If you’re planning a trip to Iceland and looking for a unique experience, the Secret Lagoon should be at the top of your list. Nestled in the small village of Flúðir, this geothermal pool offers an authentic Icelandic hot spring experience that’s steeped in history and surrounded by natural beauty.
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The History of the Secret Lagoon
The Secret Lagoon, or “Gamla Laugin” (old pool), is Iceland’s oldest swimming pool. Located within geothermal area Hverahólmi, the original pool was created in 1891. Over the years, these waters have been used for bathing, swimming lessons and practical things like washing clothes. After 1947, the pool was abandoned and fell into disrepair. In the 2000s, the idea to rebuild this special community space was born and in 2014 after many years of work, the Secret Lagoon opened it’s doors to the public.
Intentionally rustic, the Secret Lagoon promises an authentic Icelandic experience. Surrounded by nature and the ruins of the old changing rooms, the pool is made from mossy stone and filled with sulphur-rich, geothermal water, naturally heated to a consistent 38-40°C.
Geothermal Area
The pool is filled entirely with water from the nearby hot springs. Surrounding the pool are geothermal features, like bubbling mud pots, fumaroles and geysers. Litli Geysir (little geyser) is an active geyser which spouts every few minutes. A boardwalk allows visitors to the Secret Lagoon to walk around the surrounding geothermal area to see the volcanic nature which powers the pool.
Flúðir
Flúðir is a village in South Iceland, located just 20 minutes away from popular Golden Circle sights Geysir and Gulfoss. With a population of only 800, Flúðir is a small village, but home to plenty of restaurants and hotels should you wish to stay longer.
Facilities at the Secret Lagoon
The Secret Lagoon is setup like a local swimming pool, with minimal but functional changing rooms and locker facilities. There’s a cafe which serves snacks and refreshments, but no hot food.
Showering in Iceland
As with all pools in Iceland, it’s essential to shower naked before entering. The pool doesn’t use chemicals, as it’s all natural, so it’s important for everyone’s benefit to have a proper shower. This shower etiquette is part of Icelandic culture and ignoring it is considered disrespectful and rude.
Unlike the famous Blue Lagoon, or Fontana Spa, the Secret Lagoon doesn’t have a private cubicle to shower in. It’s all communal, so you’ll have to brave it if you want to bathe here. I can honestly say that whilst it’s a bit daunting initially, no one is bothered and it feels completely normal to me now.
The Secret Lagoon is all about giving you the proper Icelandic bathing experience, so go with it and experience geothermal bathing like a local.
Should I Take Off My Jewellery?
Yes! Especially anything made from silver. The high content of sulphur in the water can change the colour of silver jewellery. I had this happen once and it did return to it’s usual silver colour after a day, but it’s best not to risk it.
Also due to the natural shape of the pool, which is made from stone, there are lots of nooks and crannies for things to fall into. In short, if your jewellery slips off, it will be near-impossible to find again, so best to leave it off.
Opening Times and Prices
During the Summer, the pool is open between 10am and 20:00pm, with the pool closing an hour earlier at 19:00pm during the winter months. You can hire towels and even swimming suits, should you be caught short! Lockers are included with admission.
It’s always best to book in advance, to ensure your spot. Whilst this pool is typically less busy than places like the Blue Lagoon, it’s included in a lot of south coast tours and naturally attracts crowds during peak times.
Children aged 14 and younger can enter free with a paying adult. Check the website for the latest up-to-date pricing information.
Plan Your Visit
I recommend starting or finishing up your day of Golden Circle sightseeing here. With Geyser, Gulfoss, Brúarfoss and the Kerið Crater all in this general area, there’s plenty to see and do. Visiting the pool at the start or end of the day will mean you miss the busier periods.
How Long Do You Need at the Secret Lagoon?
As with all geothermal spas, 2 hours is naturally about the maximum amount of time I’d spend in the water. As the facilities at the Secret Lagoon are minimal, this plus some time for changing in and out of your clothes and showering will be fine for to allow for your visit.
What Is the Difference Between the Secret Lagoon and the Blue Lagoon?
The Blue Lagoon is named as one of the 25 wonders of the world and is an essential Icelandic experience I think everyone visiting should try once. Being so popular, the Blue Lagoon has expanded over the years and now includes restaurants, a hotel and a gift shop. The Blue Lagoon carpark is huge to accommodate the 4000 (on average) tourists which pass through each day. It’s exciting, amazing and memorable, but will feel very much like visiting any busy attraction in London, Paris or Madrid. You’ll hear lots of languages being spoken, it will always be busy and you’ll almost exclusively find tourists bathing here.
At the Secret Lagoon, you’re going to be bathing with locals and will hear Icelandic being spoken. The lagoon is popular with tourists, but welcomes a fraction of them than the Blue Lagoon. It being slightly out of the way and nowhere near the airport means it’s one of the lesser known spots for geothermal bathing in the South, when compared to places like the Sky Lagoon and Blue Lagoon which cater heavily to tourists now.
I love that the Secret Lagoon has stayed true to it’s self and delivers an authentic Icelandic experience. It doesn’t have the bells and whistles of somewhere like the Blue Lagoon, but that’s by design.
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