Laugarás Lagoon: A New Geothermal pool in Iceland
6 min read

Laugarás Lagoon: A New Geothermal pool in Iceland

6 min read
Magnús Jóhann Björnsson
20 Jan. 2026
Blog / Natural Wonders / Laugarás Lagoon: A New Geothermal pool in Iceland
Magnús Jóhann Björnsson
20 Jan. 2026
Blog / Natural Wonders / Laugarás Lagoon: A New Geothermal pool in Iceland

Laugarás Lagoon is a newer geothermal spa in South Iceland, set in a quiet countryside area away from the busiest tourist routes. It offers naturally heated pools, steam, and open views across river valleys, farmland, and low forest. The atmosphere is calm and unhurried, which makes it a good choice for travelers who want to relax without crowds.

Unlike Iceland’s larger and more famous lagoons, Laugarás Lagoon feels more personal. It is designed for slowing down, not rushing through. Many visitors choose it as a final stop after a day of driving, sightseeing, or exploring the Golden Circle, using the warm water as a way to rest before continuing their journey.

Key Points

  • Laugarás Lagoon is a calm geothermal spa located in South Iceland, close to the Golden Circle

  • The lagoon offers a quieter, more relaxed experience than Iceland’s larger and busier spas

  • Renting a car in Iceland is the easiest way to reach Laugarás Lagoon and nearby attractions

  • Picking up a rental car from Kef airport helps travelers start their journey without delays

  • Blue Car Rental provides local expertise, modern vehicles, and full cover insurance for Icelandic conditions

  • A self-drive trip allows flexible timing, easier access to lagoons, and a smoother travel experience

Laugaras lagoon geothermal pool and the white bridge in south Iceland.

Lagoons in Iceland: Why Location Matters

Geothermal lagoons are an important part of Icelandic culture. They are not just tourist attractions, but places where locals relax, socialize, and recover from long days outdoors. Across Iceland, you will find lagoons in very different settings, from coastal areas to mountain valleys and rural farmland.

What makes Laugarás Lagoon special is its location. It is close enough to the Golden Circle to be convenient, but far enough from major hubs to stay quiet. This balance is one of the main reasons why having a rental car in Iceland matters. Many of the country’s most relaxing lagoons are not reachable by public transport or standard bus tours.

Where Is Laugarás Lagoon Located?

Laugarás Lagoon is located in South Iceland, near the Golden Circle route. This makes it easy to combine with stops like Þingvellir National Park, Geysir, and Gullfoss.

Because the lagoon sits outside major towns, reaching it without a car can be difficult. Buses run limited schedules, and tours often follow fixed routes and time slots. With your own car, you decide when to arrive, how long to stay, and what to do next.

View of Laugaras lagoon pools and nature.

Getting to Laugarás Lagoon: The Value of Renting a Car in Iceland

Driving is the most practical way to reach Laugarás Lagoon. A car rental in Iceland gives you freedom that guided tours cannot offer. You can explore at your own pace, avoid peak hours, and adjust plans based on weather or road conditions.

With a rental car, you can:

  • Visit Golden Circle sights earlier or later than tour groups

  • Add short stops along the way for photos or walks

  • Spend more time at Laugarás Lagoon without watching the clock

For many travelers, this flexibility is what turns a good trip into a great one.

From Kef Airport to Laugarás Lagoon with Blue Car Rental

Most international travelers arrive through Kef airport, and many choose to pick up their car immediately after landing. Collecting your vehicle from Blue Car Rental at Kef airport saves time and simplifies your itinerary from the start.

Instead of traveling into Reykjavík just to collect a car later, you can begin your self-drive journey right away. From Kef airport, the drive toward South Iceland follows well-maintained main roads and fits naturally into a Golden Circle route. Laugarás Lagoon works well as a relaxing stop later that same day or the following morning.

Blue Car Rental’s airport location, fast pickup process, and clear instructions make the transition from flight to road smooth, even for first-time visitors to Iceland.

Laugaras lagoon entrance in night.

Choosing the Right Rental Car for Laugarás Lagoon

For most visitors heading to Laugarás Lagoon, road conditions are straightforward. The main Golden Circle roads are paved and well serviced.

  • Summer: A standard 2WD car is usually enough

  • Winter and shoulder seasons: Many travelers prefer a larger car or small SUV for comfort and added stability

Blue Car Rental offers a modern fleet with clear guidance on what works best for each season. Choosing the right car helps reduce stress and makes driving more comfortable, especially for longer days on the road.

Driving in Iceland: What Visitors Should Know

Driving in Iceland is generally safe, but conditions can change quickly. Weather, wind, and road surfaces vary by season and region. Having a reliable car and good local guidance makes a real difference.

Key things to keep in mind:

  • Weather can shift fast, especially outside summer

  • Some roads may close temporarily due to conditions

  • Driving times are often longer than they look on a map

Blue Car Rental supports drivers with local knowledge, clear communication, and tools that help travelers make informed decisions while on the road.

Rental car from Blue Car Rental on the road in Iceland.

Why Good Insurance Matters When Renting a Car in Iceland

Insurance is one of the most important parts of renting a car in Iceland. Gravel roads, wind, sand, and changing weather can all affect your vehicle, even on short drives.

Blue Car Rental offers full cover insurance options designed for Icelandic conditions. This reduces worry and helps travelers focus on the experience instead of potential costs. With proper coverage, you can enjoy places like Laugarás Lagoon without stressing about every stretch of road or parking area.

Blue Car Rental: Local Expertise That Makes a Difference

Blue Car Rental is a local Icelandic company with years of experience supporting travelers across the country. Their team understands Icelandic roads, weather, and travel patterns, and they use that knowledge to help customers plan better trips.

What sets Blue Car Rental apart:

  • Friendly, knowledgeable local staff

  • A modern and well-maintained vehicle fleet

  • Clear advice based on real driving conditions

This local expertise is especially valuable for visitors who are new to Iceland or planning their first self-drive trip.

Making Your Trip Easier with Smart Services

Blue Car Rental focuses on making travel more efficient and less stressful. Features like online check-in reduce waiting time at pickup, while 24/7 service ensures help is available whenever it is needed.

Additional services include:

  • Full cover insurance options

  • On-the-road safety tools and travel information

  • A loyalty club for returning customers

These details help travelers spend less time dealing with logistics and more time enjoying places like Laugarás Lagoon.

Northern light over Laugaras lagoon.

Visiting Laugarás Lagoon as Part of a Self-Drive Journey

Laugarás Lagoon fits naturally into a self-drive trip through South Iceland. Whether you visit it after exploring the Golden Circle or as a calm break between longer drives, it works best when you control your own schedule.

With a rental car from Kef airport, flexible planning, and local support from Blue Car Rental, reaching quieter places becomes easy. The result is a trip that feels safer, more relaxed, and more personal.

Laugarás Lagoon is not just a destination. It is part of a slower, more thoughtful way to experience Iceland — and having the right rental car makes that possible.

Other Things to See Near Laugarás Lagoon: Exploring the Golden Circle

Laugarás Lagoon sits close to the Golden Circle, one of Iceland’s most popular sightseeing routes. This makes it easy to combine nature, history, and relaxation in a single day, especially when traveling by rental car.

Nearby highlights include Þingvellir National Park, where you can walk between tectonic plates and explore one of Iceland’s most important historical sites. A short drive away is the Geysir geothermal area, home to Strokkur, which erupts regularly throughout the day. Gullfoss, one of Iceland’s most powerful waterfalls, is also close and easy to reach by car.

With a rental car, you can visit these sites early in the morning or later in the afternoon, when tour traffic is lighter. Many travelers choose to end their Golden Circle drive at Laugarás Lagoon, using the warm water as a way to unwind after a full day of sightseeing. This kind of flexible planning is difficult without a car, but simple with a self-drive itinerary.

Strokkur geyser at Iceland's golden circle.

Other Lagoons in Iceland and How to Reach Them by Rental Car

Iceland has several geothermal lagoons spread across the country, and most of them are easiest to reach with a rental car. While some lagoons are close to towns, many are located in quieter areas where public transport is limited.

Along the South Coast, you will find lagoons that pair well with waterfalls, black sand beaches, and glacier views. In West Iceland and around the Reykjanes Peninsula, lagoons are often close to volcanic landscapes and coastal scenery. Northern Iceland also has geothermal baths that are popular with locals and less crowded than those near Reykjavík.

Driving allows you to:

  • Visit lagoons outside peak tour hours

  • Combine multiple locations in one day

  • Choose quieter, less commercial options

Starting your trip with a rental car from Kef airport makes it easier to plan lagoon visits across different regions. Whether you are heading toward the Golden Circle, South Coast, or further north, having your own car gives you access to more geothermal experiences than tours alone.

For travelers who want to explore Iceland’s lagoons at their own pace, a rental car is often the key to finding calmer locations and enjoying them without rush.

Conclusion

Laugarás Lagoon is a good example of how Iceland rewards travelers who explore beyond the busiest stops. Its quiet setting, warm geothermal water, and location near the Golden Circle make it an easy and relaxing addition to a self-drive itinerary.

Having a rental car in Iceland gives you the freedom to plan your days around weather, road conditions, and personal pace. Starting from Kef airport with Blue Car Rental makes the journey simpler from the beginning, with local support, reliable vehicles, and insurance designed for Icelandic roads.

Whether Laugarás Lagoon is your final stop after a day of sightseeing or part of a longer road trip, the combination of self-driving and local knowledge helps turn a good visit into a smooth and memorable one.

FAQ

Where is Laugarás Lagoon located in Iceland?

Laugarás Lagoon is located in South Iceland, close to the Golden Circle. It is within easy driving distance of Þingvellir, Geysir, and Gullfoss.

How do you get to Laugarás Lagoon from Kef airport?

The easiest way is by rental car. Many travelers pick up their car at Kef airport and drive toward the Golden Circle, with Laugarás Lagoon as a stop along the route.

Do you need a rental car to visit Laugarás Lagoon?

Yes, a rental car is strongly recommended. Public transport options are limited, and driving gives you more flexibility with timing and nearby sightseeing.

What type of car is best for visiting Laugarás Lagoon?

In summer, a standard 2WD car is usually enough. In winter or shoulder seasons, a larger vehicle or small SUV offers more comfort and stability.

Is Laugarás Lagoon less crowded than other lagoons in Iceland?

Yes, Laugarás Lagoon is generally quieter than larger, more famous geothermal lagoons, making it a good choice for travelers looking for a calmer experience.

Why choose Blue Car Rental when visiting Laugarás Lagoon?

Blue Car Rental offers local expertise, modern vehicles, full cover insurance, airport pickup at Kef, and 24/7 support, making self-drive travel in Iceland easier and safer.