Laugarás Lagoon: Geothermal gem on the Golden Circle

Few experiences capture the essence of Iceland like soaking in naturally heated water surrounded by dramatic landscapes. And now, one of the country’s newest geothermal destinations is giving travelers a fresh reason to linger on the Golden Circle to do just that.

Set on the banks of the Hvítá river, Laugarás Lagoon combines contemporary Nordic design, scenic riverside views, and exceptional locavore dining with a chance to participate in Iceland’s renowned bathing culture.

Whether you’re winding down after a day of sightseeing or seeking a destination in its own right, this lagoon offers a distinctly Icelandic way to relax, and is a welcome addition to Iceland’s ever-expanding list of luxurious geothermal escapes.

Laugarás Lagoon is a geothermal spa and wellness destination located in the village of Laugarás in South Iceland. Opened in 2025, it’s one of Iceland’s newest lagoons, and it has quickly established itself as a first-class stop along the iconic Golden Circle tourist route.

Unlike some of Iceland’s larger geothermal attractions, Laugarás Lagoon offers a more intimate experience, with a design that makes the surrounding landscape part of the experience. You can move between warm geothermal pools, a cold plunge pool, sauna, steam room, and quieter relaxation spaces while enjoying views across the scenic Hvítá river valley.

Laugarás Lagoon sits in the small village of Laugarás, on the banks of the Hvítá river in South Iceland. It’s an area known for its geothermal energy and for the many local greenhouses growing veggies for the domestic market. Its location places it on the Golden Circle, making it an easy addition to an itinerary that includes Þingvellir National Park, Geysir geothermal area, and Gullfoss waterfall. In fact, the Hvítá river originates at Langjökull glacier and feeds Gullfoss before flowing south to Laugarás.

The riverside setting is one of the lagoon’s strengths – we appreciate that Iceland’s lagoons are each attempting to give an insight to a particular landcape (black lava fields at the Blue Lagoon, for example, or a lakeside location for Vök Baths in East Iceland, or a small forest for the Forest Lagoon in Akureyri). At Laugarás Lagoon, you can enjoy tranquil views of farmland and the single-lane suspension bridge over the glacial river, creating a sense of calm that’s perfectly suited to a geothermal soak.

Here’s the location of Laugarás Lagoon (and the trio of Golden Circle highlights) on a map of Iceland to help you plan your travel:

How to get to Laugarás Lagoon

The lagoon is approximately 94 km (58 miles) from Reykjavík, making it an easy day trip from the capital. The drive takes around 1.5 hours one way.

Many visitors choose to make Laugarás Lagoon the final stop of their Golden Circle adventure. After a day spent exploring waterfalls, geysers, and historic landmarks, a few hours in warm geothermal water is the perfect way to unwind before returning to Reykjavík. As an indicator of distances, the lagoon is 43km (27 miles) from Gullfoss waterfall, and 46km (29 miles) from Þingvellir National Park. You might also like to overnight in the region, with plenty of guesthouses and hotels in the Golden Circle area.

If you’re not driving yourself, a number of tour operators include the lagoon as part of Golden Circle itineraries – in fact, you can book our Golden Circle and Laugarás Lagoon day tour, departing Reykjavík all year round. We also offer a multiday ‘lagoon crawl’ travel package that covers flights, hotel, and visits to a handful of Iceland’s most iconic lagoons.

Iceland certainly isn’t short of geothermal spas, but Laugarás Lagoon brings a few unique touches to the experience.

The first is its convenient location on the Golden Circle, and its riverside setting. Positioned alongside the Hvítá river, the lagoon offers wide-open views across the countryside, with particularly beautiful colors at sunset. As the evening light reflects off the water and surrounding landscape, it’s easy to see why many visitors choose a late-afternoon or evening visit.

The complex itself is an architectural treat, with a reception building that reimagines Iceland’s historic turf houses. One of the lagoon’s most distinctive features is its two-level pool design, with the upper and lower pools connected by a walk-through waterfall. Water temperature typically ranges between 38–40°C (100–104°F). The hot water comes from the geothermal area in Laugarás and is cooled with glacial water from the Hvítá river.

As with many Icelandic lagoons, there’s a number of elements to explore, including sauna and cold pool, and there are swim-up bars offering drinks for purchase (using a wristband to pay).

Ylja restaurant

Another standout feature is Ylja, the lagoon’s on-site restaurant. Named after the Icelandic word for warmth, Ylja places a strong emphasis on local ingredients, sourcing produce from nearby farms, fisheries, and geothermal greenhouses. The restaurant is led by acclaimed Icelandic chef Gísli Matt, whose seasonal menus perfectly showcase the best of South Iceland’s food culture.

You can opt for lunch before your soak, or a multicourse dinner after an afternoon in the lagoon. The daytime menu offers a great-value soup buffet, sharing platters, and main courses that highlight the best of the neighborhood’s produce. Come evening, the kitchen really shines. Alongside à la carte offerings, the dinner menu features a five-course showcase of creatively prepared regional fare (a vegetarian five-course menu is also available). Signature craft cocktails make excellent use of foraged local herbs and botanicals like lemon verbena and wood sorrel.

For travelers who enjoy combining a warm soak with a taste of hyper-local flavors, Laugarás Lagoon offers something relatively rare: a geothermal spa where the dining experience is just as much a draw as the bathing itself.

There are three ticket types available for Laugarás Lagoon. All include access to the lagoon and to the public changing facilities and showers (bathrooms are segregated by gender, and there are shower cubicles for privacy).

Birki is the standard admission, while Lerki includes use of a towel plus a drink at the swim-up bar. Ösp takes the experience one step beyond Lerki, with a two-course meal at Ylja included.

Current prices of Laugarás Lagoon tickets are listed on the official website.

Note that the minimum age for children visiting Laugarás Lagoon is five – but all ages are welcome at Ylja restaurant.

Laugarás Lagoon is open year-round, and every season offers a different atmosphere. Tickets are booked with a timeslot for entry; once you’re here, there’s no time limit on how long you can stay.

During summer, long daylight hours mean you can enjoy an evening soak well into the night, while the riverside setting is particularly beautiful under the soft light of the Icelandic sunset.

Winter brings a different kind of magic. The contrast between crisp air and warm water is especially enjoyable, and evening visitors may be lucky enough to spot the northern lights dancing overhead.

In September and early October, the Golden Circle’s landscapes take on autumnal shades of gold, amber, and red, and the changing colors provide a fine backdrop for a geothermal soak. Combined with fewer visitors than peak summer months, fall offers a great balance of scenery and tranquility.

Tips for visiting Laugarás Lagoon without the crowds

As one of Iceland’s newest geothermal attractions, Laugarás Lagoon is still something of a hidden gem compared to some of the country’s better-known spas. However, popularity is growing, so a little planning can help make your visit even more relaxing.

For the most peaceful experience:

• Visit early in the day or later in the evening.
• Book a weekday visit outside peak holiday periods.
• Reserve your ticket in advance, especially during summer.

Sunset is often considered the sweet spot. The lagoon’s west-facting location overlooking the Hvítá river becomes particularly beautiful as golden light settles across the valley.

Whether you’re exploring the Golden Circle for the first time or looking for Iceland’s next must-visit geothermal retreat, Laugarás Lagoon offers a fresh take on a beloved tradition. With its riverside location, innovative two-level design, and destination-worthy restaurant, it’s quickly becoming one of South Iceland’s most memorable places to unwind.