Laugarfell is a mountain shelter / hotel south-west of the town of Egilsstadir. It is a great place to stay the night and also to explore all the slightly concealed treasures nearby.
Laugarfell owes its appeal to its remarkable location. You can get here easily following an asphalt road (910), however, the camp itself is already in the interior, which makes it a great starting point for hikes to see some waterfalls and the canyon nearby Hafrahvammagljúfur. If you are driving a 4×4 vehicle, you can also take the trip to another canyon Stuðlagil and a volcanic region Askja.
Of course, if you are driving clockwise, the route Laugarfell-Askja-Myvatn needs to be done “backwards”, so after visiting Myvatn and Dettifoss leave road 1, go on F905, see Askja, take a dip in Viti, and let F910 lead you to Laugarfell, where you will likely stay the night.
The second section of road F910 – west of Askja, towards F26 – is a very rough and demanding road. But here – between Askja and Laugarfell – offroad bits of F905 and F910 are more straightforward and really stunning. You can read more about it in my article on road F910.
Laugarfell camp is also a splendid way to rest when you are cycling through the interior: It has two natural hot springs with great views of the surrounding landscape. Bathing in these geothermal pools is the best way to unwind after an adventurous day and long hikes. To complete this unique, quaint picture, there are sheep roaming and grazing freely around the camp.
Video: beautiful setting of Laugarfell
The camp’s reception can book you a horse riding tour, visit to the local museum (Wilderness Center on the southwest end of road 934), cycling trips or a day-long guided hike to see waterfalls in the area. The nearest waterfalls you can reach on your own, following a clearly marked trail, where it is virtually impossible to get lost.
Laugarfell shelter is well maintained, offering 2- and 4-person rooms with shared bathrooms. It is not large and can only take 28 guests but it has a superbe restaurant. Guests can also use the hot pool right behind the shelter.
If you travel in a campervan you can stay on the parking lot. The price includes access to amenities (toilet and shower) and the hot spring.
If you are just passing through you can also use the restroom and hot springs but you have to pay extra: 1500 ISK (10 EUR) per adult and 500 ISK (3 EUR) per child (a day ticket).
The restaurant is open to everyone on the same terms. When you stay the night at Laugarfell, you can buy breakfast, lunch, dinner as well as snacks and hot drinks.
Book your stay at Laugarfell here: Laugarfell bookings.
The Laugarfell shelter is near road 910, approx. 75 km south-west of the town Egilsstadir. The turn from road 910 to the shelter is clearly marked.
The road in this area is of a “mixed” status. It is asphalt and not yet (going from the west: already not) a mountain F-type road. However, it is not de-iced in winter, which makes it unpassable. But outside of winter it can easily take you to the shelter, even if you are not driving a 4×4 vehicle.
Driving from Askja it is best to follow F910 to the canyon Hafrahvammagljúfur and continue on to the Kárahnjúkavirkjun power plant. From there the comfy asphalt road 910 will take you to the camp.
