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116 km
About 1 h 50 min
Car 1–4 · Van 5–7
Free cancellation 24 h
Golden Circle · from KEF
About Laugarvatn and the drive
Laugarvatn is a small lakeside village halfway between Þingvellir and Geysir. Because it sits in the middle of the Golden Circle, it is a popular overnight base: you can reach the national park, the geysers and Gullfoss in a short drive each, and come back to a quiet village with a lake view in the evening.
The best-known place in the village is Laugarvatn Fontana, a geothermal spa on the shore with hot pools, steam rooms built over natural vents and access to the lake for a cold dip. Hot springs bubble up along the water's edge, and rye bread is still baked by burying it in the warm ground.
From Keflavík Airport there are two good ways in. Your driver can go around Reykjavík and over Route 36 through Þingvellir National Park, then along the Lyngdalsheiði road to the village, which makes the trip a first look at the Golden Circle. The other option is Route 1 over Hellisheiði and north through the farmland of Grímsnes. The driver picks the better road on the day depending on weather and road conditions, or follows your preference if you want to pass through Þingvellir.
Seasons and roads
The roads over Mosfellsheiði, Lyngdalsheiði and Hellisheiði are all open in winter but can be icy or windy, and the driver will choose the safest one on the day. From June to early August it stays light almost all night, so late arrivals are easy.
