Naturally warm bathing water is uncommon in East Iceland because geothermal heat is tied to Iceland's volcanic zones, while the eastern part of the country has older bedrock and much less geothermal heat than the southwest. In this region, warm bathing water is found at places including Laugarfell and Laugavalladalur. There is also geothermal bathing near Egilsstadir.
Why warm water is scarce in East Iceland
Iceland's rift zone runs from the southwestern tip of the country through to the north. Present-day volcanism is confined to the neovolcanic zone, and Iceland's geothermal systems sit within the volcanic zones, where precipitation that has flowed deep into the bedrock comes into contact with hot rock.
With distance from the rift zone, Iceland's rocks become progressively older, and some of the oldest bedrock in the country lies in Eastern Iceland. Because geothermal heat is tied to the volcanic zones, the older eastern part of the country has much less of it than the southwest, and naturally warm bathing water is uncommon there.
Laugarfell in the eastern highlands
Laugarfell is in the eastern part of the Icelandic highlands, a little north of Mount Snaefell, on Fljotsdalsheidi. The pools there are natural, and old folk tales say the water is known for healing powers.
The area also has a highland hut offering accommodation, with hiking paths and waterfalls around it. Reindeer can be expected in the surrounding area.
It is about 2 kilometres from the road that leads to Karahnjukar to Laugarfell, and that stretch is the only part of the drive that is not paved.
Walking routes around Laugarfell
A marked hiking circle called the Waterfall Circle starts and ends at Laugarfell and leads through rugged and varied highland.
Laugavalladalur and its natural shower
Laugavalladalur is a green oasis west of the river Jokulsa a Dal, north of the Karahnjukar dam. Near the ruins of an old farm, a small geothermal stream flows down into the valley's main river.
Where that warm water cascades over a cliff, it forms a natural shower that can be bathed under. The water can sometimes rise well above comfortable bathing temperature, so it should be tested before anyone gets in.
Laugavalladalur is reached from mountain road F910.
Geothermal bathing near Egilsstadir
For geothermal bathing near Egilsstadir, see Vok Baths, the geothermal spa on Lake Urridavatn near Egilsstadir.
Looking up warm water elsewhere in Iceland
If you want to look up warm water elsewhere in the country, use this hot springs tool to compare geothermal lagoons, thermal pools and wild hot springs by region and by type.
Snaefellsoraefi is a plateau around the ancient central volcano Snaefell and the tuff peaks surrounding it, within Vatnajokull National Park, now managed by Iceland's Nature Conservation Agency. Marked hiking routes connect the Snaefellsskali hut at Snaefell with the Laugarfell hut, including one that runs through Vatnsdalur, where hot springs are listed among the route's highlights.
Mountain road F910 leads towards Snaefell and is usually accessible from early July onward. Highland F roads are usually closed from mid September until June or July, conditions can change quickly, the surfaces are rough, and driving slowly matters. Some highland routes include unbridged rivers that have to be forded, and no insurance covers damage to a vehicle while crossing a river. Current highland and mountain road status is published at umferdin.is.
Comparing East Iceland tours
To compare options in the region, see East Iceland tours.
