Reykjavík Campsite – Laugardalur
Reykjavík
About This Campsite
A large, well-equipped campsite in Reykjavík’s Laugardalur valley within walking distance of swimming pools, parks, and city attractions.
Details
Reykjavík Campsite – Laugardalur is located in the green recreational valley of Laugardalur just east of Reykjavík city center. It is Iceland’s largest campsite and one of the most convenient starting points for travelers exploring Reykjavík and the Ring Road. The campsite sits within walking distance of Laugardalslaug geothermal swimming pool, Reykjavík Botanical Garden, family park and zoo, and several sports facilities. A network of walking and cycling paths connects the area directly with the city center and coastal shoreline routes. Because of its location close to major transport routes, grocery stores, and cultural attractions, Reykjavík Campsite serves as an ideal base both at the beginning and end of journeys around Iceland. The campsite is open year-round and provides reliable services in all seasons.
🌿 Environment & Surroundings
Laugardalur valley is one of Reykjavík’s main outdoor recreation areas and includes green parks, sports facilities, geothermal swimming pools, and botanical gardens. Unlike many campsites in Iceland, the area offers sheltered urban green space combined with easy access to the coastline and city center walking routes.
📍 Nearby Attractions
Laugardalslaug Swimming Pool
One of Reykjavík’s largest geothermal swimming pools next to the campsite.
Reykjavík Botanical Garden
Garden featuring Icelandic and international plant collections.
Ásmundarsafn Sculpture Museum
Museum dedicated to sculptor Ásmundur Sveinsson nearby.
Perlan Museum & Viewpoint
Observation deck and exhibitions about Icelandic nature.
Reykjavík City Center
Hallgrímskirkja, Harpa Concert Hall, and Old Harbour area within easy reach.
👻 Folklore & Local Stories
The name Laugardalur means “Valley of the Hot Springs” and refers to the geothermal washing pools historically used by residents of Reykjavík for laundry before modern infrastructure was developed. Women from the town once walked here regularly to wash clothes in naturally heated water, making the valley an important part of everyday life in early Reykjavík. Like many geothermal areas in Iceland, the warm ground and steam vents in Laugardalur were traditionally associated with hidden people (huldufólk), who were believed to live beneath hillsides and lava formations surrounding the valley.