About the Secret Lagoon
Bathing at this spot began in 1891, which makes it the oldest swimming pool in Iceland. Locals know it as Gamla Laugin, meaning the old pool. From 1909 it was used for Iceland's first swimming lessons, which continued until 1947, after which a newer pool opened nearby and the site gradually fell out of use. It was restored and reopened to visitors as the Secret Lagoon in June 2014, keeping its original, natural character rather than being rebuilt as a modern spa.
The pool is fed entirely by natural hot springs in the surrounding geothermal field, including Vadmalahver and Basahver. The water holds a steady temperature of 38 to 40 degrees C throughout the year and renews itself completely about every 24 hours, so it stays fresh without heavy treatment. The setting is rustic: the pool has an uneven natural floor and is ringed by steam, hot ground, and bubbling springs rather than tiled surrounds.
A wooden walking path runs around the pool and past the nearby hot springs, where a small geyser called Litli Geysir spouts every few minutes. The path lets you see the geothermal features up close while staying on safe ground.
Visiting the Secret Lagoon
The Secret Lagoon is open year-round. Opening hours are longer in summer than in winter and can change around holidays, so check the official Secret Lagoon website for current hours and admission before you go. Towels and swimwear can be rented on site, and there are changing rooms, showers, lockers, and a small cafe serving snacks and drinks.
As at all Icelandic pools, you are required to shower without swimwear before entering the water. The pool is shallow and suits relaxed bathing rather than swimming lengths. The geothermal ground around the walking path stays hot, so keep to the marked path.
The Secret Lagoon works well as a quieter alternative to the larger lagoons closer to Reykjavik, and it draws far fewer visitors than the Blue Lagoon. Booking ahead is worthwhile in summer, when the pool can reach capacity.
Getting to the Secret Lagoon
The Secret Lagoon is in Fludir, around 100 kilometers from Reykjavik, roughly a 1.5-hour drive. Take Route 1 east, then Route 35, then Route 30 toward Fludir, where the lagoon is signposted. The roads are paved and accessible by standard car year-round, though winter conditions call for care.
Its location on the Golden Circle makes it an easy stop alongside Geysir, Gullfoss, and Thingvellir, with Geysir around 30 minutes away. Many Golden Circle day tours include a stop here, and self-drive itineraries through the region pass close by, so you can add it at your own pace.
