Region
South Iceland
80 km from Reykjavik
Blaskogabyggd: The Golden Circle Municipality
A South Iceland municipality at the heart of the Golden Circle, taking in the Geysir geothermal area, Laugarvatn village, and wide stretches of farmland.
Population
~2,000
South Iceland • Golden Circle Region
Blaskogabyggd is the rural municipality that contains much of the Golden Circle. It takes in the Geysir geothermal area, the lakeside village of Laugarvatn, and farmland where Icelandic horses graze below glaciers and mountains. Most visitors pass through on Golden Circle tours, but the area is also a long-established farming community, warmed by the same geothermal activity that drives Strokkur's eruptions.
Sources and last reviewed
Last reviewed: 2026-03-03
Blaskogabyggd municipality includes dispersed settlements across a large area.
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Official sources to check
Population
~2,000
Spread across a large rural municipality
Known for
Geysir & Golden Circle
Home to Strokkur geyser and Laugarvatn
Top Attractions near Blaskogabyggd
Geysir Geothermal Area
The original geyser that gave all geysers their name. While Great Geysir is mostly dormant, Strokkur erupts every 5-10 minutes, launching boiling water up to 20 meters high.
Gullfoss Waterfall
One of Iceland's most powerful waterfalls, where the Hvita river drops 32 meters in two stages into a canyon. Free to visit year-round.
Laugarvatn Fontana
Geothermal baths in Laugarvatn village with natural steam rooms built directly over hot springs, mineral pools, and a lakeside relaxation area. Includes traditional rye bread baking demonstrations.
Thingvellir National Park
A UNESCO World Heritage Site at the western edge of the municipality where the Althing (world's oldest parliament) was founded in 930 AD. Walk between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates.
Hvita River Rafting
White-water rafting on the Hvita river downstream from Gullfoss runs Class 3-4 rapids through a canyon. Tours operate from May through September.
Langjokull Glacier
Iceland's second-largest glacier sits just north of the municipality. Tours run snowmobiling on the ice cap and visits to a man-made ice tunnel carved into the glacier.
How to Get to Blaskogabyggd
From Reykjavik: Take Route 1 east, then Route 35 south to reach Geysir (about 80 km, 1.5 hours). Alternatively, approach via Thingvellir on Route 36 to Laugarvatn on Route 37, then Route 35 to Geysir. The roads are paved and well-maintained year-round.
By bus: Several tour operators run daily Golden Circle excursions from Reykjavik. Strae.is public buses serve Laugarvatn and the Geysir area during summer months, though service is limited in winter. A rental car gives the most flexibility.
Best Time to Visit Blaskogabyggd
Summer (June-August): Long daylight hours allow you to explore all the Golden Circle sites at a relaxed pace. Hvita river rafting operates, highland roads are open for glacier tours, and the Laugarvatn Fontana baths make a good end to a day of sightseeing. Expect temperatures of 10-15 degrees C.
Winter (November-February): Strokkur still erupts against a snowy backdrop, and Gullfoss partially freezes. Crowds are smaller. Roads remain open but winter tires are mandatory, and northern lights are often visible on clear evenings.
Planning help
Blaskogabyggd FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.