The Best Kid-Friendly Icelandic Geothermal Pools [2023]
Iceland is a country known for its stunning landscapes, geothermal wonders, and unique experiences.
In this blog post, we’ll compare two popular geothermal attractions in Iceland: Laugarvatn Fontana and Blue Lagoon to decide which is the best kid-friendly Icelandic geothermal pool. Join us as we explore the features, amenities, and child-friendly experiences offered by both. Note: if you are traveling with children under the age of two, Laugarvatn Fontana is your only option as Blue Lagoon only admits children two and over for safety reasons.
Laugarvatn Fontana: Natural Wonders and Cultural Immersion
Laugarvatn Fontana, nestled on the shore of Lake Laugarvatn, offers a one-of-a-kind geothermal experience for the whole family. This lesser-known gem provides a more intimate setting compared to the larger-scale Blue Lagoon.
Amenities
Geothermal Pools
Laugarvatn Fontana boasts natural geothermal baths filled with mineral-rich, warm water at a variety of temperatures and depths. Some pools are clearly designed with kids in mind and include buckets of play toys and water sculptures for climbing.
Steam Rooms and Saunas
Laugarvatn Fontana features traditional steam rooms and saunas, allowing children to experience the traditional Icelandic way of wellness. Or at least a little break for mom and dad! I can’t imagine anything more luxurious then sitting in a sauna overlooking an Icelandic lake!
Rye Bread Baking
One unique feature of Laugarvatn Fontana is the chance to witness the traditional Icelandic rye bread baking process. Kids can participate in the bread-making experience, digging up loaves that have been buried in the geothermal sands and sampling the delicious results. I will warn you though, the gnats were out of control when we visited in July! It honestly made it difficult to enjoy this experience. If we go back (and I hope we do!), we’ll skip this part of the visit.
Blue Lagoon: a Geothermal Disney World
Amenities
Geothermal Pools
The Blue Lagoon‘s iconic milky blue waters are iconic for a reason! The oddly colored water coupled with the black lava rocks is truly impressive. The pool area is gigantic and makes it easy to get away from the crowds. The Blue Lagoon mandates that kids under the age of eight wear flotation devices for safety reasons. We loved that rule!
Silica Mud Mask Experience
A unique feature of Blue Lagoon is the availability of silica mud masks and smoothies. Children can join in on the fun and apply the white mud on their faces, and then grab a smoothie to float around with!
The Blue Lagoon Shop
The on-site shop offers a variety of kid-friendly products, including skincare items and souvenirs. It can be an exciting place for children to explore and choose their own little memento from their visit to the Blue Lagoon.
Which Icelandic Geothermal Pool is Best For Kids?
We considered several factors when deciding between Laugarvatn Fontana and Blue Lagoon for the best Icelandic geothermal pool.
Location and Accessibility
Laugarvatn Fontana geothermal spa is nestled within Iceland’s picturesque Golden Circle region. The location provides a sense of serenity and allows families to immerse themselves in the country’s beautiful natural landscapes. The surrounding area features scenic views of the lake, rolling hills, and even glimpses of nearby volcanoes. Its proximity to the Golden Circle’s famous sites, such as the Gullfoss waterfall and Geysir, makes it convenient for families looking to explore more of Iceland’s renowned attractions.
The Blue Lagoon is easily accessible for families arriving in Iceland due to its location a short drive from Keflavik International Airport. Its close proximity to the capital city of Reykjavik makes it a convenient choice for those looking to combine a relaxing spa day with exploring the city’s vibrant culture and attractions. The unique landscape surrounding the Blue Lagoon consists of rugged lava fields covered in vibrant moss, creating a striking contrast to the milky blue waters of the geothermal pools. This setting provides a sense of otherworldly beauty that captures the imagination of both kids and adults alike.
The Winner for best location for a kid-friendly icelandic geothermal pool:
This one is a toss up!
In terms of location, both Laugarvatn Fontana and Blue Lagoon offer distinct advantages. Laugarvatn Fontana’s position within the Golden Circle allows for easy access to other notable natural wonders, while the Blue Lagoon’s proximity to Reykjavik makes it an ideal choice for families using Reykjavik as a home-base.
Ultimately, the choice between these two geothermal attractions will depend on your family’s preferences and the overall itinerary you have planned for your Icelandic adventure.
Atmosphere and Scale
Laugarvatn Fontana is perfect for families seeking a more serene and relaxed setting. The smaller scale of the facility allows for a quieter and less crowded experience. The setting itself creates a sense of tranquility and peace. Families can enjoy the geothermal baths, steam rooms, and saunas while immersing themselves in the stunning Icelandic scenery. If you are feeling brave you can even take a polar plunge in the lake!
On the other hand, Blue Lagoon offers a grand and expansive scale. The size of the facility is immense and can exploring the different pools feels like an adventure! The milky blue waters, set against the backdrop of striking lava fields, create a visually stunning and somewhat surreal atmosphere. Despite its popularity, the Blue Lagoon manages to maintain a sense of luxury and exclusivity, offering a more upscale experience. However, be warned that the Blue Lagoon is crowded. While this is less of an issue in the actual geothermal pools, it was striking while we were waiting in a winding line or trying to find open locker space.
The Winner for best Atmosphere for a kid-friendly icelandic geothermal pool:
Our vote is for Blue Lagoon. While Laugarvatn Fontana is absolutely stunning, it can’t compare with the other-worldliness of the Blue Lagoon.
Kid Friendly Amenities
Laugarvatn Fontana takes kid-friendly to the next level. Our favorite pool for soaking was shallow enough that a two year old could easily stand and walk in it. There were also water sculptures kids could play in and a bucket full of toys to play with. Bonus! They provided floatation devices for non-swimmers. This is a less crowded Icelandic geothermal pool, so you’ll also have an easier time navigating the showers and locker rooms.
The Blue Lagoon‘s kid-friendly amenities mainly revolve around the face masks, smoothies, and store which are more appealing to older children. Our seven year old felt like quite the princess floating around with a smoothie in hand and a face mask on. In terms of navigating the showers and locker rooms, you’ve probably gathered by now that the Blue Lagoon is crowded. The locker rooms are extremely clean and well appointed but the crowds made it difficult to navigate with a rambunctious two year old.
The Winner for best Amenities for a kid-friendly icelandic geothermal pool:
Our vote is for Laugarvatn Fontana. While the Blue Lagoon may offer more luxury amenities, we found Laugarvatn Fontana to be better appointed for families with young children.
Cost
The general admission prices for Laugarvatn Fontana typically range from $20 to $35 per adult, depending on the season. Children under the age of 12 usually receive discounted rates, ranging from $10 to $15.
General admission to the Blue Lagoon ranges from $70 to $100 per adult, depending on the season and the type of package chosen. Children between the ages of 2 and 13 usually receive discounted rates, which can range from $20 to $35. However, infants under the age of 2 are not allowed for safety reasons.
the winner for best cost for a kid-friendly icelandic geothermal pool
Our vote goes to Laugarvatn Fontana as well. Not only is it much more budget friendly than the Blue Lagoon, they allow children under the age of two.
Overall: The Best Kid-Friendly Icelandic Geothermal Pool
Laugarvatn Fontana was the best for our family! From the idyllic lakeside setting to the giant pool I had to drag my kids out of after a few hours, we had an absolute blast! I’d recommend you carve out at least 3-hours for the pools, not including the rye baking experience.
Looking for other things to do in Iceland? Check out our post on the top ten easy kid-friendly hikes in Iceland.
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