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:
Soothing all sorts of aches and pains. It especially brings relief to those with conditions such as arthritis.
Improving blood circulation.
Boosting immunity.
Aiding in muscle recovery.
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:
You can book a spot on a guided tour since many tour operators and local guides offer tours with Laugarvatn as a destination, whether a dedicated tour, a Golden Circle tour, or even a private custom-made tour.
You can use the public transport system since catching a few buses in Reykjavik and Selfoss will get you to Laugarvatn Fontana.
You can drive there yourself via a rental car, either as a day outing from the capital or Selfoss or as part of a road trip around the island.
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
11:00 to 21:00
7 days a week
During the Warmer Months
1 June to 30 September
10:00 to 21:00
7 days a week
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:
Adults (those between 17 and 66 years) = 5490 ISK ($39.95/€36.60)
Teens (those between 10 and 16 years) = 3490 ISK ($25.40/€23.25)
Children (those between 0 and 9 years) = Free for up to 2 children, and they must be accompanied by an adult.
Senior Citizen (those 67+ years) and the Disabled = 4490 ISK ($32.70/€29.95)
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.
Swimsuit = 1000 ISK ($7.30/€6.70)
Towel = 1000 ISK ($7.30/€6.70)
Bathrobe = 1500 ISK ($10.95/€10.00)
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.
Adults (those 13+ years) = 3190 ISK ($23.20/€21.25)
Children (those between 0 and 12 years) = Free
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:
Are you looking for the best weather? Then you should visit when it’s summertime in Iceland.
Are you looking to avoid crowds? Then you should avoid our peak summer season and rather opt for one of the shoulder months that still offer pretty decent weather, such as April/May or September/October.
Are you looking for an authentically local experience? Then you need to visit during our colder months when locals soak in the warm waters with the cold air hitting your face. You can even vary your warm dips with rolls in the snow.
Are you trying to avoid harsher weather conditions or sudden weather changes? Then you better keep an eye on the Iceland weather forecast, irrespective of season. There’s a reason why we have the local saying, “You can experience all four seasons in a day in Iceland”.
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:
Kerid Crater
Brúarfoss Waterfall
Laugarvatnshellir – the Cave People of Iceland
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!
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