Laugarvatn Fontana

Laugarvatn Fontana is a geothermal spa located on the shores of Laugarvatn lake in south-central Iceland, approximately 77 kilometers east of Reykjavík along the Golden Circle route. The site has served as a natural bathing area since 1929, when locals built the first changing facilities to access the hot springs bubbling along the lakeshore.

The area's name, Laugarvatn, translates to "hot spring lake," reflecting centuries of geothermal use. The region holds historical significance as a baptism site where newly converted Christians were immersed in the lake's warm waters around the year 1000 AD following Iceland's adoption of Christianity.

The modern spa facility opened in 2011, replacing earlier structures while preserving the connection to natural geothermal springs.

You'll experience three natural steam rooms built directly over hot springs, with temperatures ranging from 40 to 50 degrees Celsius and varying humidity levels.

The facility includes a warm outdoor mineral pool, a traditional Finnish-style sauna, and direct access to Laugarvatn lake for cold water immersion. The steam rooms sit on the lakeshore, where geothermal heat rises naturally through the ground, creating authentic steam without artificial heating.

You can alternate between hot and cold bathing by moving from the heated areas into the lake, a traditional Icelandic practice. The facility offers a distinctive geothermal bread-making experience where staff bury rye bread dough in the hot sand near the springs, baking it using natural heat for 24 hours. You can join scheduled tours to dig up freshly baked rúgbrauð (traditional Icelandic rye bread) and taste it warm with Icelandic butter.

The spa maintains views across Laugarvatn lake toward surrounding mountains, including Laugarvatnsfjöll. On clear days, you'll see Hekla volcano in the distance. The lakeside setting provides a more intimate atmosphere than larger facilities like the Blue Lagoon, with capacity limited to maintain a peaceful environment. The facility includes changing rooms, showers, a small café serving light meals and drinks, and a relaxation area.

You can reach Laugarvatn Fontana via Route 37 and Route 365 from Reykjavík, with the drive taking approximately 90 minutes. The spa sits 25 kilometers west of Geysir and Haukadalur Valley and 30 kilometers from Gullfoss waterfall, making it a practical stop on Golden Circle itineraries.

Admission costs approximately ISK 5,900 for adults, with reduced rates for seniors and children. Combined tickets including the geothermal bread experience cost around ISK 6,900. Towel rental is available for ISK 1,500 and swimsuit rental for ISK 1,500 if needed.