Secret Lagoon

About Secret Lagoon

The Secret Lagoon is a natural hot spring pool at Hverahólmi, just outside the village of Flúðir in South Iceland, about an hour and a half's drive from Reykjavík. Locals call it Gamla Laugin, the old pool, and the reason to come is a small geyser that erupts every few minutes a few steps from the bathers.

Built in 1891, it's the oldest swimming pool in Iceland, and the country's first swimming lessons were held here in 1909. Classes ran every year until 1947, after which the pool was left to the weeds for decades. It reopened on June 7, 2014, with a new building for changing and showers, while the old pool kept its natural edges.

Three hot springs feed the water: Vaðmálahver, Básahver and the little geyser, Litli Geysir. Together they keep the pool at 38 to 40°C all year, and the steaming ground and bubbling vents around the edge are a big part of the appeal. Compared with the large spa lagoons, the Secret Lagoon in Flúðir is plainer and older, which is exactly why many people prefer it.

It works best as an afternoon soak at the end of a Golden Circle day, since Gullfoss and Geysir are about half an hour away. Plan on one to two hours, and come on a clear winter evening if you want a shot at the northern lights from the water. The bistro sells snacks and drinks but no hot meals, so eat in Flúðir before or after.

The pool is open every day from 10:00 to 20:00 between June 1 and September 30, and from 10:00 to 19:00 from October to May, closing at 18:00 on December 24 and 31. Adults aged 15 and over pay 4,500 ISK, seniors aged 67 and over and disabled visitors pay 3,300 ISK with ID, and children aged 14 and under pay 260 ISK, up to three per adult. Towels and swimsuits rent for 1,200 ISK each, and booking ahead is strongly advised because walk-ins aren't guaranteed a spot.