Laugarás Lagoon: Iceland's New Golden Circle Geothermal Spa
Iceland has a new geothermal spa on the Golden Circle. Laugarás Lagoon opened in October 2025 on the Hvítá River in South Iceland. It has tiered hot spring pools, a waterfall, saunas, a cold plunge, and a restaurant called Ylja.
Here's everything you need to know before you go.
What Is Laugarás Lagoon?
Laugarás Lagoon is a geothermal spa in the village of Laugarás, South Iceland, on the banks of the Hvítá River. It opened in October 2025, making it the newest geothermal spa on the Golden Circle.
It's more than a pool you dip in and leave. There's a two-level outdoor lagoon connected by a waterfall, two saunas, a cold plunge, a grotto, swim-up bars, and a restaurant on-site. You can easily spend a full afternoon or evening there between the soak and the meal.
Where Is Laugarás Lagoon and How to Get There
The lagoon is at Skálholtsvegur 1, 806 Selfoss, in the village of Laugarás in South Iceland, near the Iðubrú bridge on the Hvítá River. The postal address says Selfoss, but the lagoon is actually in Laugarás itself, right in the Golden Circle area.
The location is honestly one of the best things about it. It fits into a Golden Circle day without any real detour.
Getting There by Car
Renting a car is the easiest option by far. From Reykjavík, it's about 94 km (58 miles), so roughly 1 hour and 20-30 minutes via the Ring Road (Route 1) to Route 30 or 35. From Geysir, it's only 31 km (about 25 minutes). From Gullfoss, 40 km (about 35 minutes). There's free parking on-site.
From Keflavík Airport, it's about 135 km (88 miles) and takes about 2 hours. That makes it a less practical stop on an arrival or departure day. The Blue Lagoon is right near the airport if that's what you need.
Getting There by Tour
More and more guided Golden Circle tours are now including Laugarás Lagoon as a stop. If you'd rather not drive, a guided tour is a good option. There's no public bus to the lagoon, and private transfers from Reykjavík are possible but pricey, around 23,000-25,000 ISK ($200).
Google Maps has Laugarás Lagoon pinned correctly. Search the name or use the address: Skálholtsvegur 1, 806 Selfoss.
Why Visit Laugarás Lagoon
Iceland has no shortage of geothermal spas. So what makes this one worth adding to your trip?
Three things really: location, design, and food. It's the only major premium spa sitting directly on the Golden Circle, so you don't need a separate day or a long drive to the Reykjanes Peninsula. It's newer and smaller than the big-name options, so it tends to be calmer. And the restaurant is genuinely good, which isn't something you can say about most spa restaurants in Iceland.
The Riverside Setting
The lagoon sits on the Hvítá River, which flows down from Gullfoss. From the pools, you look out at the river, birch trees, and open South Iceland farmland. It's quieter and more rural than the Blue Lagoon's lava fields or Sky Lagoon's ocean views. I think that's actually what makes it feel different from the other options.
The Tiered Design
Most geothermal lagoons are one big pool. Laugarás has two levels linked by a 6.6-meter waterfall. That gives you more to explore and makes a 2-3 hour visit go by fast.
The Food
Ylja Restaurant isn't an afterthought. It's run by chef Gísli Matt and uses ingredients from local fisheries, geothermal greenhouses, and local farms nearby. One ticket package includes dinner directly, which is unusual for an Icelandic spa and, honestly, a big part of why this place stands out.
Facilities and Experience
The lagoon is on the smaller side but well put together. The idea is to move between different areas during your visit: soak, cool down, warm up, relax. Here's what's actually there.
Geothermal Lagoon Pools
The pools are fed by hot spring water from a geothermal source just a few hundred meters away. The water is clear, not milky like the Blue Lagoon, and sits at around 37-40°C. The upper level looks out over the Hvítá River valley. The lower level is where the waterfall comes in.
Waterfall
The 6.6-meter waterfall connects the two pool levels. It's probably the most recognizable feature of the place, and if you stand under it, it works as a natural neck and shoulder massage. Worth trying at least once.
Cold Pool
The cold plunge uses glacial meltwater from the Hvítá River system, downstream from Gullfoss, at around 10-12°C. You use it for contrast bathing: going back and forth between the hot pools and the cold water. It sounds rough, but most people end up doing it more than once once they get the hang of it.
Saunas and Wellness Areas
Two dry saunas sit at the forest edge, built from local spruce and pine with big windows facing the river valley. There are also relaxation spaces around the lagoon so your visit isn't just bouncing between pools the whole time.
Secluded Grotto
There's a grotto tucked into the lagoon with basalt columns and built-in seating. It's one of the quieter spots if you want to step away from the more social areas of the main pool.
Swim-Up Bars
Two swim-up bars, one on each level. Both serve alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, and you pay through a wristband so no cash handling in the water. One drink is included with the Lerki and Ösp packages.
Overall Experience Flow
A typical visit goes something like this: check in, shower before entering (it's required, more on that below), get into the pools, try the waterfall, do a round or two of cold plunge and sauna, settle into the grotto or a relaxation area, grab a drink, then head to Ylja if you've got a table. I'd plan for at least 2 hours, and 3 or more if you're eating.
Ylja Restaurant
Ylja is the on-site restaurant, and it's worth its own section because it's genuinely more than just a convenient place to eat after your soak. The name means "warmth" in Icelandic.
The kitchen is run by Gísli Matt, the chef behind Skál in Reykjavík and the well-regarded Slippurinn in Vestmannaeyjar. The menu changes with the seasons and uses ingredients from local fisheries, geothermal greenhouses in the area, and local farms around Laugarás and South Iceland. Recent menus have had fish soup, tomato carpaccio, slow-cooked cod with dulse seaweed, grilled lamb, and skyr-based desserts. Several dishes can be adapted for vegan diets.
There's a day menu, an evening menu with wine pairing, and a group menu. The Ösp ticket includes a two-course meal from the day's menu, which keeps things simple if you don't want to handle a separate restaurant booking. For the evening menu, you'll need to book the lagoon and restaurant separately.
A soup and bread board is available daily until 17:30, and there's a grab-and-go section for lighter bites. The restaurant seats up to 80 indoors with extra outdoor space. For groups of 10 or more, contact the lagoon directly.
If I were you, I'd book Ylja at the same time as your lagoon ticket. In busy periods the restaurant fills up fast, and you won't want to finish your soak and then have nowhere to eat.
Tickets, Prices, and Packages
Laugarás uses dynamic pricing, so the rate depends on when you book and which time slot you choose. Booking earlier generally means paying less. Every package includes changing room access, a personal locker and vanity station, hair dryers, wild-herb shampoo, conditioner, and shower gel, plus full access to the outdoor wellness areas.
Here's what each package gets you:
Birki (Standard Entry)
Starts from ISK 6,900 (around 57$) per adult. This is the basic access ticket. Everything listed above, but no towel, no food, and no drinks included.
Lerki (Premium)
Starts from ISK 9,400 (around 77$) per adult. Adds a towel and one swim-up bar drink on top of Birki. For most people not planning to eat at Ylja, I'd go with this one. It's not a big jump in price and the towel alone makes it worth it.
Ösp (Full Experience)
Starts from ISK 15,900 (around 131$) per adult. Everything in Lerki, plus a two-course meal from the day menu at Ylja. If you know you want dinner on-site, this is the cleanest option.
Birki guests who want a towel can rent one for ISK 1,200 (10$). Swimsuit rental is also ISK 1,200. Extra bar drinks are around ISK 1,500 (12.35$) each.
Children (ages 8-15, must be with an adult): discounted rates across all packages. Children under 8 can't use the lagoon. All ages are welcome at Ylja.
Groups of 15 or more get fixed group rates.
Opening Hours and Best Time to Visit
The lagoon is open year-round with slightly different hours depending on the season. One thing to note: the booking system runs in GMT, so check the time in Iceland when you're reserving your slot.
Opening Hours
Summer (June-September): Lagoon open 10:00-22:00, last entry at 20:30. Ylja open 11:00-23:00, kitchen closes at 22:00.
Winter (October-May): Lagoon open 10:00-21:00, last entry at 19:30. Ylja open 11:30-22:00, kitchen closes at 21:15.
Best Time to Visit
Late afternoon or early evening is when it makes the most sense for most people doing the Golden Circle. You get the sightseeing done first and end the day with the lagoon. That order works better than soaking first and then driving between stops for hours.
In winter (roughly October through April), an evening slot also gives you a shot at seeing the Northern Lights while you're in the water. It's not guaranteed, but the open skies and dark river valley are about as good a setting as you'll find. I'd check the aurora forecast the morning of your visit, just in case.
In summer, you get longer hours and more flexibility. Demand is higher, so book early. Earlier slots tend to be cheaper and quieter.
Nearby Attractions
The lagoon is in one of the most packed stretches of South Iceland for things to do. You can fill an entire day in this area without much driving at all.
Geysir Geothermal Area
About 31 km (19 miles) from the lagoon, roughly 25 minutes. One of the main Golden Circle stops. The Great Geysir itself barely erupts these days, but Strokkur goes off every few minutes and is still one of the more impressive things you'll see in Iceland.
Gullfoss
About 40 km (25 miles) away, 30 minutes. One of Iceland's biggest waterfalls and a Golden Circle essential. It also feeds into the Hvítá River, the same one that runs past Laugarás Lagoon.
Friðheimar
Only 12 km (7.5 miles) from the lagoon, about 12 minutes. Friðheimar is a working geothermal greenhouse that grows tomatoes year-round and has a restaurant where you eat among the plants. If Ylja is full or you want lunch before an evening soak, this is the obvious nearby option. I'd actually recommend doing Friðheimar for lunch and Ylja for dinner if you can swing it.
Skálholt Cathedral
A few minutes from the lagoon. Skálholt was one of Iceland's most important religious and political centers for over 700 years. There's a museum and well-kept grounds. Most Golden Circle itineraries skip it entirely, which is a shame since it adds some real depth to the day.
A Simple Golden Circle Itinerary
Here's a route that works well for most self-drivers:
- Depart Reykjavík
- Þingvellir National Park
- Geysir Geothermal Area
- Gullfoss
- Laugarás Lagoon (late afternoon or evening)
- Dinner at Ylja, then drive back to Reykjavík
If you want a lunch stop, Friðheimar fits naturally between Þingvellir and Geysir.
Practical Travel Tips
A few things worth knowing before you show up.
Book Ahead
Laugarás uses timed entry and prices go up as slots fill. The earlier you book, the less you pay. Popular evening slots in summer and Northern Lights season (roughly October through February) fill up well ahead of time. Book at laugaraslagoon.is.
What to Bring
At minimum: a swimsuit and a bag for wet things. Towels come with Lerki and Ösp, so Birki guests should rent one or bring their own. A waterproof phone pouch is useful if you want photos near the water. In winter, bring a warm hat and dry socks for after.
Icelandic Bathing Etiquette
You have to shower without your swimsuit before getting into the water. This is standard at every pool in Iceland, not just Laugarás. Shower products are provided so you don't need to bring any.
Health Considerations
Drink water, go easy on alcohol while soaking, and get out if you start feeling too hot. Pregnant guests are welcome but should check with a doctor first if they have any concerns. No jewelry in the water.
Other Practical Notes
- No smoking or vaping on the premises
- No pets
- No loud music: the venue keeps things quiet by design
- Accessibility: wheelchair-accessible restrooms, a wheelchair lift, and private changing rooms for guests with mobility needs. Contact the lagoon ahead of your visit if you have specific requirements.
- If a cancellation happens because of extreme weather or a natural event, the lagoon offers rescheduling or a full refund
The booking system runs in GMT. When you pick a time slot, double-check it against Icelandic local time so you don't accidentally book the wrong one.
Conclusion
Laugarás Lagoon is a solid stop on the Golden Circle. Two-level geothermal pools, a waterfall, saunas, a cold plunge, and a good restaurant on-site. It opened in October 2025 and it fits naturally into a South Iceland day without any extra effort.
It's not the most famous spa in Iceland and that's fine. It's calmer, more affordable, and easier to combine with a day of sightseeing than the bigger names. If I were doing the Golden Circle, I'd save it for the end of the day. Sightsee first, soak after, eat at Ylja if you can. That's the way to do it.
Frequently Asked Questions About Laugarás Lagoon
