Laugarás Lagoon

Laugarás Lagoon is a geothermal bathing lagoon located beside the Hvítá River in the heart of the Golden Circle. Built on two levels, the lagoon combines warm geothermal water with views across the surrounding countryside and includes a waterfall, secluded grotto, forest pool, two saunas, a cold plunge, and swim-up bars. The on-site Ylja Restaurant adds a strong local food experience, with a seasonal menu built around ingredients from South Iceland.

Open All year · Hours vary by season
Entry From ISK 6,900
Parking Free
Time needed 1.5–2.5 hrs

Why visit?

  • Relax in a two-level geothermal lagoon overlooking the Hvítá River
  • Explore saunas, a cold pool, waterfall, grotto, and forest pool
  • Combine geothermal bathing with dining at Ylja Restaurant

What to Experience at Laugarás Lagoon

Two-Level Lagoon · 60–90 min Relax in geothermal water across two interconnected bathing levels
Waterfall & Grotto · 15–30 min Step beneath the lagoon’s waterfall and discover the secluded grotto
Sauna House · 15–30 min Enjoy two saunas overlooking the Hvítá River and surrounding landscape
Cold Pool · 5–15 min Cool down with a cold plunge between visits to the lagoon and saunas
Forest Pool & Infinity Edge · 15–30 min Relax beside the forest or take in the landscape from the lagoon’s infinity edge
Swim-Up Bars · During your visit Order drinks without leaving the lagoon

Facilities

Changing Rooms Modern changing rooms include personal lockers, showers, and vanity stations.
Accessibility Accessible facilities are available, including wheelchair access to the lagoon.
Restaurant Ylja Restaurant serves seasonal Icelandic dishes using ingredients sourced from local farms, fisheries, and geothermal greenhouses.
Swim-Up Bars Two bars serve drinks directly from the lagoon.

Tips & insights

  • Book your admission in advance, as prices and availability vary by date and time
  • Allow around 1.5–2.5 hours to enjoy the lagoon, saunas, cold pool, and other bathing areas
  • Children must be at least 8 years old to enter the lagoon
  • Bring your own towel with Birki admission or rent one on-site; towels are included with Lerki and Ösp admission
  • Consider combining your visit with lunch or dinner at Ylja Restaurant
  • Laugarás is conveniently located between several Golden Circle attractions, including Geysir, Gullfoss, Friðheimar, and Skálholt

Ylja Restaurant

Ylja is Laugarás Lagoon’s on-site restaurant, led by Icelandic chef Gísli Matthías Auðunsson. The seasonal menu draws heavily on ingredients from South Iceland, including produce from nearby geothermal greenhouses, local farms, and Icelandic fisheries.

The restaurant is open to both lagoon guests and other visitors, making it possible to visit Ylja without booking lagoon admission. Lunch, dinner, and lighter options are available throughout the day.