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Slakki petting zoo

Golden CirclePetting zooEntry feeGood for families
SLAKKI PETTING ZOO IN SHORT

Slakki is a family-run petting zoo in Laugarás, on the southern side of the Golden Circle, about 95 km (around 1 hour 15 minutes) from Reykjavík. Entry costs about ISK 1,000 for adults, and it is usually open 11:00 to 18:00 in summer. Allow one to two hours.

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Quick factsGetting thereWhat to doBest time to visitSafety tipsFacilitiesMapNearbyWhere to stayFAQ

About Slakki Petting Zoo

Slakki is a small farm-style attraction that has been running for around two decades. Children can pet and feed animals such as rabbits, guinea pigs, calves, piglets, kittens, ducks, chickens, turkeys and parrots. There is a cat house where you can sit with the cats, and you can feed calves with bottles at some times.

There is also an arctic fox, the only native land mammal of Iceland, which is otherwise hard to see except in the Westfjords. Beyond the animals, Slakki has mini golf, billiard tables, an amusement arcade and a playground, and a restaurant serves burgers, cakes and ice cream.

It is an easy break for families on a Golden Circle day, and works well in poor weather because some activities are indoors.

Slakki has long been a favourite with Icelandic families, who come out here on their days off, so on a summer weekend you will mostly be among locals. It sits close to Flúðir and the Secret Lagoon, which makes it an easy extra stop on a self-drive Golden Circle day.

Quick facts

LocationLaugarás, on Route 31, South Iceland
From ReykjavíkAbout 95 km, around 1 hour 15 minutes by car
EntryAbout ISK 1,000 for adults, less for children (check current prices)
Opening hoursUsually 11:00 to 18:00 in summer (check winter hours)
AnimalsFarm animals, cats, rabbits, parrots and an arctic fox
ActivitiesPetting and feeding animals, mini golf, billiards, arcade, playground
FoodRestaurant with burgers, cakes and ice cream
Time needed1 to 2 hours

How to get to Slakki Petting Zoo

By carFrom Reykjavík take Route 1 to Selfoss, then Route 35 and Route 31 to Laugarás. It is about 95 km and takes around 1 hour 15 minutes. Slakki is on the way between the Secret Lagoon at Flúðir and Geysir.
On a guided tourIt is not a standard Golden Circle stop, but some family or private tours can include it. Ask the tour provider.
By public transportThere is no practical public transport to Slakki, so a car or a private tour is best.
ParkingThere is a car park with toilets next to the zoo. No parking fee is known.

What to see and do at Slakki

The zoo is small and relaxed. Children can move between the animal houses and the play areas at their own pace while adults sit down with a coffee.

Animals to petOver the years the zoo has kept puppies, kittens, rabbits, guinea pigs, mice, piglets, calves, goats, ducklings, chickens and turkeys, along with parrots, turtles and fish. Which animals are there changes from season to season.
The cat houseA separate house where you can sit down and pet or cuddle the cats and kittens.
Bottle feedingYoung calves and puppies are sometimes fed from a baby bottle, and visitors can take part when staff are feeding.
The arctic foxThe arctic fox is kept in the outdoor area, away from the parrots, goats and rabbits. You rarely see one in the wild unless you travel to the Westfjords or the Highlands.
Turf housesSmall turf houses in the grounds are a hit with children, and a first look at Iceland's old building style for anyone who has not seen one before.
Games and mini golfBilliard tables, a small mini golf course, an arcade and other games keep older children busy and give you somewhere to go when it rains.
The restaurantIf you have not brought food, the restaurant serves refreshments, hamburgers, ice cream and cakes.

The animals are used to people, but small children still need showing how to hold and stroke them gently. It is a good place for them to learn it.

Best time to visit Slakki Petting Zoo

Summer (June–August)The main season, with the longest opening hours, baby animals in early summer and outdoor areas at their best.
Winter (October–April)Opening hours may be shorter or by arrangement, so check before you drive. The indoor activities, mini golf and café still work in bad weather.

Safety and practical tips

  • Check opening hours and prices with the zoo before you go, especially outside summer.
  • Wash hands after touching animals.
  • Follow the staff rules when feeding animals, and do not give them your own food.
  • Bring waterproofs and warm clothes for the outdoor areas.
  • Combine it with the Secret Lagoon, Friðheimar or Gullfoss for a full day.

Facilities and accessibility

The site has a restaurant, toilets in the car park, a playground, mini golf, billiards and an arcade. Fuel and shops are available at Flúðir and Selfoss.

On the map

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Nearby places worth a stop

The Secret LagoonThe Secret LagoonOld geothermal pool in FlúðirLaugarás LagoonLaugarás LagoonGeothermal lagoon in the same villageFriðheimarFriðheimarGreenhouse tomato farm with lunchBrúarfossBrúarfossBlue waterfall on a short walkGeysirGeysirStrokkur geyser, about 20 minutes awayFaxiFaxiWide waterfall near GeysirHrunalaugHrunalaugSmall natural hot spring near FlúðirBrúarhlöðBrúarhlöðNarrow canyon on the Hvítá riverGullfossGullfossThe main waterfall of the Golden CircleHúsdýragarðurinnHúsdýragarðurinnThe family park and zoo in Reykjavík

Where to stay near Slakki Petting Zoo

Laugarás, Flúðir and Reykholt have hotels, guesthouses and campsites, all close to the zoo. Selfoss is a larger base with more choice.

Slakki Petting Zoo FAQ

How much does Slakki cost?

About ISK 1,000 for adults, with lower prices for children. Prices change, so check before you visit.

When is Slakki open?

Usually daily from 11:00 to 18:00 in summer. Check winter opening hours.

Can I see arctic foxes?

Yes, there is an arctic fox at the zoo, in a separate outdoor area.

Is it good for young children?

Yes. The animals, playground and mini golf are aimed at families.

How far is it from Reykjavík?

About 95 km, around 1 hour 15 minutes by car.

What animals are at Slakki petting zoo?

Mostly small farm animals and pets, such as rabbits, guinea pigs, kittens, puppies, piglets, calves, goats, ducks, chickens and turkeys, plus parrots, turtles and an arctic fox. The mix changes by season.

Where is Slakki?

In the village of Laugarás in South Iceland, on the Golden Circle route, close to Flúðir and the Secret Lagoon.

Can you eat at Slakki?

Yes, the restaurant serves hamburgers, cakes, ice cream and drinks.

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