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
Quick Answer
Secret Lagoon (Gamla Laugin) in Flúðir dates to 1891, Iceland's oldest swimming pool site. 38-40°C water, steaming vents, and a small geyser near the Golden Circle.
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 page update
Updated: 2026-09-10
Book ahead in peak season. Bring your own towel or rent one on site.
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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
Admission and Child Tickets
Ages 15+ cost 4,500 ISK; children 14 and under cost 260 ISK. Maximum three children per parent, checked September 10, 2026.
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 for ages 15 and over is listed at 4,500 ISK, checked September 10, 2026. Children aged 14 and under cost 260 ISK (checked September 10, 2026). 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.
The operator’s current schedule and price list gives daily hours of 10:00–20:00 for June–September and 10:00–19:00 for October–May, with holiday exceptions. For a family visit, budget the child tickets and check the maximum of three children per parent. Towels are a separate rental, so bring your own or include that cost when comparing baths.
Planning help
Secret Lagoon FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.
Do I need to book in advance?
Booking online is recommended, especially in summer. Walk-ins may be possible but availability is not guaranteed.
How much does the Secret Lagoon cost?
The operator lists 4,500 ISK for ages 15 and over and 260 ISK for children 14 and under, with a maximum of three children per parent. Towel and swimsuit rental each cost 1,200 ISK. These prices were checked September 10, 2026.
Can I combine it with the Golden Circle?
Yes, Flúðir is close to the Golden Circle route. Many visitors add the Secret Lagoon as a relaxing stop after Geysir and Gullfoss.
Is it a natural pool or man-made?
The pool is a natural hot spring that has been lightly improved for bathing. The water flows naturally from the geothermal source.
Country reference: Iceland statistics.