Thermal steam under midnight sun is magic. I love the pure “soak and watch the sky” feeling at Laugarvatn Fontana geothermal baths, especially with the lake views and warm outdoor pools. I also like the Gufan steam cabins, which turn a simple bath break into a full-on Icelandic ritual you can repeat as many times as you want.

This is a great value trip for a set price that includes admission and bus transport, but there’s one catch to plan around: Northern Lights sightings depend on weather and are not guaranteed. Still, if you miss the lights on this outing, the operator offers a way to join their Northern Lights tour for free by contacting customer service.

Key points I think you’ll care about

• Fontana Wellness time is the main event, with multiple outdoor mineral pools and optional lake dipping
• Gufan steam cabins add a second kind of heat experience besides the hot tubs
• Air-conditioned bus and live onboard commentary make the ride feel useful, not just travel time
• Northern Lights hunt happens after the spa, so you’re not stuck waiting for hours in the cold
• Group size tops out at 99, so it can feel social but still managed
• Midnight-summer conditions are the wildcard, helping the vibe, but not guaranteeing lights

Laugarvatn Fontana on a summer evening, why it feels different

Summer in Iceland can be weird in the best way. You still get long evening light, often enough daylight to see what you’re doing, yet you’re soaking in water heated by volcanic activity. That mix makes Laugarvatn Fontana feel less like a winter “survival activity” and more like a nighttime reset.

The baths sit beside Lake Laugarvatn at the Fontana complex, so you’re not just staring at a wall while you heat up. The view matters. When you’re alternating between warm mineral pools and the colder lake water platform, you feel the environment working on you, not just the heat.

And because the tour is timed for an evening departure from Reykjavik, you get the full Iceland vibe: travel through lava-coated scenery, soak by a quiet lake, then (weather permitting) head out to look for the Northern Lights.

From central Reykjavik to Laugarvatn, with guided geology and free Wi-Fi

You start around 6:00 pm, either from BSÍ101 in Reykjavik or with an early evening pickup from central hotels (if that option is offered for your booking). You’ll ride in an air-conditioned vehicle, which is a nice break if Reykjavik weather is doing its usual mix of wind, mist, and quick temperature swings.

On the way east, you get live onboard guided commentary about Iceland’s volcanic geology and geothermal springs. The practical part is this: geothermal water isn’t magic, it’s heat moving up from underground volcanic rock. That explanation makes the whole experience feel more grounded when you’re changing into a swimsuit and stepping into the mineral pools.

The bus also includes free Wi-Fi, which you can use to sanity-check plans (like where to store your camera, or how your phone handles wet hands). It’s a small perk, but it helps when you’re traveling at night and want quick access to messages or maps.

Your 2-hour Fontana Wellness window: pools, depths, temperatures, and the lake dip

When you arrive, the tour gives you time to head into the Fontana complex, change into your bathing suit, and use the facilities. You’ll spend about two hours at the baths, so it’s long enough to do more than one cycle, but short enough that you’re not burning your whole evening.

Fontana’s setup is built around three interconnected outdoor mineral baths. You can dip in and out as you like, and each pool has a different depth and temperature. That matters because it lets you pick your level of “comfortable” without committing to one exact soak time. If you’re sensitive to heat, you can start in the gentler pool and then test the others.

From there, you have an optional experience in the steam cabins, known as the Gufan. These are three steam cabins filled with steam that rises naturally from the ground below. The goal here is different from soaking. It feels more like controlled, enveloping warmth that loosens up your breathing and resets your body for the colder step after.

And if you want the full Iceland contrast, there’s an option to swim in the lake waters via a nearby platform. This is cold by design. The tour frames it as a circulation and recovery boost, with the idea that switching from warm steam and pools to cold water helps your circulation and helps you feel refreshed. I’d treat that as a traditional belief, not a medical promise, but it’s still a fun, body-awakening ritual.

Practical note from what people value most

The bathrooms and changing setup are clean, but they are communal. That’s not a problem, just go in with the right mindset. Bring or rent a towel and swimsuit, and keep your valuables in the spot you’re most comfortable with. One key tip: if you plan to eat while you’re there, don’t procrastinate. A recent guest said the buffet food was good but to get in quick.

The Gufan steam cabins: the heat step people remember

If you only do one “extra” at Fontana, I’d pick the Gufan. Soaking is classic, but the steam cabins give you a different kind of warmth and a different tempo. You can take your time, get the heat working on you in a more sheltered way, then step back outside when you want your body to feel the temperature shift.

Because steam naturally seeps up from the ground, it feels tied to the geothermal source instead of like a separate amenity. That connection is what makes it feel Icelandic, not just like another spa stop.

Also, the sequence works well. Do warm pools first to ease in, then try the steam cabin, then consider the cold lake step if you’re up for it. The tour is built around that rhythm.

Northern Lights hunt after the baths: how to set expectations

After your Fontana time, the tour heads out in search of the Northern Lights. This is the part of the trip that depends most on things you cannot control: cloud cover, timing, and what your sky decides to do.

The big expectation to set is simple. Northern Lights sightings are not guaranteed. The tour operates in all weather conditions, but the lights are still weather dependent. Even with good skies, the aurora is not something you can schedule like dinner.

If you do not see the lights during your tour, the operator offers a solution: you can join their Northern Lights tour for free by contacting customer service. That’s a meaningful “value protection” for a tour that otherwise would feel like a coin flip.

One more thing the timing gives you

You’re not stuck in Reykjavik waiting all night. The hunt happens after a real activity, the spa. That keeps your evening from turning into a long stretch of standing around hoping for lights. Even if the sky is quiet, you still leave having done something you can physically feel.

Getting back to Reykjavik after midnight, plus the southern countryside detour

Your tour wraps up back at the meeting point in Reykjavik, and it’s scheduled to end just after midnight. Before you head back, there’s a scenic detour around Iceland’s southern countryside. That detour won’t replace a day of driving and sightseeing, but it does add a sense of movement and variety before you go to sleep.

Also note the tour timing can vary slightly. That’s normal for Iceland evenings, especially when weather affects the Northern Lights portion.

If you’re planning a late-night meal, I’d keep it flexible. With a return after midnight, you’re better off grabbing something simple once you’re back, or keeping a backup plan nearby your drop-off point.

Price and value: what $249 really buys you for 7 hours

At $249, you’re paying for more than a bus ride and a photo stop. You’re covering round-trip transport, a professional guide, and admission to the Fontana Wellness. That means your biggest expense is handled upfront, which is exactly what I like in Iceland tours.

The tour also includes the Northern Light hunt and free Wi-Fi on the bus. The Wi-Fi isn’t the reason you buy this trip, but it’s a helpful bonus.

Dinner is not included. That said, you may find food options at the spa or in the area. One guest specifically mentioned buffet food and vegetarian suitability, with the practical warning to get there early. My take: assume you’ll want to eat on your own plans before or after, and if there’s food at the venue, treat it as an extra you can choose, not something guaranteed.

For $249, the value makes sense if you want a stress-free evening that combines guided transport, a real thermal experience, and a planned aurora search. If you already have a rental car and you’re confident driving at night in Iceland’s weather, you could potentially DIY it. But for most visitors, the convenience plus admission is the win.

What to pack and how to dress when Iceland is warm and cold at once

You’ll need a swimsuit and a towel. These can also be rented on the spot, which is handy if you forgot to pack. Still, if you’re traveling light, check what’s available at your chosen timing, then decide whether to rent or bring your own.

Even in summer, dress warmly. The tour operates in all weather conditions, and you may be outside during the Northern Lights hunt. Wind can make everything feel colder fast, especially after you’ve been in warm water.

Here’s what I’d do for a smoother evening:

• Wear warm layers you can peel off after the baths.
• Pack a dry layer for the walk back outdoors.
• Bring a small bag for wet items so your car seat and clothes stay workable.

Also remember communal changing areas mean you should keep your routine simple and not expect private lockers or private spaces unless the venue provides them, which isn’t stated here.

Who this tour is best for, and who should think twice

This tour is ideal if you want an Iceland evening that mixes relaxation with the chance of aurora viewing. It’s a strong match for solo travelers, couples, and small groups who appreciate having everything timed and handled for them.

It’s also a good fit for people who like guided explanations. The live commentary during the drive helps connect geothermal activity to what you’re experiencing at Fontana.

If you’re traveling with kids, the tour allows most travelers, but children must be accompanied by an adult. The time at the baths and the cold lake option are best treated as optional, so you can adjust your plan on site.

The main reason to think twice is the Northern Lights part. If aurora viewing is your number one goal and you’ll be disappointed without it, you should know this is weather dependent. The good news is that there is an offer to join a free Northern Lights tour if you miss the lights on this outing by contacting customer service.

Finally, one operational note. A guest reported sadness about a guide’s behavior during their trip, and the company replied asking for details to quality manager Helga Bryndís via [email protected]. That doesn’t mean it’s a common issue, but it does remind you to speak up quickly if something feels off.

Should you book this Reykjavik to Laugarvatn Fontana and Lights hunt?

I’d book it if you want a simple, well-paced evening with admission to a geothermal spa, warm pools, steam cabins, and an actual plan to look for the Northern Lights. The structure is what makes it work. You don’t spend hours doing nothing in the dark, you soak first, then hunt.

I’d hesitate if you’re only buying for the aurora and you hate the idea of possible disappointment due to weather. That risk is real. Still, the free rebooking option if you miss the lights helps, and the Fontana experience itself is strong enough to justify the trip even on a cloudy sky.

If your travel style is practical and you like value in a single ticket, this is a solid summer choice from Reykjavik.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

The tour starts at 6:00 pm from BSÍ101 Reykjavík, Iceland.

Does the tour include pickup from hotels?

Pickup is offered for central Reykjavik or hotel pickup and drop-off, depending on your booking option. If not, you can meet at the central city meeting point.

How long is the experience?

The duration is about 7 hours.

Is the admission to the geothermal baths included?

Yes. Admission to the Fontana Wellness is included.

Do I need to bring a swimsuit and towel?

Yes, bring a swimsuit and a towel. You can also rent these on the spot.

Is there a chance to swim in the lake?

There is an optional swim in the lake waters via a nearby platform.

Are the Northern Lights guaranteed?

No. Northern Lights sightings depend on weather and sightings are not guaranteed.

What happens if I do not see the Northern Lights on this tour?

If you do not see any lights during the tour, you can join a Northern Lights Tour for free by contacting customer service.

What does the tour price include?

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

Is dinner included?

No. Dinner is not included.