capital-region · Iceland
Laugardalur — Reykjavík's Green Valley
About Laugardalur — Reykjavík's Green Valley
Laugardalur ('Hot Spring Valley') is Reykjavík's largest recreational area — a green valley 3 km east of downtown containing Laugardalslaug thermal pool, botanical gardens, a family park and zoo, sports facilities including Iceland's national stadium, and walking/cycling paths along the Elliðaá river. Historically Reykjavík's laundry area due to natural hot springs, Laugardalur is now the city's favourite escape for recreation, picnics and outdoor sports.
History & Background
Laugardalur was Reykjavík's traditional laundry area from settlement times until early 20th century — natural hot springs provided warm water for washing clothes. The valley was developed as recreational area from 1920s onward: botanical garden 1961, swimming pool 1968 (expanded multiple times), zoo 1990, stadium rebuilt 2008.
Did You Know?
- ✔3 km east of downtown Reykjavík
- ✔Name means 'Hot Spring Valley' — historic laundry area
- ✔Contains thermal pool, botanical gardens, zoo, national stadium
- ✔Free access to walking paths and botanical garden
- ✔Popular Sunday picnic destination for Reykjavík families
Tours Near Laugardalur — Reykjavík's Green Valley
Best-rated Iceland experiences — book with free cancellation
Why Visit
Historically Reykjavík's laundry area due to natural hot springs, Laugardalur is now the city's favourite escape for recreation, picnics and outdoor sports.
Did You Know?
The hot springs that gave Laugardalur its name are still there — though now piped underground and used to heat Laugardalslaug swimming pool rather than for washing clothes.
The Valley Where Clothes Were Washed
For centuries Reykjavík's women walked to Laugardalur to wash clothes in the hot springs. Now their descendants walk there to relax in the hot pool — still using the same geothermal water.
📖 Stories & Legends
Icelandic sagas and folklore from this area
Hidden Gems Nearby
The Botanical Garden in Summer
The botanical garden in June–July is surprisingly lush — sheltered microclimate means plants that shouldn't grow in Iceland actually thrive here.
The Elliðaá Salmon River Path
The path along Elliðaá river (which runs through Laugardalur) is one of the best urban walking routes in Reykjavík — and the river has a salmon run in summer.
Practical Information
Best Time
Sundays for family atmosphere
Duration
Half to full day
Access
Bus routes 2, 5, 14, 15 to Laugardalur — or 30 min walk from downtown
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the botanical garden free?▾
Yes — outdoor garden is free year-round. Greenhouse has small admission fee.
Is the zoo worth visiting?▾
It's small and features Icelandic farm animals (horses, sheep, reindeer, Arctic fox) — charming for young children, less interesting for adults.
