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If Laugarvatn Fontana sounds familiar, it’s because it’s one of our latest hot spring spots to have opened here on the island. But it’s not just the hot springs that are turning up the heat at Laugarvatn; it’s also their bakery.
In this article, we tell you everything you need to know about Laugarvatn Fontana and how to get there, as well as how to join in the fun of the bakery’s biggest claim to fame. So, whether you’ve got an upcoming trip to the island or you’re just curious – read on.
What is Laugarvatn Fontana?
Laugarvatn Fontana is one of our latest additions to the geothermal pool family here on the island. As you might already be aware, due to the volcanic activity in Iceland, our underground water supply gets heated up. This essentially gives us hot springs to take a dip in all across the country.
But just be careful. If you find a hot spring in its natural and original form, you need to check whether it’s safe to swim in since some are too dangerous or simply too hot unless you want to take skin peel treatments to a fatal level. It’s exactly because of this conundrum and the fact that many hot springs are really hard to access that geothermal pools were born.
These are all man-made pools, making use of hot spring water and sometimes local cold water resources if the hot springs are too hot for human use. What makes these geothermal pools so popular is all the extra amenities and features they offer. For example, at Laugarvatn, you have the Laugarvatn Fontana geothermal bath (a few, to be exact), the opportunity to take a cold plunge in the lake, as well as enjoy a relaxing steam in the steam room.
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Just take note that unlike some other geothermal pools here on the island, the Laugarvatn Fontana Spa in Iceland consists of soaking in the healing mineral-rich waters of the baths and enjoying the steam rooms – they do not offer any other spa treatments at this time. But what makes Laugarvatn stand out head and shoulders above the rest of the geothermal pool gang is the Laugarvatn Fontana Bakery.
What Makes the Laugarvatn Fontana Bakery So Special?
What makes the Laugarvatn Fontana Bakery so special is the Iceland lava bread. It’s not quite as the name suggests. Lava definitely is not the secret ingredient to this staple food, but lava definitely plays a role in the way this rye bread is baked here in Iceland.
Laugarvatn Fontana Bakery makes use of an old Icelandic recipe that doesn’t require the latest industrial oven to bake delicious bread. No, they dig a hole in the ground warmed by volcanic activity and the heated water supply. After 24 hours, they dig the geothermal baked bread back up, and voila!
But what makes a visit to the bakery extra special is that they don’t just offer scrumptious carbohydrates to their patrons; they are actually able to join in the experience! Every day, the bakery offers 2-3 tours of the bakery. You get to see how the bakery works and then get to accompany staff on one of their digging expeditions, watching the fresh bread being taken out of the hot, black sand.
Not only do you get to see how the bread is made, but you also get to taste it. And trust us, as any local will tell you, lathering Icelandic lava bread with Icelandic butter is a treat that’s not to be missed. These tours usually take about 40 minutes, and since it is an outdoor activity, visitors are advised to keep an eye on the Icelandic weather forecasts and dress accordingly.
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Why is Icelandic Bread So Good?
Bread that’s baked using this method is not just interesting but tastes absolutely delicious. It is believed that it could be due to the bread absorbing certain things during the steaming process. The bread is dense and chewy and is just the perfect combination of nutty and sweet.
Where is Laugarvatn Fontana Bakery in Iceland?
Laugarvatn Fontana Bakery is part of the Laugarvatn Fontana Geothermal Baths’ facilities and can be found almost in the middle of the popular Golden Circle route here on the island, nestled on the shores of Lake Laugarvatn in the area of - you guessed it – Laugarvatn in Iceland. It’s roughly 100 kilometers from the capital city of Reykjavik if you’re thinking of making a day trip out of it.
How to Get to Laugarvatn Fontana Bakery in Iceland
You have a couple of options when it comes to visiting Laugarvatn Fontana Bakery:
Book Your Spot on a Tour
There are many guided tours and excursions here on the island that will take you to Laugarvatn Fontana. Some of these are multi-day holiday tour packages that simply include Laugarvatn as a stop along the way, whilst others are day outings. Most day outings to Laugarvatn depart from Reykjavik.
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Drive There Yourself
This is probably the easiest way to get to Laugarvatn. Especially if you are doing a Golden Circle road trip with your car and can include Laugarvatn as a stop along your road trip route (Laugarvatn is located on Road 37 just off the Golden Circle main road). It will also allow you to remain in full control of your time and trip itinerary. If you want to make a day trip out of it, it will take you roughly 50 minutes to drive to Laugarvatn from Reykjavik.
Laugarvatn Fontana Bakery; Warm Bread and a Warm Bath
Visiting Laugarvatn is a real treat. Here, you get to experience first-hand what it is to live in the Land of Fire and Ice. And with Laugarvatn located so conveniently close to the capital city, there is no excuse for you not to rent a car in Reykjavik, go and have some delicious Icelandic lava bread, and then go and have a relaxing soak in one of the geothermal pools. Absolute Icelandic heaven!
