Beautiful new water attraction to open in Europe with lagoons, 40C pools and waterfalls
A NEW water attraction has opened in one of Europe's safest countries - and you can even spot the Northern Lights from it.
Laugarás Lagoon is a new two-storey geothermal lagoon in Iceland opening this summer, similar to the famous Blue Lagoon.
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Inside is 1,000m² of waters with temperatures up to 40C.
One of its main features is the cascading waterfall between the two stories which they claim is a "first" for Icelandic lagoons.
Guests can make the most of the infinity pool which overlooks the Icelandic landscape.
It also has a secluded grotto for some extra privacy, including seating areas.
Otherwise inside it has two saunas with views of the surrounding forest and Hvita River.
If you need a challenge there is also a cold plunge pool just outside as well as a calmer Forest Pool.
There are even two swim up lagoon bars as well, with a free drink included in some tickets.
The Ylja restaurant has a day and evening menu with dishes including fresh soups and salads as well as grilled lamb and slow cooked cod.
Guests can choose from three ticket options, with the most basic costing £40 each, including access to the pools as well as lockers and toiletries.
The premium 'Lerki' ticket costs £55 each and includes all of the above as well as a "plush towel service" and free drink at the swim up bars.
The European city with cheap UK flights, famous lagoon spas and summers where the sun never sets
Otherwise the deluxe 'Osp' ticket has the full experience as well as a two-course meal at the restaurant and a private changing area, for £93 each.
Kids under seven and under are not allowed into the lagoon but an dine at the restaurant.
The lagoon will open from August 15, and be open all year round, with reduced hours in the winter season from October to May.
Laugarás Lagoon is around 80 miles from the airport, or 60 miles from Reykjavik (taking around 1hr20 by car).
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There are also daily tour buses that run from the city which include stops at the lagoon as well as irregular public bus services.
It is also between the famous Geysir attraction and Gullfoss waterfall.
If you can't wait until August, the current Blue Lagoon is open, which first opened in 1987 and now welcomes millions a year.
Or there is the newer Sky Lagoon, also similar and opened in 2021.
What is a holiday to Iceland like?
Sophie Swietochowski, The Sun's Assistant Travel Editor, recently visited Iceland.
Even if you're not a geography nerd — I'm not — it's hard not to get swept up in it all when treading Iceland's volcanic landscapes.
The country's huge white glaciers and vast number of active volcanoes give it its nickname The Land of Fire and Ice.
Iceland's fascinating geography isn't all lava spills, though — its geo-thermal atmosphere has helped create some of the world's most famous spas, including the Blue Lagoon a little south of Reykjavik.
While man-made, it's heated by a geothermal power station that relies on energy from the volcanic ground.
The silica and minerals in the water, said to boost the immune system, turn the water a chalky shade of baby blue.
It was so relaxing to float in the bath-warm water, slapping algae masks and lava scrubs on my face from the lagoon-side beauty bar — all of which are included in your entry price.
Here is what it is like to visit Iceland on holiday.
If you don't want to travel as far as Iceland, here is where to find a geothermal heated pool in the UK which is right by the beach.
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