Looking for a stunning geothermal bathing experience in South Iceland? Let me share a place that truly surprised me: Laugarás Lagoon. We visited this lagoon, ideally located in the Golden Circle, on a bright, icy-cold winter day in 2026. And it turned out to be one of the absolute highlights of our trip.
Why we chose Laugarás Lagoon?
A geothermal lagoon was high on my Iceland winter bucket list. But choosing one isn’t easy. South Iceland is full of options, from simple local pools to the famous Blue Lagoon.
I had already visited the Blue Lagoon years ago in summer. It was impressive and an experience, for sure. But I also found it crowded and quite expensive.
This time, we were looking for something more intimate. Cozier. And if possible, with beautiful views.
A friendly lady at the tourist office in Reykjavík suggested trying the newly opened Laugarás Lagoon (opened October 2025). The photos looked promising.
So on a freezing winter day under a crisp blue sky, we drove there.
And had a superb experience.
Bathing above the Hvítá River
Laugaras Lagoon turned out to be a breathtaking geothermal lagoon.
It’s is beautifully nestled among the mountains, overlooking the Hvítá River and surrounding farmlands, perfectly balanced with the landscape.
The lagoon has a unique two-story design, something I hadn’t seen anywhere else in Iceland.
The upper lagoon offers panoramic views. Two stairways connect the upper and lower lagoons. One is on the left, and another is in the center, which leads you down through the unique waterfall to the infinity pool.
From the infinity edge pool, you could see ice floating down the river. The contrast between the freezing air and the 37–40°C water was magical.
What makes Laugaras Lagoon so special?
This isn’t just a hot pool, it’s a thoughtfully designed wellness experience.
The experience combines natural geothermal waters, a refreshing cold plunge and a grand sauna experience set against the stunning backdrop of the Hvítá River and a thick forest.
Below are some of the main features we enjoyed during our visit.
- Infinity edge lagoon – The lower lagoon stretches toward the horizon, blending seamlessly with the landscape.
- Waterfall – A 6.6-meter-long waterfall – unique in an Iceland lagoon – connects the upper and lower levels. It adds such a soothing atmosphere.
- Secluded Grotto – another unique feature, hidden in the lower left section is a small grotto with seating. When we visited, we had it almost entirely to ourselves. This was my personal favorite spot. At sunset, it felt peaceful and intimate.
- Saunas – Two saunas are tucked near a thick forest. Large windows offer views over the lagoon, the river, and the valley below. Heating up in the sauna while looking out over icy landscapes? Amazing.
- Cold pool – Right next to the sauna area is a cold pool (10–12°C). Too cold for me! But if you enjoy the hot-cold contrast, you’ll love it.
- Forest Pool – A smaller geothermal pool near the treeline, surrounded by the scent of pine. Quiet, calm, and perfect if you want a more secluded soak.
- Lagoon bars – there are also two swim-up bars if you’d like to enjoy a drink in the water. Both the upper and lower lagoons have seating and tables in the water. You can relax there with a drink and take in the view. We didn’t have any drinks. We simply relaxed and soaked in the atmosphere though.
Comfort even on a freezing day
One detail I absolutely loved: from the changing rooms, you step directly into the upper lagoon through a sheltered entrance. No freezing run across the snow, no shock of icy wind. Just a smooth, warm transition.
The changing facilities are modern, spacious, and beautifully designed, featuring vanity stations with mirrors, sinks and hair dryers.
As in all Icelandic geothermal baths, you shower without swimwear before entering. There are both open and private showers, stocked with complimentary shampoo, conditioner and Icelandic herbal shower gel.
Everything feels calm, warm, and well thought out.
Cost & booking?
The cost for a dip in this wonderful lagoon is very reasonable.
There are 3 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
All passes include access to the changing rooms and showers, with shampoo, conditioner, and shower gel provided.
We opted for the standard admission, the Birki Pass. It include access to the lagoon, saunas, cold pool, forest pool, and swim-up bars. Towels are not included, so guests must bring their own.
This is not really a problem. You can’t take towels into the lagoon anyway. But you can, as usual, store them in a locker near the shower entrance. In the sauna, small towels are offered for free.
We paid 6900 ISK (48 €) for an adult and 3500 ISK (24 €) for a child (8-15 years).
The Lerki Pass includes additionally one drink and a towel. If you want to enjoy a two-course meal at Ylja restaurant and access to a private changing room, you can opt for the Osp Pass.
You receive a wristband that works as your entry ticket, locker key, and payment method at the bar.
Entrance tickets can be booked in advance to secure your preferred time slot. You can easily check availability and book your Laugaras Lagoon tickets online.
We didn’t book ahead, but this is necessary if you want to be sure of your time slot. I also guess that, as this place gets more popular, time slots can sell out during busy travel periods.
There is an age limit of 8 years old. Children between 8 and 15 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Opening times?
Laugaras Lagoon is open year-round, with slightly different hours depending on the season.
We visited in February, with an opening time between 10 am and 9 PM.
Be sure to check your booking time carefully, as the last entry is earlier than closing.
How long can you spend in the Lagoon?
There’s no strict time limit, you stay as long as you like. We intended to stay two hours, but ended up staying nearly three. More then enough time to enjoy the lagoon, saunas, cold pool, and forest pool.
We started around 4 o’clock under clear blue skies. Yes, it was freezing cold, but that doesn’t matter if you are soaking in soft, hot water. From the infinity pool, we enjoyed a beautiful sunset over the Hvítá River. We got out when the sun had set.
Where is the Lagoon located?
Laugaras Lagoon is located in the village of Laugaras in South Iceland, just off Route 30 on the Golden Circle. It’s easily reachable by car.
It’s ideally located between various sightseeing areas. We combined it with a visit to Gulfoss and Geysir, only a 30 minutes drive. Perfect for a day trip, combining freezing cold and a realaxing soaking.
Here are some other travel distances
- from Selfoss: 40 km – 35 minutes
- from Geysir Geothermal Area: 33 km – 25 minutes
- from Gulfoss waterfall: 43 km – 30 minutes
- from Pingvellir National Park: 46 km
There’s easy parking on site.
I guess in the future, tours will start to include this lagoon too.
Our views?
For me, Laugaras Lagoon is a breathtaking geothermal lagoon, nestled in a beautiful landscape. The whole lagoon blends perfectly with the surrounding landscape.
Although the entrance and changing rooms are very modern, the whole complex breathes tranquility, warmth and a pleasant atmosphere.
Unlike any other lagoon in Iceland, you can unwind in a two storey lagoon with a cascading waterfall and exclusive grotto. Everything feels soft, calm, tranquil. Even taking the stairs to move from the upper to the lower pool.
The infinity pool and saunas offer great views over the surrounding farmlands and the Hvítá River. Enjoying a sunset from the pool is superb.
I truly loved this place.
The atmosphere.
The sheltered entrance.
The two-level design.
The waterfall.
The secluded grotto.
The forest-edge hot pool.
The saunas with river views.
The sight of ice floating on the Hvítá
We visited a few months after opening, and while there were other guests, it never felt crowded. That made the experience even more special.
For me, this lagoon easily competes with the Blue Lagoon. I personally even prefer Laugarás Lagoon over the Blue Lagoon. It feels more intimate, more balanced with nature, more serene.
If you’re traveling through South Iceland and want a warm, beautiful place to relax, in winter or summer, this lagoon is definitely one to try out.