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Laugavallalaug hot spring

East highlandsHot springFree entrySummer only4x4 only
Written by locals at Iceland Travel Guide · Checked by Heiða · Updated October 2026
Laugavallalaug
Laugavallalaug
LAUGAVALLALAUG IN SHORT

Laugavallalaug is a natural, unmanaged hot spring in Laugavalladalur valley, in the highlands of East Iceland north of the Kárahnjúkar dam. A warm stream falls over a small waterfall into a bathing pool, so you can shower under it. It is free, has no facilities, needs a 4x4 for the last 7 km, and is reachable only in summer.

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Quick factsGetting thereBathingBest time to visitSafety tipsFacilitiesMapNearbyWhere to stayFAQ

About Laugavallalaug

Laugavallalaug lies in Laugavalladalur, a green valley in the middle of the bare East Iceland highlands, north of Vatnajökull and the Kárahnjúkar dam. Close to the ruins of the deserted farm Laugavellir, a geothermal stream runs over a small waterfall into a pond. The stream has been dammed below the fall, which turns the pond into a bathing pool and the waterfall into a natural hot shower.

Few travellers come here. It is far from Reykjavík, far from the Ring Road and at the end of a rough track, and that is exactly why it is such a good place to bathe out in nature. If it were easy to reach, it would be one of the best-known hot springs in the country.

The setting is quiet and undeveloped, but that also means there is nothing to fall back on if something goes wrong: no changing rooms, no signs, and no mobile signal on large parts of the approach.

The water temperature shifts with the weather and the time of year, and is sometimes higher than is comfortable. Treat the soak as a bonus on a highland trip, not a certainty, and be ready to skip it if conditions on the day are not right.

Quick facts

GPS65.0066, -15.76243
RegionEast Iceland highlands, Laugavalladalur valley
Nearest townEgilsstaðir, used as a practical base
AccessPaved Route 910 to the Kárahnjúkar dam, then about 7 km of rough gravel (F910 and a side track); 4x4 required
WalkAbout 600 m on a footpath from the parking place
Water temperatureUsually around 40°C in the pool, far hotter upstream; always test before entering
EntryFree
FacilitiesNone at the pool; a simple campsite a few minutes away
OpeningSummer only, road opening dates vary each year

How to get to Laugavallalaug

By car to KárahnjúkarFrom Egilsstaðir, follow Route 931 along the lake Lagarfljót and then Route 910 up to the Kárahnjúkar dam. This road was built for the dam and is paved all the way.
The last 7 km (4x4 only)Beyond the dam the road becomes the F910, a rough gravel highland road. After about 7 km a track turns off west to the valley and ends at a parking place by the river. This stretch is for 4x4 vehicles only. Check the road status on umferdin.is before setting out, as conditions and opening dates change from year to year.
On foot to the poolA footpath of about 600 metres leads from the parking place to the waterfall and pool. Wear proper footwear, as the ground is wet and muddy near the stream.
By public transportThere is no public transport to Laugavallalaug. It is only realistic to reach by private 4x4 or as part of a guided highland tour.

This is a remote place. Bring food, drinking water, warm layers and offline navigation, and let someone know your plans. Treat the visit as optional if the water temperature, footing or road access look wrong on the day.

The hot waterfall and where to bathe

There are two places to get in the water, and they are quite different.

The waterfall showerThe warm stream drops over a low rock ledge into the pool. Stand under it for a natural hot shower. It is the thing people remember from this place.
The pool belowThe dammed pool under the fall is where most people soak. The water is usually around 40°C, but it can at times be hotter, so test it before you get in.
The stream aboveAbove the waterfall there is a stretch of hot stream about 50 metres long where you can also bathe. Hot water comes up from below here at around 70°C and cools to about 40°C as it mixes with the cold stream. Move slowly and feel for hot spots. The bottom is muddy, so this part is usually dirty. Rinse off under the waterfall afterwards.
The old farmThe ruins of the deserted farm Laugavellir are close to the spring and are worth a few minutes before you leave.

Do not use soap or shampoo in the water, and take all rubbish back with you.

Best time to visit Laugavallalaug

SummerThe only realistic season, once the F910 has opened for the year, which depends on snowmelt and is not on a fixed date.

Outside summer the road is normally closed and the area is not accessible without specialist highland travel experience.

Safety and practical tips

  • Check the water temperature carefully with your hand before getting in. It can run too hot, and the stream above the fall is far hotter than the pool.
  • Use the waterfall to wash off the mud from the stream before you dress.
  • There are no changing rooms or showers, so plan for changing outdoors.
  • Confirm the road status before you set out. Conditions change through the season.
  • Carry food, water and warm clothing. Help is far away if anything goes wrong.
  • Do not attempt the track beyond the dam in a standard car. A 4x4 is required.
  • Combine the trip with Hafrahvammagljúfur canyon, which is reached from the same crossroads by Laugavellir.

Facilities and accessibility

None at the pool itself. A simple campsite lies a few minutes’ walk from the hot spring. To drive to it you cross a small creek, which is easy for most 4x4 cars. The nearest shops, fuel and other services are in Egilsstaðir, a long drive away.

On the map

Open in Google Maps →

Nearby places worth a stop

HafrahvammagljúfurHafrahvammagljúfurDeep canyon below the Kárahnjúkar dam, a short drive awayStuðlagil canyonStuðlagil canyonBasalt column canyon further down the same riverEgilsstaðirEgilsstaðirNearest town, used as a base for the highlandsHallormsstaðaskógurHallormsstaðaskógurIceland's largest forest, in East IcelandHengifossHengifossTall waterfall with striped basalt and red clay layers

Where to stay near Laugavallalaug

Egilsstaðir has the widest choice of accommodation in the region and is the usual base for a highland trip to Laugavallalaug.

Laugavallalaug FAQ

Where is Laugavallalaug hot spring?

In the valley Laugavalladalur in the East Iceland highlands, north of the Kárahnjúkar dam and Vatnajökull, at GPS 65.0066, -15.76243.

Can you shower under the waterfall?

Yes. A warm stream falls over a small ledge into the bathing pool, and you can stand under it. Test the temperature first.

Do I need a 4x4 to get to Laugavallalaug?

Yes. The road to the Kárahnjúkar dam is paved, but the last 7 km or so are a rough gravel highland road and track that need a 4x4.

Are there changing rooms or showers?

No, there are no facilities at this natural, unmanaged hot spring. A simple campsite is a few minutes away.

Is the water always a comfortable temperature?

No. The pool is usually around 40°C, but the temperature varies and the stream above the waterfall is much hotter, so check carefully before getting in.

When is the road open?

Only in summer, and the exact opening date changes each year with snow conditions. Check official road status before travelling.

See Laugavallalaug with a local

Tours and trips that include Laugavallalaug, booked directly with a local travel agency in Iceland.

Stuðlagil Canyon, Karahnjukar Dam & Laugavallalaug Hot SpringDAY TOURStuðlagil Canyon, Karahnjukar Dam & Laugavallalaug Hot SpringFrom 50,710 ISK per person
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