LAUGARVATN FONTANA GEOTHERMAL BATHS

The literal translation of Laugarvatn is “water to bathe in”.  Noted as a bathing place since the settlement of Iceland, Laugarvatn Fontana Geothermal Baths are a place where one can relax and revitalize the body.

Located on the beautiful Lake Laugarvatn, the geothermal baths are located about a 90 minute drive from downtown Reykjavik, Iceland.  Leaving our hotel at 6pm we arrived at Fontana just prior to dusk.  We were pleasantly surprised to see an inviting buffet dinner awaiting us. One of the items we came to enjoy was a local favorite of a delicious and nutritious rye bread that is   baked in the hot springs of Laugarvatn.   This bread tradition has been performed daily for decades. 

 

We relaxed with a glass of wine and let our minds and bodies slowly unwind as we enjoyed the local delicacies spread before us.  Wine was not included in our tour price and that came to about $10 US Dollars per glass. 

 

Next it was off to the locker rooms.  Each person is given a numbered locker key for storing your personal belongings.  After a quick shower I headed out to experience the much anticipated baths which all varied in depth, size and temperatures.  

After bouncing from bath to bath I decided I would head out through the gate to the beach and into the lake.  I could feel the warm black sand under my feet.  It is said that it has been shown to be beneficial for those suffering from arthritis and other joint illnesses.  Then it was into the lake and an opportunity to cool down, a temperature shift that is said to be both healthy and strengthening.  Then it was quickly back to the baths.  For some reason the surrounding snow mounds made my feet move quickly to the warmth of the thermal pools. 

After more than an hour bouncing between the various baths with different temperatures,  I felt it was time to experience the steam rooms.  Three steam rooms, collectively called “GUFAN” are built over a natural hot springs and have been in use since 1929.  The temperature of the steam will vary depending on the temperature of the hot springs and the current weather.  Temperatures will normally range from 40-50 degrees Celcius (90-120 degrees Fahrenheit). 

After trying the steam rooms it was into the Finnish-style sauna, called “YLUR”.   Temperatures here will range between 80-90 degrees Celcius (170-195 degrees Fahrenheit) and during daylight hours one can enjoy a scenic view from a large window that faces the lake.

Finally the time had come to head back to the locker room, take a quick shower, dress and head out to our bus for the return trip to Reykjavik.  We arrived back at the hotel just before midnight.   I felt totally refreshed and relaxed and fell asleep as soon as my head hit the pillow.  

Click here for more information on the Fontana Geothermal Baths.