The Laugarás Lagoon

Opened in October 2025, Laugarás Lagoon is the newest addition to Iceland's geothermal lagoons, and it picked a perfect spot: right on the Golden Circle, on the banks of the Hvítá river, about 1h20 from Reykjavik.

What makes it special? Two pools on two levels, linked by a hot-water waterfall you can even walk behind. A great way to wind down after a day between Geysir and Gullfoss!

• What is Laugarás Lagoon?
• How to get to Laugarás Lagoon
• Laugarás Lagoon prices
• What's there?
• When is the best time to go?
• Our take on Laugarás Lagoon

What is Laugarás Lagoon?

Laugarás is a tiny village in the Bláskógabyggð municipality, known in Iceland for its geothermally heated greenhouses. The ground here is very hot, and that is what feeds the lagoon: the water comes straight from the Laugarás geothermal field and is cooled with naturally filtered glacial water from the Hvítá. The result is water between 38 and 40 °C all year round, with no chlorine. If it looks slightly cloudy, don't worry, that's just the minerals.

A lagoon on two levels

This is what sets it apart from every other lagoon in the country. The upper pool, with its infinity edge, looks out over the Hvítá valley and has a swim-up bar. It spills into the lower pool through a waterfall about 6.6 m wide, with a path running behind the falling water. According to its creators, this is the first time a waterfall has been built into a geothermal pool.

Downstairs you'll find a small grotto, a more secluded pool surrounded by greenery, a second bar, a cold plunge (around 10–12 °C) for the brave, a dry sauna and a steam room.

Quieter than the big lagoons

Laugarás Lagoon is more about wellness and nature than big-ticket spectacle. Far from the crowds of the Blue Lagoon or the Sky Lagoon, it mostly draws Golden Circle travellers and Icelanders from the area. The atmosphere is relaxed, and the setting between the river and the trees is lovely.

How to get to Laugarás Lagoon

The lagoon is 94 km from Reykjavik, about 1h20 by car, at Skálholtsvegur 1, 806 Selfoss. From the capital, take Route 1 east past Hveragerði, then Route 35 north, then Route 31 (Skálholtsvegur) to Laugarás. The whole way is paved, so any car will do, even in winter (check road conditions on umferdin.is). Allow about 2 hours from Keflavík airport.

There's a car park right outside the entrance. It's free for now, which is becoming rare on the Golden Circle!

Without a car it's trickier: bus lines 72 and 73 stop in Laugarás but don't run on a regular timetable. The easiest option is then to book a Golden Circle tour from Reykjavik that includes a soak at the lagoon.

Laugarás Lagoon prices

Prices are noticeably gentler than at the Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon. They vary with the time slot you choose (the busiest times cost more), and booking ahead is strongly recommended. There are three packages:

• Birki: from ISK 6,900. Access to the lagoon, sauna, steam room and a changing room with locker. Towel not included (rental ISK 1,200, or bring your own).
• Lerki: from ISK 9,400. Same access, plus a towel and one drink at the swim-up bar. The most popular option.
• Ösp: from ISK 15,900. Lerki plus a two-course meal at Ylja restaurant (served 11:30–16:30). Must be booked in advance.

Shampoo, conditioner and shower gel are provided in the changing rooms. Regulars can also buy a 10-visit card or an annual pass.

• Book the Birki entry to Laugarás Lagoon
• Book the Lerki entry to Laugarás Lagoon
• Book the Ösp entry to Laugarás Lagoon
• Book Laugarás Lagoon entry with GetYourGuide

What's there?

Entry is by time slot, but once you're in you can stay as long as you like until closing. As in every Icelandic pool, you must shower without your swimsuit before getting in. The changing rooms are modern, with individual lockers and vanity stations.

Pools and facilities

The visit flows naturally between the two levels: most people start in the big upper pool for the view, head down past the waterfall, then alternate between hot pool, cold plunge, sauna and steam room. The two bars let you grab a drink without leaving the water. Allow 2 to 3 hours to enjoy it all without rushing.

The lagoon is accessible to guests with reduced mobility: wheelchair lift, accessible toilets and two private changing rooms, which you can request by sending your booking reference.

Eating at Laugarás Lagoon: Ylja restaurant

Ylja's menu is by Gísli Matt, an Icelandic chef known for his focus on local produce. It showcases farmers, farms and greenhouses from South Iceland, with many dishes cooked over an open fire, plus a grab-and-go corner for a quick bite. The restaurant is open to everyone, even without a lagoon ticket, and tables can be booked online. Note that swimwear isn't allowed inside.

Laugarás Lagoon with kids

Children are welcome from age 5 and must be accompanied by an adult up to age 15. Some older sources say 8: the official FAQ is the one to trust. The restaurant welcomes all ages.

When is the best time to go?

The lagoon is open all year round, every day from 10:00:

• 15 August to 1 November: 10:00–21:00 (last entry 19:30);
• 2 November to 30 April: 10:00–20:30 (last entry 19:00);
• 24 December: 10:00–14:00; 31 December: 10:00–16:00;
• in summer, opening hours are extended (until 22:00, or even 23:00 at weekends).

Hours change with the seasons, so check the official opening hours page before booking.

Our tip: do the Golden Circle in the order Thingvellir, Geysir (about 25 min from the lagoon), then Gullfoss (about 35 min), and finish at the lagoon in the late afternoon, once the tour buses have left. In winter, with clear skies and a bit of luck, you might even spot the northern lights from the water before closing. In summer, the evening light over the Hvítá is beautiful.

Our take on Laugarás Lagoon

Laugarás Lagoon is a lovely surprise. Cheaper and far less crowded than the Blue Lagoon, it offers a natural setting and original design, with its waterfall between two pools. In our view it's the best choice for a soak on the Golden Circle if you want the comfort of a proper spa.

If you'd rather have a more authentic, rustic bath, the Secret Lagoon in Flúðir, Iceland's oldest swimming pool, is only about fifteen minutes away. And for a soak with a lake view, there's also Laugarvatn Fontana.

• More about the best hot springs in Iceland.