At Flúðir, a farming village in south Iceland, the Secret Lagoon — known in Icelandic as Gamla Laugin — is one of the country's oldest geothermal pools. Fed by natural hot springs at around 38-40°C, it offers open-air bathing in a raw setting: steam, miniature geysers, and moss-covered meadows. Less crowded than the Blue Lagoon, it remains easily accessible from the Golden Circle.

Practical information at a glance

• Admission: paid entry (adult and reduced rates available; online booking recommended)
• Water temperature: approximately 38-40°C year-round
• Recommended duration: 1 to 1.5 hours
• Dress code: swimsuit required; nude shower mandatory before entering the pool
• Access: car recommended from Reykjavík (approximately 1.5 hours); some Golden Circle tours include a stop
• Accessibility: limited — uneven natural terrain; check directly with the site

What you'll see

The main pool is surrounded by volcanic rock and low vegetation. Small active geysers bubble just meters from the edge, a reminder of the geothermal activity beneath. In winter, dense steam contrasts with the dark sky, and the northern lights are visible on clear nights. In summer, the midnight sun bathes the landscape in golden light, extending the swimming experience into the night.

History and context

Gamla Laugin is documented as a public pool since 1891, making it one of Iceland's oldest. It served as a community bath for Flúðir residents for decades before being renovated and opened to tourism. The site has retained its natural character: no visible concrete, no attached resort infrastructure.

Highlights of the visit

The poolside geysers

Several small active geysers erupt at regular intervals immediately near the pool. You can observe them from the water—a rare experience at developed geothermal sites.

Swimming beneath the aurora (winter)

From September to March, clear nights offer favorable conditions for the northern lights. The combination of warm water, starry sky, and aurora is one of the most sought-after experiences for winter visitors.

The midnight sun atmosphere (summer)

In June and July, the low light of midnight bathes the landscape in pale orange. The pool remains open in the evenings, allowing a swim in an almost surreal light.

Etiquette and visiting rules

• Mandatory shower without swimsuit before entering the pool — a universal Icelandic hygiene rule.
• Do not dive or run on the edges.
• Respect marked zones around active geysers: the water there is boiling.
• Young children must be supervised at all times.

Photography tips

Steam creates interesting visual effects early morning or in the evening, when light is low. In winter, a wide-angle lens captures both the pool and the sky. Avoid flash: it destroys the steam effect. Waterproof cameras or protective cases are recommended due to ambient moisture.

Location and access

The Secret Lagoon is located at Flúðir, in the Suðurland region (South Iceland). It is often incorporated into a Golden Circle route, approximately 30 minutes southwest of Geysir. Route 30 then Route 345 lead there from the main highway. No regular public transport: a rental car or organized tour are the most practical options.

Nearby attractions

• Geysir — The geothermal site that gave its name to all geysers worldwide, approximately 30 minutes away.
• Gullfoss — Iconic double waterfall of the Golden Circle, best combined in the same day.
• Þingvellir — Site of Iceland's first parliament and rift between two tectonic plates, approximately 1 hour away.
• Kerið — Volcanic crater with turquoise waters, about 30 minutes to the east.