Northern Lights & Geothermal Baths Adventure

The best part of this outing is the contrast: you sit in hot geothermal water beside Lake Laugarvatn while cold Icelandic air moves across the shore. Three outdoor pools, natural steam cabins, and a nearby lake give you several ways to relax before the evening sky search.

I like the included return transport and Fontana admission, since you avoid arranging a long evening drive. I also like the option to step into the cold lake after the hot pools or steam. The main drawback is uncertainty: Northern Lights sightings depend on weather and conditions, and the late return can come just after midnight.

Key points at a glance

• Three interconnected pools: Each has its own depth and temperature, so you can move around rather than sit in one spot.
• Natural steam from the ground: The Gufan cabins use geothermal steam that rises naturally beneath the spa.
• Lake Laugarvatn access: A nearby platform lets you try a cold swim after the warm baths.
• Two-part evening: You get spa time at Fontana, followed by a Northern Lights search.
• Included transport and entry: Bus fare, a professional guide, Fontana admission, onboard Wi-Fi, and the light hunt are covered.
• A late, weather-dependent finish: The advertised start is 6 p.m., with return to Reykjavik just after midnight, though timing can change.

Why this evening feels different from a standard spa visit

Laugarvatn Fontana is not simply an indoor pool stop. The complex sits beside calm Lake Laugarvatn, and the setting is a major part of the experience. You are outside in warm water, looking across the lake and surrounding Icelandic countryside, while the air stays crisp around your shoulders.

That contrast is what makes the visit memorable. Iceland’s geothermal bathing tradition is practical as well as pleasurable. Hot water comes from the ground, and public bathing has long been part of daily life. At Fontana, you get a polished wellness facility without losing the sense that the heat is tied to the volcanic ground below.

The evening timing adds another layer. In summer, Iceland’s midnight sun can keep the sky bright well into the night. That means you may enjoy a glowing late evening rather than darkness. It also means the Northern Lights portion is highly dependent on the season and conditions. The tour includes a search, but no sighting is guaranteed.

The experience receives a 4.5 rating from 24 reviews, with 92 percent recommending it. I would read those figures as a sign that the spa is the dependable part of the outing, while the lights remain a bonus.

Leaving Reykjavik at 6 p.m.

The tour begins at 6 p.m. from BSÍ101 in Reykjavik. Hotel or central pickup is offered, but your booking details should confirm the exact pickup arrangement. If you are asked to meet at the central bus station, allow enough time to find the correct departure point.

You travel in an air-conditioned vehicle, with a professional guide providing live commentary. The route heads east toward Laugarvatn through lava-covered Icelandic scenery. The drive is not just empty transfer time. The guide explains volcanic geology and geothermal springs, helping you understand why hot water appears naturally across Iceland.

Free Wi-Fi is available on the bus, though I would treat it as a useful extra rather than the reason to book. The real value of the ride is having someone else handle the road after dark or in changing weather. You can look out at the countryside, listen to the explanation, and save your energy for the spa.

The maximum group size is 99 people. That is a fairly large coach group, so you should not expect a quiet private outing or a personal guide assigned just to you. The vehicle makes the long evening easier, but the experience will feel more like a scheduled excursion than a small-group retreat.

What to expect at Laugarvatn Fontana

Fontana admission is included, and you receive time to use the spa facilities. The stated spa visit lasts about two hours, which gives you enough time to change, try the different pools, use the steam cabins, and pause beside the lake.

The three interconnected outdoor mineral baths vary in temperature and depth. That matters because you can choose a warmer or cooler spot instead of being stuck with one water temperature. If one pool feels too hot, move to another. If you want to sit quietly and watch the view, you can choose a shallower area.

The changing facilities are clean and communal. Bring a swimsuit and towel. Towels and swimwear can be rented on site, but packing your own is simpler and avoids an extra charge or a wait at the rental desk.

You should expect the normal practical steps of a public bathing facility: changing, storing your belongings, showering as directed, and moving between indoor and outdoor areas. The supplied information does not specify locker arrangements or changing-room layout beyond the communal facilities, so check the current instructions when you arrive.

The Gufan steam cabins and the cold lake option

The Gufan consists of three steam cabins. The steam seeps naturally from the ground below, giving this part of the visit a stronger connection to Iceland’s geothermal activity than a standard heated sauna.

I like having both pool and steam options. You can spend most of your time in the water, use the cabins for a change of pace, or move between them as your body warms and cools. Keep your own comfort in mind, especially if you are not used to strong heat.

Fontana also provides access to Lake Laugarvatn through a nearby platform. You can take an optional cold-water swim after the pools or steam. This is not required, and you should not feel that you are missing the main experience if you stay in the warm water.

The hot-to-cold routine is often associated with circulation and a refreshed feeling. The tour description also refers to releasing toxins, but I would treat that as a traditional wellness claim, not a medical promise. The practical point is simpler: the lake is cold, the pools are warm, and the sharp contrast can feel invigorating.

Wind and rain can change how appealing the lake looks on the day. A calm evening may make the outdoor setting feel peaceful. A rough evening may make the warm pools and steam cabins the clear winners.

The Northern Lights search after the spa

After your time at Fontana, you reconvene with the vehicle and head out to search for the Northern Lights. The tour includes this search as part of the package, but the lights cannot be guaranteed. Clouds, rain, visibility, and solar activity all affect the result, and the supplied conditions specifically warn that sightings depend on weather.

One review describes the spa as excellent but says the lights portion did not happen because of rain. Another says no lights were seen but the Fontana visit was still worthwhile. This is useful guidance: book this experience for the geothermal evening first, and treat the aurora hunt as an uncertain extra.

If you do not see the lights, the operator offers a free chance to join its Northern Lights Tour by contacting customer service. The details provided do not state how long that offer remains valid or how the replacement tour is scheduled, so ask the operator after the outing if you need to use it.

The summer wording deserves attention. The experience includes a Northern Lights hunt and also describes the midnight sun. Those are very different sky conditions. If your main goal is to see auroras, check the operating dates and expected darkness before paying. If your priority is a warm outdoor spa beside a lake, the midnight-sun setting can be a real advantage.

The scenic return and late arrival

The ride back includes a scenic detour through Iceland’s southern countryside before returning to Reykjavik. The route gives you another look at the countryside rather than simply retracing the quickest road.

The activity ends back in Reykjavik, with central or hotel drop-off described as part of the service. The expected return is just after midnight, though the operator warns that indicated times can vary. That late finish affects your planning. Do not schedule an early morning tour immediately afterward unless you are comfortable with a short night.

Dinner is not included. One review refers to a buffet and notes that vegetarian food was available, but the formal inclusions list does not include dinner. I would not assume a meal is part of your ticket. Eat before departure or bring food if permitted, and confirm any planned meal arrangements directly with the operator.

Is $249 a fair price?

At $249, this is not a cheap spa visit. The price includes bus transport, a professional guide, Fontana admission, the Northern Lights search, and free Wi-Fi on the bus. It also covers the return journey, which is useful because Laugarvatn is outside Reykjavik and the evening runs for about seven hours.

I see the value in the package if you want one organized night that combines bathing, countryside, and aurora searching. You do not need to rent a car, navigate unfamiliar roads, or pay separate entry fees at Fontana.

The value is weaker if you only want a few hours in a geothermal pool. In that case, the long coach ride and late return may not suit you. You are paying for the complete evening, not just the two-hour spa stay.

The price also carries weather risk. The Northern Lights may not appear, and poor weather can affect the plan. The operator offers a different date or a full refund if the activity is canceled because of poor weather, while the no-sighting policy offers a free Northern Lights Tour through customer service. Those protections help, but they do not turn an uncertain sky into a guaranteed show.

Who should book this experience?

I would recommend it to you if you want a relaxed evening outside Reykjavik and prefer a guided coach to self-driving. It suits first-time visitors who want a simple introduction to geothermal bathing, volcanic geology, and Iceland’s open countryside in one outing.

It is also a good fit if you enjoy contrast: hot pools, natural steam, cold lake water, bright summer skies, and a possible aurora search. You can choose how adventurous to be. The lake swim is optional, and you can remain in the pools if the cold water does not appeal.

Families can participate, but children must be accompanied by an adult. Most people can take part, though the information does not give detailed accessibility notes. If you have mobility, medical, or bathing concerns, contact the provider before booking.

I would be more cautious if you dislike large groups, need a fixed return time, or are booking solely for the Northern Lights. A maximum of 99 people is permitted, the schedule can shift, and sightings are never promised.

Practical tips for a smoother evening

• Bring a swimsuit and towel, even though both can be rented on site.
• Dress warmly for the bus stops, outdoor areas, and Northern Lights search.
• Eat before departure because dinner is not included.
• Confirm your pickup point, especially if you expect hotel collection rather than a meeting at BSÍ101.
• Leave room in your next morning schedule because the return is just after midnight.
• Check the season carefully if the aurora is your main goal, since the experience also features the summer midnight sun.
• If rain or cloud prevents the light search, contact customer service about the free replacement Northern Lights Tour.
• Remember that the lake swim is optional. The main Fontana experience works without it.

Should you book the Fontana and Northern Lights outing?

Book it if you want the geothermal baths to be the heart of your evening and the Northern Lights to be an added chance. The spa, steam cabins, lake views, transport, and guide create a well-rounded outing, and the warm water remains worthwhile even when rain spoils the sky search.

Skip it if you need a guaranteed aurora, a small private group, or an early night. At $249, the tour makes the most sense as a full evening experience rather than a simple pool admission. For the best match, confirm the season, pickup details, and cancellation terms before you pay. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the 6 p.m. start. Inside that window, changes and refunds are not accepted.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

The listed meeting point is BSÍ101 in Reykjavik, Iceland. Central Reykjavik or hotel pickup may also be offered, so confirm your exact pickup details at booking.

What time does the experience begin?

The stated start time is 6 p.m.

How long does the tour last?

The full experience lasts approximately seven hours. The return to Reykjavik is expected just after midnight, but times can vary.

What is included in the price?

The price includes bus fare, a professional guide, admission to Fontana Wellness, the Northern Lights hunt, and free Wi-Fi on the bus.

Is dinner included?

No. Dinner is not included in the tour price.

Should I bring a swimsuit and towel?

Yes. You should bring both. Swimsuits and towels can also be rented at Fontana.

Can I swim in Lake Laugarvatn?

Yes. An optional cold-water swim is available from a nearby platform. You can also use the warm pools and steam cabins without entering the lake.

Are Northern Lights sightings guaranteed?

No. The search depends on weather and viewing conditions, and sightings are not guaranteed.

What happens if I do not see the Northern Lights?

The operator offers the chance to join its Northern Lights Tour for free. You need to contact customer service to arrange this.

Is the tour suitable for children?

Most people can participate, but children must be accompanied by an adult.

Does the tour operate in bad weather?

The activity operates in all weather conditions, and you should dress appropriately. If the experience itself is canceled because of poor weather, you will be offered another date or a full refund.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start are not refunded or accepted.