Secret Lagoon Iceland – Our First-Hand Experience at Gamla Laugin
Our first-hand visit to Secret Lagoon at Flúðir — Iceland’s historic Gamla Laugin, where naturally hot geothermal water, a sandy bottom and a relaxed atmosphere make for a distinctive bathing experience.
Flúðir, South Iceland
Quick take
4.4 / 5Our verdict
A relaxed geothermal experience with a natural feel and more than 130 years of history behind it. The sandy bottom, warm water and surrounding geothermal landscape gave the visit a character of its own.
Would we do it again?Yes, absolutely.Best for:Couples, families, first-time visitors, Golden Circle travellers and geothermal enthusiasts
We set off from Reykjavík and headed south towards Flúðir, where Secret Lagoon — or Gamla Laugin — is located.
But Secret Lagoon isn't just another geothermal lagoon in Iceland. Dating back to 1891, it is regarded as Iceland's oldest swimming pool, and that history gives the place a very different character from many of Iceland's newer geothermal spas.
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Arriving at Secret Lagoon
When we arrived, we were welcomed by friendly staff who explained a few simple rules before we went inside. Towels were also available to rent if needed.
The changing facilities were modern and comfortable. After showering and changing into our swimwear, we headed outside for our first look at the lagoon.
Stepping Into the Lagoon
Photos & videos from our experience
Frequently asked questions
How does Secret Lagoon compare to the Blue Lagoon?
Secret Lagoon (Gamla Laugin) in Flúðir is a much smaller, more intimate pool with a natural sandy bottom and no luxury spa services. The appeal is a quieter, more authentic geothermal bathing experience with far fewer visitors and a lower entry price. There are no silica mud masks or private changing suites.
How far is Secret Lagoon from Reykjavík?
Flúðir is about 90–100 km from Reykjavík, roughly 1.5 hours by car along Route 35. It sits on the Golden Circle route, so several operators include a Secret Lagoon stop, or you can drive there as part of a self-drive itinerary.
Do I need to book Secret Lagoon in advance?
Booking ahead is strongly recommended, especially in summer and on weekends. Walk-ins are sometimes possible in quieter periods, but the pool has limited capacity and can sell out on popular days.
What temperature is the water at Secret Lagoon?
The water at Secret Lagoon is naturally geothermal and stays around 38–40°C (100–104°F) year-round, fed by the spring below. A small geyser called Hverahver erupts every few minutes near the pool edge.
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Visit this place
Secret Lagoon
Discover the enchanting Secret Lagoon, Iceland's oldest natural swimming pool, nestled in the geothermal heart of Flúðir. Immerse yourself in the soothing ~38–40°C waters, surrounded by raw Icelandic landscapes and bubbling hot springs, just a stone's throw from the Golden Circle.
Explore more — waterfalls, glaciers, hot springs and more.
From
ISK 4,500
The setting immediately felt natural.
The lagoon is surrounded by geothermal activity, with steam rising from the landscape and hot springs nearby. As we stepped into the warm water, we could actually feel the sand beneath our feet and between our toes.
That small detail stood out to us. Secret Lagoon doesn't feel like a perfectly polished modern spa pool — it still feels connected to the natural geothermal environment around it.
Hot Water, Champagne and a Very Relaxed Atmosphere
Once we were in the water, there wasn't much else to do except relax.
There is something special about sitting outside in naturally heated geothermal water in Iceland with a glass of champagne in your hand.
Looking around the lagoon, it was obvious that we weren't the only ones enjoying it. People were relaxing in the water, talking, having drinks and simply taking in the surroundings.
The atmosphere felt easy-going rather than formal, which suited the place perfectly.
Exploring the Geothermal Area
One of the things that makes Secret Lagoon different is what surrounds the pool.
The lagoon sits in an active geothermal area, with steam rising from the ground and natural hot springs just a short distance from the water. Instead of the geothermal landscape being hidden away, it feels like part of the experience.
After relaxing in the lagoon, we could take in the surroundings and see just how active the area really is.
More Than Just a Hot Spring
What we especially liked about Secret Lagoon was its simplicity.
It doesn't feel like it's trying to be a huge modern luxury spa. The warm water, sandy bottom, steam and geothermal surroundings are enough.
And then there is the history.
Knowing that Gamla Laugin dates back to 1891 gives the experience another dimension. Swimming lessons were held here from 1909, and the pool remained an important part of local swimming history before eventually falling out of regular use. It was later restored and reopened as Secret Lagoon in 2014.
So while you're relaxing in the water today, you're also sitting in a place with more than 130 years of Icelandic bathing history behind it.
Our Verdict
We really enjoyed our visit to Secret Lagoon.
For us, the combination of naturally hot water, the sandy bottom, the geothermal surroundings and the relaxed atmosphere worked extremely well.
Sitting in the warm water with a glass of champagne while steam rose around the lagoon was definitely one of the highlights.
But what makes Secret Lagoon particularly interesting is that there is a genuine story behind the place. This isn't simply another geothermal lagoon — it's Gamla Laugin, dating back to 1891 and regarded as Iceland's oldest swimming pool.
If you're travelling through the Golden Circle or South Iceland and want a geothermal experience that feels relaxed, natural and connected to Icelandic history, Secret Lagoon is an easy one for us to recommend.
Our verdict
Would we do it again?
Yes, absolutely.
Pros
Historic geothermal setting dating back to 1891
Relaxed and natural atmosphere
Sandy bottom underfoot
Active geothermal surroundings
Comfortable changing facilities
Best for
Couples, families, first-time visitors, Golden Circle travellers and geothermal enthusiasts
