Laugarvatn Fontana

Laugarvatn Fontana is a geothermal spa perched on the shore of Lake Laugarvatn, in the heart of Iceland's Golden Circle sightseeing route. People have bathed in the hot springs bubbling up here for close to a century; the modern Fontana complex opened in 2011 and reopened after a complete renovation on 1 August 2026. It is built directly over a natural hot spring, letting guests bathe in and around steam that rises straight from the geothermal ground.

Geothermal pools

Three outdoor mineral baths, named Lauga, Saela and Viska, sit at the edge of the lake. Lauga and Saela are kept at roughly 36 C and 40 C, while the Viska hot tub is set at a higher elevation with panoramic views over the lake and the surrounding mountains.

Natural steam baths

Steam rises directly from the boiling hot spring below into purpose-built steam rooms through specially designed grids in the floor, so guests can hear and smell the natural hot spring right beneath them. The steam-bath temperature varies with geyser activity, usually between about 40 C and 50 C. This is one of the few places where you can bathe directly in steam from a natural geyser.

Sauna

A Finnish-style dry sauna runs hotter and drier than the steam rooms, typically between 80 C and 90 C.

Lake Laugarvatn cold plunge

• Direct access to Lake Laugarvatn for a cold plunge between hot bathing sessions
• A refreshing contrast to the warm pools and steam rooms, cooling off in the natural lake water

Cafe and geothermal bakery

Fontana runs a geothermal bakery where dense, sweet Icelandic rye bread is slow-baked in the hot ground using the heat of the hot spring. Daily bakery tours show visitors how the bread is buried and baked, and fresh loaves are available on site. A cafe serves food and refreshments overlooking the lake.

Golden Circle setting

Located at Laugarvatn, Fontana lies along the classic Golden Circle route between Thingvellir, Geysir and Gullfoss, making it a popular stop to relax amid Iceland's geothermal landscape.