Laugarás Lagoon
Laugarás Lagoon is the Golden Circle's newest geothermal bath: a two-storey lagoon opened in 2025 on the banks of the Hvítá river in Laugarás village, roughly 20 minutes from both Geysir and Gullfoss. Its chlorine-free water is held at 38–40 °C, its two levels are linked by a cascading waterfall, and its restaurant is run by one of Iceland's best-known chefs. Admission is tiered and dynamically priced from 6,900 ISK.
What Makes It Different?
Two things set Laugarás apart from Iceland's other lagoons. First, the architecture: the lagoon is built on two storeys, upper and lower pools joined by a waterfall you can bathe beneath, plus a cold pool, two saunas, a secluded grotto and two swim-up bars. Second, the water: geothermal water from the Laugarás field is cooled with naturally filtered glacial water from the Hvítá, so the lagoon runs chlorine-free at 38–40 °C - a genuine rarity among developed baths.
Prices And Tiers
Admission is dynamically priced by date, time and availability across three tiers (checked July 2026): Birki, the standard pass, at 6,900–9,900 ISK; Lerki, adding a towel and a drink, at 9,400–12,400 ISK; and Ösp at 15,900–18,900 ISK, which folds in a two-course meal at Ylja. Towel rental for Birki guests is 1,200 ISK, and groups of 15 or more get fixed rates from about 7,500 ISK per person. Book ahead at laugaraslagoon.is - earlier and off-peak slots price lower.
| Tier | Price | What it includes |
|---|---|---|
| Birki (standard) | 6,900 - 9,900 ISK | Unlimited use of the outdoor wellness areas, changing room with a personal locker and vanity, and toiletries. |
| Lerki (premium) | 9,400 - 12,400 ISK | Birki plus a towel and one drink at the swim-up bar. The operator's own FAQ page contradicts itself on this ceiling, giving 12,400 ISK in most places and 12,600 ISK in at least one. The discrepancy was still there when we last read the page. We report the figure that appears most often and flag it. |
| Ösp (deluxe) | 15,900 - 18,900 ISK | Lerki plus a two-course meal from the day menu at the Ylja restaurant. Advance booking is required for this tier. |
Ylja: A Restaurant Worth The Detour
The on-site restaurant Ylja is led by Gísli Matthías Auðunsson ("Gísli Matt"), the chef behind the celebrated Slippurinn in the Westman Islands (2012–2025). The menu builds on ingredients from surrounding farms, fisheries and geothermal greenhouses - Laugarás village is itself a greenhouse settlement. The 80-seat room takes bookings independently of the lagoon, and a daily soup-and-bread board runs until 17:30 for casual visits.
Practicalities: Hours, Ages, Access
Summer hours (June–September) are daily 10:00–22:00 with last entry sold at 20:30 and no time limit inside; Ylja serves 11:00–22:30. Children must be 8 or older to enter the lagoon, and ages 8–15 need an accompanying adult. The site is wheelchair accessible, with a lift, accessible restrooms and private changing rooms available on request. As everywhere in Iceland, you shower without swimwear before entering - non-negotiable in chlorine-free water.
Getting There And Nearby
Laugarás is about 94 km from Reykjavík, and the lagoon slots naturally into a Golden Circle day between Geysir, Gullfoss and Skálholt cathedral. Most visitors drive or arrive with day tours; Strætó buses 72 and 73 stop in Laugarás but run irregularly. Two other baths sit minutes away, the Secret Lagoon in Flúðir and the stone pools of Hrunalaug - all part of our regional hot springs directory. For Iceland's other brand-new lagoon, see Reykjaböð in Hveragerði, opening August 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Laugarás Lagoon?
Laugarás Lagoon is a geothermal bathing and wellness destination that opened in 2025 in the village of Laugarás, on the banks of the Hvítá river along the Golden Circle. Its signature feature is a two-storey lagoon whose levels are linked by a cascading waterfall, alongside a cold pool, two saunas, a secluded grotto, relaxation spaces, two swim-up bars and the Ylja restaurant.
How Much Does Laugarás Lagoon Cost?
Pricing is dynamic by date, time and availability, in three tiers when last checked (July 2026): Birki (standard) 6,900–9,900 ISK; Lerki (premium, adds towel and a drink) 9,400–12,400 ISK; and Ösp (deluxe, adds a two-course meal at Ylja) 15,900–18,900 ISK. Groups of 15+ get fixed rates from about 7,500 ISK per person. Birki guests can rent a towel for 1,200 ISK. Book ahead at laugaraslagoon.is for the best price.
Is The Water Natural?
Yes, and chlorine-free. The hot water comes from the geothermal area in Laugarás itself and is cooled to a comfortable 38–40 °C with glacial water from the Hvítá river that has passed through natural filtration. The standard Icelandic rule applies: every guest showers thoroughly without swimwear before entering, which is what keeps chlorine-free water clean.
Can Children Visit Laugarás Lagoon?
Children aged 8 to 15 are welcome in the lagoon with an accompanying adult; children under 8 are not permitted in the water. All ages can dine at Ylja restaurant. This makes Laugarás stricter than family pools but more open than adults-only baths like some competitors - check ages before booking if travelling with young children.
What Are The Opening Hours?
In summer (June–September) the lagoon is open daily 10:00–22:00, with the last entry slot sold at 20:30; there is no time limit on your stay once inside. Ylja restaurant serves daily 11:00–22:30 with last seating at 21:00. Winter hours may differ - confirm current times at laugaraslagoon.is before visiting.
How Do You Get There, And What Is Nearby?
Laugarás is about 94 km from Reykjavík on the Golden Circle route - roughly 20 minutes from both Geysir and Gullfoss, and minutes from Skálholt cathedral. Most visitors drive or come with Golden Circle day tours; Strætó buses 72 and 73 reach Laugarás but run irregularly. Free parking is on site, and the Secret Lagoon in Flúðir and Hrunalaug are both a short drive away.
Sources
Facts on this page were checked against the official site, Laugarás Lagoon (including its published FAQ, tier and hours details), in July 2026. Note the operator's published Lerki ceiling varies between 12,400 and 12,600 ISK; pricing is dynamic, so confirm current rates and winter hours on the official site before booking.
Last updated: 2026-07-27 · Reviewed against official sources.