoy geothermal-baked rye bread made using the region’s natural heat.

Baths and Steams

The highlight of any visit to Laugarvatn Fontana is undoubtedly its geothermal baths and steam rooms. There are two pools and one hot tub, all of them outdoors. They have different sizes and temperatures, filled with mineral-rich waters. The pools, called Lauga and Sæla, range from 36°C to 40°C (97°F to 104°F), providing a soothing experience whether you’re looking for gentle warmth or something a bit hotter. Viska, the hot tub, is at a slightly higher level, with excellent lake views. On a clear day, you can even enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding hills and mountains while enjoying the hot water.

In addition to the pools, Laugarvatn Fontana is famous for its natural steam rooms. The steam is created by natural geothermal heat, and there are several cabins where you can sit back, relax, and open up your nose and lungs. The steam baths are built directly above a hot spring, which allows natural steam to rise through the floorboards. Temperatures in these steam rooms usually range from 40°C to 50°C (104°F to 122°F). The intensity of the steam depends on the geothermal activity below; it’s not man-powered.

For the bravest, you can also take a dip in the cold waters of Laugarvatn Lake, creating a strong contrast with the temperatures of the different pools. It is said that this abrupt change stimulates circulation and has numerous health benefits.

Geothermal Bakery

If something sets Laugarvatn Fontana apart from other geothermal baths and spas in Iceland, that’s its geothermal bakery. Here, you can witness an Icelandic activity with hundreds of years of tradition: baking rye bread in the ground using the natural geothermal heat. This local specialty, known as hverabrauð, is a dark, sweet rye bread that is slow-cooked underground for 24 hours. The geothermal heat gives it a distinctive flavor.

Visitors can join a guided tour where you’ll learn about the history of this practice, watch the staff dig up freshly baked rye bread, and, of course, taste it with some fresh Icelandic butter. The warm, soft bread is a real treat, and it’s a one-of-a-kind experience.

The geothermal bakery tour is offered daily, but it’s not part of the general ticket to the spa. This activity must be booked and paid for separately.

Laugarvatn Fontana Hours and Prices

Laugarvatn Fontana is open year-round, with slightly different hours depending on the season.

• Summer (1st of June – 30th of September): 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM.
• Rest of the year (1st of October – 31st of May): 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM​.

Admission Prices:

• Adults (17 and over): 5,490 ISK (approximately €36.80 or $40).
• Seniors (67+): 4,490 ISK (€30 or $32.75).
• Youth (10-16): 3,490 ISK (€23.40 or $25.50).
• Children (0-9): Free (accompanied by an adult)​.

In addition to admission, there are also extras available for rent:

• Towels: 1,000 ISK (€6.70 or $7.30).
• Bathrobe: 1,500 ISK (€10 or $10.95).
• Swimsuit: 1,000 ISK (€6.70 or $7.30).

Rye Bread Tour

If you would like to embark on the Rye Bread Tour, there are two-time slots: 11:45 AM and 2:30 PM. In the summer months (1st of June to 30th of September), there’s an additional tour at 10:15 AM. It’s important to know that part of the tour is made outdoors, so it’s important to dress according to the season and weather.

The prices for the tour are:

· Adults and Youths (13 and over): 3,190 ISK (€21.40 or $23.30).

· Children (12 or under): Free.

Where’s Laugarvatn Fontana and How to Get There?

Laugarvatn Fontana is located along the Golden Circle route in southwest Iceland. It’s an easy addition to this already fantastic scenic loop. The distance from Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital, is about 80 kilometers (50 miles), and it takes around one hour to get there from the city.

If you’re driving, the route is simple and scenic. From Reykjavik, take Route 1 (the Ring Road) northbound. Once you’ve passed the city of Mosfellsbær, take the exit for Route 36, which will take you through Þingvellir National Park. From there, continue onto Route 365 to reach Laugarvatn. There’s parking available at the spa.

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The Weather in Laugarvatn Fontana

Like in all of Iceland, the weather here can be unpredictable and change at a moment’s notice. The good part is that the temperature inside the pools is always the same. Each season has its own pros and cons when visiting Laugarvatn Fontana.

Spring (April and May)

Spring in Iceland is a time of renewal, with longer daylight hours and gradually rising temperatures. Temperatures often move between 5°C to 10°C (41°F to 50°F). The snow of the winter begins to melt, giving way to green valleys. There are little chances of snow at this time of the year, but rain and wind are common.

Summer (June - August)

Summer is the warmest time of year in Iceland, with temperatures typically hovering between 10°C and 15°C (50°F to 59°F), though warmer days can reach up to 20°C (68°F). While rain is still possible, summer days are generally bright and pleasant, making this the most popular season for visitors. The long daylight hours, including the midnight sun, offer the opportunity to enjoy the geothermal baths in full light until late in the evening.

Autumn (September and October)

Autumn brings cooler temperatures, ranging from 0°C to 10°C (32°F to 50°F). The landscapes begin to change with the typical fall colors, creating a fabulous environment for a relaxing spa experience. The days get shorter, and the weather is more variable with the passing of the weeks, but it’s still a great time to visit. It’s shoulder season, so there are fewer crowds in the main tourist attractions.

Winter (November - March)

Winter in Iceland is cold, with temperatures often dropping to around -5°C to 0°C (23°F to 32°F). Snowfall is common, but the contrast between the cold air and the hot water feels fantastic. There’s nothing better than having a relaxing hot bath outdoors while the temperature is around freezing. On top of that, you have chances to see the Northern Lights while soaking in these waters.

What to See and Do Near Laugarvatn Fontana

Laugarvatn Fontana is located in one of Iceland’s most popular tourist regions, so there’s plenty to see and do nearby.

Þingvellir National Park

Just a 20-minute drive away, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the three national parks in Iceland. It’s full of astonishing natural monuments, such as the Silfra Fissure or the Almannagjá Gorge, among many others. It’s also a place of historic significance, and it’s here where Iceland’s first parliament (the oldest in the world) was first established in 930 AD.

Geysir Geothermal Area

Home to the famous Strokkur geyser, which erupts every few minutes, this area is only 30 minutes away and is one of Iceland’s most iconic attractions.

Gullfoss

The third main stop of the Golden Circle, after the two mentioned above, is this magnificent waterfall. Known as the "Golden Waterfall," Gullfoss is a must-see destination for anyone traveling to Iceland.

Travel Tips

• Bring your swimwear: You can rent swimsuits at the spa, but it’s cheaper and more convenient to bring your own.
• Visit early or late: Consider visiting the spa in the morning or closer to closing time, especially during the high season, to avoid crowds.
• Hydrate: Geothermal baths can dehydrate you, so make sure to drink plenty of water before and after your soak.
• Dress in layers: Iceland’s weather can be unpredictable, so bring layers and be prepared for changing conditions, even in the summer.
• Book in advance: Laugarvatn Fontana can get busy, so it’s a good idea to book your ticket with time.

Conclusion

One of the best things about discovering Iceland is relaxing in one of its many geothermal spas or hot springs. They are much more than just soaking in mineral-rich waters; they are also a way to connect with Iceland’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. It’s also the perfect way to end a day of adventures. Or to take a break in the middle of your adventure.

Laugarvatn Fontana offers all this while being inside one of the best scenic routes in the country. And with the added touch of seeing how a bread is made (and taste it, of course) using geothermal heat. It’s the perfect blend of relaxation, culture, and nature.