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 still heats homes, the pool, and greenhouses here. 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 a geothermal pool, farmstays, and open countryside.
Sources and last reviewed
Last reviewed: 2026-03-03
Population and geographic data based on Statistics Iceland and local municipal information.
Pages are reviewed for practical usefulness, source quality, and volatile claims before publication.
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 Geothermal Pool
The village's outdoor swimming pool, heated by natural hot springs, with hot tubs and a relaxed local atmosphere.
Skalholt Cathedral
A church site about 10 km away 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: Drive east on Route 1, then turn onto Route 37 toward the Golden Circle area. The 95 km journey takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes on paved, well-maintained roads.
Golden Circle Route: Laugaras is easily incorporated into a Golden Circle drive. No regular public bus service reaches the village, so a rental car is the best option for getting there and exploring the surrounding area.
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): Laugaras is quiet in winter, and the geothermal pool stays open. The Golden Circle remains accessible year-round, and the dark skies suit northern lights viewing. Roads are generally clear but winter tyres are required.
Planning help
Laugaras FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.