Laugarvatn Fontana: Where Serenity and Scenic Views Await

We have many hot springs here in Iceland, with many being used in our geothermal pools. But in recent years, visiting our geothermal pools has become even more exceptional with all sorts of additional facilities and amenities. That being said, very few can beat the unique extra Laugarvatn Fontana has to offer.

If you’ve always wanted to relax in a hot spring in Iceland, want to know what makes Laugarvatn Fontana so special, and need all the info to make that visit happen – this article is for you.

Laugarvatn Fontana and Its Amenities

Laugarvatn Fontana offers those near the capital city a convenient spot to relax and unwind in Iceland’s geothermal waters. It may not have all of the luxury amenities and facilities that geothermal pools such as the Sky Lagoon and Blue Lagoon offer, but it also doesn’t have as much foot traffic as those hot spring hot spots (a great option for those not really in the mood for bigger crowds).

But that doesn’t mean that Laugarvatn Fontana won’t keep you busy all day with the facilities and amenities it does have (especially not one unique feature exclusive to Laugarvatn). This is what you can look forward to:

The Laugarvatn Fontana Geothermal Baths

Laugarvatn Fontana’s geothermal pools are actually three different pools interconnected with one another. They are called Lauga, Viska, and Sæla. Each of these differs slightly in temperature, with Viska sitting a bit higher up than Lauga and Sæla.

What makes a relaxing soak in these pools even more special is their unique designs with stone by one of our local artists, Erla Thorarinsdottir. This unique aesthetic, combined with the incredible views, makes for a very special geothermal pool experience.

The Laugarvatn Fontana Steam Baths

There are also three steam baths at Laugarvatn Fontana. Even this is a unique experience since the steam comes directly from the hot springs underneath (you can actually hear the water from inside the steam baths). The steam rises through grids in the cabin floors, making it one of the most natural steam bath experiences in Iceland. 

However, because the process is so natural, there isn’t really a way to control the temperature of the steam baths, although they generally stay between 40 and 50 degrees Celsius with high humidity.

The Laugarvatn Fontana Sauna

The Laugarvatn Fontana sauna is for those who would like a little bit less humidity than the steam baths can offer. The sauna at Laugarvatn is a Finnish-style sauna with temperatures ranging between 80 and 90 degrees, and it has a massive window through which you can admire the majestic views across the lake and the surrounding landscape. 

The Lake at Laugarvatn Fontana

Lake Laugarvatn doesn’t just offer visitors amazing views but actually forms part of the experience at Laugarvatn. You can take cold plunges into the lake, which is not just thrilling in between heated sessions in the pools, steam baths, or sauna but also has numerous health and wellness benefits, such as:

The Fontana Bakery

The Fontana Bakery is where Laugarvatn really shows off its unique geothermal chops. You see, Fontana Bakery is not your usual bakery with the usual baked goods. It is a geothermal bakery here in Iceland. If you’ve ever heard of lava bread in Iceland, this is where you go to get it. The bread is referred to as lava bread, not because of a fiery ingredient but because of the unique baking process.

Fontana Bakery is the place in Iceland that’s baking bread in the ground (literally). The geothermal heat in the ground is used to bake the bread. If you bury the dough in the ground here, you’ll have delicious “lava” bread roughly 24 hours later. Fontana Bakery is where you can have a taste of Iceland’s so-called “bread in the ground”, buy some to enjoy later, or even go on a tour to get a behind-the-scenes look at the unique breadmaking process.

Where are the Fontana Hot Springs in Iceland?

Laugarvatn Fontana can be found in the small village of Laugarvatn. This little town is 80 kilometers from the capital city of Reykjavik (which is about a 50-minute drive), making it a great option for a day outing, especially during our warmer months with plenty of daylight hours. But Laugarvatn Fontana is also conveniently located along the Golden Circle route, so many opt to have it as a stop along their road trip.

How to Get to the Laugarvatn Fontana Geothermal Baths in Iceland

You will have a few options for getting to Laugarvatn Fontana:

Operating Hours of Laugarvatn Fontana

The opening and closing times at Laugarvatn Fontana change throughout the year. These times generally coincide with the changes in the seasons. Operating hours are as follows:

During the Colder Months

1 October to 31 May

During the Warmer Months

1 June to 30 September

How Much Does a Ticket to the Fontana Spa in Iceland Cost?

Pricing at Laugarvatn Fontana is as follows:

Admission

The following prices will give you access to Laugarvatn Fontana and its amenities and facilities but do not include food, drinks, towels, or a tour of the bakery:

Rentals

The below prices will allow you to use the items on-site for the duration of your visit. Under no circumstances are you allowed to take these off-site or consider them yours.

Bakery Tours

The below will book you a spot on the bakery tour. This does not, however, give you access to the rest of the Laugarvatn Fontana facilities, and since there are very limited tours with limited space, you’ll need to book well in advance. If you are a group of 10+ people, special arrangements will need to be made, so contact the venue directly.

When is the Best Time to Visit Laugarvatn Fontana?

As you may have already guessed from the operating hours, Laugarvatn Fontana is open all year round, even though opening and closing times may vary slightly. So, when you choose to visit will all depend on the following:

Other Things to See & Do Near Laugarvatn Fontana

If you would like to expand on your itinerary and explore the area surrounding Laugarvatn further, you can consider the following:

Laugarvatn Fontana: An Unforgettable Experience On Your Travels in Iceland

Whether you’re looking for a day of escape and relaxation or a rejuvenating pitstop along your travels, Laugarvatn Fontana is the perfect destination. Conveniently close to the capital city, while also far away enough to find some tranquillity in its remoteness and breathtaking views, you simply cannot travel in Iceland without visiting. 

If you add on the unique experience of lava bread, you have a combination unmatched by most other geothermal pools on the island. So, what are you waiting for? Travel to Iceland and come and lounge in Laugarvatn Fontana while chowing down on some lava bread!