Aratunga

About Aratunga

Aratunga is the old community hall in Reykholt, a greenhouse village on the Golden Circle in South Iceland, and the grassy field beside it is the village campsite, signed as Reykholt Campsite (Tjaldsvæði Reykholti). It's on Skólabraut, about 100 meters off Route 35, with Geysir around 20 minutes up the road.

The hall dates from the mid-20th century and takes its name from Ari fróði Þorgilsson, the medieval historian. Campers mostly care about what's next to it, though: toilets, a single hot shower, a small indoor kitchen and dining room, outdoor sinks, laundry, wifi and a children's playground. Campervans can plug in, refill fresh water and empty waste tanks, and dogs are welcome on a leash.

Adults pay 2,400 ISK per night with the shower included, and anyone 17 or younger stays free. Electricity is 1,400 ISK per unit for 24 hours, and the washer or dryer costs 800 ISK. You can't book ahead, so pick a pitch and pay by card on arrival, and note that the Camping Card isn't accepted here.

Friðheimar's tomato restaurant is about a kilometer from the Reykholt campsite. Gullfoss is roughly half an hour's drive, the Secret Lagoon at Flúðir about 15 minutes, and Reykjavík around 1 hour 20 minutes. Show your campsite receipt at the Secret Lagoon for 20% off an adult ticket.

The season ends at the end of September and the site stays closed through winter. Spring opening dates aren't published, so check with the campsite if you're traveling in May or early June.