Long celebrated for its geothermal pools and restorative landscapes, Iceland recently debuted the new Laugarás Lagoon, the Golden Circle’s most ambitious wellness destination yet. Set on the banks of the Hvítá River in the village of Laugarás, a charming location known for its lush greenery, geothermal activity, and local farms, the two-level geothermal haven introduces the country’s first cascading waterfall lagoon. Just over an hour from Reykjavik, the water feature connects upper and lower pools in a mesmerizing flow of light, sound, and steam. It’s an enticing spot for daytime immersion in the forested valley or for soaking beneath the aurora’s glow.
Chef Gísli Matt, one of Iceland’s most celebrated chefs, brings his revolutionary approach to Laugarás with Ylja Restaurant. Known for his imaginative use of native ingredients, he crafts seasonal menus using wild Icelandic herbs, seaweeds, berries, and ingredients sourced from local farms, fisheries, and geothermal greenhouses.
The lagoon’s architecture is a nod to Iceland’s turf-house heritage, reinterpreting their grass-roofed earth shelters through a modern, minimalist lens. Influenced by Romand and Japanese bathing philosophies, Laugarás Lagoon feels both timeless and forward-thinking. It is a serene convergence of nature, design, and culture.
A Relaxing Journey
Laugarás Lagoon spans 10,764 square feet of therapeutic waters maintained at 98.6 to 102.2°F, unfolding across two levels. In addition to the main lagoon, guests can find The Forest Pool (102.2 to 104°F), a more intimate and protected area set among the trees and the cold plunge pool (41 to 50°F). There are also a dry sauna and a wet sauna positioned on the forest’s edge, with stunning views over the banks of the Hvítá River.
Two swim-up bars ensure refreshment is never far from reach. Guests can lie back in soothing waters, with eyes to the skies during aurora borealis season.
Rjóður: Signature skincare born from the forest
Every detail considers the guest journey, including Rjóður (meaning “clearing” in Icelandic), a bespoke skincare collection created for Laugarás Lagoon from botanicals in the surrounding landscape. Flora from the land was carefully studied and extracted: larch, Sitka spruce, birch, angelica, yarrow, crowberry heather, moss, and lichen.
The scent of fresh evergreen, earthy moss, and grass creates a calming and grounding effect, helping to reduce stress and promote mental clarity. All guests have access to experience the Rjóður plant-based skincare products in the changing rooms while visiting the lagoon.
Culinary Pursuits
At Ylja, meaning “warmth” in Icelandic, Matt champions hyper-local produce, sourcing it from Laugarás village itself. His farm-to-table philosophy centers on modern techniques and classic local ingredients, working directly with neighboring farms and geothermal greenhouses.
Menus shift with Iceland’s dramatic seasons. Many dishes are prepared over an open fire. Every element focuses on sustainability: fermentation and preservation minimize waste while supporting nearby farmers and producers.
The restaurant seats up to 80 indoors with additional outdoor space, plus a private dining room accommodating 38 guests. Until 4pm, guests enjoy light options and two-course seasonal offerings.
From 5pm, Ylja transforms into a sophisticated fine dining venue, showcasing Matt’s artistry through two five-course journeys evolving with the harvest. Smaller producers and winemakers tell their stories through their wines, covering a wide range of grapes and varieties, including organic and natural wines.
Innovation drives every creation, not least the handcrafted cocktails, from Spice & Smoke’s birch-smoked milk clarification to Coffee & Rye’s zero-waste, reimagined espresso martini. The signature Laugarás Highball blends Himbrimi pure Icelandic gin with citrusy lemon verbena and bright wood sorrel, lifted by rosemary and lavender, and grounded with sage.
Ways to experience Laugarás Lagoon
Packages are named after native tree species:
– Birki (standard) –Complete access to all outdoor wellness areas, personal changing room with locker and vanity station, plus premium, plant-based Rjóður shampoo, conditioner, and shower gel.
– Lerki (Premium) –Everything in Birki plus plush towel service and a choice of drink at the swim-up bar.
– Ösp (Deluxe) –The full experience – everything in Lerki plus a two-course journey through Gísli Matt’s innovative seasonal menu at Ylja Restaurant.
– Birkitía membership offers 10 visits at a special opening price and is ideal for locals and frequent visitors seeking regular wellness rituals.
