Location: South Iceland, in the village of Laugarás
Opening in August 2025, Laugarás Lagoon is Iceland’s first cascading waterfall lagoon and a major new addition to the Golden Circle. This two-story thermal spa is set along the Hvítá River in the village of Laugarás, a peaceful area known for its geothermal activity and green landscapes. Built with locally sourced wood and wide glass panels, the spa blends into its surroundings and opens up views of river, sky, and forest. You’ll find warm geothermal pools, a waterfall-fed lagoon, a secluded grotto, two forest-side saunas, cold plunge pools, and even swim-up bars for mid-soak refreshment.
What I think I’ll love: The waterfall feature looks stunning, and the layout—spanning forest, river, and sky—feels like a spa carved right into the landscape.
There’s also a culinary side to the experience. Laugarás is home to Ylja Restaurant, led by acclaimed Icelandic chef Gísli Matt (formerly of Slippurinn), who’s known for blending local, seasonal ingredients with bold, modern flavors. Think wild herbs, fire-cooked seafood, and produce straight from nearby geothermal greenhouses.
Pro tip: Book ahead, especially in summer. This is a brand-new destination and likely to be popular fast. Bookings open from 15th August 2025, and after reviewing the website, we’d recommend the Ösp package—a full experience with spa entry, a two-course seasonal meal at Ylja, and access to a private changing area.
♨️ Laugarás is heated by the area’s naturally flowing geothermal water, maintained between 38 and 40°C. The lagoon is built on a geothermal hotspot, and the water is sourced on-site—meaning no added chemicals, just clean, mineral-rich heat straight from the ground