Iceland is already famous for its gorgeous hot, geothermal pools. Often bright blue in colour, the naturally heated water found in these pools has been enjoyed throughout Icelandic history, dating back to its settlement. In fact, of the thirteen baths known to have been used in the early days of Iceland, four are still standing. Of course, transforming them into the luxurious wellness spaces they are now is more of a modern adaptation, with a brand-new one set to open this summer: Laugarás Lagoon.
Guests will be able to take in those incredible Icelandic views from the pools. (Image: Laugaras Lagoon)
What makes Laugarás Lagoon so different? It will combine Iceland’s soothing geothermal waters with its equally renowned waterfalls: it’s believed that over 10,000 waterfalls are scattered throughout the country. Set just an hour from Reykjavik on the riverbanks of Laugarás village, the central design feature will be a nearly 6.7-metre-wide cascading waterfall situated between the lagoon’s lower and upper pools (kept between 37 and 40 degrees Celsius). Besides the features, find two saunas, two swim-up bars, a cold pool, an on-site spa and lounging areas.
The Upper Lagoon will feature a swim-up bar. (Image: Laugaras Lagoon)
And what goes better with self-care than delectable dining? From Icelandic chef Gísli Matt, Laugarás Lagoon will open Ylja Restaurant – a farm-to-table operation championing locally sourced ingredients. From foraged items like Icelandic herbs, seaweeds and berries, to produce sourced from nearby ranches, fisheries and greenhouses. The result? Dishes like grilled lamb leg with peppers, pearl barley, and hazelnuts, and slow-cooked cod with potato mash, herb sauce, and mustard greens. Or opt for the grab-and-go section if you need to soak and dash.
Dining is as important as soaking here at Laugaras Lagoon. (Image: Laugaras Lagoon)
Officially opening on August 15, choose from three packages ranging from about $87 for lagoon access to about $200 with perks including a two-course meal and a private changing room.
The incredible geothermal bathhouse will open in August 2025. (Image: Laugaras Lagoon)
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Kassia Byrnes is the Native Content Editor for International Traveller. She's come a long way since writing in her diary about family trips to Grandma's. After graduating a BA of Communication from University of Technology Sydney, she has been writing about her travels (and more) professionally for over 10 years for titles like AWOL, News.com.au, Pedestrian.TV, Body + Soul and Punkee. She's addicted to travel but has a terrible sense of direction, so you can usually find her getting lost somewhere new around the world. Luckily, she loves to explore and have new adventures – whether that’s exploring the backstreets, bungee jumping off a bridge or hiking for days.
Temperatures are soaring this summer, breaking records across Europe and the UK.
Euro summer is a feeling like no other. But when a heatwave hits? The dream trip quickly turns into a sweaty mess. Extreme heat is sweeping Europe and the UK this week, with record-high temperatures impacting travel plans across the continent.
And while Australian summers are typically hotter in absolute temperature, many European cities aren’t equipped for high temperatures, resulting in unbearable weather.
Why is it so hot in Europe?
Signs of a hot summer loomed in May, when the mercury hit unprecedented spring highs. Now, extreme high temperature warning alerts have been issued in countries such as Spain, Italy, France, England, the Netherlands and Germany.
France saw its hottest day on record on Wednesday, with an average temperature of 30°C across the day and night. This surpasses the average temperature for June, which is 15°C to 25°C. Dozens of people have died, including 40 from drowning.
In Spain, 212 deaths have been linked to the heatwave.
The UK recorded its hottest June day ever on Wednesday with temperatures soaring to 36.1°C. In an article published by the Met Office – the UK’s national meteorological service – Professor Stephen Belcher CBE, Met Office Chief Scientist, shared his concerns about June’s heat. “To see temperatures like this in the UK in June is sobering. Events like this bring home the implications of climate change, with very high temperatures and humidity bringing significant health implications from heat stress, as well as impacts to a range of sectors such as transport, energy and water supply,” he said.
Heatwaves are becoming increasingly common in Europe and the UK, neither of which is prepared for such extremes. The World Meteorological Organization reported that in 2025, at least 95% of Europe experienced above-average annual temperatures and that the continent was heating up twice as fast as the global average.
How travel is impacted
A pharmacy broadcasting local weather data. (Credit: Getty/Dragoncello)
During a heatwave, power grids, water systems and transport networks can be affected, resulting in disrupted itineraries for travellers. In France, power outages have left thousands without electricity and early closures have been implemented for two of Paris’s biggest attractions, the Eiffel Tower (early afternoon rather than late at night) and the Louvre (two hours early). Eurostar cancelled its London to Paris and Paris to London services from the 22nd to the 25th, and major UK rail companies have been advising travellers to avoid using trains where possible, or to travel during early hours.
If a heatwave is predicted, being flexible with your itinerary and having fully refundable/changeable tickets is key, as extreme heat can force the cancellation of outdoor activities, impact rail and flight services and change the opening hours of sites and eateries.
Why does summer in Europe often feel hotter than summer in Australia?
People swimming in the Canal Saint-Martin in Paris to cool off. (Credit: Rachael Thompson)
With some of the highest UV levels in the world, Australians are no strangers to the heat, adapting well to intense weather. But our infrastructure is largely equipped to withstand soaring temperatures with climate-responsive passive design, refrigerated air conditioning or evaporative coolers, as well as swimming spots aplenty.
Buildings in Northern and Western Europe and the UK, however, are constructed to retain heat and handle frosty winters. The lack of universal air conditioning means it generally feels hotter even though the temperature on your app might not look it. During a heatwave, it can feel like you’re in a sauna as cities act like heat traps.
How to stay cool and prepare for another heatwave
Relief is expected across Europe and the UK later this week, but more heatwaves are still possible in the coming months. Summer heat typically peaks in July and August.
Public transport often doesn’t have air conditioning, and buses in particular can be swelteringly hot. If you’re heading outside or your accommodation has no air conditioning, it’s worth buying a spray bottle and a handheld fan from a pharmacy or tourist stand. Check ahead of time if restaurants and cafes have air conditioning and make a booking in advance. The highest temperatures typically hit between 3pm and 6pm, so aim to head outdoors outside of these hours.
Rising temperatures invite travellers to enter a more intentional era of seeing the world. Now more than ever is the time to embrace lower-impact “coolcations” and off-season getaways.
