There is something deeply satisfying in soaking into a hot tub as the sun starts going down, and even more so if a marvelous landscape stretches quietly before you eyes.

It’s cold outside, but I welcome the fresh breeze. As I rest my head onto a smooth lava rock behind me, I imagine how majestic it would be to see the Northern Light from this hot tub and I smile unconsciously.

We are in the geothermal Fontana spa right at the shores of Lake Laugarvatn, about 70 km away from Reykjavík. The establishment employs naturally heated water that comes straight from local natural springs—its beating heart sitting right below the saunas, often loud enough for you to hear the water bubbling as you sit in the steaming room.

The surrounding geothermal springs have been used by the inhabitants of Laugarvatn for decades, whether it’s heating up houses or cooking, and guests can still the process of baking bread with geothermal waters right here in Laugarvatn.