Laugarvatn

Tours

Take part in a unique baking experience in the heart of the Golden Circle, the most popular route in Iceland. Take a stroll around the geothermal area and learn about the history of this baking technique. Witness firsthand how the dark rye dough is prepared and then buried in the warm ground with a lively 30-minute demonstration. Discover how the slow cooking of 24 hours gives the bread its memorable taste. Get to sample a fresh batch of lava bread, placed in the ground the day before. Geothermal bathing is also offered at Laugarvatn Fontana, however, tickets for bathing must be booked separately.

Take yourself on the Golden Circle Classic, a full-day tour that brings you close to some of Iceland's most beautiful natural sites. This popular excursion introduces you to some of the best known historical sites and natural phenomena in Iceland, all with the commentary of a knowledgeable guide. Begin with a visit to Þingvellir National Park, where the Icelandic parliament Alþingi was founded in the year 930 AD. Þingvellir is geologically remarkable and the tectonic plate boundaries form a breathtaking scenery. Then head to the beautiful waterfall Gullfoss and walk toward the edge to feel the mist of the glacial water on your face. From there, journey toward the geothermal area around the incredible spouting hot springs of Geysir and Strokkur, before traveling back to Reykjavik. 

This day tour with a German-speaking tour guide in a small group with a maximum of 19 participants is the ideal shore excursion for cruise ship passengers and leads from Reykjavík on the so-called Golden Circle via the Hellisheiði plateau to Hveragerði, where we make a stop at an earthquake fissure in a shopping center, the Kerið crater, the impressive Gullfoss waterfall and the Haukadalur geothermal area with the active Strokkur geyser. On the way, you will stop at a farm that makes excellent ice cream from the milk of its own cows. In addition to ice cream, you can also buy waffles and hot drinks or simply take a look inside the cowshed and the nursery with calves. After a short stop at the warm lake Laugarvatn, on the shores of which are hot springs used for baking bread, we reach Þingvellir National Park, where you will experience Icelandic history and plate tectonics. You will visit the beautiful Öxarárfoss waterfall and Almannagjá, where the Alþing parliament, founded in 930, used to meet. On the way back, if the ship's departure time allows, there will be a short detour through the center of Reykjavík with a photo stop at Hallgrímskirkja. The departure time and tour duration is suitable for most cruise ships in the port of Reykjavík, e.g. the ships of Aida, Mein Schiff, MSC and Costa.

Get back to nature and discover the icons of the Golden Circle on a full-day tour from Reykjavik. Enter historic Thingcelli National Park, where the national parliament was founded in 930 A.D. Discover where the tectonic plates of two continents are in constant movement.  Make a quick stop at Efstidalur Farm to get a glimpse of the local life of the area. Then, head to the Strokkur geyser, which erupts every five minutes at Geysir geothermal area. Feel the power of Gullfoss waterfalls, where the water coming from the Langjökull glacier flows incessantly in all its glory. Stop for lunch at the Friðheimar tomato farm. After lunch, admire the astonishing Kerið crater, which is over three thousand years old. Hear amazing stories from the centuries, and discover a variety of geothermal landscapes along the way. 

Entrance to the geothermal baths at Laugarvatn Fontana will complete your experience of the Golden Circle and enhance the local tradition of bathing in the steam and hot water streaming endlessly from the ground. Enjoy admission to the geothermal baths, natural steam baths, and the use of shower and changing rooms with lockers. Shampoo, conditioner, creams, and cotton pads are available in locker rooms free of charge. We offer rental towels, bathrobes and swimwear. We welcome you to Fontana Geothermal Baths to complete your Golden Circle journey.

Discover Iceland’s Golden Circle & Secret Lagoon For travelers short on time but looking for a packed day trip, the Golden Circle delivers: geysers, waterfalls, tectonic plates, and a relaxing dip in Iceland’s oldest natural pool, the Secret Lagoon. Treat yourself to a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. Golden Circle Highlights: Þingvellir National Park: Walk through Icelandic history where the first parliament was founded in 930 AD. You can even cross between the North American and European tectonic plates. Geysir: Visit the geothermal area where Strokkur erupts every 5-8 minutes. Have your camera ready to capture this incredible natural display. Gullfoss Waterfall: A powerful waterfall plunging into the Hvítá canyon. When weather allows, walk down for a closer look at this breathtaking cascade. Secret Lagoon: End the day with a soothing soak in Iceland’s oldest natural swimming pool. The warm geothermal waters provide the perfect relaxation. Friðheimar Tomato Farm: Visit a greenhouse famous for fresh tomato soup and bread (lunch not included). "This tour was packed! Our guide was informative and funny. Gullfoss is a must-see!" - 5-star TripAdvisor review Stunning Sights & Unique Stops We start by leaving Reykjavik and passing by Hellisheiðavirkjun, Iceland’s largest geothermal power station. Our first stop is Þingvellir National Park. Þingvellir National Park Þingvellir, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is not just home to Iceland’s first parliament, but also lets you walk between two continents. A historic and geographic marvel, it's a must-see for any traveler. Geysir Geothermal Area At Geysir, Strokkur takes center stage, erupting every few minutes. Be ready with your camera to capture this impressive and fun natural wonder. Gullfoss Waterfall Next, we visit Gullfoss, Iceland’s "Golden Waterfall," which plunges into a deep crevice. If conditions are favorable, take a short walk to the falls and experience its raw power. Secret Lagoon We finish the tour with a dip in the Secret Lagoon, a natural hot spring that maintains a comfortable 38-40°C. Surrounded by stunning scenery, it’s the perfect way to unwind after a day of exploring. A Day of Adventure After a memorable day, we’ll return to Reykjavik. Why not join us for another tour, like the South Coast & Iconic Glacier Hike? Ideal For: Those with one day to explore Anyone seeking a relaxing nature escape Travelers who prefer small group tours Those interested in Iceland’s geology, history, and culture

Depart Reykjavik for a full-day coach tour of Iceland’s Golden Circle and experience the geothermal wilderness up-close. Depart the city center and drive to the Geysir Geothermal Area to see springs of spouting spring water and the most active geyser Iceland at Strokkur. Continue to Gullfoss to stand next to an amazing waterfall. Watch the vast quantities of water tumble violently into a deep, meandering gorge. Encounter a cross-section of Iceland's natural wonders and geological phenomena at Thingvellir National Park. Then, go to the natural steam baths at Fontana. Originally built in the 1920s, Fontana was little more than a shack with 2 compartments built above the hot spring that bubbles and gurgles below ground. Today, a modern complex invites you to relax in various hot tubs and steam baths that are naturally heated by hot springs. Enjoy some traditional rye bread baked in hot springs before the return transfer to Reykjavik.

Departing from Reykjavik, drive through the UNESCO-listed Thingvellir National Park to arrive at Laugarvatn Fontana Spa, where you can nourish both your body and soul. Upon arrival, you can purchase a homemade soup and then and then head into the geothermal baths for a cozy evening. Fontana Spa is equipped with three steam rooms built over a natural hot spring as well as a traditional sauna with three hot pools. The more adventurous can even take a dip in Laugarvatn Lake (when available) to cool down between the steam baths and sauna.  The steam temperatures range from 104°F to 122°F, depending on the hot springs and the weather. The steam rooms offer a unique experience, as you can smell the boiling water underneath the grids of the floor.  The traditional sauna has a lower humidity than the steam rooms but a higher temperature, between 176°F and 194°F. The three connected outdoor mineral baths vary in depth, size, and temperature, but are all perfect places for relaxing and socializing.  From the hot tub, take in a panoramic view of the countryside around Fontana and the northern lights if you are lucky and they show up early. After your spa experience, hunt for the famous northern lights on the way back to Reykjavík.

The Golden Circle combines 3 of Iceland’s most popular sights: Gullfoss waterfall The golden waterfall is in the canyon of Hvítá and nothing short of a spectacular scenic view. Geysir Geysir is arguably the most famous hot spring in Iceland which erupts every 5-8 minutes or so. Make sure to have your camera ready to catch that amazing natural phenomenon. Þingvellir National Park Last but certainly not least, Þingvellir National Park is an area of tremendous historical importance for Iceland. It’s where the first parliament was established in 930 AD. Not only is it a scenic beauty but you’ll be exploring one of the longest-running political establishments in Europe. The tour also includes: Faxi waterfall a waterfall you can get so close to that you can almost touch it! Extra stops: If time permits, we instruct our guides to stop by a couple of photogenic horses and even to stop by Efsti Dalur farm, where you can try some delicious ice cream. Your pickup will start at 8:30 am in downtown Reykjavík. During the day, horses, ice cream, geysirs, elves, trolls, and a whole host of interesting things await you! This tour is perfect for everyone who is looking for a relaxing, easy-going day trip that is smack full of amazing scenery and photogenic stops.

Your first stop will be Thingvellir National Park where the Icelandic parliament was founded over 1000 years ago. Here you can see how the earth is slowly drifting apart along the border of two tectonic plates. Afterwards visit the geysir geothermal area in Haukadalur where you can see geysers, hot springs, steam vents and eerie blue algae. Strokkur is one of the largest and most powerful geysers and erupts almost every 5 minutes. The final stop of the Golden Circle takes you to Gullfoss waterfall, which many consider to be the queen of Icelandic. Take a break and enjoy lunch at Gullfoss Café, before heading off road in jeep. The ride will take you to the highlands, rough terrain and glacier area of Langjökull (long glacier), known to be the second largest ice cap in Iceland (953 km2).  After an off-road ride, visit Faxi, a small but beautiful waterfall before driving back to Reykjavik.