A winter-style bucket-list plan, without the winter misery. This summer-evening tour pairs geothermal baths at Laugarvatn Fontana with a nighttime northern lights search out of Reykjavik.

I love how the trip gives you both comfort and context. You get guided talk on Iceland’s volcanic heat while you ride east, then you spend real time—on your schedule—soaking in warm outdoor pools with lake views.

One key consideration: the lights are never guaranteed. Weather decides everything, so you should treat the aurora hunt as a bonus, not a promise.

Key Things to Know Before You Go

• Two hours at Laugarvatn Fontana gives you time to actually enjoy the baths, not just rush through.
• Three interconnected outdoor mineral pools vary in temperature and depth, so you can pick your perfect level.
• The steam cabins called Gufan are a standout if you like heat therapy.
• Optional cold-water lake swim lets you switch from warm to icy fast for a classic hot–cold reset.
• You’ll head out for a northern lights hunt after the spa, but sightings depend on conditions.
• Up to 99 travelers and an air-conditioned bus means it’s organized, but still a group experience.

Reykjavik to Laugarvatn: The Summer-Evening Setup That Works

This tour is built around one idea: Iceland is at its best when you’re warm, then cold, then warm again. You start in Reykjavik in early evening and head to Laugarvatn Fontana, a geothermal spa on the shores of Lake Laugarvatn. The timing matters. In Iceland’s summer, the light lingers, and you can enjoy that rare feeling of nighttime that’s still bright enough to see where you’re going.

You also get a guided ride, not just a bus transfer. On the way, you’ll hear live onboard commentary about volcanic geology and geothermal springs. That matters because Iceland’s heat isn’t a gimmick—it’s happening under your feet, literally. It makes the spa feel like part of the landscape story, not just a place to soak.

Pickup is either from a central Reykjavik hotel (optional early pickup) or you can meet at BSÍ101 Reykjavík. Either way, you’re set up for a smooth start without having to drive yourself in the dark later.

The Drive and the Guide Talk: Why the Bus Part Still Feels Worth It

You’ll board a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle and travel east from Reykjavik toward Laugarvatn. That air-conditioning sounds trivial until you’re sitting outside in Icelandic weather later. Comfort helps you last longer when you’re doing cold-water switches and steam time.

The best part of the ride is the live guidance. You get an explanation of how geothermal water forms and why it stays warm. Iceland’s geothermal energy comes from underground heat connected to volcanic systems, and the water you’re soaking in is part of that same process. Even if you’ve read a few facts already, hearing it in-context makes the spa experience click fast.

Free Wi-Fi on the bus is also handy. If you’re trying to plan your photos for later or just keep your phone alive for the long evening, it helps.

Fontana at Dusk: How the Spa Time Really Plays Out

Once you arrive at Laugarvatn Fontana, you’ll enter the Fontana complex and get a couple hours to enjoy the facilities. The flow is simple: change into your swimsuit, then settle into whichever bathing zone fits your mood.

The spa is set right by Lake Laugarvatn, so you’re not stuck staring at walls. You’ll be outside in warm water with the lake and evening sky around you. In summer, that’s a special kind of calm—more open-air stroll feeling than winter frost.

The pools: different temps, different depths

The heart of the experience is the three interconnected outdoor mineral baths. They’re designed so you can move between spots rather than committing to one temperature. Some areas feel more gentle for relaxing. Others are hotter and feel more therapeutic. Depth varies too, so you can choose whether you want full body soak or a more casual sit.

This is one of the reasons I like this type of spa layout. You’re not stuck doing one thing for two hours. You can spend part of the time warming up, then switch to a cooler pool if it feels too intense.

The steam cabins (Gufan): heat you can feel fast

If you want the classic geothermal sensation, the Gufan steam cabins are where to go. These are three steam cabins filled with naturally rising steam. The heat feels direct. It’s not just warm water—this is warm air and humidity, which can feel great after you’ve been outside in the evening chill.

There’s no complicated strategy here. If you like sauna-style heat, plan at least one session.

Communal changing facilities: clean, but plan for people

A practical detail: the changing facilities can feel communal. That’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s worth knowing so you’re not caught off guard. Expect a shared setup, and go with the mindset of quick change and getting on with your soak.

Hot-and-Cold Choice: The Optional Cold Lake Dip

After you’ve warmed up in pools and steam, the tour offers an optional challenge: a dip into the cold waters of the lake. It’s accessed via a nearby platform.

This is the part where the tour leans into Iceland’s hot–cold tradition. The idea is that switching from warm geothermal water to cold lake water can help circulation and support the feeling of releasing toxins (that’s the commonly shared belief tied to the practice).

Even if you don’t do the full cold swim, you still benefit from the option. Knowing there’s a cold switch waiting makes the warm soak feel more purposeful.

The Northern Lights Hunt: The Bonus Night Part

After your bath time, you’ll head out to search for northern lights. Here’s the honest truth: in summer, you’re still more likely to see aurora only under certain conditions. And Iceland weather is famously unpredictable.

This is why the tour frames the aurora hunt as weather-dependent. If the skies don’t cooperate, you won’t be blamed for missing the show. The key is that they do try.

Also, the timing is designed so you’re still out late enough to get the best shot. You’ll return to Reykjavik just after midnight, and the total tour time is about 7 hours.

If you miss the lights, there’s a fallback

If you don’t see any northern lights during your tour, the company offers you a chance to join their northern lights tour for free. The note is to contact customer service to arrange that.

So you’re not paying $249 only for one outcome. You’re paying for a full spa evening plus an aurora attempt.

Return to Reykjavik After Midnight: What the Evening Feels Like

When it’s time to leave the baths, you’ll change back into your clothes and rejoin the vehicle. Then you’ll travel back to Reykjavik with a scenic detour around southern countryside along the way.

That detour isn’t just for show. It turns the return into another bit of Iceland experience rather than a straight line back to the city. You’ll arrive in Reykjavik just after midnight.

If you’re thinking about dinner plans: the tour doesn’t include dinner. Some people do grab food at the spa area itself. One smart tip from experience at this kind of place: if there’s a buffet option available on-site, go earlier rather than later—lines and availability can change quickly. There’s also an easy win for dietary needs; a vegetarian-friendly option is mentioned as being available through that kind of setup.

Price and Value: Is $249 a Fair Deal?

At $249 for about 7 hours, this tour is priced like a bundled evening: transportation + guide + spa admission + an aurora hunt.

Here’s what you’re actually paying for in practical terms:

• Round-trip bus fare and a guided ride with live commentary
• Admission included to the Fontana Wellness facilities
• Time built in for bathing rather than just “see it and leave”
• A northern lights hunt attempt after the spa
• Free Wi-Fi on the bus

Dinner is not included, so you should budget for that separately. You might also pay for things like rentals if you forget gear, but the tour notes that swimsuits and towels can be rented on the spot.

The value is strongest if you don’t want to coordinate multiple things yourself. Driving to a geothermal spa and timing an aurora hunt is doable, but it’s a lot of moving parts in one evening. This tour removes the headache and gives you structured time where it counts.

What to Bring (and What to Rent On the Spot)

This tour runs in all weather conditions. That means you need to be warm enough for the outdoors—especially when you’re outside waiting for aurora or walking around after bath time.

Your must-pack list from the tour details:

• Swimsuit
• Towel
• Warm clothing

The good news: if you forget the swimsuit or towel, you can rent items on-site.

My practical advice:

• Wear warm layers you can peel on and off fast. Steam cabins and hot pools can make you sweat quickly.
• Plan for cold after the baths. Even summer evenings can feel chilly when you’ve just come out of warm water.

Who This Tour Suits Best

This is a strong fit if you want:

• A classic Iceland experience that isn’t just viewing from a roadside pull-off
• A balance of relaxation and activity in one night
• A guide-driven ride with context about geothermal energy
• A realistic chance to see aurora, without assuming you’ll get it

It’s also ideal if you’re traveling solo or as a couple and want a ready-made plan. The bus is organized, and the max group size is 99 travelers, so you won’t feel like you’re in a tiny private setup—but you will feel the structure.

If you’re the type who hates group logistics or changing in shared facilities, you might want to think carefully. Communal areas are part of the spa setup.

Should You Book This Tour?

Book it if you want a guaranteed highlight (the Fontana geothermal baths) plus a weather-chance bonus (the northern lights hunt). Even if the aurora doesn’t happen, you’re still getting an organized Reykjavík-to-spa evening with real time to soak, steam, and optionally go cold in the lake.

Skip it only if you’re aurora-obsessed and need a lights guarantee, or if communal changing spaces would stress you out. Because the lights are never promised, this is a better choice for people who want the spa experience first and the aurora second.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

The tour starts at 6:00 pm.

Where do I meet the group?

You can start at BSÍ101 Reykjavík, Iceland. The tour also offers an optional early pickup from central Reykjavik hotels.

How long is the tour?

It runs for about 7 hours (approx.), with return to Reykjavik just after midnight.

Is northern lights viewing guaranteed?

No. The experience depends on weather and sightings are not guaranteed.

What happens if I do not see northern lights?

If you do not see any northern lights on the tour, you’ll be offered the chance to join their northern lights tour for free by contacting customer service.

What should I bring?

Bring a swimsuit and a towel, and dress warmly. The tour notes that swimsuit and towel rentals are available on the spot.