Region
South Iceland
77 km from Reykjavik
Laugarvatn: Lakeside Village on the Golden Circle
A lakeside village between Thingvellir and Geysir, known for its natural hot springs and geothermal baths.
Population
~200
South Iceland • Golden Circle stop
Laugarvatn is a small village on the northern shore of its namesake lake in South Iceland. It sits on the Golden Circle between Thingvellir National Park and the Geysir geothermal area, and its warm springs have long made it a gathering place. The Fontana geothermal baths made Laugarvatn a destination in its own right, with steam rooms built over hot springs and rye bread baked underground by geothermal heat.
Sources and last reviewed
Last reviewed: 2026-03-03
Population and distance figures based on official Icelandic statistics and local tourism sources.
Pages are reviewed for practical usefulness, source quality, and volatile claims before publication.
Official sources to check
Population
~200
Lakeside geothermal village
Known for
Fontana geothermal baths
Hot springs & geothermal bread
Top Attractions near Laugarvatn
Laugarvatn Fontana
Geothermal spa with steam rooms over natural hot springs, warm pools overlooking the lake, and daily geothermal rye bread baking demonstrations.
Thingvellir National Park
UNESCO World Heritage Site just 25 km west, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates visibly drift apart and Iceland's parliament was founded in 930 AD.
Geysir Geothermal Area
The original geyser that gave all geysers their name lies 35 km east. The active Strokkur erupts every 5-10 minutes and sends water up to 30 metres high.
Gullfoss Waterfall
Iceland's best-known waterfall drops into a deep canyon 45 km east of Laugarvatn, a standard Golden Circle stop.
Bruarfoss Waterfall
A blue-tinted waterfall on the Bruara river, reached by a hiking trail, roughly 20 km east of the village.
Lake Laugarvatn
The geothermally warmed lake has lakeside walks, birdwatching, and swimming near the warm springs along its shore.
How to Get to Laugarvatn
From Reykjavik: Take Route 36 through Thingvellir National Park, then Route 365 to Laugarvatn. The 77 km drive takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. Alternatively, take Route 1 south and Route 37 east for a slightly longer but easier road.
Bus service: Summer bus services operated by Reykjavik Excursions run along the Golden Circle and stop in Laugarvatn. Most visitors drive independently or join Golden Circle day tours from Reykjavik.
Best Time to Visit Laugarvatn
Summer: June through August brings temperatures of 12-18 °C, midnight sun, lakeside walks, and camping. This is peak Golden Circle season.
Winter: September to March brings fewer crowds and the chance to soak in Fontana's pools under the northern lights. The village is accessible year-round, and the baths stay open on snowy days.
Planning help
Laugarvatn FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.