Temperature
38–40°C
Naturally maintained year-round
Secret Lagoon (Gamla Laugin): Oldest Hot Spring Pool in Iceland
Iceland\'s oldest swimming pool site (1891): a natural hot spring pool surrounded by steaming vents and a small erupting geyser.
Location
Flúðir
South Iceland • Golden Circle area
The Secret Lagoon (Gamla Laugin) is a natural hot spring pool in the village of Flúðir. The site has been used for bathing since 1891, which makes it the oldest swimming pool location in Iceland. The 38–40°C pool is surrounded by steaming geothermal vents and a small geyser that erupts every few minutes.
Sources and last reviewed
Last reviewed: 2026-03-03
Book ahead in peak season. Bring your own towel or rent one on site.
Pages are reviewed for practical usefulness, source quality, and volatile claims before publication.
Official sources to check
History
Since 1891
Iceland's oldest swimming pool site
Location
Golden Circle
Easy addition to a Golden Circle day trip
What to Expect
Natural Pool at 38-40°C
Geothermally heated water naturally maintained at 38-40°C year-round. The water is rich in dissolved minerals from the underground source
Mini Geyser (Smidur)
A small geyser called Smidur erupts every few minutes just beside the pool, shooting water about 1 meter high
Changing Rooms & Showers
On-site changing facilities with hot showers and lockers. Towels available for rent. Bring your own swimsuit
Iceland's Oldest Pool Site
People have bathed at this exact location since 1891, longer than at any other swimming pool site in Iceland
Golden Circle Add-On
Located 10 minutes from Flúðir and close to Geysir (30 min) and Gullfoss (40 min), an easy stop on a Golden Circle day trip
Affordable Admission (~3,000 ISK)
Adults pay approximately 3,000 ISK (~$22 USD), less than at most commercial hot springs in Iceland
Getting There
The Secret Lagoon is in the village of Flúðir, approximately 100 km (1.5 hours) from Reykjavík. Take Route 1 east, then Route 30 south toward Flúðir. The lagoon is well-signposted from the village center. Free on-site parking is available. The nearest town is Flúðir itself, which has a small grocery store and restaurants. No 4WD needed; the route is fully paved. It pairs naturally with a Golden Circle itinerary: Geysir is 30 minutes northeast, Gullfoss 40 minutes, and Þingvellir about 1 hour west.
Best Time to Visit
Year-round. October through March: good northern lights viewing while soaking in the warm pool under dark skies, and the small geyser eruptions stand out at night. December through January: shortest days but darkest skies for aurora. June through August: extended hours with midnight sun, but this is also peak tourist season, so book ahead. April through May and September: shoulder season with moderate crowds and pleasant temperatures. The Secret Lagoon is consistently less crowded than the Blue Lagoon in all seasons.
Pricing
Adult admission is approximately 3,000 ISK (~$22 USD), among the lowest prices for a commercial hot spring in Iceland. Children aged 14 and under enter free. Towel rental is available for a small additional fee. Online pre-booking is recommended during summer but walk-ins are often possible in shoulder seasons.
Planning help
Secret Lagoon FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.