The Golden Circle and Laugarás Lagoon

For that reason, news of Laugarás Lagoon’s forthcoming opening is exciting. Its location, right at the heart of Iceland’s popular Golden Circle route, makes it an enticing prospect for visitors who are keen to experience a luxurious geothermal spa without having to travel far from popular attractions such as Gullfoss waterfall, Geysir Geothermal Area and Þingvellir National Park.

The Golden Circle is one of Iceland’s well-established touring routes. It distils many of the country’s essential characteristics into one manageable package and is a must for any visitor. You’ll get a dose of Iceland’s fascinating history as you tour Þingvellir National Park, venturing into the steep-sided Almannagjá gorge to reach the site where the Alþing met for centuries to determine policy and law.

Moving on to Geysir Geothermal Area, you’ll watch in awe as Strokkur erupts, sending a jet of superheated water and steam high into the air. Finally, rounding out the trio of major attractions is Gullfoss, one of Iceland’s most powerful waterfalls; it has carved a magnificent gorge and double-stepped cascade that together make a jaw-dropping sight.

Book Icelandia’s new Golden Circle and Laugarás Lagoon tour and you’ll be among the first visitors to experience this brand new geothermal spa after a day’s sightseeing. In this article, we’ll take a look at what makes Laugarás Lagoon special, how to incorporate it into your trip plans for the Golden Circle and how to prepare for your visit.

Laugarás Lagoon comprises a warm geothermally heated bath whose water comes from a local hot spring. The infinity edge of Forest Pool (Skógarpottur) emphasises this spa’s powerful connection to the landscape and creates a truly immersive experience. Alongside this is an invigorating cold pool whose glacial water is sourced direct from the Hvitá. A pair of saunas has also been thoughtfully positioned to capitalise on the setting.

The lagoon has been designed over two storeys and features a waterfall and grotto as well as the all-important swim-up bar. Meanwhile a green roof ensures the architecture blends seamlessly with the landscape in which it has been placed. Its impact is especially accentuated from the lower pool, though it’s delightful from any angle.

Cocooned in nature, this brand new lagoon overlooks the Hvítá River, the same river on which Gullfoss waterfall sits. Shrouded by trees, the abundant use of wood in the spa’s construction mirrors its surroundings. The modern aesthetic creates a calming and serene environment that’s the ideal spot to relax and unwind. Floor to ceiling glass floods indoor spaces with light and ensures a continued connection with Iceland’s rugged natural landscape even when you move inside.

The eagerly awaited Laugarás Lagoon is the first truly upscale wellness attraction at the heart of the Golden Circle region. Its opening date is scheduled for summer 2025. Until now, the nearest luxurious geothermal spas, such as Sky Lagoon in Reykjavik, Hvammsvik Hot Springs at Hvalfjörður and of course the Blue Lagoon on the Reykjanes peninsula, have been a significant distance from the Golden Circle.

Visitors have previously been able to combine their Golden Circle sightseeing with the comfortable facilities at Laugarvatn Fontana. Alternatively, they’ve been able to opt for something more rustic such as historic Secret Lagoon at Flúðir or the hot water river in the Reykjadalur geothermal valley to the south of the area. While each of these is an attractive proposition, they’re all very different – and of course there’s nothing to stop you visiting more than one.

Dining at Laugarás Lagoon is part of the experience and during your visit, you’ll want to secure a reservation for Ylja Restaurant. Seated under a striking wooden ceiling, diners enjoy panoramic views through oversized arched windows in this sophisticated and contemporary space.

Helmed by talented Icelandic chef Gísli Matt, the seasonal menu showcases Icelandic cuisine. The team combines fresh local produce from nearby farms, fisheries and geothermal greenhouses to produce dishes that will satisfy the palate of even the most passionate foodies.

Laugarás Lagoon’s location in the heart of the Icelandic countryside means it’s the ideal spot to watch the aurora borealis. The season is a long one, stretching from late summer until late spring. Reserving a slot after dark gives you the chance to experience this incredible natural phenomenon while soaking in geothermal luxury.

Many factors have to align in order for the Northern Lights to make an appearance. Solar activity needs to be sufficiently high, cloud cover patchy or better still absent and of course conditions must be dark enough to enable the greens, purples and reds of the aurora to pop against the inky black sky. A rural location such as Laugarás, relatively free from light pollution, is ideal if you’re hoping to maximise your chance of a sighting.

The aurora borealis is notoriously fickle, which is part of what makes even a fleeting glimpse of these ethereal ribbons of light so magical. As with anywhere in Iceland – or beyond – there are no guarantees, so combining your aurora viewing with a soak at Laugarás Lagoon ensures you won’t feel like the evening has been wasted if the Northern Lights don’t show up.

It’s straightforward to include a stop at Laugarás Lagoon on your Golden Circle itinerary, but booking a place on Icelandia’s tour is easiest of all. Sit back and enjoy the passing scenery as you let someone else take care of the driving. Travelling as part of a group helps reduce your carbon footprint; coupled with the sustainability focus of Laugarás Lagoon – not least its reliance on renewable energy – you can be confident of its green credentials.

Pickups are convenient no matter where in Reykjavik you’ve chosen to stay; this all-day activity returns to the capital by early evening giving you the rest of the night free to enjoy Reykjavik’s lively nightlife scene. If you’re travelling during Northern Lights season we’d suggest you schedule this tour earlier in your trip so that if you don’t get lucky first time around with an aurora sighting there’ll be other chances to try again.

Laugarás Lagoon is a comfortable distance from either Keflavík Airport (134km away) or downtown Reykjavik (94km away) making a day trip a possibility even when combined with Golden Circle sightseeing. Travel is along good roads and the scenery that you’ll pass on the way makes the journey as pleasing as the destination.

Tours typically call in at Þingvellir National Park first as it is the closest of the Golden Circle attractions to Reykjavik, following it with Geysir Geothermal Area and finally Gullfoss. Laugarás lagoon is located to the south, just 43km from Gulfoss and 33km from Geysir. The South Iceland town of Selfoss is similarly convenient.

Ideally, you’ll bring your own swimsuit to Laugarás Lagoon but if you’ve forgotten then rental is available. Towel rental can be added as an extra; alternatively, upgrade to premium admission and a towel and drink are included in your package. As is standard with all upscale lagoons in Iceland, changing rooms, shower facilities and lockers are available for everyone to use.

If you’ve booked to take this tour during Northern Lights season then you may find that conditions outside the lagoon are cold and icy. Don’t let the thought of wintry weather put you off: bathed in soft light when the sun is low in the sky, this region is at its most magical. Off season, there are fewer visitors which is another good reason to book at this time of year.

Roads to and within the Golden Circle region are well maintained but walking trails can be slippery, especially at Gullfoss where the spray from the waterfall freezes over the path. Because of this, we’d recommend that you wear crampons to give you extra grip. You can buy them from a number of stores in Reykjavik and they simply pull over your hiking boots when you’re ready to use them.

Another item you’ll benefit from is a snugly fitting hat such as a beanie or bobble hat. You’ll see others wearing one to keep their head from getting cold as they luxuriate in the pool with the rest of their body warmed by the geothermal water. A hat can make quite a difference to your comfort levels especially when there’s a chill wind blowing.

Whenever you choose to come, we believe that our Golden Circle and Laugarás Lagoon tour will give you an unmissable opportunity to make memories amid some of the best scenery Iceland has to offer