Laugavallalaug varma källe-dusch

The Laugavallalaug hot spring, also known as the Laugavellir hot pot, is a natural geothermal pool in East Iceland. 

The hot spring has a very remote location and can be challenging to find, but you can visit it as part of a self-drive tour of Iceland that includes the Eastern Region. This 14-day budget self-drive tour is a fantastic way to explore the whole country, and it's easy to visit hidden gems like the Laugavallalaug hot spring.

The spring has geothermal waters and is the perfect place to go for a relaxing soak. 

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Photo from Flickr, Creative Commons, by Ulrich Latzenhofer. No edits made.

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What Is the Laugavallalaug Hot Spring?

The Laugavallalaug hot spring is a geothermal pool situated in the Laugarvalladalur valley. A nearby dormant volcano heats the water, and a small waterfall falls into the pool and acts like a natural hot shower.

The weather around the Laugarvalladalur valley can be cold, wet, and windy, so a soak in a hot spring is a great way to warm up. The water temperature is usually around 104 degrees Fahrenheit (about 40 degrees Celsius). 

However, anyone who wants to bathe in the Laugavallalaug hot spring should proceed with care. The pool's temperature isn't regulated or checked, and the water can get very hot.

How To Get To The Laugavallalaug Hot Spring

The Laugavallalaug hot spring is in a secluded location, so it can be hard to find — it's a real hidden gem! 

The geothermal pool is in East Iceland, about 62 miles (around 100 kilometers) from the town of Egilsstadir. This town is the main settlement in East Iceland and is situated on the Ring Road, so it's a good idea to make this your East Fjords base. 

From Egilsstadir, drive southwest on Route 95 and continue for about 7 miles (around 11 kilometers). Take Route 931 for 14 miles (roughly 11 kilometers), crossing the Lagarfljot lake and turning left to continue on Route 931. After another 2 miles (about 3 kilometers), turn right onto Route 910 and follow the road until you reach the Karahnjukavirkjun hydroelectric plant. 

From the power plant, it's about 4.5 miles (around 7 kilometers) to the hot spring. The road is unpaved, so you'll need to hire a 4x4 to reach the geothermal pool.

The hot spring has a small car park where you can leave your car. From here, it's a short hike to the pool.

Attractions Near the Laugavallalaug Hot Spring

Photo from Wikimedia, Creative Commons, by ArniGael. No edits made.

Due to its secluded location, some fantastic natural attractions are close to the Laugavallalaug hot pot. 

Half a mile (about 1 kilometer) from the geothermal pool is the car park for the Hafrahvammagljufur canyon. This incredible canyon is a fantastic hiking destination with spectacular views. 

Further down the gravel road, you'll find the Studlagil canyon. This breathtaking hiking destination has the most basalt columns of any location in Iceland, plus a gorgeous blue river running through the middle. Head for a hike, then drive back to the Laugavallalaug hot spring for a relaxing soak.

While in East Iceland, you should also visit some of the region's picturesque fishing villages and narrow fjords. There are many places to stay in Egilsstadir that make exploring the East Fjords easy.