Laugaras Lagoon is a new geothermal spa that opened in October 2025, on the Golden Circle. Surrounded by birch trees, farmland, and views of the river Hvita, it offers a peaceful stop on the popular sightseeing route. Read on to learn more.
Laugaras Lagoon is a stunning geothermal spa on the Golden Circle, offering a refreshing experience for both new and returning visitors on Iceland's most famous travel route.
It officially opened for visitors on October 15th, 2025, and it's now possible to book your Laugaras Lagoon tickets online.
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If you're staying in one of the many accommodations on the Golden Circle, fitting in a relaxing dip at Laugaras Lagoon is easy. The lagoon is conveniently located right between Geysir Geothermal Area and Keird Crater, and only a few minutes' drive from Fridheimar Greenhouse and Skalholt Cathedral.
Whether you're touring by bus or choosing to rent a car for a self-drive adventure, it's recommended to book your Laugaras Lagoon entrance ticket well in advance to ensure availability.
Laugaras Lagoon makes an exciting addition to the always-expanding selection of hot spring experiences in Iceland. For more information about what to expect and how to plan your visit, just keep reading.
Laugaras Lagoon Entrance Passes Explained
Laugaras Lagoon offers three different entrance passes, each including access to the lagoon and wellness areas. The main difference lies in the extras, such as towel rental, drinks, and dining.
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Birki Pass (Standard Admission) – Includes access to the lagoon, saunas, cold pool, forest pool, and swim-up bars. Towels are not included, so guests must bring their own.
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Lerki Pass (Premium Admission) – Includes everything in the Birki Pass, plus a towel and one complimentary drink of your choice from the swim-up bar.
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Osp Pass (Wellness Experience) – Includes everything in the Lerki Pass, along with a two-course meal at Ylja Restaurant and access to a private changing room.
All passes include access to the changing rooms and showers, with shampoo, conditioner, and shower gel provided. Time slots are limited, so booking in advance is highly recommended.
The Laugaras Lagoon has an age limit of 8 years old, and children between 8 and 15 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Quick Overview of Laugaras Lagoon Facilities
Laugaras Lagoon is designed to immerse guests in both comfort and nature. From its geothermal pools and forest-edge saunas to unique touches like the waterfall and swim-up bars, every detail is built to enhance the spa experience.
Below are some of the main features you’ll enjoy during your visit.
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Infinity edge lagoon – The main lagoon stretches toward the horizon with an infinity edge that blends into the surrounding landscape.
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Waterfall – A one-of-a-kind feature in Iceland, the 6.6-meter-long waterfall adds sound, motion, and atmosphere to the bathing experience.
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Grotto – Located in a sheltered corner of the lagoon, the grotto offers built-in seating and a more secluded area.
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Saunas – Two dry saunas are tucked into the forest, with large windows overlooking the Hvita River and the valley below.
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Cold pool – Next to the saunas, the cold pool offers an invigorating contrast to the warm water and a full-body reset between dips.
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Forest pool – This smaller geothermal pool is set close to the treeline, creating a quiet space to soak in warm water surrounded by nature.
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Swim-up bars – Two bars are located inside the lagoon, serving alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Guests with Lerki or Osp passes receive one drink included.
Detailed Guide to Visiting Laugaras Lagoon
When you arrive at Laugaras Lagoon, you'll be greeted by a stunning modern architecture that blends with the surrounding lush nature. There's a short trail from the large parking area to the entrance.
Inside, you’ll find the Ylja Restaurant to the left and the check-in desk to the right. Friendly staff will welcome you, help you check in, and provide a wristband for your visit. This band allows you to lock your private locker and conveniently purchase drinks at the lagoon’s in-water bars.
After check-in, simply scan your wristband at the gate to enter the changing area.
The changing rooms are sleek, spacious, and thoughtfully designed, featuring vanity stations with mirrors, sinks, and hair dryers.
You can store your towel near the shower entrance.
As with all geothermal baths in Iceland, guests are required to shower without swimwear before entering the lagoon. You’ll find both open and private showers, each stocked with complimentary shampoo, conditioner, and shower gel made with wild Icelandic herbs.
From the changing rooms, you step directly into the upper lagoon through a sheltered entrance, protecting you from the weather. The upper lagoon offers panoramic views and an in-water bar on the left, where you can order by scanning your wristband.
Both the upper and lower lagoons have seating and tables in the water where you can relax with a drink while taking in the view.
Two stairways connect the upper and lower lagoons. One is on the left, and another is in the center, which leads you down through a dramatic warm waterfall.
The lower lagoon is home to some of the more unique features of Laugaras Lagoon.
To the right, you’ll find the grotto, a quiet relaxation zone framed by Icelandic basalt columns. To the left, you can visit the second in-water bar, a cold plunge pool, and two dry saunas with incredible views.
Just beyond the outdoor showers, the forest pool awaits. It's quieter than the main lagoon and is surrounded by a lush forest, offering a peaceful retreat with the scent of pine in the air.
Once you're ready to leave, simply head back to the changing rooms. You'll find self-service checkout counters by the exit where you can scan your bracelet to pay for any drinks you ordered.
You then scan your bracelet at the gate and return your bracelet to exit the Laugaras Lagoon.
If you haven't visited Ylja Restaurant already, we highly recommend taking time to do so after your relaxing soak. The food is incredible, and it's the perfect spot to refuel your body before continuing your adventure in the Golden Circle.
Ylja Restaurant at Laugaras Lagoon
Ylja is the on-site restaurant at Laugaras Lagoon, serving seasonal Icelandic dishes crafted with local ingredients. The kitchen is led by chef Gísli Matt, known for his work at Slippurinn, a highly acclaimed restaurant in the Westman Islands, and his focus on sustainability, foraging, and open-fire cooking.
Ylja Restaurant offers lunch and dinner with full table service. The menu changes with the seasons and reflects a modern take on traditional Icelandic cuisine, using ingredients sourced from nearby farms and greenhouses.
Reservations are recommended, as it is set to become one of the most popular places to eat on the Golden Circle.
Location of Laugaras Lagoon
Laugaras Lagoon is located in the village of Laugaras in South Iceland, just off Route 30 on the Golden Circle.
The spa sits directly above the riverbank, with open views of Hvita River as it winds through the valley. Floor-to-ceiling windows and outdoor seating areas are designed to keep the natural scenery in full view, whether you're in the lagoon, the sauna, or the indoor lounge.
If you're driving the Golden Circle, the lagoon is easy to reach from nearby attractions year-round, and parking is available on site for all ticket holders.
For travelers who prefer to let someone else do the driving, Golden Circle tours combining sightseeing with a visit to the Laugaras Lagoon will be available soon.
Approximate Driving Distances to Laugaras Lagoon
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From Reykjavik: 58.4 miles (94 km) – 1 hour and 30 minutes
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From Geysir Geothermal Area: 20.5 miles (33 km) – 25 minutes
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From Gullfoss Waterfall: 26.7 miles (43 km) – 30 minutes
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From Keird Crater: 16.2 miles (26 km) – 20 minutes
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From Fridheimar Greenhouse: 3.7 miles (6 km) – 8 minutes
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From Thingvellir National Park: 38.5 miles (62 km) – 1 hour
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From Selfoss: 24.9 miles (40 km) – 35 minutes
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From Keflavik International Airport: 83.3 miles (134 km) – 2 hours
Opening Hours of Laugaras Lagoon
Laugaras Lagoon opened on October 15th, 2025, and is open year-round, with slightly different hours depending on the season. Be sure to check your booking time carefully, as the last entry is earlier than closing.
Laugaras Lagoon Summer Opening Hours (May–September)
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Lagoon: Open daily from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
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Last entrance: 8:30 PM
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Ylja Restaurant: Open daily from 11:00 AM to 10:30 PM
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Last table seating: 9:00 PM
Laugaras Lagoon Winter Opening Hours (October–April)
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Lagoon: Open daily from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM
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Last entrance: 7:30 PM
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Ylja Restaurant: Open daily from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
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Last table seating: 9:00 PM
Other Lagoons on the Golden Circle
Laugaras Lagoon joins a growing list of geothermal bathing experiences along Iceland’s Golden Circle. While each offers something unique, all are rooted in the country’s natural hot spring tradition and are easy to include on a self-drive or guided itinerary.
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Fontana Spa – Located in Laugarvatn, Fontana offers geothermal pools, natural steam baths built over a hot spring, and direct lake access. It’s known for its traditional sauna experience and views over Laugarvatn Lake.
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Secret Lagoon – Situated in the town of Fludir, the Secret Lagoon is Iceland’s oldest swimming pool, filled with natural geothermal water. The setting is rustic and charming, with visible hot spring vents around the pool.
Laugaras Lagoon sets itself apart with its riverside setting, waterfall feature, swim-up bars, and modern design. With several unique options to choose from, every traveler is sure to find a geothermal bathing experience on the Golden Circle that fits their preferences.
FAQs About Laugaras Lagoon
Learn from other travelers' questions about visiting Laugaras Lagoon.
When does Laugaras Lagoon open?
Laugaras Lagoon officially opened on October 15th, 2025. Entrance tickets can be booked in advance to secure your preferred time slot.
What are the water temperatures at Laugaras Lagoon?
The water temperature at Laugaras Lagoon ranges from 98.6°F to 104°F (37°C to 40°C), offering a comfortably warm soak year-round. Temperatures are carefully regulated for optimal relaxation.
The cold plunge pool is much cooler, around 50°F to 54°F (10°C to 12°C ), providing an invigorating contrast after time in the hot water or sauna.
Where is Laugaras Lagoon located?
Laugaras Lagoon is located in South Iceland, along the Golden Circle sightseeing route, between the Geysir geothermal area and Kerid Crater. The direct drive from Reykjavik is around 1.5 hours.
Do I need to book Laugaras Lagoon tickets in advance?
Advance booking is highly recommended for Laugaras Lagoon. Time slots can sell out during busy travel periods.
How do the Birki, Lerki, and Osp entry tickets differ?
The Birki Pass includes basic admission. Lerki adds a towel and one drink, and Osp includes a two-course meal at Ylja Restaurant and a private changing room.
Can I eat at Laugaras Lagoon?
Yes, Laugaras Lagoon has an on-site restaurant, Ylja, that serves seasonal Icelandic dishes by acclaimed chef Gísli Matt. The restaurant uses ingredients sourced from local Icelandic farms and greenhouses.
Is there a minimum age to enter Laugaras Lagoon?
Yes, the minimum age to enter Laugaras Lagoon is 8 years old. Children aged 8 to 15 are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Guests under 8 are not permitted to enter the lagoon.
How long can I stay at Laugaras Lagoon?
While there's no strict time limit, most guests spend between 1.5 and 3 hours at Laugaras Lagoon. This allows time to enjoy the lagoon, saunas, cold pool, and forest pool — and possibly a meal at Ylja Restaurant. Use this as a guideline when planning your Golden Circle itinerary.
How warm is the water at Laugaras Lagoon?
The geothermal water at Laugaras Lagoon is kept between 98.6°F and 104°F (37°C and 40°C), offering a consistently warm and relaxing soak. Temperatures may vary slightly between pools, but the lagoon is heated year-round for comfort in any season. The cold plunge pool is typically kept between 50°F and 54°F (10°C and 12°C).
Can I visit Laugaras Lagoon in winter?
Yes, Laugaras Lagoon is open in winter. The colder weather makes it a great stop on a Golden Circle itinerary. The lagoon’s warm geothermal water, saunas, and scenic views offer a cozy and relaxing experience. Winter opening hours are slightly shorter, so be sure to check your booking time in advance.
