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Laugaland hot spring by Þorskafjörður

West IcelandHot springLittle-knownNo facilities
Written by locals at Iceland Travel Guide · Checked by Heiða · Updated October 2026
LAUGALAND HOT SPRING IN SHORT

Laugaland hot spring is a small, little-known natural hot pool by Þorskafjörður, on the Reykjanes peninsula north-west of Reykhólar, where West Iceland meets the Westfjords. The water is around 40–49°C, so test it before you get in. There are no changing rooms and no signs. GPS: 65.51181, -22.30315.

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Quick factsGetting thereSame nameBest time to visitSafety tipsFacilitiesMapNearbyWhere to stayFAQ

About Laugaland hot spring

Laugaland means 'land of the warm springs', and several places in Iceland carry the name. This one is the quietest of them: a small natural thermal pool at an old farm site by Þorskafjörður, well away from the main road. You sit in warm water with a wide view over the fjord and the low hills around it, and there is a good chance you will have it to yourself.

The water is on the hot side. It is usually given as 40–49°C, which at the upper end is hotter than a normal hot tub, so feel it with your hand before you step in. There are no changing facilities, no toilets and no signposts. Come with your swimsuit under your clothes and a GPS point saved on your phone.

The shore and the fields around the fjord are good for birds, and this is a popular area for birdwatching. Arctic foxes live in this part of the country too, though you need luck to see one. For walkers, a soak here is a fine way to end a day on the trails around Reykhólar and the fjords.

Quick facts

GPS65.51181, -22.30315
TypeSmall natural hot pool
Water temperatureAround 40–49°C; test before bathing
LocationBy Þorskafjörður, on the Reykjanes peninsula in the Reykhólar district
Nearest villageReykhólar, about 8 km away in a straight line
From ReykjavíkAbout 230 km and 3 hours to Reykhólar, via Route 1, Route 60 and Route 607
FacilitiesNone: no changing rooms, toilets or bins
SignpostingNone; use the GPS point
Time neededAbout 1 hour at the pool, plus the drive and walk in

How to get to Laugaland hot spring

By carFrom Reykjavík, take Route 1 north past Borgarnes, then Route 60 through Búðardalur and across Gilsfjörður. Shortly before Bjarkalundur, turn onto Route 607 to Reykhólar. That is about 230 km and three hours. Laugaland lies on the other side of the peninsula from the village, by Þorskafjörður.
The last stretchThe pool is not beside a main road and nothing points the way. Rough farm tracks lead towards it, and you should expect to walk the final part. Ask in Reykhólar about the state of the track and whether you are welcome to cross the land, then follow the GPS point 65.51181, -22.30315.
By public transportThere is no public transport to the pool. You need your own car.

Mobile signal is patchy around the fjords, so save the map offline before you leave. The tracks can be soft after rain and are not cleared of snow in winter.

Other places called Laugaland

Searches for Laugaland often mix up several places. This guide covers the natural pool by Þorskafjörður. These are the others you may come across.

Laugaland at Varmaland, BorgarfjörðurA geothermal village on the western edge of the Borgarfjörður thermal region, about 20 km from Borgarnes. The first thing built there was a swimming pool. The Laugaland greenhouse farm followed in 1942 to make use of the hot water, and a school, a community centre and newer pools came later. The springs themselves are far too hot to bathe in, so swimming there means the village pool.
Laugaland in Holt, South IcelandA school and community centre with a small swimming pool, inland from Hella. It is a village pool, not a natural hot spring.

If your map shows greenhouses, a school or a hotel, you are looking at the wrong Laugaland.

Best time to visit Laugaland hot spring

Summer (June–August)The best time. The tracks are dry, the days are long and the birdlife on the shore is at its busiest.
Winter (November–March)Not recommended unless you know the area. The tracks are not cleared, daylight is short and the weather changes fast.

Safety and practical tips

  • Test the water with your hand first. It can be hotter than a normal hot tub.
  • Wear your swimsuit under your clothes. There is nowhere to change.
  • Save the GPS point 65.51181, -22.30315 offline. There are no signs.
  • The pool is on farm land. Ask before crossing, close gates behind you and keep to existing tracks.
  • Take all rubbish away with you and leave the pool as you found it.
  • Bring a towel, warm clothes and good shoes for the walk in.

Facilities and accessibility

None at the pool: no changing rooms, toilets or bins. Reykhólar has a geothermal swimming pool and basic services, and there is fuel and food along Route 60. Fill up before you leave the main road.

On the map

Open in Google Maps →

Nearby places worth a stop

GuðrúnarlaugGuðrúnarlaugStone-built hot pool in Dalir, on the way along Route 60
EiríksstaðirViking longhouse in Haukadalur, near BúðardalurHellulaugHellulaugSeaside hot pool further west on Route 60, near FlókalundurFlateyFlateyCar-free island in Breiðafjörður, reached by ferryStykkishólmurStykkishólmurHarbour town on the south side of Breiðafjörður

Where to stay near Laugaland hot spring

There are guesthouses and a campsite at Reykhólar and a hotel at Bjarkalundur, with more choice in Búðardalur and around Dalir. Book ahead in summer, as there is not much accommodation in this area.

Laugaland hot spring FAQ

Where is Laugaland hot spring?

By Þorskafjörður on the Reykjanes peninsula, north-west of Reykhólar, at GPS 65.51181, -22.30315. It is about three hours' drive from Reykjavík to Reykhólar.

How hot is the water?

Around 40–49°C. That can be hotter than is comfortable, so test it before you get in.

Are there changing rooms?

No. There are no facilities of any kind, so change at the car and take your rubbish with you.

Is Laugaland the same as Varmaland?

No. Laugaland at Varmaland is a geothermal village in Borgarfjörður with greenhouses, a school and a public pool. This guide covers the natural pool by Þorskafjörður.

Are there other places called Laugaland?

Yes, several, including one in Borgarfjörður and one in Holt in South Iceland. Check the GPS point so you end up at the right one.

Is it easy to find?

Not very. There are no signs and the last part is on rough farm tracks, so use the GPS point and ask locally in Reykhólar.

More places in West Iceland