When you think of Iceland, stunning landscapes and natural wonders probably come to mind. But have you ever heard of Laugarvellir Hot Spring and Waterfall? This hidden gem in the land of fire and ice is a must-visit for anyone seeking a unique and rejuvenating experience. In this blog post, we’ll take you on a journey to this remote Icelandic paradise, providing you with all the essential details to plan your visit.
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What is Laugarvellir Hot Spring?
At the heart of Laugarvellir lies a natural geothermal hot spring, the very essence of relaxation in the midst of Iceland’s untamed beauty. Fed by the Earth’s geothermal activity, the hot spring’s water temperature hovers around a comfortably warm 38-40°C (100-104°F) year-round, inviting you to take a soothing dip. This experience is particularly enchanting during the colder months, especially when the landscape begins to be blanketed in pristine snow.
Unlike commercialized hot springs, Laugarvellir retains its natural charm. Smooth rocks and boulders dot the area, offering impromptu seating for you to unwind while taking in the awe-inspiring views of the valley and the majestic mountains that cradle it.
The Hidden Waterfall:
Adding an extra layer of mystique to Laugarvellir is the nearby hot waterfall. A short hike from the parking lot, this waterfall is a captivating surprise within this already magical setting. Its hot waters tumble from a height, creating a serene and soothing ambiance that perfectly complements the tranquility of the hot spring.
The Glacial River:
Right next to the hot spring, there’s a clear and icy-cold river. After you’ve enjoyed the warm hot spring, you can take a refreshing dip in this cold river. It’s like going from a cozy blanket to a cool breeze – a simple yet exhilarating way to feel refreshed in the beautiful wilderness of Iceland.
How to get to Laugarvellir?
Laugarvellir is a remote destination, and part of its allure lies in its relative obscurity. Located in the northern heartland of Iceland, this hidden treasure requires a sense of adventure to access.
Exact location
Directions from Ring Road
Note: Please be aware that Google Maps tends to underestimate travel times on Iceland’s gravel roads. Anticipate an average speed of approximately 20-25 kilometers per hour (kph) when traversing the dirt road en route to Laugarvellir. This translates to a travel duration of approximately 2 to 2.5 hours to cover the 55-kilometer distance separating Laugarvellir to the ring road.
A reliable 4×4 vehicle withg high ground clearance is your ticket to reach this off-the-beaten-path location. The closest gas stations are Orkan (56km away) and Fjalladýrð fuel (68km away).
Once you leave the Ring Road, you’ll need to take the Jökuldalsvegur road, which passes right in front of the popular Studlagir. Although slightly longer, we recommend taking Jökuldalsvegur over the F907 road as it is in much better conditions and it will save you a lot of time.
The second part of the drive is on the Kárahnjúkar road, which, it’s worth noting, can be quite challenging due to its rough terrain. The primary hazard along this road arises from numerous large, occasionally sharp rocks scattered across the roadway.
While some of these rocks have been marked with vibrant orange paint to enhance visibility for drivers, others remain unmarked. Consequently, we strongly advise maintaining a cautious, reduced speed to preempt any unexpected encounters with these obstacles.
As for most places located in the Icelandic Highlands, be sure to check road conditions and weather forecasts before embarking on your journey. This is especially important during spring and autumn, when snow might still be present or starting to fall.
As you drive along the Kárahnjúkar road, you’ll come to a big crossroads. If you’ve been following our suggested route, on the left side, you’ll find the Hafrahvammagljúfur canyon, and on the other side is Laugarvellir. Turn in the direction of Laugarvellir, for the remaining 3km of your journey. Please be aware that this last part of the road is not even on google maps, and it is quite bumpy.
Right before you reach the hot spring, you’ll encounter something interesting: the road crosses a river, and surprisingly, there are no bridges! But don’t worry; the water is very shallow. If you’d rather not drive through the river, there’s a parking area just before it, and you can use a pedestrian bridge to cross without getting wet. Check the next chapter for more details.
Alternative route
Starting from Egillstadir, you can consider taking the F910 road for a different route. While this path is approximately twice the length of the previous one, it offers a smoother journey. The reason for this is that F910 is partially paved, though it does feature a few challenging stretches, particularly as you approach the end. It’s important to note that you’ll still require a 4×4 vehicle to reach Laugarvellir.
Parking at Laugarvellir Hot Spring
At Laugarvellir Hot Spring, the primary parking area awaits at the road’s end, conveniently situated beside the hot spring facilities. However, reaching this spot entails crossing a glacial river approximately 300 meters before your intended destination.
In case you prefer not to drive across the river or if the water level is too high, an alternative parking area is available just prior to the river crossing, ensuring easy access to the hot springs by mean of a pedestrian bridge.
Best time to visit Laugarvellir Hot Spring
All the roads leading to Laugarvellir Hot Spring are only opened during summer months, typically from June to September. Opening dates change every year depending on weather conditions. Same applies to road closures.
You can check road conditions updates on road.is.
Laugarvellir Hot Spring and Waterfall
So, what are the Laugarvellir Hot Spring and Waterfall like?
A few hundred meters uphill, geothermal water emerges from the ground, cascading down the slope in a gentle stream towards the glacial river. Just before reaching the river, the geothermal stream forms a captivating waterfall and a nearby pool, both of which maintain their hot temperature throughout the year.
It is important to mention that the pool at Laugarvellir is not particularly deep. In fact, its depth only reaches up to your knees at its deepest point. To fully enjoy the warmth, one needs to position themselves under the waterfall or sit down to avoid feeling cold.
Nevertheless, the water itself is pleasantly hot, creating a delightful experience, especially when there aren’t many people around.
Fortunately, due to its remote location and lack of popularity, Laugarvellir remains relatively undiscovered. This means that if you manage to visit, chances are high that you will have the entire place to yourself, adding to the tranquility and serenity of the experience.
When you’re at Laugarvellir, you must try taking a swim in the icy-cold river near the hot spring. It might feel super cold at first, but it’s actually quite nice once you get used to it. We ended up going back and forth between the hot spring and the river a few times before we headed back to the changing rooms.
Facilities at Laugarvellir Hot Spring
At the Laugarvellir hot spring, you will find two rooms available for changing and eating. One features an informative board with interesting information about Laugarvellir. The other is more basic, but it has some mugs and bowls which you can use.
Surprisingly, Laugarvellir also features a toilet located in the parking lot.
All these facilities are provided free of charge for visitors and can be accessed independently. It’s important to note that there are no staff members on-site. Make sure to leave these facilites better than you found them.
Entrance fee
There’s no entrance fee at Laugarvellir! In fact, the Laugarvellir Hot Spring is free of charge, and so are its facilities.
To support the site’s management, please make sure not to leave any trash or litter behind at the facilities. It’s important to help keep this beautiful place clean and pristine for everyone to enjoy.
Best tips for visiting Laugarvellir Hot Spring
The hot spring at Laugarvellir is about 200 meters away from the changing rooms. While it may not seem like a long distance, it can feel much farther when you’re wet and it’s freezing outside (0°C). Here are some simple tips to make the most of your visit at Laugarvellir:
- Wear sea shoes or go barefoot: Choose comfortable shoes that can get wet and be easily taken on and off. We saw some people struggling with wet hiking boots, and you definitely don’t want to get your shoes wet or have trouble putting them on when it’s cold outside.
- Keep warm, dry clothes at hand: When you’re wet and cold in the middle of nowhere, it’s important to have dry and warm clothes to change into. Make sure to bring extra clothes that will keep you cozy and comfortable in the changing room.
- Wear a swimsuit and bring a towel: You won’t need much at the hot spring. Leave all your clothes at the changing rooms, and enjoy the warm water of Laugarvellir. All you will need is a towel and a swimsuit
- Bring enough water and food for the day: It’s a good idea to bring plenty of water and snacks because your visit to Laugarvellir will likely turn into a day trip, even if you didn’t plan for it. Having enough supplies will ensure you stay hydrated and energized throughout your time there.
What to do nearby?
If you make it all the way to Laugarvellir Hot Spring, you may be wondering if there’s anything else you can do nearby. Luckily, the answer is yes.
Just 5 km from Laugarvellir lies Hafrahvammagljúfur, one of the most impressive and dramatic canyons of Iceland. The road to reach it is short but extremely rough, so make sure to descend it slowly.
If you’re interested in extending your journey deep into the heart of Iceland, consider a visit to Lake Viti near Askja. It’s quite a substantial detour, and the distance from Laugarvellir is approximately equivalent to that from the ring road. However, this route will take you through exceptionally isolated areas and rugged roads, which might be the adventurous experience you’re looking for.
Starting from Laugarvellir, you’re looking at a 109-kilometer trip on a bumpy gravel road, which will take you more than three hours to cover.
What to pack for Iceland
Must-Have Items
A good rain jacket. You want to have a good rain coat with you when visiting Iceland, as the weather can change unpredictably. There’s plenty of shops in Reykjavik that sell – and even rent – rain jackets for your Iceland vacation.
We would recommend a good one like the Marmot Men’s Minimalist Component Jacket or the Columbia Women’s Pouring Adventure II Jacket. Quality jackets can be a bit pricey, but they’re a worthwhile investment, especially for a trip to Iceland.
Waterproof overpants. It somehow seemed an unnecessary item to bring before reaching iceland, but it turned out to be one of those items we used daily. Bring a pair of those, you won’t regret it. Check out Columbia Men’s Rebel Roamer Rain Pant and Columbia Women’s Storm Surge Pant.
Warm Socks: Packing merino wool socks for Iceland is crucial to keep your feet warm and dry in the diverse and often unpredictable weather conditions. For summer, check out DANISH ENDURANCE Merino Wool Hiking Liner Socks, they are great quality and quite thin. If you’re travelling in the coldest months, consider getting knee-high wool socks.
Warm clothing: Iceland’s weather can be unpredictable. Pack thermal layers, including merino wool for its excellent insulation, insulated gloves (especially for winter), and a good quality winter hat.
Sturdy Footwear: Waterproof and insulated boots or hiking shoes are essential for exploring Iceland’s varied terrain. For top-notch gear, you can’t go wrong with brands like Scarpa, Salomon, and La Sportiva. If you’re looking for something a bit more budget-friendly, Merrell and Altra have got you covered.
Please note: If you’re gearing up for glacier walks or ice caving, make sure to go for rigid boots that can fit crampons. Flexible boots offer greater comfort for hiking, but you might struggle if you need to use ice spikes.
Reusable Water Bottle: Iceland has clean, safe and free drinking water everywhere. Therefore, you don’t need a fancy filtration system like the GRAYL GeoPress 24 oz for Iceland.
Save money and cut down on waste by opting for a reusable water bottle. The ideal solution for Iceland is one that works well for both hot and cold beverages.
Toiletries: Pack travel-sized toiletries, including soap, shampoo, and sunscreen, as these can be expensive in Iceland.
Headlamp/Flashlight: In Iceland’s long winter nights or for exploring caves, for chasing auroras or for walking around your campsite, a reliable light source is crucial. We have this one and simply love it, it’s incredibly cheap, bright plus the battery lasts so long.
Portable Charger: Keep your devices charged during outdoor adventures, especially if you’re planning to camp in Iceland. We recently picked up a fast-charging power bank from INIU that works like a charm. Just be sure to grab one with enough capacity for all your devices.
Additional Items
Swimwear: Don’t forget your swimsuit for relaxing in geothermal pools and hot springs.
Backpack: A sturdy, weather-resistant backpack is useful for carrying your essentials during outdoor excursions. If you plan on doing lots of hiking, we recommend a dedicated backpack. You have countless options on the market, but one like Men’s Osprey Talon 22L or Women’s Osprey Tempest 20L would be perfect.
Camera and Binoculars: Iceland’s landscapes are stunning, so bring a camera and binoculars for wildlife and scenic views.
Local Currency: Have some Icelandic Krona (ISK) on hand for small purchases and in case you visit places that don’t accept cards. We never used cash in Iceland, so it’s not something you must bring around, but in a couple of situations it would have been handful.
Food and Drinks: Due to Iceland’s relatively high prices, especially for alcohol, and limited food options in some areas, consider carrying some essential snacks and beverages.
Hiking Gear: If you plan on hiking, consider bringing trekking poles, a compact first-aid kit, and gaiters.
Wet Wipes: Handy for quick clean-ups, especially when camping or on long road trips. These can easily be bought once you land in Iceland, or packed in your backpack before leaving. Check these flushable ones if you’re looking for some.
Swiss Army Knife or Multi-Tool: Useful for various outdoor tasks, especially when camping or preparing food. Here is a cheap one.
Travel Pillow: For added comfort during long drives, flights or while camping. The provided ones aren’t always the best. Here is a good one.