Laugarás: Geothermal Energy on the Banks of the Hvítá

On the banks of the Hvítá, Laugarás brings together river scenery and geothermal energy in an unusual way. Hot springs, a lake or pond formed by them, and the Laugarás Lagoon give the place a distinctly geothermal character. There is also a petting zoo, seasonal dining, and cultural history in the surrounding area. If you are looking for a holiday apartment, you can weigh up whether Laugarás and its water and nature attractions suit your trip.

Hot Springs and Water in Laugarás

In the Hverasvæðið geothermal area, the landscape includes a lake or pond formed by hot springs. A stream flows from this body of water into the river at Launrétt. The description brings together several specific water features: the springs, the still body of water, and the stream on its way to the river. Laugarás is also on the banks of the Hvítá. For travelers interested in bodies of water and geothermal landscapes, the Lagoon is not the only point of interest; the distinctive character of the place itself is also worth noting.

The strong geothermal activity in Laugarás has also created conditions for numerous greenhouses and a unique ecosystem. This adds another dimension to the hot springs: geothermal energy is evident here both in bodies of water and in the conditions that have given rise to greenhouses and a unique ecosystem.

The Laugarás Lagoon is located near Iðubrú in Bláskógabyggð. Its facilities include a two-storey bathing area and steam baths. The Lagoon is heated using geothermal energy from a spring in the village. There is also a cold pool with glacial water from the Hvítá. Within the Lagoon, heated bathing areas and a cold pool offer different water experiences. If you are interested in this geothermal side of Laugarás, you can consider the area when searching for a holiday apartment.

Activities and Dining

Slakki in Laugarás is a petting zoo and also has a playground and a mini-golf course. Visitors need not all share the same interests; Slakki offers several different activities in one place.

Fishing is another option in the surrounding area. The nearby salmon river Iða offers fishing opportunities, as does the nearby Brúará River. If this is a priority for your trip, you can consider both rivers as separate fishing destinations. The local dining options add to the choice: Ylja restaurant at the Laugarás Lagoon offers a varied, seasonal menu focused on ingredients from the surrounding area.

Skálholt and the History of the Surrounding Area

Skálholt is in the surrounding area of Laugarás. From the mid-11th century to the end of the 18th century, it was a center of Icelandic social life. Numerous cultural monuments there are considered primary sources for the history of the episcopal see. Skálholt thus offers a historical focus that is quite different from Laugarás’ geothermal attractions.

The museum in Skálholt includes the stone sarcophagus of Bishop Páll Jónsson, who died in 1211. Another local historical reference dates to a celebration in December 2017 marking the 60th anniversary of Hvítárbrú: the idea of putting up a history sign about the ferry, the bridge, and Laugarás came up at the event. The idea itself is part of this history; it does not mean that the sign was actually put up.

This should help you decide whether a holiday apartment in Laugarás suits your travel interests.

Discover More Places

For more destinations, you can also find Stokkseyri, Ólafsvellir, Ásólfsskáli, Hveragerdi, Grafarkirkja, Selfoss, Keldur and Vík Í Mýrdal.

For the wider travel overview: Sudurland.