Laugardalur is a green valley east of the centre with the city's largest thermal pool, a botanic garden, park and a family-friendly zoo. A short bus ride or drive from downtown, it favours space and greenery over walkability, making it a strong choice for families and travellers with a car.
Laugardalur at a glance
- Distance to Hallgrímskirkja
- About 2.5 km as the crow flies, roughly 32 min on foot.
- From the city centre
- About 3.4 km as the crow flies.
- Nearest station
- No metro, train or tram stop within 1.5 km of the centre of the area — plan on buses, taxis or walking.
- Source
- Distances computed from OpenStreetMap coordinates (© OpenStreetMap contributors), checked 2026-09-18. Straight-line figures — walking routes are longer.
This is Reykjavik's biggest recreational area, spread around parkland, sports facilities and the large Laugardalslaug pool. It's spacious and green rather than urban, quiet in the evenings, and better suited to those who'll drive or bus in and out than to those wanting to step straight onto a café street.
Getting around
The centre and Hallgrímskirkja are a short bus ride or drive of roughly 10–15 minutes; walking is possible but longer. Having a car helps here, and Keflavík (KEF) is about 45–50 minutes by road via the main airport route.
Before you book this area
- Vibe
- Green, spacious and family-oriented, away from the downtown crowds.
- Green space
- Park, botanic garden, zoo and the city's largest thermal pool all sit here.
- Watch out for
- It's not walking distance to nightlife or the main sights, so plan on transport.
Frequently asked
Is Laugardalur a good area to stay in Reykjavik?
It's a green valley east of the centre that favours space and greenery over walkability, making it a strong choice for families and travellers with a car. Those who want to step straight onto a café street or be within walking distance of nightlife and the main sights should look elsewhere.
How far is Laugardalur from Hallgrímskirkja?
Hallgrímskirkja is about 2.5 km away in a straight line, roughly 32 minutes on foot. Most people take a short bus ride or drive instead, around 10–15 minutes.
How do you get around Laugardalur and where's the nearest station?
There's no metro, train or tram stop within 1.5 km of the area's centre, so you'll rely on buses, taxis or walking. Having a car helps here, and Keflavík (KEF) is about 45–50 minutes by road.
Is Laugardalur central?
No — the city centre is about 3.4 km away in a straight line. It's a short bus ride or drive of roughly 10–15 minutes, so plan on transport rather than walking.
Is Laugardalur quiet at night?
Yes, it's spacious, green and quiet in the evenings, away from the downtown crowds. Just remember it's not walking distance to nightlife, so you'll need transport to get out and back.
Comparing areas? See the full Reykjavik area guide →
Other areas near Laugardalur
Sources
- OpenStreetMap — area location, distances and nearest station (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL), checked 2026-09-18
- ReasonStay methodology — how areas are chosen and facts are verified
An independent guide to Laugardalur, Reykjavik — honest orientation, no invented data.