Laugarvatn Fontana Geothermal Baths
Laugarvatn Fontana Geothermal Baths
4.5
10:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 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
Duration: 1-2 hours
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- skyline2009Dallas, Texas1 contributionDelicious!My experience at Laugarvatn Fontana was so nice. Our guide was fun and had a lot of information to give. We got to the bread which is baked over 24hrs-ish underground, and it was delicious! It was served with butter and this trout that was to die for. I’m still dreaming of that combo.Visited September 2023Travelled soloWritten 20 September 2023
- Rhiannon M1 contributionGeo-Thermal Baking Demo is a MUSTI booked the Rye bread baking demo that's offered by Fontana and I'm really glad I did. It was one of the experiences I had been trying to find while originally planning my trip but only ended up finding out about this demo when I got to where I was staying near the town. When I found it, I immediately booked the night before for the first morning time slot. The guide was really informative and did a great job of explaining the whole process from sharing the history of the baking and how it started at Fontana to how the bread is made. Taste testing the bread that was retrieved as part of the demo was the best part!Visited September 2023Travelled soloWritten 22 September 2023
- Kacie C5 contributionsGo to Laugarvatn Fontana!We booked a lava bread tour and the tour was so fun to attend! We loved every minute of it. My only mistake was planning the day around the tour being around 40 minutes (as it’s listed in the website) the tour went longer than that we missed a nearby reservation. Plan to enjoy yourself and give yourself time to learn, ask questions, have a few laughs, and eat some delicious bread!Visited September 2023Travelled with familyWritten 23 September 2023
- w0rldtraveler10019 contributionsWonderful, clean and relaxing.Visiting this place was so nice. The atmosphere is very calm and the showers and baths are very clean. We had a wonderful, relaxing time. We tried the rye bread and it was amazing as well. The staff, David and Silvie, were so friendly. All around, we loved it.Visited September 2023Travelled with familyWritten 24 September 2023
- Zita v1 contributionHomely away from home tour :-)The host is fascinating, he really brought us to "history" of the event and how he made us feel likes home and feels his love, passion and patriotism during the presentation. Need to buy the rye bread because it was so delicious upon tasting moment :-) Thank you for hospitality !!!Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 29 September 2023
- DodgingBordersRhode Island66 contributionsFamily FriendlyNice little spa on the lake with beautiful views. Most family friendly of all the spas we went to in Iceland. They had an entire shallower, less hot pool dedicated to smaller guests and their parents, but also deeper, hotter pools for adults. The dip in the lake was refreshing, and the geothermal bread was yummy too!Visited September 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 30 September 2023
- serap I6 contributionsBaking bread in the groundWe did the workshop on baking bread in the ground. It was worth every single cent, the man who showed it to us, was an amazing storyteller and had lots of intresting infos about the town! Would definitely reccomend the workshop if you‘re going to the bath!Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 1 October 2023
- pamzemaitisNew Cumberland, Pennsylvania7 contributionsBread baking tourWhat a unique and fun experience! I had seen this on the Zac Ephron Down to Earth show and just had to visit...it did not disappoint! The tour was very informative and the bread was wonderful. The facility was really nice and we wish we had more time to stay and visit. Would definitely recommend.Visited September 2023Travelled with familyWritten 4 October 2023
- Gayle TCharlotte, North Carolina33 contributionsWorth the visit!We went for the Geothermal bread baking tour - no baths for us this time. We reserved and prepaid a few days ahead. There were 20-30 people on our group tour. The presentation was part outside and part inside, and there were no problems seeing or hearing what was said. Fascinating process and Delicious bread. So glad we included this on our first trip to Iceland! Might be nice to plan a longer visit and enjoy the hot baths as well!Visited September 2023Travelled with familyWritten 6 October 2023
- Sherpa575262223041 contributionHighly recommendPerfect experience! There are 4 pools and 4 sauna spaces with nice and clean showers. The most amazing thing of this fontana is that you can dip your body into the lake which and then go back to the warm pool to make your body warm again. And please try the rye bread which was the best bread we had in Iceland :)Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 7 October 2023
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4.5
2,440 reviews
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Stacey P
1 contribution
Aug 2021 • Couples
This was the biggest disappointment on my trip to Iceland. I only booked the geothermal bread baking tour, and I wish I hadn't. I also made the mistake to pay extra for smoked trout with our bread sample. First of all, there were about 30 people crammed onto this tour. All the tour consisted of was watching the tour guide dig up a pot of bread and slice it. After the tour guide sliced the bread he said to the entire group "come get a slice and if you paid extra for smoked trout, be sure to grab some." I'm sorry, but why did I pay extra for the smoked trout when everyone was just taking it anyways?
And the worst part: this was during the middle of the covid pandemic. So once the tour guide said that, it was a mad dash of dirty hands (mostly children) touching all the bread, butter, and trout. Most people were not wearing masks. It was terribly unsanitary during a pandemic to operate the tour this way. We left before we even tried the bread or smoked trout because I was too disgusted with the lack of sanitation. If you are coming to Iceland, I would 100% recommend to skip this place. What a joke.
And the worst part: this was during the middle of the covid pandemic. So once the tour guide said that, it was a mad dash of dirty hands (mostly children) touching all the bread, butter, and trout. Most people were not wearing masks. It was terribly unsanitary during a pandemic to operate the tour this way. We left before we even tried the bread or smoked trout because I was too disgusted with the lack of sanitation. If you are coming to Iceland, I would 100% recommend to skip this place. What a joke.
Written 15 August 2021
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.
Sally B
Boston, MA6 contributions
Aug 2022
I came here in 2016 for the spa and it was fine but honestly not worth the price. The lake was too cold to enjoy, it was crowded, and I was much happier at the Secret Lagoon.
On my 2022 return trip, I really wanted to try the rye bread experience and remembered from Zac Efron's show that this was one place that baked it. THAT tour was well worth the cost (about $14) and I would recommend it to anyone.
The tour was mostly outside, about 40 mins long, and consisted of learning about the geothermal activity in the area, digging up the bread, and burying a new one. I even got to help bury tomorrow's bread! Once inside, we got to eat as much bread, trout, and butter as we could, which was about 4 pieces each.
Highly recommend for the bakery itself, get your spa on elsewhere.
On my 2022 return trip, I really wanted to try the rye bread experience and remembered from Zac Efron's show that this was one place that baked it. THAT tour was well worth the cost (about $14) and I would recommend it to anyone.
The tour was mostly outside, about 40 mins long, and consisted of learning about the geothermal activity in the area, digging up the bread, and burying a new one. I even got to help bury tomorrow's bread! Once inside, we got to eat as much bread, trout, and butter as we could, which was about 4 pieces each.
Highly recommend for the bakery itself, get your spa on elsewhere.
Written 22 August 2022
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.
Stacey
6 contributions
Mar 2022
We LOVED our trip here, we did the geothermal bakery tour, and then the spa session too after.
It was fascinating to see how bread is made and cooked in the land, the guide was very welcoming, friendly and fun. We learnt a lot and felt included. The bread was SO SO yummy, you get to eat lots with fresh trout and butter after which was just delicious.
The spa is spotless and has everything you needed, several different temperature pools with beautiful views. Everything in the changing rooms has been thought of and I felt very relaxed and non rushed with our experience there. We had some soup and break for lunch in the cafe after which was really good and in line with moderate prices in Iceland, Easy to find, easy to park and truly beautiful, you can even swim in the lagoon if you feel brave enough, they supply water shoes.
It was fascinating to see how bread is made and cooked in the land, the guide was very welcoming, friendly and fun. We learnt a lot and felt included. The bread was SO SO yummy, you get to eat lots with fresh trout and butter after which was just delicious.
The spa is spotless and has everything you needed, several different temperature pools with beautiful views. Everything in the changing rooms has been thought of and I felt very relaxed and non rushed with our experience there. We had some soup and break for lunch in the cafe after which was really good and in line with moderate prices in Iceland, Easy to find, easy to park and truly beautiful, you can even swim in the lagoon if you feel brave enough, they supply water shoes.
Written 26 March 2022
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.
Gymbabe3
9 contributions
Sept 2021 • Friends
We booked this tour based on the Zac Efron Netflix special and we were thoroughly surprised at the marvelous facility they have created. You can enjoy a hot pool here or kayak as well in the water. What I did not enjoy was the size of the tour as there was almost 40+ people in the same tour and I felt I was not able to get a good view or ask questions I may have with a smaller group. The tour guide was nice and explained everything precisely but I felt it was more of a show than a real cultural experience. Overall I would recommend this tour if you are in the area and have 30 minutes to spare.
Written 14 September 2021
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.
Steve A
Ambleside, UK35 contributions
Dec 2021
We had a great afternoon at these baths, first taking the bread baking tour which while pretty straightforward was interesting and resulted in a good bit of tasting including some lovely salmon!
The baths were layed out in the traditional style of having different temperature baths to dip you're way through with the warmer ones unsurprisingly being the most popular! We spent quite a bit of time relaxing in the 36-40 degree one then had some time in the sauna with amazing views across the lake. Having the lake there was a real bonus as you can experience a great bit of fire and ice taking a dip in the lake in between sauna or hot pools (or if your a cold water swimmer like my wife you'll head out for a swim in the lake!). It was fun to watch people from the Sauna window, heading down to the lake, dipping quickly then running back out! The cold air and snow on the ground certainly got you ready for the cold dip!
The facilities were good and clean and there was access to the cafe/bar via a hatch near the pools with a beer at a not to unreasonable (for Iceland) price.
There's cheaper pools around that offer similar (we went to a good locals one in Reykjavík but this one is in a great spot with awesome views. Definitely worth the trip
The baths were layed out in the traditional style of having different temperature baths to dip you're way through with the warmer ones unsurprisingly being the most popular! We spent quite a bit of time relaxing in the 36-40 degree one then had some time in the sauna with amazing views across the lake. Having the lake there was a real bonus as you can experience a great bit of fire and ice taking a dip in the lake in between sauna or hot pools (or if your a cold water swimmer like my wife you'll head out for a swim in the lake!). It was fun to watch people from the Sauna window, heading down to the lake, dipping quickly then running back out! The cold air and snow on the ground certainly got you ready for the cold dip!
The facilities were good and clean and there was access to the cafe/bar via a hatch near the pools with a beer at a not to unreasonable (for Iceland) price.
There's cheaper pools around that offer similar (we went to a good locals one in Reykjavík but this one is in a great spot with awesome views. Definitely worth the trip
Written 4 January 2022
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.
scubachica95
North Palm Beach, FL24 contributions
Feb 2022
We had a fun time at Fontana, but if you only have time for one geothermal hot springs experience we would still recommend blue lagoon. This was definitely a more traditional hot springs experience with traditional swimming pools rather than a “natural” looking lagoon. Pros included a beautiful scenic view of the lake and steam rooms/sauna. Cons were towel rental was not included in ticket price and drinks were not available for purchase without a credit card once you entered the lagoon area. You have to pre pay with your card at the registration desk.
Written 16 February 2022
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.
ljwills
ljwills32 contributions
Dec 2019 • Couples
We had struggled to find something to do in Reykjavik on Christmas Day so instead we took ourselves to Gullfoss waterfall and snowmobiling and booked in to visit Laugarvatn Fontana on our way back in evening. We also booked the buffet dinner. We had already been to a pool in Reykjavik so we knew protocol about taking shoes off and showering naked. If you are nervous about this I suggest trying a pool in town first as they are full of locals so it is normal there! We did this but unfortunately lots of tourists were showering in swimsuits instead. The facilities are lot nicer than the pools in town with nice shampoo and conditioner available, body lotion and hair dryers. Anyway continued on into the bath and it was very busy at about 5pm on Christmas Day!! We went into the first pool and moved around after this - our favourites were the slightly cooler pool that overlooks the lake, from which we had a clear view of a low level aurora which was amazing, and the pool up the steps at the back which was a really warm temperature. The other one at the front overlooking the lake was a bit too hot and we enjoyed watching people who had just arrived go straight in (as it was empty) and then run straight back out! We managed to spend some time in it after we had worked our way up the temperatures. We also went for a dip in the lake which is freezing cold but a super experience. Again, also funny to watch people walk right in thinking it would also be warm then back out fairly quickly! After about one hour there were only a handful of us there and we stayed for about two hours before going in for some dinner, which was a buffet of which you could have as much as you like. It was a bit of a guessing game as to what the dishes were as there were no labels but if you’re not fussy like us you’ll be fine! Hot drinks and pudding also included (the hot chocolate is good) and the rye bread is as good as the reviews say. It was a perfect way to spend Christmas Day and we would return as the whole thing costed about as much as one ticket to the Blue Lagoon.
Written 1 January 2020
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.
crimsonowl
West Lake Hills, TX170 contributions
June 2021
We reserved both the geothermal bakery tour and the spa for an afternoon in June. We began with the bread tour and really enjoyed it; our guide was charming and witty, and the demonstration was short (perfect for our kids' attention spans) and interesting. The bread itself was delicious and a a very filling snack. The adjoining cafe offers soup and additional snacks if you want a larger lunch.
After the bread tour, we entered the pools. The locker rooms and shower areas are clean and very nice.The pools themselves were just "meh" -- lovely views, for sure, but despite the natural water, the pools looked/felt artificial. While we enjoyed the Fontana experience at the time, we later visited the Secret Lagoon, which we loved a lot more.
Overall, Fontana offers lovely facilities, a cheerful staff, and a fun stop on the Golden Circle. But if your time is limited, eat the bread and skip the pools.
After the bread tour, we entered the pools. The locker rooms and shower areas are clean and very nice.The pools themselves were just "meh" -- lovely views, for sure, but despite the natural water, the pools looked/felt artificial. While we enjoyed the Fontana experience at the time, we later visited the Secret Lagoon, which we loved a lot more.
Overall, Fontana offers lovely facilities, a cheerful staff, and a fun stop on the Golden Circle. But if your time is limited, eat the bread and skip the pools.
Written 6 July 2021
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.
Kate K
25 contributions
May 2022 • Couples
I researched spas/geothermal pools prior to visiting Iceland. This was a fabulous choice. Firstly on a route not too far from Gulfoss Falls & Geysir and Faxi waterfalls, so this really suited our itinerary. When we booked we had to choose a time slot, however our itinerary for the day over ran by about 3 hours and Fontana spa let us use the facilities several hours later. Lovely, friendly staff greeted us who explained the facilities and what spa etiquette was. Make sure you shower fully prior to entering the spa! The changing rooms are clean & spacious, with plenty of lockers, shampoo, conditioner, shower gel & body lotion. Hair dryer, cotton buds etc. We brought our own towels but you could hire them along with robes. There are 4 pools all at different temperatures & then there's the lake for the brave ones to dip in to. 3 steam rooms & a sauna. A lovely peaceful spa to relax. Drinks from the bar can be taken into the pools which was great & there is a cafe serving food & drink. Overall a great decision to book here, very good price & then infinity pool view over the lake was stunning.
Written 16 May 2022
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.
Simon
Eau Claire, WI4 contributions
Sept 2021
We did a 9:30am Rye bread tour and went back for a 7:30pm bath experience. Both totally worth it! The bread tour was extremely informative (but I find geothermal stuff fascinating). The bread with the local dairy butter and the smoked salmon from a local fisherman delicious! 30 minute tour and tasting after.
Going back to experience the baths and saunas in the evening was perfect while overlooking the lake as the sun set. We even jumped into the lake, just to say we did. We stayed for 2 hours.
Going back to experience the baths and saunas in the evening was perfect while overlooking the lake as the sun set. We even jumped into the lake, just to say we did. We stayed for 2 hours.
Written 27 September 2021
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.
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!
Written 18 May 2021
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
Written 4 February 2020
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.
Written 5 February 2020
Melissa
London, United Kingdom
Can I get here without a car? Also are we allowed to bring small camera equipment in such as a small tripod for pictures?
Written 20 September 2019
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.
Written 21 September 2019
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?
Written 5 May 2019
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.
Written 19 May 2019
How are the changing rooms? One big open area or private showers?
Written 13 March 2019
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.
Written 14 March 2019
Come si raggiunge il posto partendo da Reykjavik?
Written 4 March 2019
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
Written 11 March 2019
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.
Written 15 February 2019
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.
Written 16 February 2019
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
Written 14 January 2019
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.
Written 14 January 2019
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?
Written 11 September 2018
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.
Written 12 September 2018
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