Region
Northeast Iceland
55 km from Akureyri
Laugar: Hot-Spring Village in Reykjadalur
A tiny geothermal village in Reykjadalur valley, named for its hot springs and known for its swimming pool.
Population
~150
Northeast Iceland • Geothermal area
Quick Answer
Laugar, a village of about 150 in the Reykjadalur valley 55 km from Akureyri, is built around its hot springs, with a geothermally heated pool and hot pots.
Laugar (meaning "hot springs") is a tiny settlement in the geothermally active Reykjadalur valley. Small as it is, its 25-meter swimming pool provides a practical stop between drives through North Iceland.
Sources and page update
Updated: 2026-09-10
Check the current pool timetable before planning a stop; winter days and afternoon sessions differ.
For sourcing standards and how to report an error, see the editorial policy.
Official sources to check
Population
~150
Small geothermal community
Known for
Geothermal Pool
Pool fed by natural hot springs
Top Attractions in Laugar
Laugar Swimming Pool
25-meter swimming pool, two hot tubs and a paddling pool
Reykjadalur Valley
Northern Reykjadalur, the valley of the Reykjadalsa River
Valley Hiking Trails
Check locally described routes in the surrounding countryside
Bird Watching
Varied birdlife in the valley wetlands
Northern Lights
Dark skies in winter
How to Get to Laugar
From Akureyri: Follow the route east from Akureyri toward Laugar in Thingeyjarsveit. Check the selected route and current conditions, including whether navigation uses the Vadlaheidi tunnel.
From Reykjavik: About 5.5 hours via Route 1 (Ring Road), turning onto Route 845.
Note: If traveling without a car, verify a timetable for Laugar in Thingeyjarsveit and the return connection before booking accommodation.
Best Time to Visit Laugar
Year-round: The geothermal pool operates year-round. Winter brings Northern Lights and the chance to swim in hot water while snow lies all around.
Summer: Longer daylight makes it easier to combine a pool stop with the wider North Iceland drive.
A pool stop with a winter midday break
The municipality describes a 25-meter pool, two hot tubs and a paddling pool in the sports-center complex. Those facilities make this a straightforward swim stop; there is no need to plan a hot-spring hike to reach the water.
The timetable linked by the municipality, checked September 10, 2026, lists winter hours from September 7: Monday–Thursday 07:30–09:30 and 15:00–21:30; Friday 07:30–09:30 and 13:00–19:00; Saturday 12:00–16:00; Sunday closed. A weekday arrival around noon can therefore leave you waiting several hours. For a holiday or changed schedule, contact the pool at +354 862 3822.
The municipality identifies Laugar as the settlement in the northern Reykjadalur valley, along the Reykjadalsa River. Keep that location attached to accommodation and map searches so the similarly named South Iceland hiking destination does not enter your itinerary by mistake.
Planning help
Laugar FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.
What is the population of Laugar?
Laugar has approximately 150 residents, a small community centered on its geothermal springs.
What does Laugar mean?
Laugar means 'hot springs' or 'baths' in Icelandic, after the geothermal activity the community has been built around for centuries.
What is special about Laugar swimming pool?
Laugar's swimming pool is fed by naturally heated geothermal water and has hot pots. It sits in a valley setting and works well for families.
How far is Laugar from Akureyri?
Laugar is about 55 km from Akureyri, approximately 50 minutes by car via Route 1 and Route 845 through the Reykjadalur valley.
How far is Laugar from Reykjavik?
Laugar is about 445 km from Reykjavik, approximately 5.5 hours by car via Route 1 (Ring Road).
Why is Laugar geothermally active?
Laugar is in the northern Reykjadalur valley, where geothermal water supplies its swimming pool. This is a different destination from the Reykjadalur hot-river hike near Hveragerdi in South Iceland.
What hiking is available near Laugar?
Plan walks using a local route description. Do not use directions for the Reykjadalur hot-river hike near Hveragerdi: that walk is in South Iceland.
What services does Laugar have?
Laugar is the service and school community of the northern Reykjadalur valley, with a swimming pool and accommodation. Confirm the hours of the individual services you need.
For national population totals and trends to put local figures in context, see our Iceland statistics.