Secret Lagoon Iceland: A Geothermal Pool on the Golden Circle
When exploring the Golden Circle, you have to visit the Secret Lagoon in Flúðir (known locally as Gamla Laugin). The Secret Lagoon is Iceland’s oldest geothermal pool, fed by natural hot springs and erupting geysers. Here you will find a quieter, more authentic alternative to the Blue Lagoon. After a day on the road it’s the perfect place to rest, and recharge. In this guide you will find everything you need to plan your visit – from ticket prices and opening hours, to rules and FAQs.
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- What Makes the Secret Lagoon Special?
- History of the Secret Lagoon
- Secret Lagoon Rules and Changing Facilities
- Secret Lagoon Tickets and Tours
- What Is It Like Swimming in the Secret Lagoon?
- Secret Lagoon Under the Northern Lights
- Would I Recommend the Secret Lagoon?
- Where to Stay in Reykjavik
- Frequently Asked Questions
Before I came to the Iceland, I had never even been to a lagoon before. I was incredibly excited to see one on my itinerary sheet for the Golden Circle tour. For the best experience, I decided I would do no googling in advance so I had no clue what to expect. I wanted to go in with zero expectations and just have an honest reaction. One of the reasons I love to travel with a tour is to go to places off the beaten track, places I may not have been aware of or had access to otherwise, and be blown away by what I find.
I am so glad I did this, although if you reading this it’s already too late for you. The Secret Lagoon, or to use its local name Gamla Laugin, is the oldest swimming pool in Iceland dating back to 1891 in Hverahólmi, a geothermal area near Flúðir.
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What Makes the Secret Lagoon Special?
Every drop of water here is replenished after 24 hours, the water is at any time provided by one of three geysers, Vaðmálahver, Básahver, or Litli Geysir. Litli Geysir likes to erupt every few minutes, which is not only amazing to see but really adds to the excitement of swimming in the lagoon.
History of the Secret Lagoon
The Secret Lagoon was built in 1891, and it was first used for public bathing for the nearby village of Flúðir. But in 1908 Iceland’s first swimming lessons started here, a much needed service given the countries fishing history, and continued until 1947 whereupon it fell into disuse.
Luckily the historical significance of this site was recognised. A private investor purchased the land in 2005, and immediately got to work restoring it. It took a further 9 years for restoration to be complete. In 2014 it reopened, still keeping its original charm, but with much needed facilities like indoor changing rooms and shower.
Secret Lagoon Rules and Changing Facilities
We were all excited in the coach on the drive here, singing karaoke and teasing the guy who forgot his swimming trunks. Our tour guide explained the rules and customs of the lagoon in advance, so there would be no surprises when we arrived.
It was made clear to us we would have to shower before we were allowed to enter. However, it wasn’t like a British public swimming pool where you could do it in trunks. Here it was mandatory to shower using soap and be naked before putting on your costume to head into the lagoon.
Secret Lagoon Tickets and Tours
There are two main ways to visit the Secret Lagoon. If you are driving the Golden Circle yourself, you can book a ticket and visit at your own pace.
Alternatively, you can book a Golden Circle day tour that includes a stop at the Secret Lagoon. This is the easiest option if you don’t want to hire a car or organise the journey yourself.
I visited as part of a tour, which I found much easier. The travel time between stops also gave me a chance to back up photos, chat with other people on the tour or simply relax.
What Is It Like Swimming in the Secret Lagoon?
Very quickly, we were all changed and showered. Despite the outside temperature being below zero, the waters of the Secret Lagoon in Fludir feel incredible. Whilst some of my friends had photoshoots on the edges, others formed natural circles for us to talk and swap stories.
There were floaties provided and we all had a giggle as our tour guide Francois floated past on a pool noodle, the rest of us lounged and laughed enjoying our beers and trying not to let our beers warm up in the water. The changing room situation was a hot topic, with everyone laughing at how awkward we felt at first, but how silly we were to feel that way. As well as more laughs at the guy who forgot his swim shorts and opted to rent a pair instead.
As our beers started to empty, we soon all faced an internal debate. Do we get out of the warm water to buy another beer? Or do we have no beer and stay warm? It’s a tough choice. It led to some resorting to bribery. Getting someone to grab the beer for them, with the promise of paying for theirs, too. You pay for your drinks as you leave the fluðir Secret Lagoon, which is great, as I don’t think my cards are completely waterproof.
Secret Lagoon Under the Northern Lights
Like all good things, our time here had to come to an end. We made our way out of the water and very quickly into the changing rooms to change back. We paid our tabs, returned our towels and made our way back into to van where our karaoke playlist was set up ready for us and our next adventure.
This would be our final stop for the day, from here we would be returning to our hostel. Finishing off a perfect evening cooking food together and enjoying a few more beers. I didn’t realise though that in just a few short hours I would experience the Northern Lights for the first time.
Would I Recommend the Secret Lagoon?
I would recommend the Secret Lagoon to anyone who wants to explore Iceland’s thermal waters, but wants an experience that feels closer to nature. If you are doing the Golden Circle, it feels like the perfect stop and a must visit. Throughout the day you will either be exploring waterfalls or in the seat of a bus (and that’s if you don’t drive yourself). The chance to relax and stretch out in the water is a much welcome relief on your trip.
When people think of Iceland, they tend to jump to the famous Blue Lagoon, or if they want a more luxurious experience and newer facilities the Sky Lagoon. But the Secret Lagoon has history and feels more traditional, which makes the name a perfect fit.
Where to Stay in Reykjavik
During my trip to Reykjavik, I stayed at Center Hotels Arnarhvoll, which was ideal for exploring the city while also being close to bus stops for day trips and my return to the airport. If you plan on visiting the Secret Lagoon as part of an organised Golden Circle tour, staying centrally makes pick-up and drop-off much easier.
