Discover Laugarvatn

Laugarvatn lies between Þingvellir, Gullfoss and Geysir. Water and geothermal energy shape the landscape, along with a remarkable local history. Nearby is the shallow lake Laugarvatn, which covers about 2 km². Hot springs beneath the lake warm the water, making it suitable for swimming all year round. Those considering Laugarvatn as a holiday destination will find a range of interests to consider when planning their trip: nature and water, outdoor activities, literature and history.

Experience the lake and geothermal energy

Laugarvatn offers the chance to swim in a lake warmed by hot springs. The Laugarvatn swimming pool has a sauna. Nearby, Laugarvatn Fontana offers warm geothermal pools and natural steam rooms. The lake, swimming pool and Fontana provide different water experiences: swimming in the lake, a sauna at the swimming pool, and pools and steam rooms at Fontana. Rental boats and sailboards are also possible activities on the lake. Rental availability may vary by season; check before your trip.

Landscape and activities around Laugarvatn

Nearby Laugarvatnsfjall has birch vegetation on its western slopes and protects the village from the elements. North of the village, between the mountain and the lake, lies the hringsjá viewpoint. From there, you can look out over the lake and its surroundings. The viewpoint offers a way to get your bearings in the landscape and a specific destination to visit.

There are many marked hiking trails in the area around Laugarvatn. North of the lake, green hills and wooded areas are suitable for hiking, camping and horseback riding. This lets you take different preferences into account when planning, without focusing all your activities in one place. Check the availability and condition of the hiking trails locally. The availability of horseback riding providers may vary. Outside Laugarvatn, nearby lakes and rivers offer opportunities for fishing; check permits and access requirements in advance.

Architecture, literature and local history

Héraðsskólinn in Laugarvatn was built in 1928 and designed by Guðjón Samúelsson. The building also has a literary history: the novel “Sjálfstætt Fólk” was written there in 1934. Architecture and literature thus connect two different subjects to the same place. Near Laugarvatn is also Vígðalaug, which is associated with baptisms following the Christianisation at Þingvellir in the year 1000. This tradition adds an older historical connection to the more recent history of the school building.

Rye bread and regional cuisine

At the Geothermal Bakery at Laugarvatn Fontana, visitors can try rye bread baked in the hot springs of Laugarvatn. If you are interested, check tour availability before your trip. Fontana’s Local Kitchen serves soup with freshly baked rye bread and smoked Arctic char caught in Laugarvatn. The food offering may change. Both the preparation of the bread and the local origin of the Arctic char are among the area’s distinctive culinary features.

Find the right holiday apartment for your trip

When looking for a holiday apartment in Laugarvatn, it helps to decide what you want to focus on during your stay: swimming and geothermal energy, trails and scenery, or history and regional cuisine. This can help you decide whether Laugarvatn offers the mix you want for your trip.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Ásólfsskáli, Hella, Keldur, Villingaholt, Selfoss, Vík Í Mýrdal, Stóri Núpur, Kálfafell.

For the overview of the wider region: Sudurland.