LAUGARVATN

Laugarvatn is famous for its geothermal activity, which is evident in the numerous hot springs in the area. These hot springs have been harnessed to provide the town with hot water and heating.

Laugarvatn, or “Bathing Waters,” is a lake between Þingvellir and Geysir’s geothermal hot spot. Historically, members of Iceland’s parliament (Alþingi) visited the springs due to their proximity to where parliament met at Þingvellir for hundreds of years. The lake’s water temperature hovers around 40°C, making it a unique and warm swimming experience. The lake offers opportunities for fishing, boating, and enjoying serene natural surroundings.

How to get to Laugarvatn

Laugarvatn is located along the Ring Road (Route 1) and is easily accessible by car from Reykjavik. It is a popular weekend getaway for locals and a convenient stop for tourists exploring the Golden Circle.

Attractions Close to Laugarvatn:

Laugarvatn Fontana

Laugarvatn Fontana allows travellers to bask in the natural sauna and hot springs, enjoying the geothermal energy up close and personal. Towels, bathing suits, and bathrobes can be rented at the spa. For an experience unique to the region, there is a walk from the reception area to the on-site geothermal bakery each day. Visitors can watch as the staff digs out rye bread buried in the ground, left to bake naturally in the geothermally heated earth. You can try the bread, served hot from the ground with some

The Cave People

The Cave People offers a look at how Icelanders lived on the earth just 100 years ago. Here you can take a guided tour of two manmade caves inhabited by young Icelandic couples in 1910-1911 and 1918-1922. The residents had horses, a cow, and a few sheep, grew potatoes, and harvested fresh berries. Tours are available every 30 minutes, and tickets can be purchased in advance online.

Golden Circle

Laugarvatn is conveniently located near the Golden Circle, one of Iceland’s most popular tourist routes. Tours visit Þingvellir National Park, where you can enjoy the geological wonder, also the birthplace of democracy in Iceland.

Next, Geysir powerfully demonstrates the island’s natural geothermal energy, and historically, Geysir is the country’s most famous example of the phenomenon. Geologists theorised that in the 13th century, earthquakes stirred the underground workings of the natural hot springs here, causing them to gush, releasing pressure, steam, and water metres into the air. Lastly, the thundering, roaring waterfall of Gullfoss is the next stop on the tour, where you can see water tumbling into the Hvíta River.