Geothermal
Active
Steam vents, hot springs, and heated ground throughout the valley
Reykjadalur North: Laugar and Its Geothermal Valley
Reykjadalur Þingeyjarsýslu
A geothermal valley in the Mývatn area (distinct from the southern Reykjadalur). Home to the village of Laugar, the administrative center for Þingeyjarsveit district. Named for its steam and hot spring activity.
Region
Northeast Iceland
Best time: Year-round
Reykjadalur ('Steam Valley') is a geothermal valley in the Mývatn area of Northeast Iceland, not to be confused with the better-known Reykjadalur near Hveragerði in the south. This northern Reykjadalur is home to the village of Laugar, the administrative center for the Þingeyjarsveit district. Steam, hot springs, and heated ground mark the valley, and the natural heat is harnessed for local heating and the village swimming pool.
Sources and page update
Updated: 2026-09-10
Reykjadalur North is accessible year-round via Route 1 in the Mývatn area. Exercise caution near geothermal areas: hot ground and boiling water can cause serious burns. Stay on marked paths near geothermal features.
For sourcing standards and how to report an error, see the editorial policy.
Official sources to check
Village of Laugar
Services
Administrative center with pool, school, and accommodation
Mývatn Area
Connected
Close to Lake Mývatn and its surrounding sights
Best Season
Year-round
Geothermal features visible in every season
Volcanic
Active Zone
Part of the Krafla volcanic system, with fumaroles and steam vents
Photography
Mineral Colors
Mineral deposits color the geothermal terrain yellow, orange, and blue
Key Highlights
Geothermal Activity
Steam vents and hot springs rising from the valley floor
Village of Laugar
Small community with geothermally heated swimming pool and services
Þingeyjarsveit Center
Administrative hub for one of Northeast Iceland's largest municipalities
Mývatn Proximity
Close to Lake Mývatn, Krafla, Dimmuborgir, and Mývatn Nature Baths
Distinct from Southern Reykjadalur
A different geothermal valley from the famous hot river near Hveragerði
Year-Round Access
Accessible via Route 1 in all seasons with local services available
How to Get There
- Located near Laugar village in the Mývatn area of Northeast Iceland
- Access via Route 845 from Route 1, about 15 km south of Lake Mývatn
- Laugar has a swimming pool, school, and basic services
- About 100 km (1.5 hours) east of Akureyri via Route 1
- Combine with Lake Mývatn, Krafla, and Dettifoss visits for a complete Northeast Iceland trip
Best Time to Visit
- June-August: Geothermal areas most comfortable to explore, midnight sun, 8-15°C
- July: Peak summer, with the best weather and all facilities in Laugar open
- September: Northern lights season begins, steam rising from geothermal fields
- Year-round: The valley and village are accessible via Route 1 in all seasons
- Winter: Geothermal steam stands out against snow-covered terrain
Choose Laugar for a pool stop
For bathing in this northern Reykjadalur, the municipality’s Laugar pool is a named facility: a 25 m pool, two hot tubs and a wading pool in the sports-center complex. This page does not establish a natural hot-river bathing route in the valley.
Checked September 10, 2026, the municipal page still displays a summer timetable ending August 18. Contact the pool for the hours on your actual date rather than carrying that timetable into autumn. If you meant the hot-river hike near Hveragerði, use the South Iceland Reykjadalur guide.
Planning help
Reykjadalur North FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.
How is this Reykjadalur different from the southern one?
This Reykjadalur (Reykjadalur Þingeyjarsýslu) is in the Mývatn area of Northeast Iceland, while the more tourist-famous Reykjadalur is near Hveragerði in South Iceland. Both are geothermal valleys, but the northern one contains the village of Laugar, an administrative center, while the southern one is known for its hot river bathing.
What is the village of Laugar?
Laugar is a small village in Reykjadalur and the administrative center for the Þingeyjarsveit district. It has a school, swimming pool heated by geothermal water, a small store, and accommodation options. The name 'Laugar' means 'hot springs.'
What geothermal activity is in the valley?
Reykjadalur ('Steam Valley') has significant geothermal activity including hot springs, steam vents, and heated ground. The name itself refers to the steam that rises from the valley. The geothermal energy is harnessed locally for heating buildings and the swimming pool in Laugar.
When is the best time to visit Reykjadalur North?
Reykjadalur North is accessible year-round, and the village of Laugar has services throughout the year. In winter you can see steam rising against the snow, while summer brings the warmest weather.
What attractions are near Reykjadalur North?
The valley is in the Mývatn area, close to Lake Mývatn, Mývatn Nature Baths, the Krafla volcanic area, Dimmuborgir lava formations, Grjótagjá cave, and Goðafoss waterfall. It works well as a base for the region.
Country reference: Iceland statistics.