19 Dec 2025
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December 2025…/ Discover Iceland's newest winter destination at Laugarás Lagoon, a geothermal sanctuary newly opened on the iconic Golden Circle. Positioned in Laugarás village and easily reachable by car - just over an hour from Reykjavík - guests float across two levels of therapeutic warm waters connected by a dramatic waterfall, soaking beneath nature's greatest light show.
The timing of Laugarás Lagoon's opening is exceptional: a rare 'solar maximum' (occurring once every 11 years) makes this winter likely to be the most spectacular Northern Lights season until 2037, with peak activity expected to last until March 2026.
At the heart sits Ylja restaurant, meaning 'warmth' in Icelandic, where acclaimed Icelandic chef Gísli Matt transforms local ingredients into exceptional seasonal dining. Whether visiting for Christmas, New Year, or any time this winter season, Laugarás Lagoon offers a wondrous Nordic escape.
Laugarás is a charming geothermal village where travellers can slow down and experience the softer, greener side of Iceland. Known for its thriving greenhouse culture, warm natural springs, and peaceful riverside scenery, it offers an inviting blend of nature and wellness. Visitors can enjoy tranquil walks, meet small-scale producers, soak in nearby hot baths, and discover the simple beauty of Icelandic countryside life - all in a serene, welcoming community that feels worlds away from the crowds.
Discover the lagoon's hidden winter world
Perched on the banks of the Hvítá River, winding pathways lead guests through 1,000m² of therapeutic waters (37-39°C), revealing discoveries at every turn: stairs leading beneath a waterfall, a secluded grotto for quiet meditation, and saunas amid trees.
The architecture references Iceland's historic turf houses through a contemporary lens, with living grass-roofed structures blending into the landscape. Drawing on Roman and Japanese design principles, the space offers an immersive environment influenced by Japanese onsen culture. The interiors feature rammed earth installations crafted with clay and Icelandic red lava rock, brass sculptures, bespoke oak furniture, handmade seaweed lamps, and soundscapes captured from the surrounding landscape. Ever-shifting natural light reshapes the mood throughout the day, defying typical lagoon minimalism.
The lower pool offers an intimate sanctuary, while the upper pool provides sweeping vistas. A hidden grotto accommodates 10-15 guests. Forest-edge saunas overlook the Hvítá River, followed by a cold plunge pool (5-10°C) and a forest pool (39-41°C) for complete woodland immersion.
Laugarás Lagoon admission
Guests can choose between three admission packages.
- Birki (from ISK 6,900) provides unlimited access to all outdoor wellness areas, a changing room with personal locker and vanity station, and complimentary shampoo, conditioner, and shower gel.
- Lerki (from ISK 9,400) includes everything in Birki, plus use of a towel and one complimentary drink at the swim-up bar.
- Ösp (from ISK 15,900) offers the complete Lerki package enhanced with a two-course meal from the day menu at Ylja restaurant.
A five-course journey through Icelandic Christmas traditions
Gísli Matt, the chef responsible for putting Icelandic archipelago Vestmannaeyjar on the global culinary map, brings his celebrated approach from SLIPPURINN (2012-2025) to Ylja's festive table. Available nightly from 17:00 until new year, the Christmas menu (ISK 13,900) showcases hyper-local ingredients and Gísli's signature artistry.
The feast begins with smoked twice-cured lamb with nutmeg emulsion and sweet-sour carrots on caraway-seed leaf bread, followed by cured arctic char with horseradish cream and herbal whey broth (add optional herring platter with geothermal rye bread for ISK 2,490).
Grilled goose breast with black apples, dehydrated beets and bay leaf glaze precedes the main: roast pork with celery root purée, braised red cabbage, cranberries and spiced gravy, or slow-cooked cod with grilled carrots, kale and sweet currants. Milk chocolate mousse with mandarin granita, buttermilk foam and spruce meringue concludes the journey.
Until 16:00, lighter fare includes the soup board and two-course seasonal offerings, along with handcrafted cocktails. Perfect for guests on the move and for anyone pairing their meal at Ylja with a visit to the surrounding waterfalls and Geysir area.
Overall, ideal for family gatherings or corporate events, the restaurant seats up to 80 indoors with additional outdoor space, plus a private dining room for 38 guests. For groups of 10+, contact sales@laugaraslagoon.is.
Festive opening hours
- Christmas Eve (24th December): Lagoon: 10:00-14:00 (last entry 12:00) Ylja Restaurant: 11:30-14:00 (last seating 12:30).
- New Year's Eve (31st December): Lagoon: 10:00-16:00 (last entry 14:00) Ylja Restaurant: 10:00-16:00 (last seating 14:15).
Plan your winter visit
Laugarás Lagoon is easily reachable by car from Reykjavík, just over an hour's drive on The Golden Circle route. Guests typically visit for a half-day experience combining lunch and lagoon, or a full-day immersion with lagoon and dinner. For potential Northern Lights viewing, time your visit for after dark. This is a must-do winter destination for anyone discovering Iceland this season.
Laugarás Lagoon gift cards
Gift one-of-a-kind wellness with Laugarás Lagoon gift cards: Birki entrance for two (ISK 13,800), Lerki entrance for two (ISK 18,800), Ösp entrance for two with seasonal meal (ISK 31,800), Around Laugarás vegetarian menu for two (ISK 19,800), or Icelandic Fair menu for two (ISK 25,800). Available at www.laugaraslagoon.is.
Iceland's must-visit winter destination
Positioned in Laugarás village, 94km from Reykjavík and between Geysir (33km) and Gullfoss (43km), this is one of the best locations in Iceland to witness the aurora borealis; immersing oneself in geothermal waters as the Northern Lights dance overhead is a true bucket list experience.
Winter season hours (October-May): Lagoon 10am-9pm (last entry 7:30pm), Ylja Restaurant 11:30am-9pm (last seating 8pm).
-Ends-
Notes to Editors:
Children 8+ welcome in the lagoon; all ages welcome at Ylja Restaurant. Book 30-minute slots with no time limits.
The facility ensures everyone can experience this magic with accessible changing rooms and wheelchair lift access.
Groups of 15+ get fixed price ISK 7,500 for Birki. ISK 10.000 for Lerki and ISK 16.500 for Ösp.
Design team: Designed by T.ark Architects, with interiors developed in collaboration with Anthony Bacigalupo and Hildiberg Lighting Design.
Facility specifications: 270m² outdoor spa area, 280m² restaurant space. Spans 1,000m² of therapeutic waters unfolding across two levels.
About Laugarás Lagoon
Laugarás Lagoon represents a new chapter for Icelandic wellness tourism, combining natural beauty, Japanese and Scandinavian design, and culinary excellence. Located in the centre of Iceland's most popular tourism route, The Golden Circle, the lagoon offers the ultimate Icelandic experience - the country's unique geothermal heritage enjoyed in the utmost luxury and comfort.
For press enquiries and images, please contact Nadia Walford PR:
M: +44 (0) 7951 058 443
IG: @nadiawalfordpr
