Quick FactsOverview
About the Secret Lagoon
Secret Lagoon, Iceland is a geothermally fed outdoor pool in the Hverahólmi geothermal area near the village of Flúðir in south Iceland, known locally as Gamla Laugin, meaning the Old Pool. Built in 1891, it is recognised as the oldest swimming pool in Iceland, and its water supply comes entirely from three named natural hot springs on the site: Vaðmálahver, Básahver, and Litli Geysir. Litli Geysir erupts approximately every few minutes, supplying fresh geothermal water and providing a continuous natural display visible from the wooden walkway that encircles the pool and surrounding geothermal area. Water temperature holds at 38 to 40 degrees Celsius year-round and is completely refreshed within 24 hours.
The pool has a long and layered history. In the early years after 1891, it served practical community purposes: the nearby hot spring Vaðmálahver was used for washing wool and linen, the pool itself for bathing, and the surrounding area hosted the legislative body of the Flúðir community until 1894. From 1909 to 1947, the pool was the site of Iceland's first formal swimming lessons, with lessons beginning in 1909 for men and by 1911 also for women. When a new public pool opened in Flúðir in 1947, the old pool fell into disuse for decades. It was rediscovered by its current owner around 2005 and used privately before being restored and opened to the public on 7 June 2014 under the name Secret Lagoon.
The Secret Lagoon sits on the Golden Circle route in south Iceland, approximately 97 kilometres from Reykjavík and 25 kilometres south of the Geysir geothermal area. For visitors making a day trip on the Golden Circle and looking for hot springs near Selfoss and the Flúðir area, the Secret Lagoon is the most direct and historically significant geothermal pool on this route, and a natural complement to visits to Þingvellir, Gullfoss, and Geysir.
Location & Access
Getting to the Secret Lagoon
The Secret Lagoon is at Hvammsvegur, 845 Flúðir, south Iceland, approximately 97 kilometres from Reykjavík via Route 1 south and then Route 30 toward Flúðir. The drive from Reykjavík takes approximately 90 minutes. The turnoff from Route 30 is just past the bridge over the Litla-Laxá river onto Hvammsvegur, a road that is clearly signposted. Parking is available on private grounds at the pool for guests during opening hours. Overnight parking and camping on site are not permitted; the nearest campsite is in Flúðir village, approximately 1.5 kilometres away.
The Secret Lagoon is included on many Golden Circle day tours departing from Reykjavík, making it one of the more accessible stops on the Golden Circle without a rental car. By bus, the Strætó line 72 or 73 serves Flúðir, though service is limited and schedules should be confirmed before travel. The pool is open year-round: winter hours (October to May) are 10:00 to 19:00, summer hours (June to September) are 10:00 to 20:00. Advance booking is strongly recommended and is required to guarantee entry, as the pool has limited daily capacity. During peak season the pool fills to capacity and walk-in entry may not be available.
The pool is on private property. Entry outside of opening hours is strictly prohibited and reported to police. The site sits within the broader Hverahólmi geothermal area, which includes active steaming vents, bubbling hot springs, and Litli Geysir alongside the pool. A wooden walkway encircles the area, allowing visitors to view the geothermal activity at close range. The adjacent guesthouse Garður Stay Inn is within a one-minute walk of the pool and is the closest accommodation to the site. For those combining a Golden Circle drive with a geothermal soak, the Secret Lagoon is positioned at approximately the halfway point of the standard Golden Circle loop.
Suitability & Accessibility
Who Can Visit the Secret Lagoon
The Secret Lagoon suits most visitors looking for an authentic Icelandic outdoor geothermal pool experience in a natural, relatively low-key setting. It is family friendly, with no minimum age restriction, and children aged 14 and under pay a nominal fee of 200 ISK rather than the standard adult admission. Adults should be aware that children 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult at all times, and one adult may accompany a maximum of three children.
Wheelchair access to the pool itself is not available. The pool does have a special changing room for guests with disabilities, but there is no accessible ramp or entry point into the lagoon water. Visitors who require wheelchair access into geothermal water should visit the Blue Lagoon or Vesturbæjarlaug instead. The approach to the pool from the car park and the wooden walkway are at ground level, but the pool entry uses ladders and steps, and the surrounding geothermal area involves uneven surfaces.
The pool is outdoors and unroofed. In all weather, the geothermal warmth of the 38 to 40 degree water creates a cloud of steam around the pool, which is particularly striking in cold or overcast conditions and in winter. For family hot springs near Selfoss and the Golden Circle area, the Secret Lagoon provides a genuinely natural geothermal experience in an open landscape, with a small café serving drinks, snacks, and sandwiches on site. Towel and swimsuit rental is available at reception for an additional fee, so visitors without their own equipment can still participate. Soap and hair dryers are provided in the changing rooms.
Safety & Etiquette
Safety and Etiquette at the Secret Lagoon
The Secret Lagoon is generally safe as a staffed, commercially managed site on private property in south Iceland. Staff are present throughout opening hours and the pool is actively maintained. The water at 38 to 40 degrees Celsius is within the standard comfortable soaking range for most healthy adults. Visitors are shown a brief safety and orientation video on arrival. The floor and walkway surfaces can become slippery when wet, and care should be taken when moving around the poolside area.
Staying hydrated is important when soaking in warm geothermal water. The Secret Lagoon advises visitors to drink water before, during, and after their visit, and eating before entering the lagoon is recommended, particularly for evening visits. Low blood sugar and dehydration in hot water can cause dizziness and faintness. Drinks and snacks are available at the on-site café. Alcohol should be consumed in moderation, and the combination of alcohol and prolonged warm water immersion increases the risk of feeling unwell.
A mandatory naked shower before entering the pool is required, in line with Icelandic pool etiquette observed at all public and commercial pools in Iceland. This is strictly enforced and visitors who do not comply will not be permitted to enter the lagoon. Swimwear is required in the pool at all times. Jumping and running are strictly prohibited. Silver jewellery can be affected by the sulfur content of geothermal water and should be removed before entering.
The pool is on private property and entry outside of opening hours is taken seriously; all instances are reported to the police. The geothermal features surrounding the pool, including Litli Geysir and the steaming hot spring vents, are natural and active. Visitors should stay on the wooden walkway paths when viewing the hot springs and should not touch, disturb, or throw objects into any of the hot spring vents. The water in the natural vents is far hotter than the bathing pool and direct contact with vent water or mud is dangerous.
