The Secret Lagoon is a popular geothermal bathing destination near the Golden Circle landmarks. This guide covers everything you need to know before visiting the Secret Lagoon in Iceland, with practical tips and local insights to help you plan the perfect trip.
A Secret Lagoon admission ticket gives visitors access to the geothermal pools, showers, and lockers. Many hot spring tours include a visit, while some Golden Circle tours combine bathing with sightseeing along the route.
The Secret Lagoon is part of the geothermal area of Hveraholmi, in the village of Fludir in Southern Iceland. Naturally occurring hot springs feed its historic main pool, the oldest of its kind in Iceland. The lagoon is a popular alternative to the Blue Lagoon, so advance booking is recommended.
We reached out to Agnes Szwaja, Head of Administration at the Secret Lagoon, for her insights on visiting the pool. She shared its history, explained the natural water system, and offered advice for guests.
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Key Things To Know About the Secret Lagoon
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Opening: Open daily year-round, with seasonal hours and shorter hours on December 24 and 31. Check for temporary closures before visiting.
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Booking and admission: Book ahead, as walk-in entry is not guaranteed. Admission includes pool access, showers, and lockers, while towel and swimsuit rentals cost extra.
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Pools and facilities: There are three pools, communal changing and shower facilities, and a cafe serving snacks and drinks.
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Shower rules: Shower without swimwear before entering the pools. Showers are separated by gender, with no private cubicles or family room.
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Visit length: Allow around 1.5–2 hours to change, bathe, and explore the geothermal path.
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Geothermal safety: Stay on the marked path. The surrounding hot springs are extremely hot and are not for bathing.
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Children: Children 16 and younger need adult supervision, with a maximum of three per adult. Children 8 and younger must wear inflatable swim armbands.
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Getting there: The lagoon is in Fludir. Visit by car or tour, or check the limited public bus connections.
History of the Secret Lagoon
The Secret Lagoon's main pool is the oldest swimming pool in the entire country, having been built in 1891. Icelanders often call it "the old pool" or "Gamla Laugin."
Its history extends beyond swimming and tourism. As Agnes explains, Hveraholmi has long been part of everyday life in the local community.
What we enjoy most is that Gamla Laugin is not a newly created attraction. People have gathered at Hveraholmi to bathe in warm water for generations; the area was also used for washing clothes and as a local meeting place.
Swimming lessons began at the pool in 1909 and continued until 1947. After lessons moved to a newer pool opened in Fludir, the old pool fell into disuse.
Plans to restore the pool began in 2005, followed by several years of work to improve visitor comfort while preserving its character. The Secret Lagoon reopened to the public on June 7, 2014.
Secret Lagoon Opening Hours and Admission
The Secret Lagoon is normally open daily, with hours varying by season. From October to May, it is open from 10 AM to 7 PM, while from June to September, it stays open between 10 AM and 8 PM. On Christmas Eve (December 24) or New Year's Eve (December 31), the opening hours are 10 AM to 6 PM.
We highly recommend booking your day ticket to the Secret Lagoon in advance. Entry without a reservation depends on availability, so choose your preferred date and time before traveling.
The following admission prices apply per person:
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Adults, ages 15 and older: 4,500 ISK
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Children, ages 14 and younger: 260 ISK
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Seniors, ages 67 and older, and people with disabilities: 3,300 ISK, with current identification required for the discount
Admission includes bathing, showers, and lockers. Swimsuit and towel rentals cost 1,200 ISK each and are not included in the ticket price.
Children 16 and younger must be accompanied by an adult, with a maximum of three children per adult. Children 8 and younger must wear inflatable swim armbands, and school groups should arrange their visit directly with the lagoon.
Secret Lagoon Pools and Facilities
The Secret Lagoon now has three pools: the historic main pool, a hot paddling pool, and a cold plunge pool. Indoor changing rooms provide lockers with keys, and soap and hair dryers are available.
Restoring the pool meant adapting a historic bathing place for modern visitors. The facilities reflect that balance:
We added the facilities modern guests need, but kept the experience simple: natural geothermal water, an open landscape and a close connection to the springs around the pool.
Traditional Showers at the Secret Lagoon
The Secret Lagoon has communal showers separated for men and women, with no private cubicles or family room. Everyone must shower without swimwear before entering the water, and staff can explain the process if you’re unfamiliar with it.
Agnes acknowledges that shared showers may be new to international visitors. She explains why showering properly is part of the visit.
We explain that this is a normal Icelandic hygiene practice and an important part of keeping the lagoon clean, especially because the water is natural and flows continuously.
Natural Geothermal Water at the Secret Lagoon
The Secret Lagoon’s main pool stays at approximately 100–104 F (38–40 C) year-round. Vadmalahver, Basahver, and Litli Geysir supply its water continuously, with a complete renewal taking approximately 24 hours.
The hot springs shape more than the pool’s temperature. The water’s mineral content is also part of what guests experience:
Guests often notice the natural mineral scent of sulfur; it is part of bathing in a real geothermal area. We recommend removing silver jewelery, as sulfur can affect its color.
Exploring the Secret Lagoon and Geothermal Path
A visit to the Secret Lagoon includes more than time in the water. The marked geothermal path lets you see bubbling hot springs and Litli Geysir, a small geyser that erupts every few minutes.
Leave room in your itinerary for an unhurried visit. The following approach gives you time to experience the site:
We suggest allowing around 1.5 to 2 hours in total. Take your time in the lagoon, then walk the marked path around the pool to see the hot springs and Litli Geysir safely.
Stay on the designated path and do not enter the surrounding springs. Their water can reach 212 F (100 C), so only use the pools intended for bathing.
Health and Mobility Considerations at the Secret Lagoon
Guests with health or mobility concerns should plan their Secret Lagoon visit around their individual needs. Before booking, consider how the visit fits your circumstances:
Anyone who is pregnant, has a medical condition, limited mobility or is unsure whether hot bathing is suitable should seek advice from their healthcare professional before visiting.
Non-swimmers should take particular care and follow staff guidance. Wet floors and paths can be slippery, and children need adult supervision throughout the visit.
For mobility requirements, contact the lagoon before booking to ask about pool entry, changing facilities, and any assistance you need.
How To Get to the Secret Lagoon?
The Secret Lagoon is at Hvammsvegur, 845 Fludir. The lagoon is about 62 miles (100 kilometers) from Reykjavik, roughly a 1.5-hour drive in good conditions. You can visit by car, guided tour, public bus, or taxi.
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By car: From Reykjavik, follow Route 1 east toward Selfoss, then turn onto Route 35 before reaching the town. Continue past Kerid and Reykholt, then take Route 359 toward Fludir and join Route 30. Private parking is available during opening hours.
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By tour: Several Golden Circle tours include a Secret Lagoon stop. Check the itinerary and admission inclusions before booking.
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By public bus: Services between Selfoss and Fludir are limited. Route 72 stops in Fludir, with a walk required to reach the lagoon. Check connections and return times in the Straeto route planner.
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By taxi: A taxi is another option, but a long journey from Reykjavik can be expensive. Ask for a fare estimate and arrange your return trip in advance.
In winter, snow, ice, and strong winds can slow the journey or cause temporary road closures. Check current road conditions and weather warnings before setting out, and allow extra travel time.
Secret Lagoon Guided Tours and Itineraries
There are many ways to visit the Secret Lagoon while exploring the Golden Circle and South Iceland, including self-drive tours, guided day tours, and multi-day guided tours. Check each package’s inclusions, as a suggested bathing stop does not always include admission.
Top Guided Day Tours
Guided day tours combine the Golden Circle’s main sights with bathing at the Secret Lagoon, with transport from Reykjavik. The following options include lagoon admission and an English-speaking guide.
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9-Hour Golden Circle and Secret Lagoon Tour: Visit Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss, Faxi Waterfall, and the Geysir geothermal area before bathing at the Secret Lagoon.
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10–10.5-Hour Golden Circle Tour With Secret Lagoon Admission: Combine Golden Circle sightseeing, including Thingvellir, Geysir, and Gullfoss, with a soak at the Secret Lagoon.
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8-Hour Small-Group Golden Circle and Secret Lagoon Tour: Travel by minibus with no more than 19 passengers to Thingvellir, Geysir, and Gullfoss. The tour also includes time to bathe at the Secret Lagoon.
Top Self-Drive Tours
Self-drive packages include a rental car, accommodation, and a planned itinerary, with flexibility to adjust your stops. These routes offer an opportunity to visit the Secret Lagoon while exploring the Golden Circle.
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7-Day Self-Drive Tour of the Complete Ring Road of Iceland: Explore the Ring Road and Golden Circle, with the option to stop at the Secret Lagoon before visiting Gullfoss, Geysir, and Thingvellir.
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10-Day Northern Lights Winter Self-Drive of Iceland’s South Coast and Snaefellsnes Peninsula: Explore Snaefellsnes, the Golden Circle, and the South Coast in winter, with an optional Secret Lagoon visit during the Golden Circle portion of the trip.
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7-Day Budget Self-Drive Tour of Iceland’s Snaefellsnes Peninsula and the South Coast: Explore Snaefellsnes, the Golden Circle, and the South Coast, with the option to bathe at the Secret Lagoon after visiting the Golden Circle sights.
Top Multi-Day Tours
Multi-day guided tours combine sightseeing with transport, a guide, and a planned itinerary. These options include a Secret Lagoon stop or offer bathing as an optional activity.
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8-Day Laugavegur Trail Tour With Glacier Hike, Golden Circle, and South Coast: A summer hiking tour, available from June to September, combining mountain-hut stays, a glacier hike, and Golden Circle sightseeing. Secret Lagoon admission is included.
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3-Day Tour Bundle With the Golden Circle, Secret Lagoon, Snaefellsnes, and Jokulsarlon: Join three guided group day trips from Reykjavik, covering the Golden Circle, Snaefellsnes, and the South Coast to Jokulsarlon. Secret Lagoon admission is included, while accommodation is booked separately.
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Private 3-Day South Coast Adventure Tour With Golden Circle, Glacier Lagoons, and Waterfalls: A private tour combining the Golden Circle, a meal at Fridheimar, and a Secret Lagoon stop with South Coast waterfalls, black sand beaches, and glacier lagoons.
Best Time To Visit the Secret Lagoon
The best time to visit the Secret Lagoon depends on your preferences, as it is open year-round. Each season offers a different bathing experience:
In winter, the contrast between warm water and crisp air can feel especially memorable, while summer brings bright evenings and a vivid green landscape around Fludir.
For a quieter visit, Agnes recommends choosing a time outside the busiest tour-group arrivals.
Best Places To Eat Near the Secret Lagoon
The Secret Lagoon’s cafe serves hot drinks, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages, along with snacks, cup noodles, and sandwiches. Ice cream or hot dogs may be available seasonally, but there is no full kitchen for hot meals.
For a full meal, there are several restaurants in Fludir, a short drive from the lagoon, plus a greenhouse restaurant in nearby Reykholt. Check opening hours before visiting and reserve a table where bookings are available.
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Minilik Ethiopian Restaurant: Located on Fludir’s main road, a short drive from the lagoon. It serves Ethiopian meat and vegetarian dishes with injera, a sourdough flatbread.
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The Hill Restaurant: Located at The Hill Hotel on Vesturbrun in Fludir, a short drive from the lagoon. It serves Icelandic dishes using local ingredients. Book a table at The Hill Restaurant.
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Fludasveppir Farmers Bistro: Located on a mushroom farm about 1.2 miles (2 kilometers) from the lagoon. Its menu features mushrooms and other vegetables grown on the farm. Book a table at Farmers Bistro.
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Fridheimar Tomato Farm: Located in Reykholt, convenient for a meal during a Golden Circle drive before or after visiting the lagoon. Guests dine among tomato plants, with tomato soup and freshly baked bread among the menu options. Book a table at Fridheimar in advance.
For more dining ideas across the country, see our guide to the best restaurants in Iceland.
Secret Lagoon Accommodations
If you want to spend the night near the Secret Lagoon, Gardur Stay Inn is next to the pool. Rooms have private bathrooms, and stays include access to the lagoon during regular opening hours.
The Hill Hotel is in Fludir, a short drive from the lagoon. It offers rooms with private bathrooms, an on-site restaurant, and hot tubs. The Hill Guesthouse, formerly Guesthouse Fludir, is across the street from The Hill Hotel. It offers double, triple, and family rooms with private bathrooms, with check-in at the hotel.
Other accommodation in Fludir includes cottages and apartments. Fludir’s campground is also about 0.9 miles (1.5 kilometers) from the lagoon. Use the designated campground if you’re interested in camping in Iceland.
What To Pack for Your Visit to the Secret Lagoon
Bringing the right items helps you enjoy a comfortable and enjoyable experience at the Secret Lagoon. Here’s a list of essentials to pack or rent before you soak in Iceland’s oldest geothermal pool.
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Booking confirmation: Keep your e-ticket ready on your phone or bring a printed copy.
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Swimsuit and towel: You can rent at the reception, but bringing your own is more cost-effective.
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Reusable water bottle: Bring one to keep water handy, and drink before, during, and after bathing to stay hydrated.
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Reusable bag: For wet clothes and swimwear after your soak.
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Hair tie or clip: Optional, but handy if you prefer to keep your hair out of the water.
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Toiletries: The lagoon provides soap for washing your body and hair, as well as hair dryers in the changing rooms. Bring your own if you prefer.
How To Prepare for Visiting the Secret Lagoon in Iceland
Preparing for the Secret Lagoon starts with knowing its bathing rules. Follow staff instructions and arrive at your booked time. Keep these practical tips in mind before entering the pool:
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Shower thoroughly without a swimsuit: This is mandatory before entering the lagoon and an important part of Iceland's pool etiquette.
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Eat beforehand and stay hydrated: Outside food and drink are not allowed. The on-site cafe offers snacks and drinks.
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Take breaks and limit alcohol: Step out of the hot water regularly to cool down. Intoxicated guests may be refused entry or asked to leave.
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Remove jewelry: Sulfur-rich water can tarnish silver, and lost items are difficult to retrieve from the lagoon’s gravel bottom.
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Follow safety rules: Respecting guidelines ensures a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.
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Keep changing rooms dry: Remove your shoes before entering, and dry yourself after showering before returning to the changing room.
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Travel light: Lockers are available, but it’s best to bring only essential valuables.
Attractions Near the Secret Lagoon
The Secret Lagoon is within easy reach of attractions along the Golden Circle. You can combine bathing with visits to Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss Waterfall, and the erupting Strokkur Geyser at the Geysir Geothermal Area.
Near Fludir, Hrunalaug Hot Spring offers another rural bathing experience and features in our study of the best hidden gems in Iceland. For a change of pace, visit Skalholt, the seat of Iceland’s first bishopric, to explore its cathedral and history.
Other stops fit naturally into the drive to or from the lagoon. Faxi Waterfall, near Reykholt, is a broad cascade on the way toward Geysir and Gullfoss. Kerid Crater, on the route toward Selfoss, has red volcanic slopes, a crater lake, and paths around the rim and down toward the water.
Secret Lagoon vs Blue Lagoon
The Secret Lagoon has a lower standard adult admission price than the Blue Lagoon and focuses on a simpler bathing experience. The Blue Lagoon has more spa facilities, including a sauna, steam room, mask bar, and its distinctive milky-blue water.
Choosing between them depends on what you want from your visit. The Secret Lagoon offers a different approach to geothermal bathing:
Secret Lagoon suits visitors looking for a quiet, natural, and uncomplicated geothermal bathing experience. Rather than a large spa with many separate facilities, it offers a historic pool, mineral-rich water and an active geothermal landscape.
The Blue Lagoon is also closer to Reykjavik and Keflavik International Airport, so its location suits a visit after a long flight or before boarding one. Meanwhile, the Secret Lagoon fits naturally into a Golden Circle itinerary.
If you're still comparing the two, our study of the most recommended hot springs in Iceland shows how both rank alongside other popular bathing spots. Both the Secret Lagoon and the Blue Lagoon offer different experiences, so visiting both can be worthwhile if you have time.
Visit Iceland's Secret Lagoon
The Secret Lagoon combines a historic geothermal pool with hot and cold bathing options. Agnes’s final advice is to leave enough time to appreciate the visit beyond a quick soak.
We also encourage guests to arrive with enough time to slow down, shower properly before entering, and enjoy the lagoon respectfully as a place for relaxation and quiet.
Located within easy reach of the Golden Circle, it's a memorable addition to any itinerary exploring South Iceland. Browse Golden Circle tours to find a visit that suits your plans.
What is the Secret Lagoon in Iceland?
Where is the Secret Lagoon located?
You can also rent a car in Iceland, which makes it easier to visit the Secret Lagoon at your own pace and include other nearby stops along the way.
How do I get to the Secret Lagoon?
The most flexible option is to book a rental car in Reykjavik and drive yourself, as the route to Secret Lagoon is straightforward and well signposted. Many visitors also visit the lagoon as part of Golden Circle tours, which include stops at nearby attractions like Gullfoss Waterfall and Geysir Geothermal Area.
Do I need to book tickets in advance for the Secret Lagoon?
What should I bring to the Secret Lagoon?
How deep is the Secret Lagoon pool?
Smaller surrounding pools like the relaxation pool and cold plunge pool are shallower and offer a more secluded soaking experience.
Does the water at the Secret Lagoon contain chlorine?
The water mainly contains natural sulfur, which is known for its skin-soothing and relaxing properties. Many visitors find it helps ease muscle tension and leaves the skin feeling soft after soaking.
Because of the sulfur content, it is recommended to remove jewelry before entering the pool, as sulfur can react with metals and cause discoloration or damage over time.
Are there any age restrictions for visiting the Secret Lagoon?
Can I visit the Secret Lagoon outside of business hours?
Opening hours vary depending on the season and public holidays, so it’s important to check the latest schedule before your visit. The lagoon is open year-round, but summer and winter hours may differ, and special hours may apply during holidays or maintenance periods.
Can I take photos in the Secret Lagoon pool?
Is the Secret Lagoon accessible in winter?
Roads to Fludir are usually well-maintained throughout the season, although weather conditions can occasionally vary. For a more guided experience, you can also join hot spring tours in Iceland, which often include transport and other geothermal stops.
Is it possible to see the northern lights from the Secret Lagoon?
If you want a guided experience, book one of the northern lights tours in Iceland, which take you to carefully selected locations with the best possible viewing conditions and expert guides who track the forecast.
