The new wellness centre sits one hour outside of Reykjavik, featuring a cascading waterfall, hot springs, a swim-up bar, and more.
Iceland has never been as popular as it is in 2025, and the so-called Golden Circle might well be the island nation’s most popular region. The tourist route – making a loop of 300 kilometres – is located in southwest Iceland and includes some of the country’s most visited hotspots: the Thingvellir National Park, the Geysir Geothermal Area, and the Gullfoss Waterfall.
@beyondthemoments One of the most popular drives in Iceland✨ #goldencircle #goldencircleiceland #goldencircleitinerary #goldencircleattractions ♬ Sunshine – WIRA
Laugarás Lagoon
Water-based activities are very popular in the region, and recently, the Golden Circle has welcomed yet another wellness destination. The Laugarás Lagoon is located at a one-hour drive from Iceland’s capital, Reykjavik, overlooking the Hvítá River and the surrounding mountains. The two-storey lagoon sits on top of hot geothermal springs and describes itself as the “first cascading waterfall lagoon opening on The Golden Circle”.
Aside from the double lagoon, the newly opened wellness centre also boasts two saunas, two swim-up bars, a cold pool, an on-site spa, and multiple lounging areas. The on-site restaurant, Ylja, is managed by Icelandic chef Gísli Matt and offers a farm-to-table menu. Ingredients for the dishes found at the restaurants were either bought at local farms or foraged in the wild.
“This is cooking rooted in tradition but shaped by modern techniques, with many dishes prepared over open fire. Every element focuses on sustainability: fermentation and preservation minimise waste while supporting nearby farmers and producers in a circular food system that respects the land”, Laugarás Lagoon shared in a press release.
At the moment, three different packages are offered to visitors by the lagoon.
- The Birki package costs 6,900 Icelandic krónur (€49) and includes unlimited access to the entire outdoor wellness areas, as well as access to the changing room with a personal locker and vanity station, and toiletries.
- The Lerki package costs 9,400 Icelandic krónur (€66), which gives visitors all the perks of the Birki package, plus the use of a towel and one drink at the swim-up bar.
- The Ösp package costs 15,900 Icelandic krónur (€112). Aside from everything included in the Lerki, visitors also get to enjoy a two-course menu of the day at Ylja Restaurant.
During Summer (June-September), the wellness resort will be open daily from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm, while Ylja Restaurant will welcome diners from 11:00 am until 10:30 pm. During Winter (October-May), the Lagoon is open daily from 10:00 am until 9:00 pm and the restaurant from 11:30 am to 9:00 pm.
While Laugarás Lagoon is Iceland’s newest addition to the wellness centre scene, many others have already managed to steal visitors’ hearts. One of the most famous ones is without a doubt the Blue Lagoon spa, known for its crystal-blue waters and regularly evacuated due to imminent eruptions.
