Iceland's Famed Secret Lagoon
The Secret Lagoon, otherwise known as Gamla Laugin in Icelandic, is located in Fluðir at the entrance to the city.
In 1891, locals built this large pool using the geothermal properties of the Fluðir region, making it the oldest natural pool in the whole country and a favourite destination for spa lovers with water between 38 and 40 °C.
- The Secret Lagoon hot bath
- How to get there
- Rates and opening hours
- Accommodation near the Secret Lagoon
The Secret Lagoon hot bath
The very pleasant Secret Lagoon basin
The Secret Lagoon is one of the many hot water baths that can be found in Iceland, and it's one of the best of its kind. It's more like Myvatn Nature Baths than the Blue Lagoon as it is smaller and less touristy than the other big name lagoon. In 2015 the Blue Lagoon welcomed more than a half a million tourists compared to only 10,000 at the Secret Lagoon.
Check out our guide to the best hot springs in Iceland: Learn more about the best hot springs in Iceland.
As in any pool, your first stop will be the changing rooms and showers before entering the pool. Individual shower cabins are available as well as public showers.
You can rent towels if needed and the Secret Lagoon also offers drinks and sandwiches as there is a bar and restaurant within the complex.
Above the main pool, a small path leads to small hot springs such as Básahver or Vaðmálahver.
The pool itself is a balmy 38 to 40° and very pleasant, and the closer you get to the stones at the bottom, the hotter it gets. The pool is always shrouded in mist, which imparts magical side to the place.
The Secret Lagoon entrance package is generous, as you can stay there as long as you want. However, most visitors stay there 1 to 2 hours.
The pool is popular for good reason, it would be a real shame to go to the Golden Circle region without stopping there.
How to get to the Secret Lagoon in Fluðir
Located in the Golden Circle, 25 km south of the famous Geysir, the Secret Lagoon does have the best road indication. It's often identified by its local name, “Gamla Laugin”, on signs around the small town of Fluðir. The installation is discrete to keep an authentic character, so it really feels like you are in the middle of a wild river at the Secret Lagoon.
You can get to the Secret Lagoon from Reykjavik in less than 1.5 hours (100 km) via Road number 1 south then Road 30. Located in the heart of the Golden Circle, it is also less than 30 minutes from Geysir or Thingvellir. For tourists who do not have a rental vehicle, you can easily book a tour with return trip and entry to the Secret Lagoon.
By bus, the Straeto line 72/73 also stops at Fluðir. Learn more about buses in Iceland.
The Secret Lagoon rates and opening hours
The Secret Lagoon in winter
Opening hours
The Secret Lagoon is open all year round from 10:00AM to 7:00PM in winter, so October to April 30th, then from 10:00AM to 8:00PM during summer. The pool welcomes groups during the day from 03:30PM to 05:30PM, so it is recommended to avoid this time slot for greater tranquility.
The rates
The pool has ample parking near the entrance and the price of entry to the Secret Lagoon is also much less expensive than competitors, about half the price of the Blue Lagoon:
- 3,600 ISK per adult (2024 rates)
- 2,500 ISK for seniors (over 67)
- Free for accompanied children under 14
As is the case with other resorts of this type, we recommend you book your ticket in advance:
Accommodation near the Secret Lagoon
Entering the Secret Lagoon basin
Being located right in the center of the small town of Fluðir, accommodation options are plentiful.
Fluðir has a large, well-located campsite that costs ISK 1500 per adult and is open throughout the summer period from May to October.
For those who want hotel accommodation or bed and breakfast, the charming Garður Stay Inn hotel has the advantage of being located less than a minute's walk from the Secret Lagoon, and has excellent value for money in the area.
Going for a short swim at the Secret Lagoon in the evening to relax before bed is a great way to avoid the crowds.
