Laugarvatn, Geothermal lake in South Iceland
The two-square-kilometer lake contains underground hot springs that naturally heat the water, creating varying temperature zones throughout its surface.
The settlement of Laugarvatn formed in the early 20th century when a boarding school was established near the lake's geothermally active shores.
The lake area maintains educational traditions through its grammar school, which attracts students from across Iceland and international locations.
Visitors can rent boats and fishing equipment at the lake shore, with permits required for catching char and lake trout.
The lake features spots where hot geothermal water mixes with cold surface water, creating natural temperature gradients for swimming in all seasons.
Address: Laugarvatn, Iceland
GPS coordinates: 64.21111,-20.71111
Latest update: March 3, 2025 05:41
Iceland is an island shaped by ice and fire. Glaciers cover much of the interior while geothermal areas show that something is always happening beneath the surface. The landscapes here look different from most places: black sand beaches formed by volcanic activity, fjords cutting deep into the coast, waterfalls dropping over cliffs and canyons with moss covered walls. Vatnajökull in the southeast is Europe's largest glacier, while smaller ice caps like Snæfellsjökull or Drangajökull have their own character. Reykjavik sits by the ocean and mixes city life with access to nature. The Harpa concert hall stands by the harbor, Hallgrímskirkja church rises above the rooftops, and along the shore you find the Sólfar sculpture. Lake Tjörnin lies in the center of town. Outside the city, routes lead to natural sites: the Blue Lagoon with its milky blue water, Strokkur geyser that erupts every few minutes, Gullfoss waterfall where a river plunges into a canyon. The southern coast shows different faces. Near Vík there is Reynisfjara beach with its basalt columns and black sand, and not far away the cliff at Dyrhólaey. Diamond Beach near Hornafjörður is scattered with ice chunks washed up by the sea. In the north, Lake Mývatn attracts visitors with its volcanic surroundings, while the Westfjords with the Hornstrandir reserve and the red sand of Rauðasandur beach belong to the more remote parts of the country. The Ring Road connects most of these places and circles the entire island.
Thingvellir National Park
20.7 km
Gullfoss
31.3 km
Great Geysir
22.9 km
Strokkur
22.8 km
Strokkur
22.8 km
Öxarárfoss
20.6 km
Skjaldbreiður
22.3 km
Faxi
18.2 km
Lögberg
20.6 km
Urriðafoss
31.9 km
Skálholt church
13.2 km
Grímsnes
21.2 km
Geysir geothermal field
23.1 km
Hlöðufell
24.7 km
Brúarfoss
11.1 km
Grensdalur
29.6 km
Hestfjall
21.6 km
Hvalfell
30.9 km
Hrafnabjörg
12.3 km
Lyngdalsheiði
10.9 km
Þingvallakirkja
20.5 km
Arnarfell við Þingvallavatn
17.6 km
Búrfell (Grímsnes og Grafningur)
16.9 km
Vörðufell
17 km
Tintron
11.7 km
Mosfellskirkja
10.7 km
Iðubrú
14.8 km
Högnhöfði
19.3 kmReviews
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes