Where It Is & When It’s Open
Laugafell is tucked into the northern Highland plateau, approximately 15 km northeast of Hofsjökull glacier and 20 km southwest of Eyjafjarðardalur valley. Access from either direction requires a high-clearance 4×4 via F821 (from Akureyri) or F752/F26 (from Sprengisandur). Both routes involve rocky terrain and potential river fords.
The campsite and huts are open early July through mid‑September. Outdoor toilets and changing facilities remain accessible year-round. A warden is typically present in July and August.
Accommodation & Who It’s For
- Hut sleeping: The original hut accommodates 20 guests, while the attached sanitary block loft adds 12 more. Guests must bring their own sleeping bags. Both structures are heated by geothermal water—a rare comfort in the High Plateaus. Cooking is on provided gas stoves; basic utensils are available.
- Camping pitches: Gravel/turf spots sit beside the hut in open terrain. Tent pegs can be difficult to use—rocks or keeling devices are a good backup.
- Ideal for visitors ready for remote peace—but who still crave warm showers and use of a natural hot pool.
Facilities
- High‑quality restrooms and changing rooms, kept clean even during peak season.
- Shared hot showers in the main building (coin/card operated), plus access to an outdoor geothermal hot-pool (~35–40 °C).
- A secure indoor space with microwave, water kettle, and communal benches (especially welcome in rainy weather). No full kitchen is provided.
- Wi‑Fi at reception (signal may be weak); electricity for essentials only.
- No store or staffed café, but the warden can assist with trail info, route status, and safety updates.
- Remove all waste—there’s no garbage collection; the surrounding landscape is fragile.
Rates for Summer 2025
- Hut bed (with sleeping bag): 10 500 ISK per person per night (VAT included). Child discount (half price for ages 7–18; under 7 free).
- Camping: 2 800 ISK per person per night.
- Facility fee (use grounds/building but no overnight): 600 ISK.
- Hot-pool access: 1 000 ISK fee if not staying overnight.
Fees are paid in cash or by card at the on-site hut or automatic box when closed. Having some coins can be helpful for showers.
Why Laugafell Stands Out
- Hot springs in the Highlands — soaking in the warm pool just under a glacier wall (Hofsjökull) feels surreal in the empty interior.
- Excellent trail hub — from here you can hike in all directions: Sprengisandur desert paths, Eyjafjörður or Skagafjörður side routes, or climb nearby Snæfell for glacier views.
- Authentic shelter with minimal fuss — fewer crowds than Landmannalaugar, with better access to comfort. An especially good base if you want solitude but still rely on hot water and shelter.
- A spirited refuge for F‑road explorers — fewer wild campers, and a warden-run base ensures you won’t feel stranded.
Top Tips Before You Go
- Bring a warm sleeping bag, first‑aid kit, and rain layers—temperatures drop even in high summer.
- River crossings: water depth changes quickly—once a rainstorm arrives, a crossing that was shallow can become unsafe. Stop before or consult local traffic updates.
- No wild camping outside designated seats—this site is protected by landowner right. It remains the only authorized campsite within a 50 km radius.
- Practice leave‑no‑trace camping, especially on fragile gravel and moss beds.
- Cash and credit cards generally work, but don’t rely on Wi-Fi for emergency or blackout zones.
Where It Is & When It’s Open
Laugafell is tucked into the northern Highland plateau, approximately 15 km northeast of Hofsjökull glacier and 20 km southwest of Eyjafjarðardalur valley. Access from either direction requires a high-clearance 4×4 via F821 (from Akureyri) or F752/F26 (from Sprengisandur). Both routes involve rocky terrain and potential river fords.
The campsite and huts are open early July through mid‑September. Outdoor toilets and changing facilities remain accessible year-round. A warden is typically present in July and August.
Accommodation & Who It’s For
- Hut sleeping: The original hut accommodates 20 guests, while the attached sanitary block loft adds 12 more. Guests must bring their own sleeping bags. Both structures are heated by geothermal water—a rare comfort in the High Plateaus. Cooking is on provided gas stoves; basic utensils are available.
- Camping pitches: Gravel/turf spots sit beside the hut in open terrain. Tent pegs can be difficult to use—rocks or keeling devices are a good backup.
- Ideal for visitors ready for remote peace—but who still crave warm showers and use of a natural hot pool.
Facilities
- High‑quality restrooms and changing rooms, kept clean even during peak season.
- Shared hot showers in the main building (coin/card operated), plus access to an outdoor geothermal hot-pool (~35–40 °C).
- A secure indoor space with microwave, water kettle, and communal benches (especially welcome in rainy weather). No full kitchen is provided.
- Wi‑Fi at reception (signal may be weak); electricity for essentials only.
- No store or staffed café, but the warden can assist with trail info, route status, and safety updates.
- Remove all waste—there’s no garbage collection; the surrounding landscape is fragile.
Rates for Summer 2025
- Hut bed (with sleeping bag): 10 500 ISK per person per night (VAT included). Child discount (half price for ages 7–18; under 7 free).
- Camping: 2 800 ISK per person per night.
- Facility fee (use grounds/building but no overnight): 600 ISK.
- Hot-pool access: 1 000 ISK fee if not staying overnight.
Fees are paid in cash or by card at the on-site hut or automatic box when closed. Having some coins can be helpful for showers.
Why Laugafell Stands Out
- Hot springs in the Highlands — soaking in the warm pool just under a glacier wall (Hofsjökull) feels surreal in the empty interior.
- Excellent trail hub — from here you can hike in all directions: Sprengisandur desert paths, Eyjafjörður or Skagafjörður side routes, or climb nearby Snæfell for glacier views.
- Authentic shelter with minimal fuss — fewer crowds than Landmannalaugar, with better access to comfort. An especially good base if you want solitude but still rely on hot water and shelter.
- A spirited refuge for F‑road explorers — fewer wild campers, and a warden-run base ensures you won’t feel stranded.
Top Tips Before You Go
- Bring a warm sleeping bag, first‑aid kit, and rain layers—temperatures drop even in high summer.
- River crossings: water depth changes quickly—once a rainstorm arrives, a crossing that was shallow can become unsafe. Stop before or consult local traffic updates.
- No wild camping outside designated seats—this site is protected by landowner right. It remains the only authorized campsite within a 50 km radius.
- Practice leave‑no‑trace camping, especially on fragile gravel and moss beds.
- Cash and credit cards generally work, but don’t rely on Wi-Fi for emergency or blackout zones.
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