Lagoon / Geothermal Spa
Laugarás Lagoon
South Iceland, Laugarás
Laugarás Lagoon is a geothermal bathing and wellness destination in the village of Laugarás on Iceland's Golden Circle, beside the Hvítá River. The lagoon is arranged across two bathing levels connected by a large waterfall and includes a secluded grotto, two saunas, a cold pool, relaxation areas, swim-up bars and a forest hot tub. The water is naturally geothermal, cooled with naturally filtered glacial water from the Hvítá River, and is typically kept at 38–40°C. Ylja Restaurant is on site, led by chef Gísli Matt and focused on seasonal Icelandic ingredients from local farms, fisheries and geothermal greenhouses.
Combine a distinctive two-level geothermal lagoon with a waterfall, grotto, saunas, cold pool and a meal at Ylja Restaurant in one Golden Circle stop.
First-hand experience
Our Experience
Story
Laugarás Lagoon welcomed its first guests on 15 October 2025 after a long development process rooted in the geothermal landscape of Laugarás. The roughly 1,000-square-metre lagoon is built on two levels and connected by a striking waterfall. Its design brings together geothermal bathing, views over the Hvítá River and surrounding countryside, saunas, cold bathing and sheltered relaxation areas. Ylja Restaurant is an integral part of the destination, with chef Gísli Matt leading a kitchen focused on local and seasonal Icelandic ingredients.
About Laugarás Lagoon
Laugarás Lagoon is a geothermal wellness destination in the village of Laugarás on the Golden Circle, around 94 km from Reykjavík and close to many of South Iceland's best-known attractions. The bathing area is arranged on two levels, connected by a large waterfall, with views toward the Hvítá River and surrounding countryside. Guests can move between the warm lagoon, a secluded grotto, two saunas, a cold pool, relaxation areas, swim-up bars and a forest hot tub. The lagoon water comes from the geothermal area in Laugarás and is cooled with naturally filtered glacial water from the Hvítá River. It is chlorine-free and generally maintained at around 38–40°C. The facility is designed with accessibility in mind, including private accessible changing rooms, wheelchair-accessible restrooms and a wheelchair lift. Parking is available directly outside. Visitors can choose between Birki, Lerki and Ösp admission packages, with prices varying by date and time. Ösp combines the lagoon experience with a two-course meal at Ylja, the on-site restaurant led by chef Gísli Matt. Ylja serves seasonal Icelandic food using ingredients from local farms, fisheries and geothermal greenhouses. Advance booking is recommended, particularly for preferred time slots.
History
Laugarás has long been known for geothermal activity and warm water. The modern Laugarás Lagoon project was developed over a period of years as a new wellness destination on the Golden Circle. Construction was completed in 2025, and the lagoon welcomed its first guests on 15 October 2025. The project created a roughly 1,000-square-metre, two-level bathing lagoon with a waterfall connection, saunas, cold bathing and landscaped outdoor wellness areas. Ylja Restaurant was developed as part of the same destination, linking the bathing experience with food sourced from the surrounding region.
Did You Know?
- Opened to guests on 15 October 2025
- Located in Laugarás on the Golden Circle beside the Hvítá River
- Two-level geothermal lagoon connected by a waterfall
- Water temperature is typically 38–40°C
- Natural geothermal water is cooled with naturally filtered glacial water from the Hvítá River
- Facilities include two saunas, a cold pool, grotto, relaxation areas and swim-up bars
- Parking is available directly outside the facility
- Wheelchair-accessible changing rooms, restrooms and a wheelchair lift are available
- Ylja Restaurant is located on site
Did You Know?
The lagoon's natural geothermal water is cooled with naturally filtered glacial water from the Hvítá River and is typically kept at 38–40°C without chlorine.
Practical Information
Best Time
Open year-round. Advance booking is recommended for preferred times; check seasonal opening hours before travelling.
Duration
2–3 hours
Getting There
In Laugarás on the Golden Circle, approximately 94 km from Reykjavík. Accessible by paved road; parking is available directly outside. Buses 72 and 73 serve Laugarás but are not frequent.
Insider Tip
Book ahead for your preferred time. For a combined lagoon-and-dining visit, the Ösp package includes a two-course meal at the on-site Ylja Restaurant.
Frequently Asked Questions
What admission options are available at Laugarás Lagoon?+
Laugarás Lagoon offers Birki, Lerki and Ösp packages. Prices vary by date and time. Ösp includes a two-course meal at Ylja Restaurant.
What are the opening hours?+
Opening hours vary by season. From 15 August to 1 November the lagoon is open daily 10:00–21:00, with last entry at 19:30. From 2 November to 30 April it is open daily 10:00–20:30, with last entry at 19:00. Check the official website for the latest schedule.
What is the water temperature and where does the water come from?+
The lagoon is typically kept at 38–40°C. Hot water comes from the geothermal area in Laugarás and is cooled with naturally filtered glacial water from the Hvítá River. The water is chlorine-free.
What facilities are available?+
Facilities include a two-level lagoon, cold pool, two saunas, relaxation areas, swim-up bars, a grotto, waterfall, forest hot tub and the on-site Ylja Restaurant.
Is Laugarás Lagoon wheelchair accessible?+
Yes. The facility provides wheelchair-accessible restrooms, private accessible changing rooms and a wheelchair lift for lagoon access.
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