Golden Circle and Laugarvatn Fontana Geothermal Tour From Reykjavik

The Golden Circle and Laugarvatn Fontana Geothermal Tour from Reykjavik is a popular choice for visitors to Iceland. This comprehensive excursion showcases the country’s natural wonders, from the UNESCO-listed Thingvellir National Park to the magnificent Gullfoss Waterfall. Travelers also have the opportunity to relax in the soothing waters of Laugarvatn Fontana, seeing the geothermal landscape. With a professional guide and intimate group size, this tour promises an unforgettable experience that delves deeper into the heart of Iceland’s captivating natural beauty.

Key Points

• This tour takes visitors to the UNESCO-listed Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss Waterfall, and Strokkur geyser as part of the Golden Circle sightseeing route.
• The tour also includes a visit to the Laugarvatn Fontana Geothermal Baths, offering a relaxing experience in a less crowded setting compared to the Blue Lagoon.
• The tour accommodates up to 30 travelers for an intimate experience, with hotel pickup and drop-off, a professional guide, and transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle.
• Travelers should dress appropriately for the weather and be prepared for potential scheduling or communication issues, as reported by some previous participants.
• The tour offers the option to meet at preferred locations instead of hotel pickup, and concludes back at the original meeting point.

Tour Overview and Highlights

The Golden Circle and Laugarvatn Fontana Tour from Reykjavik promises a day of captivating natural wonders and relaxation.

This highly-rated tour showcases Iceland’s stunning landscapes, including the UNESCO-listed Thingvellir National Park, the mighty Gullfoss Waterfall, and the Strokkur geyser.

Along the way, travelers will enjoy views of Lake Thingvallavatn and the Hengill mountains.

The highlight is a visit to the Laugarvatn Fontana Geothermal Baths, where guests can soak in the warm, therapeutic waters and unwind in the steam cabins.

The tour accommodates up to 30 travelers, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience.

Inclusions and Logistics

As part of the Golden Circle and Laugarvatn Fontana Tour, travelers enjoy a comprehensive package that includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a professional guide, and transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle.

The tour also covers National Park fees and provides admission to the Laugarvatn Fontana Geothermal Baths, where visitors can relax in outdoor thermal pools and steam cabins.

While meals aren’t included, the tour makes stops for food purchases, and travelers can rent towels on-site for a small fee.

The tour operates in all weather conditions, and participants are advised to dress appropriately.

Meeting and Pickup Information

Pickup from hotels, bus stops, and meeting points starts 30 minutes before the tour’s scheduled departure.

Travelers have the option to head directly to their preferred meeting point instead of the pickup. The tour ends back at the original meeting location.

This provides flexibility for travelers who may want to arrange their own transportation or activities after the tour concludes.

With multiple pickup and drop-off points, the tour aims to accommodate a variety of traveler needs and schedules.

Confirmation of pickup details is provided upon booking to ensure a smooth start and end to the day’s experience.

Traveler Experiences and Feedback

How do travelers describe their experiences with this tour? The reviews paint a mixed picture. A 4.4 overall rating across 81 reviews suggests many positive experiences, with travelers highlighting the knowledgeable guides and breathtaking scenery. Some appreciated the relaxing Fontana baths, noting it was less crowded than the Blue Lagoon. However, a few travelers cited issues with scheduling, communication, and unexpected delays, negatively impacting their overall experience.

Positive Experiences	Negative Experiences
Knowledgeable guides	Scheduling issues
Beautiful scenery	Communication problems
Relaxing Fontana baths	Unexpected delays

The tour seems to offer an engaging mix of natural wonders and relaxation, though managing expectations and logistics are important considerations.

Recommendations and Considerations

To get the most out of this tour, travelers should bring their own swimsuit and towel or be prepared to rent them on-site for a small fee.

Visitors may also want to consider the timing of their Fontana Geothermal Baths visit. Some travelers suggest ending the tour at the baths for a more relaxing conclusion to the day.

It’s important to note that free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience starts, allowing for flexibility in case plans change.

Exploring the Golden Circle

Departing from Reykjavik, the tour takes visitors on a captivating journey through the stunning landscapes of the Golden Circle.

Highlights include the UNESCO-listed Thingvellir National Park, where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates meet, and the mighty Gullfoss Waterfall, thundering over two tiers.

The tour also visits Strokkur, one of Iceland’s most active geysers, regularly erupting up to 20 meters high.

Throughout the route, travelers can admire the awe-inspiring Hengill mountains and gaze upon the serene Lake Thingvallavatn, the largest natural lake in Iceland.

An immersive exploration of Iceland’s natural wonders.

Relaxing at Laugarvatn Fontana

After exploring the stunning natural landscapes of the Golden Circle, the tour provides a chance to unwind at the Laugarvatn Fontana Geothermal Baths. This relaxing experience allows visitors to soak in the outdoor thermal pools and steam cabins, surrounded by the beautiful Hengill mountains.

Feature	Description
Pools	Outdoor thermal pools ranging in temperature from 36-40°C (97-104°F)
Saunas	Steam cabins and saunas using the natural geothermal heat
Views	Breathtaking vistas of the Hengill mountain range

With a maximum of 30 travelers per tour, the Fontana Baths offer a more serene alternative to the often crowded Blue Lagoon. This is a perfect way to conclude the Golden Circle adventure.

What to Expect on the Tour

The tour begins with hotel pickup or by meeting the group at a designated location in Reykjavik.

From there, guests will travel in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle to the first stop – Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

At Thingvellir, they’ll see the tectonic plates of Europe and North America drifting apart.

Next, the tour visits the iconic Gullfoss waterfall and the Strokkur geyser, which erupts every 5-10 minutes.

The final highlight is the relaxing Laugarvatn Fontana Geothermal Baths, where travelers can unwind in the natural, outdoor thermal pools and steam cabins.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Combine This Tour With Other Golden Circle Tours?

Yes, you can combine this Golden Circle tour with other Golden Circle tours. Many tour operators offer flexibility to customize your sightseeing and include additional stops along the famous Golden Circle route.

What Is the Maximum Group Size for This Tour?

The maximum group size for this tour is 30 travelers. The tour overview indicates the tour has a "Maximum of 30 travelers per tour", providing a limit on the group size.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Seniors or Students?

There’s no mention of discounts for seniors or students in the provided information. The tour has a maximum group size of 30 travelers, but no special pricing options are listed.

Can I Request a Specific Pickup Location Outside of the Listed Options?

Yes, you can request a specific pickup location outside the listed options. The tour operator is generally accommodating of special requests, as long as the location is within a reasonable distance from the scheduled departure point.

How Long Do Visitors Typically Spend at the Laugarvatn Fontana Baths?

Visitors typically spend 1-2 hours relaxing in the Laugarvatn Fontana Geothermal Baths. The experience includes access to the outdoor thermal pools and steam cabins, allowing travelers to unwind in the natural hot springs.

The Sum Up

The Golden Circle and Laugarvatn Fontana Geothermal Tour offers a remarkable opportunity to take in Iceland’s captivating natural wonders. From the UNESCO-listed Thingvellir National Park to the awe-inspiring Gullfoss Waterfall and the Strokkur geyser, this tour provides an unforgettable experience. Relaxing in the soothing waters of Laugarvatn Fontana completes the journey, leaving visitors with lasting memories of Iceland’s stunning landscapes and geothermal marvels.