Unveiling Iceland's Hidden Gem: The Secret Lagoon
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Planning a trip to Iceland and looking for a chill spot to relax? You should check out the Secret Lagoon in Flúðir. Imagine soaking in warm hot springs while little geysers bubble nearby and steam rises around you—it's pretty awesome. Located in a small village, this place lets you unwind and get close to nature and Iceland's geothermal power.
Key Takeaways
- Location: The Secret Lagoon (Gamla Laugin) is in Flúðir, South Iceland, about 1.5 hours (105 km) from Reykjavik.
- Unique Feature: It's Iceland's oldest natural hot spring pool, with active geysers that spout every few minutes.
- Facilities: A big natural hot spring pool, paths around the geothermal area, modern changing rooms, showers, and a cozy café.
- Temperature: The lagoon stays at a comfy 38-40°C (100-104°F) all year.
- Atmosphere: Offers a peaceful and real Icelandic experience, less crowded than other popular spas.
History and Formation
Locals call it Gamla Laugin, and it's been around since 1891, making it the oldest swimming pool in Iceland. It used to be where villagers bathed and hung out. They built a pool using natural hot spring water—so it's like a natural hot tub. For years, it was a community spot, even used for swimming lessons when that became part of school.
Over time, as new places opened, the lagoon was left unused around the 1940s. But in 2014, someone decided to bring it back. They kept its old-school vibe but added some modern stuff to make it comfy for visitors now. Now, it's open again, offering a mix of history, nature, and a place to chill.
Key Info: Location & How to Get There
Planning a trip to the Secret Lagoon? Here's some basic information you need before your visit.
Where's the Secret Lagoon?
You'll find the Secret Lagoon in Flúðir in South Iceland. It's an easy drive from Reykjavik—about 1.5 hours (105 km) through some nice countryside.
Getting There from Reykjavik:
- By Car: Head east on Route 1 (Ring Road), then take Route 35 towards Selfoss. Then switch to Route 30 to Flúðir. The lagoon is well-signposted, and there's plenty of parking.
- By Tour: If you don't want to drive, many Golden Circle tours stop at the Secret Lagoon. It's an easy way to get there.
Facilities
Here's what you'll find:
- Natural Hot Spring Pool: A big pool filled with warm, natural hot spring water, staying at 38-40°C (100-104°F) year-round.
- Walking Paths: Easy paths that take you close to bubbling hot springs and mini geysers—some erupt every few minutes!
- Changing Rooms and Showers: Modern facilities with lockers. Remember to shower before getting in.
- Café and Bar: Grab a snack or drink at the cozy café—great before or after your soak.
- Towel and Swimsuit Rental: Forgot yours? You can rent them there.
Price
Admission fees for 2025 are:
- Adults (15+ years): 4,200 ISK (about $31 or €29)
- Children (14 and under): 200 ISK (about $1.5 or $1.37 when with a parent (up to 3 kids per adult)
- Seniors (67+) and People with Disabilities: 2,950 ISK (about $22 or €20) with ID
Extras:
- Towel Rental: 1,100 ISK (about $8 or €7.5)
- Swimsuit Rental: 1,100 ISK (about $8 or €7.5)
Prices might change due to exchange rates, so check ahead.
Opening Hours
Open every day:
- Summer (June 1 – September 30): 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- Winter (October 1 – May 31): 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
*Important: Secret Lagoon will be closed for renovation from the 12th to the 22nd of May 2025
What's Included vs. What to Bring
Included with Admission:
- Access to the pool and surrounding area
- Use of changing rooms, showers, and lockers
What to Bring:
- Swimsuit: Essential! Rentals are available if you forget.
- Towel: Bring one or rent on-site.
- Flip-flops or Sandals: Not required but handy.
- Waterproof Bag: If you want to keep your phone or valuables nearby (but maybe keep electronics away from the water).
Why Visit the Secret Lagoon?
Soaking in the Secret Lagoon feels like stepping into a real Icelandic scene. You're surrounded by nature—steaming hot springs, little geysers erupting, and the quiet of the countryside. The warm water is great for relaxing after traveling.
What's cool is you're experiencing history. As Iceland's oldest swimming pool, the Secret Lagoon lets you see what life was like over 100 years ago. They've kept it real, so while you get modern comforts like clean changing rooms, the lagoon itself feels timeless.
Plus, it's convenient if you're doing the Golden Circle tour. Instead of just seeing sites, you can take a break and relax here. And it's less crowded than some tourist spots, so you can really chill.
Things to Do In and Around the Secret Lagoon
Although the Secret Lagoon is an attraction in itself, there are many things to do nearby.
Visit Gullfoss Waterfall
Gullfoss is one of Iceland's famous waterfalls, about a 30-minute drive away. Watch as the Hvítá River crashes down into a canyon. It's a must-see and great for photos, especially when the sun makes rainbows in the mist.
See the Geysir Geothermal Area
Nearby is the Geysir area, home to the original geyser. While the Great Geysir doesn't erupt much now, Strokkur erupts every 5-10 minutes, shooting water up to 30 meters high. It's exciting to watch.
Walk Through Þingvellir National Park
About an hour's drive from the lagoon, Þingvellir National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with history and cool geology. You can walk between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. It's also where Iceland's first parliament was founded in 930 AD.
Horseback Riding in Flúðir
Experience Iceland on horseback! Local farms offer tours where you can ride Icelandic horses, known for their gentle nature and unique gait called the tölt. It's a fun way to see the area.
Visit Kerið Crater Lake
Check out Kerið, a volcanic crater lake with red rocks and blue water. You can walk around the rim or down to the lake. It's about a 30-minute drive and shows another side of Iceland's volcanic landscape.
Enjoy Local Food in Flúðir
After exploring, try some local Icelandic food. Flúðir has cozy restaurants and cafes where you can taste dishes made with ingredients from nearby geothermal greenhouses. Fresh tomatoes, anyone?
Conclusion
So that's the scoop! The Secret Lagoon isn't just a hot spring—it's a mix of nature, history, and a place to relax. Whether you're watching little geysers erupt from the warm waters, checking out nearby waterfalls and geysers, or just hanging out in a small Icelandic village, it's an experience you'll remember. If you're doing the Golden Circle, make sure to set aside time to soak in this hidden gem.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Secret Lagoon
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