Unwind and Recharge in the Healing Waters of the Laugarvatn Fontana Geothermal Baths

Visiting Iceland is pretty much synonymous with having a dip in a hot spring in nature. Fontana Geothermal Baths is one of the must-visit places on a trip around the island. In this article, we deep-dive into the pool of knowledge to ensure you get the most out of your hot spring adventure!

What to Expect at the Laugarvatn Fontana Geothermal Baths

Even though the size of this place isn’t on par with the larger resorts in the country, Fontana Geothermal Baths still packs a punch.

The main attractions of the Fontana Geothermal Baths are the three connected hot pools – Lauga, Viska, and Sæla.  Viska is the main hot pool, sitting a little higher than the other two. Lauga and Sæla are the cooler pools with varying temperatures, sizes, and depths.

If you’d rather get your water in gas form, there is a steam room at the facilities that is fed by the vents that come directly from the underground geothermal pools. This room stays at around 40-50°C and boasts almost 100% humidity. Prepare for frizzy hair! For the one who wants the heat and not the steam, there is also a classic Finnish sauna on the premises that keeps a sizzling 80-90°C and a significantly lower humidity.

To compensate for all of these hot options, Fontana Geothermal Baths is connected to the chilling Laugarvatn Lake. This is the perfect addition to max out on the health benefits of the hot baths, as you get the invigorating effect of both hot and cold with a quick (or long) dip in the lake.

After a day of steaming hot encounters, there is nothing the soul wants more than a bite to eat. Luckily, Fontana Geothermal Baths rocks a great restaurant that offers lunch, dinner, and snacks. All but the snacks come from locally sourced ingredients. The bakery next door is as local as it gets, with the famous volcanic rye bread being such a hit that Fontana Geothermal Baths offers tours for those who want to see how it is made.

The History of Laugarvatn Fontana

While the geothermal site was only developed in 2011, Laugarvatn has a long history of natural hot springs used by locals. In fact, the hot springs were the very reason for establishing the settlement there. There are three main hot springs in the area:

Vigdalaug

Vigdalaug is probably the most famous when it comes to historical relevance. Alpingi (the Icelandic parliament) used to be at Thingvellir (just 25 kilometers from Laugarvatn). After the official decision was made to have the island officially convert to Christianity, Vidgalaug became the baptism spot for all the parliament members and other important “officials”.

Laugarvatn Fontana

The hot spring has been used and enjoyed by locals since 1929. This, of course, wasn’t the Laugarvatn Fontana we all see and love today. The current site was only developed in 2011. But it’s still interesting to think about all those who have enjoyed the spring before us.

Blaskogabyggd

This is the hottest hot spring in Laugarvatn and is solely used to heat up homes and businesses in the area. Using geothermal waters for energy production and heating is a practice that started in 1930 here on the island, and today, almost 90% of Iceland’s homes and businesses are powered and heated this way.

Why Do People Say the Hot Spring Water of Laugarvatn is Healing?

As with most geothermal baths around Iceland, the water boils up through multiple layers of mineral-rich rock layers, dissolving some minerals along the way. These minerals have been proven to have therapeutic properties for some ailments. But, in general, it’s just considered good for the skin as it is often silica-rich compounds.

Some of the healing properties in these geothermal baths come from unique algae that can develop in the waters. These algae can process the minerals into new compounds that make it easier for the skin to absorb the minerals and nutrients.

Specific Health Benefits of Iceland’s Geothermal Waters

It’s not just local lore that claims the geothermal waters in Iceland have healing properties. This has been proven by scientific research studies. In fact, researchers even believe that there is a connection between our routine hot spring soaks and our being named one of the happiest countries in the world. Proven health benefits include:

• Stress relief (we can’t think of a better way to relax and have tension melt away than in the warm waters of a hot spring with breathtaking views).

• Improving blood circulation.

• Helping with weight management (step aside Ozempic).

• Decreasing inflammation in the body, which is why many get relief from all sorts of aches and pains, whether muscular or from other illnesses such as Osteoporosis.

• Bringing much-needed relief for skin conditions such as Psoriasis, Eczema, etc.

Where is Laugarvatn Fontana in Iceland?

If you have ever wanted to travel to Iceland, the enticement of trying the Golden Circle has probably come up more than once. If you are familiar with the Golden Circle route, you’d be happy to find out that Fontana Geothermal Baths are smack-dab in the middle of the route. You will find it along Road 37, a bit east of Thingvellir National Park.

How to Get to the Fontana Geothermal Baths

Getting to the baths is easy, and you have plenty of options to choose from:

Via a Guided Tour

When you look into guided tours around the Golden Circle, many will go via Road 37 and stop at the baths. The only downside of doing this with a guided tour is that you must be mindful of the departure times, whether at the start or the stops along the way.

Most tours will go from Reykjavik, so keep that in mind when considering your options.

Via Public Transport

Even though it might be an interesting journey, getting to Fontana Geothermal Baths via public transport will take some time and involve multiple stops.

From Reykjavik, you must first take a bus to Selfoss, which will take about 1.5 hours. From Selfoss, you then have to take another bus that will take roughly one hour and 10 minutes. With the waiting times and all, a one-way trip will take about three hours to travel.

Via a Self-Drive

Our absolute favorite way of getting around Iceland is with our own car. This means that there will be no need to accommodate anyone other than you and your travel buddies, and there is no mandatory timetable to keep.

To get to Fontana Geothermal Baths from Reykjavik, you can either go via Thingvellir or Selfoss. This basically means to either go clockwise or counterclockwise around the Golden Circle.

Clockwise:

• Get on Road 1 to Mosfellsbaer.

• Take Road 36 going east in the roundabout right after Lönd.

• Continue along Road 36 for as long as you can until you can take Road 365 going east.

• Continue along Road 365 until you see Laugarvatn Town, and you’ll pretty much be at your destination.

Counterclockwise:

• Get on Road 1 going south and continue until you’re almost at Selfoss.

• Take Road 35 going north and continue until you can take a left on Road 37.

• Continue on this road until you reach Laugarvatn Town.

Planning a Visit to the Laugarvatn Fontana Geothermal Baths

There is a lot you can do at Fontana Geothermal Baths, so to help maximize your stay, we have put together some information that will help when you make a plan.

Operating Hours

If you want to visit the Fontana geothermal Baths in summer in Iceland, they will be open between 10 am and 9 pm. This goes from June to September.

If you’d rather have a therapeutic bath in the cold winter in Iceland, the opening hours only shift by an hour, as the facilities open at 11 am and close at 9 pm.

Costs

If you come prepped to swim, the prices will vary depending on your age. Everyone between 17 and 66 years old will pay 5490 ISK, the younglings between 0 and 9 years old can come in for free (with an adult), the older kids between 10 and 16 years old pay 3490 ISK and the pensioners over 67 as well as those with a disability will pay 4490 ISK.

If you need or want to rent something, a bathrobe will cost you 1500 ISK, and a towel and/or swimsuit will cost 1000 ISK each.

A traditional geothermal bakery connected to the Fontana Geothermal Baths offers tours twice a day to show people how volcanic rye bread is made. The tours cost 3190 ISK for everyone 13 years and older and are free for the little ones under 13.

Best Times to Visit Laugarvatn Fontana

In our opinion, there is no bad time to visit Fontana Geothermal Baths. You can go any time of the day or the year as long as it’s open. Unfortunately, the place is not open at night, so if you’re itching to see the Northern Lights in Iceland, you’ll have to do that elsewhere. The same goes for the Iceland midnight sun.

As with all experiences in Iceland, you will sit with a crowd during the high season in the summer. Even though the Fontana Geothermal Baths is still a little bit of a hidden gem, it has gained traction and will feature on many tours. If you want to avoid the crowds, we suggest visiting the facility in one of the shoulder seasons.

Another thing to keep in mind when choosing the best time to visit Fontana Geothermal Baths is the roads. They might be a bit tricky to maneuver in the winter in Iceland. This shouldn’t be an issue as long as you remember to drive slowly and keep an eye on the national road website.

Special Events at Laugarvatn Fontana

As Laugarvatn Fontana is a place for rest and relaxation, you won’t find the venue playing host to many hustling and bustling events. But if you are ever around in the wintertime, we highly recommend booking a spot on one of the tours that combine Laugarvatn Fontana with one of our most famous natural phenomena: the Northern Lights. 

Some of these tours even throw in a buffet, so you can lounge in the pools while staring up at the bright neon lights dancing across the sky and grab something to eat while you’re at it. You will also find quite a few Health and Wellness Retreats (especially yoga retreats) in the area that also include a visit to Laugarvatn Fontana.

Differences Between Laugarvatn Fontana and the Secret Lagoon

The Land of Fire and Ice has a myriad of geothermal baths. Two of these large geothermal pools along the Golden Circle route often get compared to each other. They are Laugarvatn Fontana and the Secret Lagoon.

The main features are the same since both are built on large hot springs, sell food on-site, and have comfortable indoor changing. That is, however, where the similarities end.

The Secret Lagoon boasts the legacy of Iceland’s oldest pool and a style to match. You will experience the traditional, almost brutalist style at the Secret Lagoon. Fontana Geothermal Baths, on the other hand, are modern and sleek.

While the Secret Lagoon boasts a large geothermal area with a view of a geyser, Fontana Geothermal Baths offers a steam room and Finnish sauna. Fontana also offers bread and cookies baked in the volcanic soil, which is a special treat for any weary traveler.

In essence, there are pros and cons for both places, and all boils down to your personal preference. We can, from experience, say that both locations are lovely and well worth a visit.

The Biggest Differences Between Laugarvatn Fontana and Some of Iceland’s Other Geothermal Pools

Laugarvatn Fontana is but one of a string of popular geothermal names here in Iceland. So, what makes Laugarvatn different from places such as the Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon? The biggest difference is that, while also fairly close to the capital city and main roads around the island, it doesn’t draw as many visitors, making it a good option for those who would like to avoid crowds. 

The spa at Laugarvatn Fontana is also not like the ones you get at some of the bigger commercial geothermal pools where they offer a variety of treatment packages and products. Laugarvatn focuses mainly on the baths and the steam rooms.

Laugarvatn and the Environment

Laugarvatn Fontana is built on the foundation of trying to keep the surroundings as natural and unspoiled as possible. That’s why they follow a strict Environmental Policy which includes reducing waste and recycling, as well as choosing nature-friendly products and services. 

This, of course, also comes in the form of locally sourced, fresh ingredients when it comes to the restaurant. Employees and staff are also regularly educated on environmental issues and how to lower our impact.

A Few Helpful Tips for Visiting the Laugarvatn Fontana Geothermal Baths

When you encounter a new culture, it’s important to remember that you should be respectful and consider local etiquette. In Iceland, everything tends to work pretty much like in the rest of Western society. But there are certain things to keep in mind when you get into the holy grail of the Icelandic culture, the geothermal baths:

• This is not a swimming pool in the traditional sense. Try to keep splashing, jumping from ledges, and such to a minimum. Most people come to these springs to relax, so they shouldn’t be treated as a playground but rather embrace the calm and tranquility that comes with the warm embrace of Mother Earth.

• The same consideration should be shown regarding sound, whether chatting, music, etc. Use your inside voice, and don’t blast music.

• Another important thing is that Icelanders are incredibly particular with cleanliness in these pools since the water is untreated and can’t be “changed” if it gets dirty. Therefore, cleanliness is key, and why we have another important tradition regarding geothermal pools: showering nude. This is non-negotiable, regardless of religion or preference. You must shower naked and get clean before getting into the pools.

• Some hot springs might have a high amount of silica in them. This is (among other things) what keeps the water so blue and makes it great for the skin. It is, however, not so great for your hair, as it can make the hair tangled and stiff. If you see magically blue water in a hot spring, it’s often recommended to not get your hair wet.

Other Things to See and Do Near the Laugarvatn Fontana Geothermal Baths

Even though you could probably spend the good portion of a day at the Fontana Geothermal Baths, there are plenty of amazing things to see and do not far away from there. These are some of the most popular spots to visit nearby:

• Geysir geothermal area

• Thingvellir National Park

• Gullfoss Waterfall

• Brúarfoss waterfall

• Slakki Petting Zoo

• Laugarvatnshellir – the Cave People of Iceland

• Kerid crater

Places to Stay Near Laugarvatn

The area around Laugarvatn is full of amazing sights and experiences, and the location of the town makes it a great place to use as a base for local excursions. Here are some great places to stay in the area:

• Hótel Laugurvatn – for the classic hotel stay

• Austurey Cottages – a high-ranking sheep farm by the lake with cute cottages

• Björk Guesthouse – an affordable guesthouse option for the non-camper

• Héradsskólin Historic Guesthouse – the luxurious guesthouse experience, filled with historic importance and plenty of room options

• Laugarvatn Camping -Grounds – the camping grounds with all that you need for an affordable overnight experience

The Warm Embrace of Laugarvatn Fontana Geothermal Baths

There is no shortage of geothermal springs and baths to visit in Iceland, but we strongly recommend making a stop at Fontana Geothermal Baths. This place of calm energy and recovery will add that little extra to your trip to enhance an already amazing experience. All you need to do now is to rent a car in Iceland and hit all the right spots as you soak in the healing waters of the land of fire and ice.