Overview
A true interior-Iceland soak, tied to a mountain hut
Laugafell is a mountain hut area in the central highlands with a geothermal swimming pool next to the facilities. This is not a casual “pop in” hot spring. It’s a remote, self-reliant stop where the pool is part of a wider highlands hut and camping setup, with basic sanitary facilities and a warden present in peak summer months.
What makes it distinct
Most Iceland hot spring visitors never reach the interior in this way. At Laugafell, the appeal is the combination of isolation and real geothermal comfort: you can soak after a long drive or multi-day route, then sleep on-site rather than racing back to the Ring Road.
Plan it like backcountry travel
Access conditions, weather, and vehicle capability decide whether this is an amazing day or a stressful one. Treat the pool as a bonus feature of a highlands plan, not the only reason you go.
Location & Access
Where it is
Laugafell is in the central highlands, south of Eyjafjardardalur and not far from Hofsjökull in straight-line terms. It’s remote and should be treated as such. Use the coordinates provided below for navigation and confirm route choices before you commit.
Getting there
This is a backcountry access destination. Roads and tracks in the highlands can be rough and may require appropriate vehicles and driver confidence. Conditions also change fast with rain, river levels, and early or late season weather. If your plan depends on reaching Laugafell, check current road status and be ready to adjust.
On-site facilities
The hut operator notes a sanitary house with WC facilities and changing cubicles for the adjacent swimming pool. There is also a camping area. This is helpful, but it’s still a hut setting, bring what you need and keep expectations simple.
What to bring
Swimsuit, towel, traction sandals, and warm layers for after soaking. Add a headlamp, a dry bag for clothes, and a basic first-aid kit. Bring food and water as if there will be no easy backup. Highlands days go best when you’re self-sufficient.
Seasonality
Highlands access is primarily a summer window for most travelers. Outside that period, routes may be impractical or unsafe for casual travel.
Suitability & Accessibility
Laugafell is best for experienced highlands travelers, hut users, and campers who already have a central-highlands plan. If you want an easy soak, this is the wrong match. If you want remote Iceland with a warm-water payoff, it’s special.
Families
I’m marking this as not family friendly for general travelers because of the access and remoteness. Some well-prepared families do highlands huts, but it’s not a casual outing and it’s not forgiving if weather turns.
Couples and solo travelers
Great for couples who are comfortable with remote travel and want something genuinely off the usual circuit. Solo travelers should be conservative: have a solid vehicle plan, tell someone your route, and avoid late-day pushes when conditions are uncertain.
Mobility realities
The pool is next to hut facilities, but the overall environment is uneven, outdoors, and weather-exposed. The bigger constraint is reaching the site safely, not walking from a parking lot to water.
Wheelchair expectations
Not wheelchair accessible in any practical sense. This is a remote hut environment with rough access and natural-site transitions.
Expectations vs reality
It’s a swimming pool in the highlands, not a luxury build. That’s the point. If you arrive prepared, the simplicity feels perfect.
Safety & Etiquette
Remote area means you plan for real consequences
In the highlands, a small problem can become a big one. Carry emergency layers, keep fuel topped up, and don’t count on phone signal. If conditions look questionable, turning back early is often the best decision.
Water entry and footing
Even a built pool has wet edges, steps, and slick surfaces. Traction sandals help. Move slowly, especially when you’re tired from travel, that’s when slips happen.
Heat pacing
Remote travel plus hot water can sneak up on your body. Do shorter rounds, drink water, and cool down between sessions. If you feel dizzy or unusually tired, get out and rest.
Shared-space etiquette
It goes best when everyone shares space and keeps things moving. Keep your gear compact, avoid blocking entry points, and keep voices lower, many people come to huts for quiet.
Keep facilities usable
Use changing areas efficiently, leave them tidy, and pack out trash. In remote places, upkeep is harder and mess lasts longer than you’d think.
Kind cautions
If you’re pregnant, heat-sensitive, or managing cardiovascular concerns, keep sessions conservative and avoid extreme hot-to-cold swings. In a remote setting, staying within your comfort zone is the smart move.
FAQs
What is Laugafell?
Laugafell is a central-highlands hut and camping area with a geothermal swimming pool next to the facilities. It’s a remote stop, not a drive-up spa.
Do you need a 4x4 to get there?
Access is via highlands routes and conditions vary. Many travelers use suitable high-clearance vehicles. Check current road status and plan conservatively before you commit.
Are there changing facilities?
The hut operator notes WC facilities and changing cubicles for the adjacent swimming pool. Expect basic hut-level setup, not luxury facilities.
When is the best time to visit?
Most visitors aim for the summer highlands season when routes are open and conditions are more stable. Outside that window, access may be difficult or unsafe.
Is it suitable for casual travelers?
Usually not. This is best for people already planning a highlands route who are prepared for remote travel and limited services.