Laugarvatn Fontana
Relax in natural geothermal pools and steam baths, and taste unique bread baked by the earth.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Perfect for a Golden Circle stop
Laugarvatn Fontana
Best Time
Perfect for a Golden Circle stop

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Relax in natural geothermal pools and steam baths, and taste unique bread baked by the earth.
"The spa itself was amazing and overlooks the water. Nothing could be more serene."
🍞 Book the Bread Tour!
Don't miss the geothermal bread baking tour; it's a highlight! Book ahead.
🧖♀️ Bring Your Own Towel
Save on rental fees by bringing your own towel and swimsuit for the spa.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Geothermal Rye Bread Baking
By the lake
Taste bread slow-cooked for 24 hours using natural geothermal heat. An unforgettable, earthy flavor.
Natural Steam Baths
Spa area
Relax in steam rooms naturally heated by geothermal vents. A truly unique and invigorating experience.

Outdoor Mineral Pools
Spa area
Soak in warm, mineral-rich pools with stunning views of Laugarvatn lake.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Geothermal Bread Experience
Spa Access & What to Bring
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🍞 Book the Bread Tour!
Don't miss the geothermal bread baking tour; it's a highlight! Book ahead.
🧖♀️ Bring Your Own Towel
Save on rental fees by bringing your own towel and swimsuit for the spa.
💧 Taste the Local Flavors
Enjoy the delicious rye bread with Icelandic butter and smoked trout.
💰 Great Value Spa
Considered excellent value compared to other Icelandic spas.
Tips
from all over the internet
🍞 Book the Bread Tour!
Don't miss the geothermal bread baking tour; it's a highlight! Book ahead.
🧖♀️ Bring Your Own Towel
Save on rental fees by bringing your own towel and swimsuit for the spa.
💧 Taste the Local Flavors
Enjoy the delicious rye bread with Icelandic butter and smoked trout.
💰 Great Value Spa
Considered excellent value compared to other Icelandic spas.
♨️ Natural Steam Rooms
Experience unique steam rooms heated by natural geothermal steam.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the unique geothermal bread baking tour, praising its delicious taste and the engaging, educational experience. The spa is highlighted for its serene atmosphere, natural steam baths, and beautiful lake views, offering excellent value compared to other geothermal attractions.
"We just did the 4 pm bread making tour today and had a blast (despite it being rainy). The tour guide, Vlad, was informative and kind. I even got to help dig the bread out of the banks on the lake. The bread is sweet and delicious with Icelandic butter and smoked trout. A real treat!"
Katheryn Hill
"The flavor of the bread after digging in out of the ground is unforgettable. Our tour was really kind and patient with our children and was a true credit to the bakery and Iceland in general.
The spa itself was amazing and overlooks the water. Nothing could be more serene."
Mike Favila
"Would highly recommend the bread baking tour! It is interesting to learn about the hot springs in the area and how they harness them to cook bread. The tour is very thorough and then concludes with the ability to taste the bread alongside Icelandic butter and cured trout -- all of which were delicious!"
Tom Schoenfelder
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Laugarvatn Fontana is located on the Golden Circle route, about an hour and a half drive from Reykjavik. You can rent a car or join a guided tour that includes this stop.
Public transport options are limited. Renting a car or booking a tour is the most convenient way to reach Laugarvatn Fontana.
Winter driving in Iceland can be challenging. Ensure your rental car is equipped for snow and ice, and always check road conditions before you travel.
Absolutely! Laugarvatn Fontana is a perfect addition to a Golden Circle itinerary, offering a unique geothermal experience.
Yes, there is ample parking available for visitors at Laugarvatn Fontana.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices for the bread baking tour can vary, but it's generally considered a worthwhile experience for its unique nature and delicious tasting. Booking in advance is recommended.
It is highly recommended to book spa access in advance, especially during peak season, to guarantee your entry and preferred time slot.
Spa entrance typically includes access to the outdoor mineral pools, natural steam baths, and changing facilities. Towel and swimsuit rental may incur an additional fee.
While not always explicitly advertised, inquire about package deals or combo tickets that might offer savings if you plan to do both the bread tour and use the spa facilities.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Laugarvatn Fontana website for the most up-to-date information on operating hours for both the spa and the bread tour.
🎫 ♨️ Onsite Experience
The tour involves learning about the traditional Icelandic method of baking rye bread using geothermal heat. You'll see where the dough is buried and often get to help dig it up, followed by a tasting of the delicious bread with butter and trout.
The spa features several outdoor mineral pools at different temperatures, natural steam baths, and a sauna, all overlooking Laugarvatn lake. It's a serene and relaxing experience.
Yes, children are welcome and often enjoy the hands-on aspect of digging up the bread. The staff are usually very patient and accommodating with families.
Yes, there is a cafe where you can enjoy refreshments, including soup and other light meals, in addition to the tasting of the geothermal bread.
The outdoor pools are kept at comfortable, warm temperatures, perfect for soaking in regardless of the outside weather. The steam baths are also naturally heated.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning shots of the outdoor pools with the lake in the background, the steam rising from the baths, and the unique landscape where the bread is baked.
Yes, you can take photos during the bread baking tour to document the process and your experience.
Generally, photography is allowed in most public areas. However, always be mindful of other guests' privacy, especially in changing areas or more intimate spa spaces.
Late afternoon can offer beautiful golden hour light over the lake, while midday provides clear, bright conditions. Consider the weather for dramatic shots.
A waterproof phone case or a durable camera is recommended if you plan to take photos near the pools. A wide-angle lens can be useful for capturing the expansive views.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider packing extra snacks and drinks, although there is a cafe on-site. The spa facilities are generally family-friendly, but always supervise children closely around the water. It’s a great way to break up a day of driving and offer a unique cultural and recreational experience.
💰 Budget Travelers
The spa facilities are significantly more budget-friendly than larger, more commercialized options like the Blue Lagoon, providing a comparable yet more intimate geothermal bathing experience. By bringing your own towel and swimsuit, you can further reduce costs. It's a smart choice for experiencing Iceland's geothermal wonders on a tighter budget.
couples
Consider booking the geothermal bread baking tour as a fun, shared activity that culminates in a delicious tasting. It’s a charming way to connect with Icelandic culture and enjoy a unique culinary adventure together. The tranquil atmosphere makes it an ideal spot for unwinding and reconnecting.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Magic of Geothermal Bread Baking
The experience at Laugarvatn Fontana allows visitors to witness this fascinating process firsthand. You can join a guided tour where you'll learn about the history and technique, and often get the chance to help unearth the freshly baked loaves from the ground. The tour culminates in a delightful tasting, typically served with rich Icelandic butter and locally smoked trout, offering a true taste of Icelandic heritage.
This practice is more than just a culinary experience; it's a connection to Iceland's resourceful past and its deep relationship with the land. It’s a testament to how Icelanders have ingeniously harnessed their environment for sustenance and tradition, making it a highlight for many visitors exploring the Golden Circle.
Relaxation at the Fontana Spa
A standout feature is the natural steam baths, where the air is infused with pure geothermal steam rising directly from the earth. This creates a unique, sauna-like atmosphere that is both invigorating and deeply relaxing. Visitors often describe the sensation as being enveloped in the earth's warmth, a truly natural spa treatment.
Many visitors find Laugarvatn Fontana to be an excellent alternative to more crowded and expensive geothermal spas like the Blue Lagoon, offering a more intimate and authentic experience at a fraction of the cost. It’s the perfect place to relax and rejuvenate after a day of sightseeing on the Golden Circle.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit