Laugarvatn Fontana Geothermal Baths
Natural hot pools and steam rooms located beside the lake.
Laugarvatn
Laugarvatn Campsite
A lakeside campsite in Laugarvatn along the Golden Circle, known for geothermal bathing and scenic countryside views.
About this campsite
A lakeside campsite in Laugarvatn along the Golden Circle, known for geothermal bathing and scenic countryside views.
Details
Laugarvatn Campsite is located beside Lake Laugarvatn in the heart of Iceland’s Golden Circle region, offering a peaceful overnight stop between Þingvellir National Park and the Geysir geothermal area. Its central location makes it one of the most convenient camping bases for exploring South Iceland’s most popular travel route. The campsite sits within walking distance of Laugarvatn Fontana geothermal baths, where visitors can relax in natural hot pools beside the lake. The village also offers access to restaurants, a swimming pool, and scenic walking paths along the lakeshore. Laugarvatn is historically known as an educational center in Iceland and has long served as a resting place for travelers crossing the inland route between Reykjavík and the South Iceland lowlands. Today, the campsite provides a comfortable and scenic base for exploring nearby waterfalls, geothermal areas, and national parks.
Environment & surroundings
Laugarvatn Campsite lies beside a geothermal lake surrounded by rolling farmland, low hills, and volcanic landscapes typical of the Golden Circle region. Steam vents can be seen along the shoreline near Fontana Spa, where geothermal heat warms the lake’s edge. The area offers wide views across South Iceland’s countryside and easy access to nearby natural landmarks.
Nearby attractions
Þingvellir National Park
UNESCO World Heritage site about 20 minutes away.
Geysir Geothermal Area
Home of Strokkur geyser located along the Golden Circle route.
Brúarfoss Waterfall
Bright blue waterfall reachable by hiking route nearby.
Efstidalur Farm & Restaurant
Local dairy farm known for fresh ice cream and countryside views.
Folklore & local stories
Laugarvatn has long been connected with geothermal traditions in Icelandic culture. For centuries, local residents used naturally heated ground near the lake to bake rye bread, a method still demonstrated today at Laugarvatn Fontana. Like many geothermal areas in Iceland, the steaming shoreline around Laugarvatn was traditionally believed to be connected with hidden people (huldufólk) living beneath warm hillsides and lava formations. The rising steam and warm ground gave the landscape a mysterious character that shaped local storytelling traditions.