The heat and the sky are the main event. You ride out of Reykjavík for a guided look at Iceland’s volcanic power, then spend time at Laugarvatn Fontana’s outdoor geothermal baths with three connected pools and steam cabins by Lake Laugarvatn. One possible snag, the northern lights hunt is weather dependent, so lights are not guaranteed.

I like that this is a true combo night: you get real thermal time first, then you hunt the skies second. It also runs with round-trip transport, so you are not stressing about driving after dark, just planning what to wear.

A final heads up, summer in Iceland means it can be bright late, so your aurora chances depend heavily on conditions.

Key things I’d focus on

• Two hours at Laugarvatn Fontana so you are not just posing, you can actually soak
• Three interconnected outdoor mineral pools with different depths and temperatures
• Gufan steam cabins where natural steam rises from the ground
• Optional cold-water swim in Lake Laugarvatn from a nearby platform
• Onboard guide commentary about geothermal springs and volcanic geology
• Northern lights hunt included, with help if you see none

Reykjavík to Laugarvatn, the ride that explains why Iceland steams

This tour starts in Reykjavík around 6:00 pm, with the option of pickup from a central hotel or you can meet at BSÍ101 Reykjavík. The timing is smart. You get out toward the geothermal south-east area while the evening is still comfortable, then you arrive with just enough time to settle in before your bath window.

On the bus, you do not just stare out the window. You get live guided commentary about how geothermal springs work, including the idea that warm water is heated by underground volcanic rock. For me, that kind of context makes the whole spa experience feel less like a random hot-tub detour and more like a direct line to Iceland’s engine.

You also get a practical add-on that matters more than it sounds, free Wi-Fi on the bus. When you are going to be outdoors and phone battery life matters, having a chance to save your maps and charge your mind for the night is a plus.

The route itself is part of the charm, lava-coated terrain and open views that put you in the right mood. Group size is capped at 99, so you should expect a lively bus, but not an endless crowd.

Laugarvatn Fontana at Lake Laugarvatn, your thermal home base

Once you arrive at Fontana, you head inside the Fontana complex on the shores of calm Lake Laugarvatn. This is the moment you stop thinking about schedules and start thinking about warm water, cold air, and how your body responds.

You’ll change into your bathing suit and then get free time to use the baths. The tour centers on three interconnected outdoor mineral pools, which is great because you can pick what feels best. Different depths and temperatures mean you can start gently, then decide whether you want the hotter option later. It also makes it easier to pace yourself if you are not sure how long you want to stay in.

The best part for me is the pairing of water and scenery. You are not tucked away indoors. You soak outdoors while looking over the lake, and in summer you might even catch that midnight sun glow hanging in the sky. It can feel unreal, like you are having a nighttime spa session in a place that refuses to fully go dark.

Fontana also includes steam cabins called the Gufan. Those are three cabins filled with naturally rising steam from below. If you are the type who likes sauna heat but wants something different from a standard dry sauna, the Gufan is exactly that kind of variation.

One small consideration: changing facilities are communal, so you will want to bring your flip-flops and accept that this is a shared space. Think organized, not private.

Pools, the Gufan steam cabins, and the optional cold lake dip

Your thermal plan is basically three steps: warm pools, steam cabins, then (if you want) cold water. The tour also points you to an optional swim in the lake waters via a nearby platform.

Here is how I’d do it for comfort. Start with a pool that feels warm but manageable, then rotate through the others so you are not stuck at the hottest temperature too soon. After your pools, spend time in the Gufan steam cabins. Steam heat works differently than pool heat, and it can feel extra soothing once your body is already warm.

Then, if you are feeling brave, go for the cold lake water. The logic given is that switching from hot to cold is thought to benefit circulation and help release toxins. I am not here to sell medical claims, but I will say this: many people like the way a cold plunge makes you feel alert and reset afterward.

Practical tips that help:

• Bring a towel and accept that you will need to dry off for the ride home.
• Wear warm layers back to the bus. After baths, you can cool down faster than you expect.
• If you are not used to cold water, do a shorter dip first. You can always go back in if it feels okay.

Also, remember that winter is when people expect northern lights most. This tour is designed for a summer evening, so your aurora plan is a gamble. The bath portion is the reliable part.

Northern lights hunt, and why summer changes the odds

This tour includes a northern lights hunt after your time at Fontana. The important word here is hunt. The experience depends on weather and sightings are not guaranteed.

In summer, Iceland can stay bright late, and the tour specifically mentions the midnight sun shining across the sky. That does not mean aurora is impossible, but it does mean the sky might not be dark in the way classic aurora photos suggest. If clouds move in, that can also swallow the view.

The good news is the tour does not leave you hanging. If you do not see any lights on the tour, you can join a northern lights tour for free by contacting customer service. That is a helpful safety net when the sky does not cooperate.

What you should do during the hunt:

• Dress for real cold outside. Even if the day feels mild, nighttime air near water and open terrain can bite.
• Give your eyes time. Even faint aurora needs a few minutes to register.
• Stay mentally flexible. The goal is a search, not a promised moment.

The full evening flow, from spa to return after midnight

The day structure is straightforward. You start from Reykjavík, travel out to Laugarvatn Fontana, spend about two hours at the geothermal baths, and then continue toward the northern lights search. After that, the schedule includes a scenic detour around southern Iceland before heading back to Reykjavík.

The tour duration is listed at around 7 hours, and the experience ends back at the meeting point just after midnight. That matters for planning. You are committing to a proper evening, not a quick stop.

A realistic pacing note: your body will be warm from the pools, then you will go outdoors and likely cool down quickly during the lights search. Pack warm layers and expect a few temperature swings.

Also, note that indicated return times can vary. That is normal for aurora tours. Cloud cover and road timing can shift the plan, and this tour is operating in all weather conditions, as long as you dress appropriately.

What this costs, and what makes it good value at $249

At $249 for roughly 7 hours, this is not a budget add-on. You are paying for three things: transportation from Reykjavík, a guided experience, and paid access to Fontana Wellness.

Here is why I think it can be good value:

• Fontana admission is included, and that is a real chunk of the cost in many Iceland experiences.
• You get a professional guide plus live onboard commentary, not just a self-drive option.
• You also get a northern lights hunt included, which can be a separate paid activity if you book it on its own.
• Round-trip transport with central Reykjavík or hotel pickup reduces hassle, especially if you are not renting a car.

Dinner is not included, so plan around that. Depending on what is available at the spa during your visit, you might find food options on site, but you should not count on a dinner being part of the tour price. Bring your appetite strategy: either eat beforehand, or plan to grab something after the return near midnight.

If you want a simple rule, spend your money where you get control. Here, you control how you use the warm pools and steam cabins. The lights are the uncertainty, but the core value is the geothermal time.

Who should book this tour, and who might skip it

This is a strong fit if you want Iceland without the driving stress. It is also a great match if you like experiences where you can go at your own pace. Two hours at Fontana gives you room to soak, rotate pools, try the steam cabins, and decide whether cold water is worth it for you.

You should consider a different plan if you mainly care about seeing northern lights. Because this hunt depends on weather and sightings are not guaranteed, you might feel disappointed if you are aurora-obsessed and short on patience.

It is also a good option for most travelers. Children must be accompanied by an adult, so families can do it, as long as you pack accordingly and keep an eye on everyone in the changing areas and cold lake access zone.

If you are traveling in summer, this is one of the better “do something real while you wait for the sky” approaches, because the baths are not an afterthought. They are the heart of the night.

Should you book the Northern Lights and Geothermal Baths Adventure?

Book it if you want a calm, hands-on Iceland evening where your warm soak is guaranteed, and your aurora search is a bonus. The Fontana portion is structured enough to feel worth it, but flexible enough that you are not rushed.

I would also book it if you dislike driving after dark. Round-trip transport, onboard guidance, and a set start time make it much easier to enjoy the evening instead of managing logistics.

Skip it or switch tours if aurora visibility is your top priority. Since the lights are not guaranteed and summer skies may stay bright, you are taking a weather-dependent chance. The free alternative northern lights option helps, but it still requires that you are willing to chase the sky beyond this one night.

FAQ

What time does the tour start, and when do you return to Reykjavík?

The tour starts at 6:00 pm. It ends back at the meeting point in Reykjavík just after midnight, and return times can vary.

Where do I meet the tour?

The starting meeting point is BSÍ101 Reykjavík, Iceland. You may also be offered optional early evening pickup from a central Reykjavik hotel, or you can meet at a central location if you are not picked up.

How long do I get at the geothermal baths?

You get about 2 hours at Laugarvatn Fontana Geothermal Baths, and admission to the Fontana Wellness is included.

Is the northern lights viewing guaranteed?

No. Northern lights sightings are not guaranteed because the tour depends on weather. If you do not see any lights on the tour, you can join a northern lights tour for free by contacting customer service.

What is included in the $249 price?

Included items are bus fare, a professional guide, admission to the Fontana Wellness, a northern light hunt, and free Wi-Fi on the bus.

What should I bring for the tour?

Bring a swimsuit and a towel, and dress warmly. Swimsuits and towels can also be rented on the spot.

Is dinner included?

No. Dinner is not included.

How many people are on this tour?

The tour has a maximum of 99 travelers.

What is the cancellation policy, especially if weather affects the tour?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. If weather is poor and the experience is canceled, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. Free cancellation is available, but within 24 hours the amount paid is not refunded.