Steam from the lakebed, rye bread from the sand.
Hand-picked by our editors — only the best 3 experiences from 47 reviewed.
Verified partners for Laugarvatn Fontana tours, free cancellation where available, and instant confirmation on every booking.
9 hr
Full-day small-group escape through Iceland's Golden Circle, plus a tomato farm and ancient volcanic crater.
Reserve
6 hr 30 min
Explore Iceland's iconic trio—Þingvellir, Gullfoss, and Geysir—on a guided full-day adventure from Reykjavik.
Reserve
8 hr
Full-day Golden Circle tour from the cruise terminal with a German-speaking guide, max 19 guests.
Reserve
10 hr
Full-day Golden Circle adventure with hidden waterfalls, erupting geysers, a dairy-farm lunch and a geothermal spa.
Reserve
9 hr
Private Golden Circle day trip with geysers, waterfalls, a tomato farm, and geothermal spa time.
ReservePrices from verified partners. Availability updates in real time at checkout. Free cancellation policies apply where shown.
On the black-sand shore of Lake Laugarvatn, steam rises directly from the ground — the geothermal spring beneath the bathhouse has fed Icelandic bathers since 1929, when the country's first public steam bath was built over the same fissure.
The modern complex, opened in 2011, channels that vent into three natural steam rooms whose temperature is regulated by sliding wooden hatches in the floor. Loaves of rúgbrauð, the dense Icelandic rye bread, are still buried in the hot sand each morning and dug out twenty-four hours later.
Today laugarvatn fontana sits at the quiet midpoint of the classic Þingvellir–Geysir–Gullfoss route, which is why the golden circle laugarvatn fontana tour and the golden circle and laugarvatn fontana itineraries pair so naturally with a soak. Operators offer everything from a shared golden circle fontana geothermal baths coach to a laugarvatn fontana private tour for travellers who want pacing of their own. Booking laugarvatn fontana tickets in advance secures the morning window before tour buses arrive.
"Steam has risen from this fissure since 1929, when Iceland's first public bath was built directly over the vent."
A step-by-step walkthrough of Laugarvatn Fontana tickets — what you'll see, how long each stage takes, and the details that matter.
You arrive at Hverabraut 1 just after the 10:00 opening, ahead of the Golden Circle coaches that pull in around noon. Inside, you change, rinse, and step out onto cedar decking where four mineral pools descend toward the lake — 36°C, 38°C, 40°C, then a colder plunge cut straight into Lake Laugarvatn itself.
You alternate: hot pool, lake, steam room, repeat.
At 11:30 a staff member walks the beach with a shovel and lifts a black iron pot from the sand. You follow, watching steam escape as the lid comes off. The rúgbrauð is sliced thick, served warm with butter and smoked trout. Many guests on the golden circle tour fontana spa schedule miss this — your laugarvatn fontana morning ticket does not.
Pick up your wristband at reception (Hverabraut 1), rent a towel or robe if needed, and store belongings in a changing-room locker.
Move between the three outdoor pools (32–40°C), the GUFAN steam rooms built over the live spring, and the YLUR Finnish sauna (80–90°C). End with an optional cold plunge from the wooden pier into Laugarvatn Lake.
Join the daily hverabrauð tour at 11:45 or 14:30 — guide explains how rye bread is sealed and buried in geothermal soil for 24 hours, then guests taste the bread with Icelandic butter and smoked trout.
Finish with a bowl of soup and freshly baked rye bread in the on-site café before continuing your Golden Circle route toward Geysir or Þingvellir.
The landmarks, rooms, and views travelers on Laugarvatn Fontana tours remember — all visible on a single visit.
Three steam rooms built directly over a natural hot spring in use since 1929; humidity is near 100% and temperatures reach 40–50°C, and floor grids let guests hear the boiling spring beneath them.
A modern Finnish-style sauna reaching 80–90°C with a panoramic window facing Lake Laugarvatn; the low-humidity dry heat contrasts sharply with the adjacent steam rooms.
A wooden deck extending from the main pool deck into the mineral-cold waters of Laugarvatn Lake, used for the traditional Icelandic hot-cold cycling ritual; the lake floor near the shore releases small pockets of geothermal warmth.
Rye bread dough is sealed in a pot and buried in geothermal soil beside the lake, slow-baked underground for 24 hours by the earth's heat alone — a technique Icelandic grandmothers have used in this valley for generations.
Three outdoor pools of varying depth and temperature (32–40°C) lined with volcanic stonework and set flush against the black-sand shore of Laugarvatn Lake, offering unobstructed views of the surrounding lava fields and hills.
Every Laugarvatn Fontana tour side-by-side — duration, what's included, how you redeem.
| Experience | From | Duration | Transfers | Pickup | Lunch | Tax inc. | Free cancel. | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Skip-the-line Most popular
Golden Circle, Friðheimar Tomato Farm & Kerið Crater Day Tour from Reykjavik
|
Reykjavik | 9 hr | — | — | — | — | ✓ | €129 | Book → |
|
Standard Entry
Golden Circle Classic Full-Day Tour from Reykjavik
|
Reykjavik | 6 hr 30 min | — | — | — | — | ✓ | €72 | Book → |
|
Guided Experience
Golden Circle Shore Excursion: German-Speaking Small Group from Reykjavik
|
Reykjavik | 8 hr | — | — | — | — | ✓ | €155 | Book → |
|
Premium Combo
Golden Circle: Brúarfoss, Geysir & Fontana Spa Day Tour
|
— | 10 hr | — | — | — | — | ✓ | €182 | Book → |
|
Luxury / Private
Golden Circle Private Tour with 6 Stops & Fontana Spa
|
— | 9 hr | — | — | — | — | ✓ | €1190 | Book → |
All prices from verified partners. Availability and exact terms confirmed at checkout.
Choose your ticket, select your date, and reserve in under two minutes. Secure checkout handled by our verified partner.
Instant confirmation by email, with a mobile voucher you can save offline. No printing, no queuing at a collection desk.
Arrive at the entrance, show your voucher on your phone, and walk in. Most tickets include priority or skip-the-line access.
Practical details for Laugarvatn Fontana tickets straight from our verified partners — hours, access, rules, and how to get there.
Hverabraut 1, 840 Laugarvatn
Glass-fronted entrance facing the car park; ticket desk and wristband collection inside.
Open in Google MapsDrive Route 1 north from Reykjavík, turn onto Route 36 at Mosfellsbær, continue through Þingvellir, then left onto Route 365 to Laugarvatn — Fontana is on your right by the lake.
Take Strætó bus 51 from Reykjavík BSÍ terminal toward the Golden Circle region; alight at Laugarvatn stop and walk ~5 min to the spa.
Multiple Reykjavík operators run Golden Circle day tours with a Fontana stop included.
Swimwear is required in all pools and steam rooms at laugarvatn fontana — shorts or board shorts are acceptable. A thorough shower in the changing facilities is mandatory before entering any water area. Robes and towels can be rented at reception if you do not bring your own.
Personal belongings are stored in coin-operated or key lockers in the gendered changing rooms. Do not bring valuables to poolside. The geothermal baths area is unsupervised, so leave phones, cameras, and jewellery in your locker.
Personal photography for non-commercial use is permitted in the outdoor pool areas. Be respectful of other bathers and avoid photographing people without consent. Commercial filming or drone use requires prior written permission from management via [email protected].
Laugarvatn Fontana includes entrance ramps and facilities designed for guests with reduced mobility. Changing rooms have accessible areas. The main pool terrace is level-access. Some pathways to the lake shore and outdoor viewpoints involve uneven natural ground, and guests with mobility challenges should exercise caution in those areas.
Mobile phones may be used in the reception and café areas. Poolside phone use is at your own risk — the humid steam room environment and wet pool decking pose a significant risk of water damage. Lockers are provided for secure storage.
Children under 6 are admitted free of charge; youth aged 6–15 pay a reduced rate of 4,990 ISK. Children under 12 may join the Geothermal Bakery Tour free when accompanied by a paying adult. The shallowest outdoor pool is specifically suited for younger visitors, and the spa provides water toys in that pool area.
The on-site Local Kitchen café serves two daily soups with bread, salmon and vegan bagels, and skyr with granola. The Geothermal Bakery produces hverabrauð (rye bread slow-baked underground) available for tasting and purchase. Outside food and beverages are not permitted in the bathing areas.
Pets are not permitted anywhere on the laugarvatn fontana site, including the pool decks, changing areas, or café. Guide dogs and registered assistance animals are welcome with appropriate documentation.
The geothermal steam rooms (GUFAN) are built directly over a natural hot spring active since 1929 — grids in the floor allow guests to hear and smell the spring below. The Finnish-style sauna (YLUR) reaches 80–90°C and faces the lake. A wooden pier gives access to Laugarvatn Lake for a traditional cold-plunge experience. Shampoo, conditioner, and cotton pads are provided free of charge in the changing rooms.
Hverabraut 1, 840 Laugarvatn
Glass-fronted entrance facing the car park; ticket desk and wristband collection inside.
Get directionsBest time to go, insider tips, nearby landmarks, and the cancellation fine print — flip through to skim what matters to you.
How crowds, weather, and events shift across the year.
Pools reopened after 2026 renovation; daylight extends past 21:00 and crowds are lighter than peak summer.
Longest days and warmest air temperatures, but Golden Circle tour buses arrive midday — arrive at 10:00 to secure a pool spot.
Foliage around Lake Laugarvatn turns amber; first chances of northern lights visible while soaking after dark.
Northern lights are most frequent overhead; steam rising from the pools creates an atmospheric contrast with snow and sub-zero air.
Small details that turn a good visit into a great one.
The Geothermal Bakery Tour at 11:45 and 14:30 fills quickly, especially on summer weekends — reserve online at fontana.is before your travel date.
Laugarvatn fontana opens at 10:00 daily in summer; the pools are quiet for the first 90 minutes before Golden Circle group tours arrive around midday.
Towel rental is available but adds cost; packing a compact travel towel saves the fee and avoids waiting at a busy reception desk.
Spring air temperatures hover around 5–10°C — a warm robe or jacket for moving between the hot pools, steam room, and lake plunge makes the experience far more comfortable.
The wooden pier off the main pool deck leads directly to Laugarvatn Lake; a 30-second plunge followed by a return to the 40°C hot pot is a traditional Icelandic wellness technique that many regulars swear by.
Laugarvatn fontana sits between Þingvellir National Park (~25 km) and the Geysir geothermal area (~30 km), making it a natural midday stop on a self-drive Golden Circle loop from Reykjavík.
Non-bookable sights within a short walk — free to visit, easy to pair.
Vivid turquoise cascade on the Bruará river, often called Iceland's bluest waterfall; short marked trail from roadside.
Volcanic black-sand beach with warm water patches near the geothermal zone; whooper swans common in spring.
1920s school building designed by Guðjón Samúelsson, the architect of Hallgrímskirkja; Nobel laureate Halldór Laxness was a frequent guest.
The spring where Iceland's entire Alþingi parliament was baptised in the year 1000, marking the nation's conversion to Christianity.
Lakeside campsite open May–September, 1 km from the spa.
Flexible, no hidden fees.
Cancel more than 48 hours before your visit for a full refund. Cancellations made 24–48 hours prior receive a 50% refund; cancellations under 24 hours are non-refundable. In the event of a sudden closure by laugarvatn fontana, guests may reschedule or receive a full refund.
Hand-picked options within walking distance — pick a district for vibe, or a specific hotel for convenience.
Converted 1920s schoolhouse with dorm and private rooms; a historically notable building steps from the baths.
Small guesthouse directly beside laugarvatn fontana; family-friendly amenities including cribs on request.
30-room hotel with lake-view terrace, elevator, and daily buffet breakfast; wheelchair accessible.
Self-catering lakeside cottages with unobstructed views of Hekla and Eyjafjallajökull volcanoes.
Lakeside tent and RV pitches with showers and electricity; open May–September.
Laugarvatn fontana is open every day from 10:00 to 21:00 during summer (June 1–September 30) and from 11:00 to 21:00 during the winter season (October 1–May 31). Hours may vary on major public holidays.
Adult admission (16+) to the geothermal baths at laugarvatn fontana is 7,490 ISK per person. Seniors and guests with disabilities pay 6,490 ISK, youth aged 6–15 pay 4,990 ISK, and children under 6 enter free. The Geothermal Bakery Tour is ticketed separately.
Arrive at opening — 10:00 in summer — to enjoy the pools before Golden Circle tour groups reach laugarvatn fontana around midday. Weekday mornings are consistently the lightest for attendance.
Laugarvatn fontana includes entrance ramps and mobility-adapted changing facilities. The main pool terrace is level-access. Some paths toward the natural lake shore involve uneven ground, so guests with limited mobility should plan accordingly.
Children are warmly welcomed at the fontana geothermal spa. Children under 6 are admitted free; youth 6–15 pay 4,990 ISK. Children under 12 also join the Geothermal Bakery Tour free when accompanied by a paying adult. The shallowest pool includes water toys.
Bring a swimsuit, towel (or rent on-site), waterproof sandals, a windproof outer layer for poolside, and your booking confirmation. Shampoo, conditioner, and cotton pads are provided free of charge in the changing rooms at laugarvatn fontana.
Cancel more than 48 hours before your laugarvatn fontana tickets are due to be used for a full refund. Cancellations 24–48 hours prior receive a 50% refund; those under 24 hours are non-refundable. In case of a sudden venue closure, you may reschedule or receive a full refund.
Personal photography is permitted in the outdoor pool areas of the fontana laugarvatn spa for non-commercial use. Always respect fellow bathers' privacy. Commercial filming and drone use require prior written approval from the management.
The on-site Local Kitchen serves daily soups with bread, salmon and vegan bagels, and skyr with granola. The Geothermal Bakery produces hverabrauð rye bread baked underground, available to taste and buy. Outside food is not permitted in the bathing zones.
Drive from Reykjavík via Route 1 north, then Route 36 through Þingvellir, and turn onto Route 365 toward Laugarvatn — the journey takes roughly 1 hour 15 minutes. Public Strætó bus 51 from BSÍ terminal also serves the area, and many laugarvatn fontana tours operate as guided Golden Circle day trips.
The fontana laugarvatn geothermal spa sits midway on the Golden Circle. Þingvellir National Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) is ~25 km northwest, the Geysir geothermal area with erupting Strokkur geyser is ~30 km east, and the Gullfoss waterfall is ~50 km northeast — all reachable the same day.
Pets are not permitted anywhere on the laugarvatn fontana site. Registered guide dogs and certified assistance animals are welcome with appropriate documentation.
