Canonical URL: https://www.iceland.org/cities/laugarvatn Content updated: 2026-09-10 This is the Markdown representation of the page. Interactive tools and forms are available on the [HTML page](). Source-check and review dates retain the meanings stated in the article. --- # Laugarvatn: Lakeside Village on the Golden Circle A lakeside village between Thingvellir and Geysir, known for its natural hot springs and geothermal baths. Updated September 10, 2026 · [Published by Iceland.org]() · [Writing & review]() 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 page update Updated: 2026-09-10 Population and distance figures based on official Icelandic statistics and local tourism sources. For sourcing standards and how to report an error, see the editorial policy. Official sources to check - [Laugarvatn Fontana]() - [Visit South Iceland]() - [Visit Iceland]() - [Road.is]() - [Icelandic Meteorological Office]() Region South Iceland 77 km from Reykjavik 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 meters 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. ## Book around the bread demonstration The geothermal bakery is a timed activity, so decide whether you want it before filling the rest of your Golden Circle day. On September 10, 2026, [Fontana]() listed bakery departures at 10:15 a.m., 11:45 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Check the departures offered for your date when booking; do not treat the bakery as something that starts whenever you arrive. The operator also announced that the facilities reopened after a renovation on August 1, 2026. If you are using an older itinerary or closure notice, consult the current operator page. Keep a bath visit and a bakery departure as separate choices in your plan, even if you decide to do both. ## 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. Check the current bath opening notice and road conditions for the day you plan to go. Planning help ## Laugarvatn FAQs Quick answers with safety notes where it matters. **What is the population of Laugarvatn?** Laugarvatn has approximately 200 permanent residents. **What is Fontana?** Fontana is a geothermal spa on the shore of Lake Laugarvatn, with steam rooms built over natural hot springs and warm pools by the lake. **Is Laugarvatn on the Golden Circle?** Yes, Laugarvatn sits between Thingvellir and Geysir, a convenient stop or base for the Golden Circle. **How far is Laugarvatn from Reykjavik?** Laugarvatn is about 77 km from Reykjavik, approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes by car. **Can you swim in Laugarvatn lake?** Yes, geothermal springs warm parts of the lake shore, and Fontana spa has direct lake access for alternating hot and cold bathing. **What does Laugarvatn mean?** Laugarvatn means 'hot spring lake' in Icelandic, named for the geothermal springs along its shores. **Is there accommodation in Laugarvatn?** Yes, Laugarvatn has hotels, guesthouses, and a campsite. It's a popular overnight stop for Golden Circle visitors. **What is the rye bread baking experience?** At Fontana, you can taste traditional Icelandic rye bread baked underground using geothermal heat. [Back to Cities & Towns]() For national population totals and trends to put local figures in context, see our [Iceland statistics]().