Region
South Iceland
95 km from Reykjavik
Laugaras: Geothermal Village Near the Golden Circle
A quiet farming village warmed by geothermal springs, a short drive from Geysir and Gullfoss.
Population
~200
South Iceland • Golden Circle area
Laugaras is a small geothermal village in the Biskupstungur area of South Iceland, at a crossroads between several of the country's most visited natural attractions. The name means "hot spring ridge," and geothermal water is used in the village and at Laugaras Lagoon. Farmland with Icelandic horses and sheep surrounds the village. Geysir, Gullfoss, and Thingvellir are all within reach, so Laugaras works as a quiet base for the Golden Circle, with paid geothermal bathing, rural accommodation, and open countryside.
Sources and page update
Updated: 2026-09-10
Population and geographic data based on Statistics Iceland and local municipal information.
For sourcing standards and how to report an error, see the editorial policy.
Official sources to check
Population
~200
Geothermal agricultural village
Known for
Hot Springs & Farming
Near Geysir and Gullfoss
Top Attractions near Laugaras
Geysir Geothermal Area
Just 25 km east, home to the original Great Geysir and the Strokkur geyser, which erupts every 5-10 minutes.
Gullfoss Waterfall
About 35 km northeast. The two-tiered waterfall drops 32 metres into a canyon and is one of Iceland's most visited falls.
Laugaras Lagoon
Paid lagoon beside the Hvita River, with two bathing levels, saunas and a cold pool. Admission starts at age eight.
Skalholt Cathedral
A nearby church site that was Iceland's cultural and religious centre for centuries. It hosts summer concerts and exhibitions.
Icelandic Horse Farms
Several farms in the area run riding tours on Icelandic horses, from short excursions to full-day treks through the countryside.
Thingvellir National Park
About 60 km west, this UNESCO World Heritage Site marks where the tectonic plates meet and where Iceland's parliament was founded over a thousand years ago.
How to Get to Laugaras
From Reykjavik: Set navigation to Laugaras Lagoon or your accommodation; the lagoon operator places it about 94 km from Reykjavik. Allow for road and weather conditions rather than treating a summer drive time as a guarantee.
Golden Circle Route: Laugaras can fit a Golden Circle drive. The lagoon operator identifies buses 72 and 73 but warns that they do not run on a regular schedule. Check the actual outward and return journey before relying on public transport.
Best Time to Visit Laugaras
Summer (Jun–Aug): The best season for horse riding, farm visits, and combining the village with a Golden Circle tour. Daylight hours are long, and lambs are out on the farms.
Winter (Nov–Mar): Check the lagoon’s seasonal opening hours when choosing a winter visit. Short daylight and changing road conditions affect how many Golden Circle stops fit before a bathing reservation.
Choose a lagoon package around what you will use
Laugaras Lagoon’s admission rules, checked September 10, 2026, set a minimum bathing age of eight. Children aged 8–15 need an accompanying adult; the restaurant admits all ages. A family with a younger child therefore cannot book the lagoon as an activity for everyone.
Birki includes the outdoor bathing area and locker facilities. Bring your own towel or rent one for ISK 1,200. Lerki adds a towel and one drink; Osp adds a two-course restaurant meal. Prices change with the date and time, so compare the final booking totals against the extras you actually want.
The operator offers private changing rooms for guests with mobility disabilities and asks visitors to request one using their booking reference. It also says there is no luggage storage. Arrange your bags before arriving by bus or as part of a transfer.
Planning help
Laugaras FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.
What is the population of Laugaras?
Laugaras is a geothermal village in South Iceland with approximately 200 residents.
What is Laugaras known for?
Laugaras is a geothermal village near the Golden Circle, with Laugaras Lagoon beside the Hvita River.
How far is Laugaras from Reykjavik?
Laugaras is about 95 km from Reykjavik, approximately 1.5 hours by car.
Is there a swimming pool in Laugaras?
Laugaras Lagoon is a paid geothermal bathing facility. Its minimum entry age is eight; ages 8–15 must be accompanied by an adult.
What does Laugaras mean?
Laugaras means 'hot spring ridge' in Icelandic, after the geothermal activity in the area.
Is Laugaras near Geysir?
Yes, Laugaras is relatively close to the Geysir geothermal area and Gullfoss waterfall, key Golden Circle attractions.
What is the landscape like?
Laugaras sits in a fertile agricultural valley with views of surrounding mountains. The area is known for horse farming and dairy production.
What services does Laugaras have?
The village has accommodation and Laugaras Lagoon, which has an on-site restaurant. Arrange groceries and transport separately rather than assuming a full town service center.
For national population totals and trends to put local figures in context, see our Iceland statistics.