Laugarvatn Fontana Geothermal Baths
Laugarvatn Fontana Geothermal Baths
4.5
11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Monday
11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Tuesday
11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Wednesday
11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Thursday
11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Friday
11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Saturday
11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Sunday
11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
About
Laugarvatn Fontana is composed of a series of interconnected baths and steam rooms that complement each other to create a healthy, natural and unique spa experience.Three steam rooms, collectively called GUFAN, have been built over a natural hot spring that has been used since 1929. The temperature of the steam varies depending on the temperature of the hot spring and weather, usually between 40°C (104°F) and 50°C (122°F). Humidity is very high in the steam room cabins. Grids in the floor of the steam rooms allow guests to hear and smell the boiling natural hot spring underneath, creating a natural and totally unique experience. Next to the steam room is YLUR, a Finnish-style sauna. The temperature is between 80°C (176°F) and 90°C (194°F), with a lower humidity than the steam room having a big window facing the lake of Laugarvatn. LAUGA, SÆLA, and VISKA are interconnected outdoor mineral baths that vary in depth, size and temperature. Some areas are suitable for relaxation and others offer space for movement and playfull moments. Stone artwork made by Icelandic artist, Erla Thórarinsdóttir, enhance each visitor’s experience. VISKA, the hot tub, is built at a slightly higher level than the other baths, providing a panoramic view of the beautiful surroundings while the healthy water nourishes both body and soul.Completing the ensemble are VATNIÐ and STRÖNDIN — the lake and the beach. Visitors will reach VATNIÐ through a gate. STRÖNDIN has warm black sand, which has been shown to be beneficial for those suffering from arthritis and other joint illnesses. VATNIÐ provides an opportunity to cool down between visits to GUFAN and YLUR, a temperature shift that is both healthy and strengthening
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
2,080 reviews
Excellent
1,376
Very good
504
Average
134
Poor
46
Terrible
21
Andrea H
1 contribution
Jun 2023 • Family
We enjoyed a nice relaxing visit on a sunny day. We could not swim in the lake because it was temporily closed. Overall worth a visit.
Written 5 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
61luv2travel
Sacramento, CA53 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
So I guess Zac Ephron put the bakery on the map when he featured it in his Down to Earth documentary. The tour is pretty short but it is fascinating to see how they use their geothermal resources to make "bread." Afterwards you get to eat a sample spread with butter and smoked trout. It was delicious! The only problem we had is that we had 3 pieces of bread and then went to our next stop to have lunch at Fridheimar.
We did not use the baths but we also noticed that there seemed to be a continuous procession of jr high/high school age British school kids on holiday. So we were glad to not have to compete with them for space in the baths.
We did not use the baths but we also noticed that there seemed to be a continuous procession of jr high/high school age British school kids on holiday. So we were glad to not have to compete with them for space in the baths.
Written 4 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
liz
8 contributions
Jun 2023 • Couples
Blue Lagoon is much better!! We visited on an afternoon when there was a tour group of 80+ teenage girls arriving. There was no room to change, shower, nor enjoy the pools, and I waited 30 minutes to use the restroom because there was a constant 10+ girls in line. Unfortunately the lake area /cold plunge was closed and didn’t know that ahead of time.
Written 3 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
gjcooke
Long Island City, NY122 contributions
May 2023
We loved the Bread Baking tour. Wonderful afternoon spent in the hot tubs and steam baths. Great staff. Clean facilities.
Written 31 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nasrean N
1 contribution
May 2023
Gorgeous and relaxing geothermal baths! The showers were clean and the experience was overall amazing.
We also experienced the geothermal baking tour and I highly recommend this if you’re in Laugarvatn! It was amazing to see how they bake bread in the ground and it was sooo DELICIOUS!
We also experienced the geothermal baking tour and I highly recommend this if you’re in Laugarvatn! It was amazing to see how they bake bread in the ground and it was sooo DELICIOUS!
Written 28 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anna
3 contributions
May 2023 • Solo
Amazing place!!! Tour is very exciting and the guide was very kind and answered all of my questions :)
The pools are great too! My favourite was to go to the steams and then to the cooler lake!!
Staff was very kind and helpful😇
Would recommend💎
The pools are great too! My favourite was to go to the steams and then to the cooler lake!!
Staff was very kind and helpful😇
Would recommend💎
Written 28 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NannonG
Cardiff, UK2 contributions
May 2023
It was a fairly cold day and intermittently wet / hail. When we had showered and changed we had lovely bathrobes (provided extra) to keep us warm until we were in the pools which was a very short walk. There are 4 pools including a large natural hot spring pool. This water had not been through a geothermal power plant first so the water was natural colour. Our 2 hour slot went very quickly as we enjoyed the pools which are at different temperatures. For me the natural pool was best and I was pain free in there for the first time in years. We spent a little time in the sauna and steam rooms just to say we had (not a favourite thing for either of us, but so many enjoyed it). There were showers outside to wash after the rooms, before going back into the pools. We hired nice soft towels as well. There was a small spin dryer for swimsuits - brilliant. The only down side was the indoor shower area. The designers of the area need a rethink. The tiles are very smooth and when wet are very slippery - there are warning signs, but when you are not very steady on your feet because of arthritis the signs don't help and my brother fell and banged his head and wrist. The staff were brilliant when we told them and couldn't do enough - for this we thank them very much - takk takk. We enjoyed the bread making experience after and they kept a watch on my brother through that as well.
Please don't let the fall put you off, it was an incredible experience and if we could, we would go back.
Please don't let the fall put you off, it was an incredible experience and if we could, we would go back.
Written 27 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mikaela R
1 contribution
May 2023 • Friends
I went last week for a bakery tour and had such a great experience. It was so fun to see the whole process of baking the bread in the ground and eating it shortly after. It tastes amazing and this was surely one of the highlights of my time in Iceland. A unique and engaging experience :)
Written 27 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anita E
1 contribution
May 2023 • Couples
The baths but the rye bread tour was very interesting and informative! It was a wonderful experience! I will definitely return!!
Written 22 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Catherine C
Chicago, IL7 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
I did the bread tour one afternoon and then came back the following evening to enjoy the baths! The bread tour is short but very interesting! The tour guide explains the process, digs up the bread, invites you to touch the hot sand, and the buries a new loaf to bake in time for the next day's tour (it takes 24hrs for the bread to bake!). We take the bread that was dug up back inside where the guide cuts it into slices for us to try. IT WAS DELICIOUS! It is so cool that it is baked with thermal heat, crazy! The baths were wonderful to enjoy after a day of hiking and exploring. I visited lots of baths/lagoons while in Iceland and what made this place unique is that you are able to take a cold dip right in the lake!
Written 17 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Elizabeth G
Windham, NH28 contributions
I've read some conflicting info on the showering situation here. , I've had extensive surgery to remove cancer and have scars and would under no circumstance shower publicly or in front of my 14 year old daughter. It would be far too traumatic for both of us. Is there an option of private naked showers? I don't mind waiting if its limited. But I don't want to buy tickets and then not be able to go. I know, I'm America, sure, but it really is more than that in this case.
Thanks!
LutonLassie
Edinburgh7 contributions
At what time of the day do the tour buses stop here? I want to find a quiet time of the day to visit if possible, so any advice would be great. Thank you
52francis2019
Cleveland, OH3 contributions
Tour Buses arrives around 12:30 pm. Spa is also busy after 7 pm. The best time to use the Spa Is 10 am to 12 noon and 3:00 pm to 6:30 pm. Also the Spa Admission is Multi Entry on the same day. It means we can go to Spa in the morning then go out for lunch and come back in the afternoon or evening.
Melissa
London, UK
Can I get here without a car? Also are we allowed to bring small camera equipment in such as a small tripod for pictures?
mallard52
29 contributions
The lobby/eating are is just like a small cafe. I wouldn’t plan on bringing a camera in to the bathing area...everyone is clothed, but it’s a relaxing experience like a spa. I think camera equipment would have been very out of place.
Beata C
1 contribution
We will be visiting Fontana spa the first week of August. I booked the 11:30 bread tour, we would also want to have lunch there and visit the spa. Would 12 PM lunch reservation and 12:30 spa reservations make sense? If we are 15 min late (because the lunch maybe takes longer), will they still let us it?
Melanie
Windsor, CT70 contributions
Time lines are pretty relaxed there. People just want to enjoy their vacation and the staff is well aware. They were excellent. I’m just not sure I would want to eat then have a massage on a full stomach.
Amber692
Cincinnati, Ohio, USA89 contributions
How are the changing rooms? One big open area or private showers?
NomeMan
Alaska390 contributions
Yes, there are very nice changing rooms with free lockers. The men's shower area has a single stall at the end with a curtain, but most of showers are communal. They are rainfall heads though and the shampoo, conditioner, and shower gel are exceptional.
gianmarco l
Melbourne, Australia51 contributions
Come si raggiunge il posto partendo da Reykjavik?
pierrrrrrr
London, UK45 contributions
Io ho usato la macchina a noleggio (occhio perche' tendono a fregare...specialmente green motion) comunque ho visto anche molti pullmans di gite organizzate da tour operators a Reykjavik
SnoopyHo
90 contributions
Is it still very cold there in March?
Anyone stay here at night around March? if yes, was you able to view Northern light ? Thank you.
Mike L
Huddersfield1,043 contributions
Viewing the lights is down to luck for this location, you will have moved away from the light pollution of the city and there are stop off points on the way back to Rejkjavik if you are on a favourable night. If you are in the thermal pools you will be nicely warm-much better though to have the full experience of dipping in the lake then warming back up in the sauna.
TARAandDAVID
Newcastle, UK17 contributions
Hi - does the water from these pools affect your hair as badly as the Blue Lagoon - ie its like straw for days afterwards. Also are you allowed to take a mobile phone in a waterprrof case around your neck into the pools to take photos
Robin L
Pittsburgh, PA82 contributions
I have naturally curly hair and it wasn’t affected by the water like the Blue Lagoon. Yes, you can take phones in. I did not, but some other people had them.
Elaine N
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia10 contributions
Wonder what is the difference in menu between the lunch and dinner buffet?
Also wonder it is more advisable to visit during the day or night?
BobOxenburgh
Alamo, CA311 contributions
We went at 7.00 p.m. Used the pools, sauna, steam room, lake for 1.5 hours. Then had a late supper of the soup of the day, and lox on their own bread. And beer. It was a relaxed, informal, serve yourself, cheery café. Really enjoyed it.
yinwah
161 contributions
how do you book a tour of the bread making at Laugarvatn Fontana Spa?
Delman
Sulaymaniyah, Iraq1,453 contributions
You can book through their website:
However, we went in July 2018, and we were not able to book via website because it was not working.
So we just gave them a phone call (+354 486 1400) and we were asked to show up 15 minutes before the bread making show.
Hope I answered your question.
Laugarvatn Fontana Geothermal Baths - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Laugarvatn Fontana Geothermal Baths
- Laugarvatn Fontana Geothermal Baths is open:
- Sun - Sat 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
- We recommend booking Laugarvatn Fontana Geothermal Baths tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 20 Laugarvatn Fontana Geothermal Baths tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Laugarvatn Fontana Geothermal Baths:
- Northern Lights & Geothermal Baths Adventure (From HK$704.93)
- Golden Circle and Fontana Geothermal Spa Day Trip from Reykjavik (From HK$791.09)
- Fontana Geothermal Spa and Golden Circle Tour From Reykjavik (From HK$968.34)
- Private Photo Session with a Local Photographer in Laugarvatn (From HK$2,161.48)
- Private Golden Circle and South Coast | 1N2D | Start from Reykjavik (From HK$14,289.19)
- Hotels near Laugarvatn Fontana Geothermal Baths:
- (0.06 km) Golden Circle Apartments
- (0.15 km) Heradsskolinn Historic Guesthouse
- (0.19 km) Bjork Guesthouse
- (0.25 km) Hotel Edda - IKI Laugarvatn
- (0.40 km) Hotel Laugarvatn
- Restaurants near Laugarvatn Fontana Geothermal Baths:
- (0.12 km) Restaurant Lindin Bistro Cafe
- (0.20 km) Heradsskolinn Restaurant
- (0.29 km) Laugarvatn Fontana Cafe
- (0.41 km) Muninn
- (0.70 km) Cozy Cafe in Galleri Laugarvatni
- Attractions near Laugarvatn Fontana Geothermal Baths:
- (11.77 km) Bruarfoss Waterfall
- (7.21 km) The Cave People
- (14.42 km) Fridheimar
- (12.42 km) Buubble Tours
- (2.09 km) Nine Worlds