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Laugarvatn Fontana: A Modern Take on the Iceland Hot Springs

29-07-2024

Laugarvatn Fontana

    The Land of Fire and Ice comes with its fair share of volcanic activity. This fiery side of the island is known for heating up the underground water supply, creating hundreds of natural hot springs all across the country. While many are still found in their original and natural form, others are used in geothermal pools such as Laugarvatn Fontana.

    The Fontana Geothermal Baths is one of the latest geothermal venues to join the geothermal family and is one of the few places not just known for its warm and healing waters. Here’s what you need to know about the Fontana Spa in Iceland.

    What Makes the Laugarvatn Fontana Geothermal Baths So Special?

    The Fontana Hot Springs in Iceland most certainly cannot be compared to some of our older and famous geothermal pools such as the Blue Lagoon or the Sky Lagoon. But this new and modern take on our hot springs, not far from the capital city, certainly packs a punch away from the maddening crowd. 

    The Laugarvatn Fontana Hot Pools

    The centerpiece of this “resort” is the three interconnected warm water pools called Lauga, Viska, and Sæla. Viska sits higher up than the other two and is also a bit warmer. While a bit colder, Lauga and Sæla also differ from each other in temperature, size, and depth. Taking a dip in one of the pools is a unique experience with stone designs by local artist Erla Thorarinsdottir and breathtaking views across the Icelandic landscape and the lake. 

    Laugarvatn Fontana Hot Pools

    The Laugarvatn Fontana Steam Baths

    But there is much more to Laugarvatn than just hot pools. Visitors will also be able to take advantage of the Laugarvatn Fontana steam baths (three of them, to be exact), where natural steam enters the cabins through grids in the floor (in fact, one can actually hear the hot spring water underneath).

    Because the process is so natural, the steam temperatures usually vary based on the hot spring and the weather. But you can generally look forward to temperatures between 40 and 50 degrees Celsius. Needless to say, the humidity in the steam baths is quite high. 

    The Laugarvatn Fontana Sauna

    If you would like something a little less humid, you can opt for the Finnish-style Sauna. Temperatures here range between 80 and 90 degrees Celsius, and it’s easy to relax here with a large window looking out over the lake. 

    Lake Laugarvatn 

    The lake is also not just for visitors’ viewing pleasure here at Laugarvatn. It is actively incorporated into the hot spring experience. Visitors can take a cold plunge between their hot soaks and steamy sessions (the latter not alluding to anything other than the steam baths and sauna, of course). 

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    These cold plunges have a variety of proven health and wellness benefits, such as soothing bodily aches and pains, especially pains associated with arthritis, improving blood circulation, as well as soothing muscle pains, and aiding in recovery. 

    Lake Laugarvatn 

    Refueling at the Restaurant and Fontana Bakery 

    All this activity can really work up an appetite, and the onsite restaurant won’t disappoint. You can grab, lunch, dinner, and a variety of snacks here, all made from fresh and local ingredients. When it comes to the bread, it’s pretty unique. The Fontana Bakery is famous for what is often referred to off the cuff as lava bread in Iceland. This is because Fontana Bakery doesn’t just make use of normal ovens. 

    This is a geothermal bakery found in Iceland. You see, in this part of Iceland bread is baked in the ground. It’s not just the water supply that gets heated by the volcanic activity in these parts. By burying dough in the warm ground here, you’ll have delicious baked bread in roughly 24 hours! Except for enjoying a piece of lava bread during your visit to Laugarvatn Fontana, you can also go on one of the Fontana Bakery tours to get a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the process. 

    Where is Laugarvatn Fontana in Iceland?

    As the name suggests, Laugarvatn Fontana is located in the small village of Laugarvatn, roughly 80 kilometers, or a 50-minute drive, from the capital city of Reykjavik. Laugarvatn Fontana is conveniently located along the popular Golden Circle route here in Iceland, making it a preferred pitstop along many visitors’ road trips around the island.

    Getting to Laugarvatn Fontana

    There are a few ways one can get to Laugarvatn:

    • Via Guided Tour (many tour operators and local guides will offer tours with the baths as a destination or part of a Golden Circle tour package).
    • Via Public Transport (this is not the most convenient and will involve taking different buses in Reykjavik and Selfoss).
    • Via a Self-Drive (this will always be the most convenient and efficient with you in complete control of your own time and itinerary). 

    Directions to Laugarvatn Fontana

    Driving to Laugarvatn is super easy, and since it’s almost smack-bang-in the middle of the Golden Circle route, it’s one of the go-tos as part of a Golden Circle road trip itinerary. Like with most circles, you can go in one of two directions: 

    Clockwise

    • Take Road 1 to Mosfellsbaer.
    • At the roundabout right after Lönd, take Road 36 heading east.
    • Continue till you can take Road 365 east.
    • Continue on Road 365 till you see Laugarvatn (the town), and you’ll soon reach your destination (keep an eye out for the signs). 

    Counterclockwise

    • Head south on Road 1 until you’ve almost reached Selfoss.
    • Take Road 35 and head north.
    • Continue till you can take a left onto Road 37.
    • Continue straight (you’ll soon reach the town of Laugarvatn). 

    Opening and Closing Times of Laugarvatn Fontana

    Opening and closing times vary between seasons:

    • From 1 October to 31 May (our colder months), 11:00 – 21:00, 7 days a week.
    • From 1 June to 30 September (our warmer months), 10:00 – 21:00, 7 days a week. 

    Laugarvatn Fontana Baths

    How Much Does a Visit to Laugarvatn Fontana Cost?

    How much you spend at Laugarvatn Fontana will depend on what you want to do and what you forget.  Pricing is as follows:

    Entry Fees (these entitle you to the use of the pools, steam baths, saunas, etc. for the day)

    • Adults (anyone between the ages of 17 and 66) = 5490 ISK
    • Teens (anyone between the ages of 10 and 16) = 3490 ISK
    • Children (anyone between the ages of 0 and 9) = Free
    • Senior Citizen (those 67+ years of age) and the Disabled = 4490 ISK 

    *Please note that all children must be accompanied by an adult, and free entry will only apply for up to 2 children per adult. 

    For the forgetful among us, or those with limited packing space, there are rental options available:

    • Swimsuit = 1000 ISK
    • Towel = 1000 ISK
    • Bathrobe = 1500 ISK 

    If you would like to go on a bakery tour, you’re looking at the following costs:

    • Adults (anyone 17+ years of age) = 3190 ISK
    • Teens (anyone between the ages of 13 and 16) = 3190 ISK
    • Children (anyone between the ages of 0 and 12) = Free 

    *Please note that there are only a few tours with limited space available, so be sure to book ahead of time. Special arrangements will also have to be made for groups of 10+ people. 

    When is the Best Time to Visit Laugarvatn?

    Laugarvatn sits along one of our paved, well-maintained main roads in a region known for some of the best weather on the island. That’s why Laugarvatn Fontana is open to the public all year round. But please take note of the following:

    • Taking a dip in the hot springs with a blanket of snow covering the landscape around you and the cold air hitting your face is an exhilarating experience. But wintertime also means some ice and snow on the road (even the well-maintained ones), so you will have to come prepared.
    • As an outdoor venue, Laugarvatn will also be vulnerable to weather conditions, irrespective of the season, so keep an eye on the Iceland weather forecast.
    • If you’re looking for the best weather and the most daylight hours, summer in Iceland will be your go-to. Just keep in mind that summer is also peak season here, and the island will be busier and more expensive than usual.
    • To avoid crowds, peak season pricing, and still get some good weather, many opt to visit during the shoulder months (April/May or September/October). This is a great idea, but just keep in mind that operating hours often change during the “down” season, so please keep that in mind before heading out to Laugarvatn or any of the other attractions. 

    Other Attractions Around Laugarvatn Fontana

    As part of the Golden Circle route, there are many other interesting things to see and do around Laugarvatn. So, be sure to add the following to your Golden Circle road trip itinerary: 

    Where to Stay Near Laugarvatn Fontana

    If you would like to take some time to explore the rest of the area, the following accommodation options near Laugarvatn are good options:

    The Best Way to Visit Laugarvatn Fontana on a Golden Circle Road Trip

    If there’s one way that’s the most convenient, comfortable, and affordable way of road-tripping the Golden Circle, it’s with a motorhome. This will also allow you to spend a relaxing time at Laugarvatn and then go camping in comfort at the Laugarvatn Campgrounds. So, what are you waiting for?

    Plan your trip, pack your bags, rent a camper in Iceland, and hit the road with all your modern-day comforts within reach as you explore the Golden Circle, and visit Laugarvatn, offering a modern twist on the traditional hot spring experience. Happy travels and we hope to see you here on the island soon!

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