waterfall
Goðafoss
The 'Waterfall of the Gods' where Norse statues were reportedly thrown when Iceland converted to Christianity in 1000 AD.
9 km · about 15 min drive
EuropeIcelandNortheast
Laugar
Northeast, Iceland · Europe
About Laugar
Laugar works well as a base: 40 minutes from Akureyri, 22km from Mývatn.
Laugar is in Northeast, Iceland, with about 1,000 people. You drive on the right here. The nearest town is Akureyri, about 33 km away.
Laugar is a hamlet in the Northeastern Region of Iceland, on the Reykjadalsá river, a left tributary of the Laxá í Aðaldal river. It is located at Route 1 between Akureyri and Reykjahlíð and is the largest village in the municipality of Þingeyjarsveit. On 1 January 2026, it had a population of 120 people.
LaugarRead more
developed around thermal springs, hence its name, which in Icelandic means "hot springs". Laugar is located on the Diamond Circle tourist route. In its vicinity there are famous tourist attractions: Goðafoss waterfall approx. 10 km (6.2 mi) to the west, lake Mývatn approx. 20 km (12 mi) to the southeast and lake Vestmannsvatn 8 km (5.0 mi) to the north.
Where to Stay in Laugar
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is there to see near Laugar?
Within an hour or so of Laugar: Goðafoss (9 km), Mývatn (22 km), Grjotagja Cave (Jon Snow and Ygritte) (25 km), Námaskarð / Hverir (27 km).
Are there any good drives near Laugar?
The nearest famous roads are Kjölur Highland Route (F35).
Where is Laugar?
Laugar is in Northeast, Iceland, about 33 km from Akureyri.
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Quick Information
- Population
- 1,001
- Continent
- Europe
- Country
- Iceland
- Region
- Northeast
- Timezone
- Atlantic/Reykjavik
- Coordinates
- 65.7216, -17.3735
Emergency & Services
Essential numbers in Iceland
F-roads (mountain roads) require 4x4 and are closed much of the year. Safetravel.is for conditions.
Full driving guide for IcelandTags
Worth the detour from Laugar
7 notable places within an hour's drive.
natural wonder
Mývatn
A shallow volcanic lake surrounded by lava formations, pseudocraters, steaming vents, and the Mývatn Nature Baths in northeast Iceland.
22 km · about 25 min drive
film location
Grjotagja Cave (Jon Snow and Ygritte)
The lava cave with a hot spring near Myvatn is where Jon Snow and Ygritte's love scene was shot. Bathing is now prohibited.
25 km · about 30 min drive
natural wonder
Námaskarð / Hverir
A Mars-like geothermal area of bubbling mud pots, steaming fumaroles, and sulphur-stained earth near Lake Mývatn.
27 km · about 30 min drive
landmark
Húsavík
Iceland's whale watching capital on Skjálfandi Bay, where humpback whales are spotted on nearly every tour alongside the Whale Museum.
36 km · about 40 min drive
waterfall
Aldeyjarfoss
The Skjálfandafljót river plunges 20 m through a ring of twisted basalt columns at the north end of the Sprengisandur highland road. Far quieter than Goðafoss downstream; a gravel road leads to the rim.
40 km · about 45 min drive
waterfall
Dettifoss
Europe's most powerful waterfall, thundering 45 meters down with an average water flow of 193 cubic meters per second.
46 km · about 55 min drive
When to drive here
May to September
Far northern latitude: short daylight hours outside summer make long drives harder.
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