Fresh from celebrating the summer solstice with a special late night DJ event, summer at Laugarás Lagoon, Iceland’s newest geothermal destination, has officially begun.
The ideal basecamp to explore The Golden Circle’s natural wonders from, and only 33km from Geysir and 43km from Gullfoss, the lagoon slots easily into Iceland’s most-travelled route, offering thermal recovery after a day navigating peaks, waterfalls, and volcanic landscapes.
Day trips from Reykjavík (94km) or direct from Keflavík Airport (134km) are entirely feasible, with scenic roads connecting Þgingvellir National Park, Geysir, Gullfoss, and onward to Laugarás. the nearby town of Selfoss provides additional services for longer stays in the south of Iceland.
Hiking, waterfalls, and open landscapes
Three peaks within close range provide varied hiking: Mosfell sits about 10 minutes from Laugarás, with Vörðufell and Miðfell at Flúðir offering additional trails for different fitness levels. Beyond the lagoon’s own walk-behind cascade, visitors can reach Brúarfoss, Faxi, and Gullfoss within the Golden Circle loop. A natural pattern forms: hiking to waterfalls by day, sinking into 1,000m² of geothermal waters (37–39°C) by evening, with forest-positioned saunas overlooking the Hvítá River and a cold plunge pool (5–10°C) for contrast therapy.
Summer activities extend further: two 18-hole golf courses nearby allow midnight sun rounds, and horse riding via Riding Tours South Iceland near Flúðir offers a different pace across lava fields and valleys. The infinity edge, forest pool (39–40°C), secluded horseshoe grotto (with space for 10–15 guests), and two swim-up bars complete the picture at Laugarás Lagoon.
Icelandic horses and the tradition of Sleppitúr
A uniquely Icelandic sight now awaits guests at Laugarás Lagoon. This new destination recently welcomed a group of Icelandic horses to a paddock directly below the baths, allowing visitors to soak in geothermal waters while watching the country’s iconic horses graze nearby.
The arrival coincides with Sleppitúr – an Icelandic tradition that roughly translates as „letting the horses go” – when horses are released to summer pasture after spending the winter indoors. In some cases, entire riding clubs make the journey together, creating a spectacle that marks the arrival of summer across Iceland.
At Laugarás Lagoon, guests have a front-row seat. The horses move alongside the riding trail that follows the Hvítá River towards the bridge at Iða, with riders regularly passing the lagoon against a backdrop of mountains, open countryside and geothermal steam. The horses remain in the area throughout the summer, meaning guests may encounter this quintessentially Icelandic scene during their visit.
Dining at Ylja restaurant
Executive chef Gísli Matt (previously of SLIPPURINN) builds menus that shift with the season, sourcing from neighbouring Laugarás farms and geothermal greenhouses. Open-fire cooking and foraged Icelandic botanicals in zero-waste craft cocktails echo the connection to the landscape.
The day menu (served from 11.30am to 5pm) offers a variety of options. Choose from a two-course soup board and main (ISK 7,900), tartines, sharing platters and summer salads, meat-based dishes, or fish-heavy mains like Arctic char and almonds (ISK 5,600), before ending on a sweet note with one of Ylja’s desserts like “cake of the moment” (ISK 2,900).
In the evening (from 5pm to 9pm), as well as individual starters and mains, two six-course set menus can be served for the whole table. This summer, the ‘Icelandic Fair’ (ISK 14,900) moves through Laxey salmon crudo, cod “en papilotte” and grilled lamb rib eye, finishing with skyr and strawberries. The plant-forward ‘Around Laugarás’ (ISK 12,900), is also modifiable for vegans, and takes in zucchini salad, charred bok choi and grilled Lion’s Mane with milk chocolate mousse to close. Full Ylja menus can viewed here.
For summer 2026, Ylja’s outdoor balcony has also opened for al fresco dining, while a new collection of summer cocktails is available, inspired by Icelandic botanicals and ingredients sourced from the surrounding region, further celebrating the flavours of the season.
Advance reservations for both the lagoon and Ylja restaurant are strongly recommended during the summer months. Guests who book directly through Laugarás Lagoon’s website, particularly with greater advance notice, benefit from the best available rates and package options.
The lagoon and wellness packages
The lagoon offers 1,000m² of therapeutic waters across two levels (37–39°C), a walk-behind waterfall (~7 metres wide), forest pool (39–40°C), cold plunge pool (5–10°C), hidden horseshoe grotto for 10–15 guests, two forest-positioned saunas overlooking the Hvítá River, an infinity edge with mountain views, and two swim-up bars.
- Birki (Standard admission) – unlimited access to lagoon pools and sauna, changing room with personal locker and vanity station, Rjóður shampoo, conditioner and shower gel.
- Lerki (Premium admission) – everything in Birki plus towel and one swim-up bar drink.
- Ösp (Wellness experience) – everything in Lerki plus one drink (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) at the swim-up bar, and a a two-course meal from the menu at Ylja Restaurant.
Plan your visit
The lagoon functions as a natural add-on to Golden Circle touring. Organised tours via operators like Icelandia offer half or full-day itineraries with Reykjavík pickup, typically visiting Þgingvellir, Geysir and Gullfoss before reaching Laugarás. Changing rooms, showers, lockers, and swimsuit and towel rental are all available on site. Spontaneous visits are welcome, but pre-booking is always recommended.
Summer at Laugarás Lagoon blends adventure and recovery, activity and stillness, all within the same Golden Circle day.
