Laugarvatn

Laugarvatn is an idyllic village in the heart of the Golden Circle, known for its lake and intense geothermal activity. Historically an educational hub, it is now primarily a wellness destination. The main attraction is the Fontana Wellness spa, where visitors can relax in natural steam baths built directly over bubbling hot springs. A unique experience here is watching the demonstration of traditional Icelandic rye bread (Rúgbrauð) being baked in the hot lakeshore sand, powered entirely by geothermal heat. Laugarvatn's location is excellent for excursions to Thingvellir National Park and the Geysir geothermal area. The surrounding hills offer hiking trails through birch forests, a rarity in the Icelandic landscape. The lake itself is popular for rowing and fishing during the summer months. Gastronomically, the village is famous for its rye bread and fresh lake trout. The drive from Reykjavík takes about an hour via Routes 36 and 37. It is a rewarding destination year-round, as the hot springs provide warmth in winter and the low light pollution has great Aurora viewing.

Nearby cities

Reykjavík

Reykjavík is the capital and largest city of Iceland, serving as the nation's cultural, economic, and governmental hub.

Kópavogur

Kópavogur is Iceland's second largest city, located directly south of Reykjavík.

Hafnarfjörður

Hafnarfjörður is a port city south of Reykjavík, built on an ancient lava field.

Hafnarfjörður

A charming port town just outside Reykjavík, known as the 'town in the lava' and famous for its Viking heritage and elf folklore.

Keflavík

Keflavík is a town on the Reykjanes Peninsula, part of the Reykjanesbær municipality.

Mosfellsbær

Mosfellsbær is located northeast of Reykjavík, known for its hilly landscape and thermal springs.

Garðabær

Garðabær is a growing town in the Greater Reykjavík area.

Selfoss

Selfoss is the largest service center in southern Iceland, situated on the banks of the Ölfusá River.

Akranes

Akranes is a port town on Iceland's west coast, known for its long fishing tradition and two distinctive lighthouses.

Seltjarnarnes

Seltjarnarnes is a small municipality on a peninsula just west of Reykjavík.

Vestmannaeyjar

Vestmannaeyjar is a town on Heimaey island in the archipelago of the same name off Iceland's south coast.

Blue Lagoon (Grindavík)

Iceland's most famous geothermal spa, known for its milky-blue, mineral-rich waters.

Grindavík

Grindavík is a fishing town on the south coast of the Reykjanes Peninsula.

Hveragerði

Known as the 'Greenhouse Town', it sits on an active geothermal field and is famous for its hot springs and banana cultivation.

Hveragerði

Hveragerði is famous for its high geothermal activity, located about 45 km east of Reykjavík.

History & landmarks

Reykjavík City Hall

Reykjavík City Hall is situated on the banks of Lake Tjörnin.

Hvolsvöllur

A historic town in South Iceland, famous as the heart of the Njál's Saga and a gateway to glaciers.

Þingvellir

Iceland's historical heart and national park, where the world's oldest parliament was founded.

Almannagjá

Almannagjá is a prominent fissure in Þingvellir National Park.

Nature

Þingvallavatn

Þingvallavatn is the largest natural lake in Iceland.

More places

Skálholt Monastery

This was once the religious and intellectual center of Iceland.

Skálholt

For over 700 years, this location was the religious and cultural center of Southern Iceland.

Skálholt Cathedral

Skálholt was one of Iceland's two episcopal seats for over 700 years and a center of learning.

Ljósafoss Power Station

Ljósafoss was the first major hydropower plant on the Sog river.

Þingvellir

This is the site of the Alþingi, one of the oldest parliaments in the world, founded in 930.