Laugarvatn Fontana - A park bench sitting next to a body of water
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Laugarvatn Fontana

4.6
·3k reviews·Laugarvatn, Iceland

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Afternoon tours

Perfect for a Golden Circle stop

CrowdMedium
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Laugarvatn Fontana - A park bench sitting next to a body of water

Laugarvatn Fontana

Best Time

Afternoon tours

Perfect for a Golden Circle stop

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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

4.6
(3k reviews)

"The spa itself was amazing and overlooks the water. Nothing could be more serene."

Vertical photo
TIP

🍞 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.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Geothermal Rye Bread Baking

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

Natural Steam Baths

Spa area

Relax in steam rooms naturally heated by geothermal vents. A truly unique and invigorating experience.

Outdoor Mineral Pools

Outdoor Mineral Pools

Spa area

Soak in warm, mineral-rich pools with stunning views of Laugarvatn lake.

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Planning Your Visit

Book Your Geothermal Bread Experience

The geothermal bread baking tour is a must-do! Book in advance, especially during peak season, as spots fill up quickly. It's a unique taste of Icelandic tradition.

Spa Access & What to Bring

Laugarvatn Fontana offers a serene spa experience. Bring your swimsuit and a towel, though rentals are available. Consider booking spa access alongside the bread tour for a full day of relaxation.

Best Times

When
Afternoon tours
Why
Perfect for a Golden Circle stop
Crowd
Medium
When
Late afternoon spa
Why
Sunset views over the lake
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Rating all of the many activities we did on our Iceland honeymoon🇮🇸 - Sky Lagoon - Geothermal Bread Baking @ Laugarvatn Fontana - Horseback Riding @ Sólhester in Olfus - Glacier Lagoon Kayaking with Iceguide - Glacier Hike with Arctic Adventures #iceland #icelandtravel #icelandtrip #icelanditinerary #travel #reykjavik #kirkjufell #gulfoss #skogafoss #solheimasandur #silfra #thingvellirnationalpar...
@cbvbnbdf5689
4.4K likes • 85.5K views

🍞 Book the Bread Tour!

Don't miss the geothermal bread baking tour; it's a highlight! Book ahead. TikTokReddit

🧖‍♀️ Bring Your Own Towel

Save on rental fees by bringing your own towel and swimsuit for the spa. Instagram

Valhalla never tasted this good ⚔️ For centuries, Icelanders have harnessed the island’s natural geothermal heat to bake rúgbrauð, a dense, slightly sweet rye bread. Traditionally, they would bury pots of dough in the warm, volcanic soil near hot springs, letting the earth slowly cook the bread over 24 hours. This age-old technique — still practiced today in places like Laugarvatn Fontana — cr...
candidcuisine
558 likes • 14.7K views
アイスランドの自然に寄り添うように建てられた温浴施設「Laugarvatn Fontana」。 旅の途中、冷たい雨がしとしとと降るなかで訪れたこの場所は、観光地というより、自然の営みにただ静かに身をゆだねられる場所だった。 サウナ室に入ると、地熱の力で生み出されたあたたかな蒸気が立ちこめ、ふわりと硫黄の香りが鼻をかすめる。 「これは地球の息づかいなんだ」と、じっとりとした熱気に包まれながら、そんなことを思った。 人工的ではない、大地そのものの熱に、全身がじんわりと温められていく感覚は、どこか神聖で、とても心地よかった。 サウナのあとには、目の前に広がるロイガルヴァトン湖へ。 雨に濡れたデッキを抜けて湖水に飛び込むと、一瞬で世界が静まり返る。 熱と冷たさのあいだに身を委ねながら湖に浮かんでいると、頭の中は真っ白になって、ただただ気持ちよさだけが残る。 まるでアイスランドという島に、まるご...
youheitakimoto
68 likes • 1.7K views

💧 Taste the Local Flavors

Enjoy the delicious rye bread with Icelandic butter and smoked trout. InstagramReddit

💰 Great Value Spa

Considered excellent value compared to other Icelandic spas. Instagram

Baked by the Earth. This rye bread is buried in hot black sand and slow-cooked for 24 hours using geothermal heat. No oven. No fire. Just Iceland doing its thing. 🔥🌍🍞 . .. … #iceland #fontana #geothermal #hotspring #bread #baking #icelandtrip #icelandtravel #foodie #travelreels #earthbaked #naturecooking #visiticeland #reelitfeelit #reelsiceland #europe2025 #wanderlust #travelgram #trip2025 #bucke...
rehanquereshi
59 likes • 2.4K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🍞 Book the Bread Tour!

Don't miss the geothermal bread baking tour; it's a highlight! Book ahead. TikTokReddit

🧖‍♀️ Bring Your Own Towel

Save on rental fees by bringing your own towel and swimsuit for the spa. Instagram

💧 Taste the Local Flavors

Enjoy the delicious rye bread with Icelandic butter and smoked trout. InstagramReddit

💰 Great Value Spa

Considered excellent value compared to other Icelandic spas. Instagram

♨️ Natural Steam Rooms

Experience unique steam rooms heated by natural geothermal steam. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.6
(3k reviews)

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

Unique bread baking tour
Delicious geothermal bread
Serene spa experience

What People Dislike

Can be crowded during peak times

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. TikTok

Public transport options are limited. Renting a car or booking a tour is the most convenient way to reach Laugarvatn Fontana. TikTok

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. Reddit

Absolutely! Laugarvatn Fontana is a perfect addition to a Golden Circle itinerary, offering a unique geothermal experience. Instagram

Yes, there is ample parking available for visitors at Laugarvatn Fontana. Instagram

🎫 🎫 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. Reddit

It is highly recommended to book spa access in advance, especially during peak season, to guarantee your entry and preferred time slot. Instagram

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. Instagram

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. Reddit

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. Instagram

🎫 ♨️ 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. TikTokInstagramReddit

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. Instagram+1

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Instagram

📸 📸 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. Instagram

Yes, you can take photos during the bread baking tour to document the process and your experience. TikTok

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. Instagram

Late afternoon can offer beautiful golden hour light over the lake, while midday provides clear, bright conditions. Consider the weather for dramatic shots. Instagram

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. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Laugarvatn Fontana is a fantastic stop for families. The geothermal bread baking tour is particularly engaging for children, offering a hands-on experience of digging up the bread. Reddit The staff are known for being patient and accommodating with younger visitors, making the experience enjoyable for everyone. The outdoor pools are also a hit with kids, providing a fun way to warm up and play in the water. Reddit

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

For travelers seeking authentic Icelandic experiences without breaking the bank, Laugarvatn Fontana offers excellent value. The geothermal bread baking tour is a relatively affordable way to experience a unique cultural tradition and enjoy a delicious local treat. Reddit

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. Instagram 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

Laugarvatn Fontana offers a wonderfully romantic and relaxing escape for couples. The outdoor mineral pools provide a serene setting for quality time together, especially during sunset when the lake views are breathtaking. Instagram+1 The natural steam baths offer a unique shared experience, enveloped in the earth's warmth. Instagram

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

Laugarvatn Fontana is renowned for its unique geothermal bread baking tradition. For centuries, Icelanders have utilized the island's abundant natural heat to cook a dense, slightly sweet rye bread known as rúgbrauð. This ancient method involves burying pots of dough in the hot, volcanic soil near natural hot springs, where it slowly bakes for approximately 24 hours. The result is a bread with a distinct, earthy flavor that’s unlike anything you’ve tasted before. InstagramReddit+1

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. TikTokReddit

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. Instagram

Relaxation at the Fontana Spa

Beyond the bread baking, Laugarvatn Fontana offers a tranquil spa experience that leverages the same natural geothermal resources. The spa features a series of outdoor mineral pools maintained at varying, comfortable temperatures, allowing you to soak and unwind while enjoying panoramic views of the serene Laugarvatn lake. Instagram+1

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. Instagram

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. Instagram

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