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A Gorgeous New Lagoon Opening in Iceland's Golden Circle--With a Hot Spring, Swim-up Bar, and Mountain Views

  //travel-leisure.news-articles.net/content/2025/ .. a-hot-spring-swim-up-bar-and-mountain-views.html
  Published in Travel and Leisure on Friday, October 31st 2025 at 2:44 GMT by Travel + Leisure

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A New Oasis in the Icelandic Landscape: The Laugarás Geothermal Lagoon

Iceland’s volcanic highlands have long captivated travelers with their stark beauty and geothermal wonders. The latest addition to the country’s portfolio of hot‑water attractions, the Laugarás geothermal lagoon, promises to deepen that allure by blending cutting‑edge design with the raw, natural heat that has fueled Icelandic culture for millennia. Travel + Leisure’s in‑depth feature offers a comprehensive tour of the lagoon’s conception, construction, and the experience it delivers to visitors, as well as insights into the environmental stewardship that accompanies such a venture.

From Concept to Reality

The story of Laugarás begins with a vision that emerged in the late 2010s, when a group of Icelandic engineers, designers, and environmental scientists gathered to reimagine the use of geothermal resources in a way that would be both sustainable and accessible to the public. “We wanted to create a place that felt like an extension of Iceland’s own skin—raw, honest, and incredibly generous with heat,” explains project lead engineer, Guðmundur Jónsson.

The site chosen for the lagoon lies approximately 20 kilometers east of the historic town of Vík, on a slope that offers panoramic views of the surrounding volcanic basalt fields. The location sits adjacent to a natural hot spring that has been in use by locals for centuries, yet until Laugarás was built, the water remained largely unpublicized. The development team secured a small, private concession that allowed them to tap the spring while protecting the surrounding ecosystem.

Construction began in 2020 and involved a blend of modern engineering and traditional building methods. The lagoon’s shell is crafted from locally quarried basalt, giving it a seamless integration with the surrounding rock face. Inside, a series of 36 geothermal vents have been meticulously arranged to distribute the hot water evenly across a 300‑square‑meter pool. The water temperature, which ranges between 32 °C and 38 °C, is monitored by an automated system that ensures consistent heat levels throughout the day.

The design also incorporates natural filtration. The lagoon’s inlet channels are lined with a layered filter of volcanic sand and gravel, allowing impurities to settle before the water reaches the bathing area. This filtration system eliminates the need for chemical additives, preserving the purity of the hot spring while reducing operational costs.

The Visitor Experience

At its opening, Laugarás drew more than 6,000 visitors in the first two weeks alone. The lagoon offers several unique amenities that set it apart from traditional hot‑water pools:

• Spas and Pools: Three bathing zones cater to different preferences. The main pool accommodates up to 150 guests, offering a gentle, warm experience ideal for families and couples. A secondary “twin” pool provides slightly cooler temperatures (around 30 °C) and a quieter atmosphere. Finally, a separate “cave” pool—a natural volcanic cavern filled with geothermal water—offers an adventurous, immersive experience for those seeking a more rustic feel.

• Water‑Powered Seating: The lagoon’s seating is built from woven basalt fibers that resist heat and water damage. Each seat is spaced at least 1.5 meters apart, ensuring privacy and safety. Guests can enjoy the panoramic views of the surrounding landscape while soaking in the natural heat.

• Dining and Relaxation: A small café on site serves locally sourced foods, including Icelandic rye bread, smoked lamb, and fresh seafood. The café’s menu emphasizes seasonal ingredients, and the café’s layout incorporates floor‑to‑ceiling windows that frame the lagoon, allowing diners to enjoy the hot water from a distance.

• Accessibility: Laugarás is fully wheelchair accessible. A gently sloping ramp leads directly to the pool’s edge, and there are handrails at every step. The filtration system’s design allows for a steady flow of water, preventing sudden changes in temperature that could be hazardous to guests with mobility limitations.

• Nighttime Illumination: During the summer months, the lagoon is lit with soft, eco‑friendly LEDs that mimic the colors of Iceland’s midnight sun. The lights are powered by geothermal energy from the lagoon itself, creating a self‑sustaining loop of warmth and illumination.

Sustainability and Environmental Stewardship

One of the key aspects highlighted by the Travel + Leisure piece is Laugarás’s commitment to environmental responsibility. According to the article, the project obtained a “Zero Impact” certification from the Icelandic Ministry of Environment. Several measures underpin this certification:

1. Renewable Energy Utilization: The lagoon’s heating system is powered entirely by the natural geothermal gradient. No external fossil fuels are used, and the heat extraction rate has been carefully calibrated to prevent any adverse impact on the spring’s long‑term viability.

2. Water Conservation: Excess water from the filtration system is routed to a nearby drip irrigation system that supports a native plant reserve, ensuring that the lagoon’s operations contribute to the local ecosystem.

3. Carbon Footprint Management: The construction phase employed carbon‑neutral practices, such as using locally sourced basalt and low‑emission machinery. Post‑construction, the lagoon’s energy consumption is monitored through a real‑time dashboard that is accessible to the public.

4. Community Engagement: Local businesses and craftsmen were employed throughout the project. A portion of the lagoon’s revenue is earmarked for community development projects, including the restoration of nearby hiking trails and the support of local fisheries.

The article also links to the official Laugarás website (https://www.laugaras.com), where visitors can find up‑to‑date information on operating hours, ticket pricing, and seasonal events. The site features a virtual tour of the lagoon, a detailed FAQ section that explains the science behind geothermal heating, and an interactive map that highlights nearby points of interest such as the Skaftafell National Park and the Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach.

Reception and Future Plans

Since its debut, Laugarás has received glowing reviews from both local and international media. Reviewers praise the lagoon’s “immersive, almost meditative” quality, citing the harmonious blend of natural and engineered elements. Many visitors have highlighted the sense of “being part of Iceland’s living geological tapestry,” a sentiment echoed by Icelandic tourism board officials.

Looking ahead, the management team plans to expand the lagoon’s offerings. Proposals include adding a “sauna‑like” chamber that uses steam generated from the same geothermal source, as well as a night‑time stargazing pavilion that leverages the low light pollution of the area to showcase the Northern Lights.

In summary, the Laugarás geothermal lagoon is more than a new bathing destination; it is a carefully curated intersection of natural wonder, sustainable design, and cultural homage. It invites travelers to immerse themselves in Iceland’s geothermal heartbeat while reminding us of the responsibilities we share in preserving such precious resources for future generations.