Secret Lagoon
Gamla Laugin
Secret Lagoon
sulfur · South
Hotter than 10% of Iceland springs (n=20).
More acidic than 5% of Iceland springs (n=20).
Mineral profile
Bar width reflects listing order, not measured concentration.
Suitability
At a glance
Getting there
Easy — under 1km from a station
Cost
Low
About this spring
This historic open-air pool utilizes a continuously flowing natural hot spring that feeds a stone-lined basin. A small active geyser erupts nearby every few minutes, casting thin plumes of steam across the pastoral landscape. The water remains perfectly warm year-round and maintains an authentic, old-world Icelandic atmosphere.
Highlights
History
Constructed originally in 1891, this is officially the oldest outdoor swimming pool still operational in all of Iceland.
It hosted the region's mandatory swimming lessons for decades before falling into disrepair and being largely forgotten for a generation. A local family eventually revitalized the site in 2014, preserving its natural mossy edges while updating the changing rooms for modern visitors.
Local guide
Stepping onto the grounds of this historic destination feels like traveling back to nineteenth-century Iceland. Grassy, moss-covered banks surround the singular rectangular pool. A historic stone-lined path leads your eyes toward a miniature geyser that bubbles and spurts nearby. The simplicity of the layout honors the timeless tradition of communal country bathing.
The soaking experience is wonderfully warm and consistent. The water flows constantly from neighboring hot springs, ensuring the pool stays clean and naturally regulated without harsh chemicals. You can float lazily on your back while watching clouds of steam drift over the pastoral landscape. The soothing warmth melts away the chill of the Icelandic wind instantly.
You should bring your own towel and swimwear to save on rental fees, though both are available at the front desk. A pair of secure slip-on sandals is useful for walking along the outdoor boardwalks that connect the changing rooms to the water.
Visiting during the midday slot on weekdays is ideal if you want to enjoy a peaceful, meditative soak. It sits perfectly along the Golden Circle route, making it an excellent afternoon stop after exploring Gullfoss and Geysir. The basic indoor bistro serves simple sandwiches, coffee, and local beers to enjoy after your bath.
Mineral chemistry
Sulfuric hot springs are among the most studied in balneology worldwide. The sulfur compounds, primarily hydrogen sulfide and thiosulfate, have documented antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Regular bathing is associated with relief from chronic skin conditions including eczema and psoriasis, as well as joint inflammation and muscle soreness. Sulfuric waters have been used therapeutically across Asia and Europe for centuries.
The distinctive rotten-egg smell dissipates quickly after leaving the bath. Avoid if you have a sulfur allergy, very sensitive skin, or respiratory conditions. Remove silver jewellery before entering — sulfur will blacken it permanently.
Simple thermal springs have lower dissolved mineral content but are valued for the pure therapeutic effect of heat immersion itself — easing muscle tension and improving circulation. Considered the gentlest introduction to hot spring bathing.
Standard precautions apply: avoid bathing within 30 minutes of eating, keep soaks to 10–15 minutes for first-timers, and hydrate before and after.
Similar springs
This world-famous geothermal spa features striking milky-blue waters rich in silica and sulfur. The massive lagoon is surrounded by a dramatic, pitch-black mossy lava field on the Reykjanes Peninsula. Modern architectural facilities seamlessly blend luxury wellness with the raw volcanic environment.
This beautiful alkaline bathing complex overlooks the volcanic terrain and craters of the Lake Mývatn region. The steaming blue pools are supplied with mineral-rich water drawn from depths of up to 2500 meters. Visitors can enjoy sweeping panoramic vistas of the surrounding geothermal landscapes while they soak.
This luxury oceanfront geothermal spa features a dramatic seventy-meter infinity edge overlooking the cold waters of the Atlantic Ocean. The architectural design incorporates traditional Icelandic turf walls to replicate the aesthetic of historical coastal homesteads. A multi-step wellness ritual takes guests through steam rooms and cold plunges cut into artificial volcanic rock walls.
This sleek, architectural spa features multiple geometric black marble hot tubs fed by Europe's most powerful hot spring. The boiling geothermal water is cooled to safe bathing temperatures by mixing it with pure, glacial water sourced from the nearby Ok mountain. Two wood-fired steam baths and a relaxation room centered around an open wood fireplace complete the minimalist sanctuary.
Amenities
Getting there
Take Route 1 south from Reykjavík, exit onto Route 30 toward Flúðir, and follow the road directly into the village where signs point to the lagoon.
Location & nearby
Hvammsvegur, 845 Flúðir
More springs in South
This lakeside wellness facility features multiple outdoor mineral pools, steam rooms, and shallow wading zones built directly over bubbling geothermal vents. The stone-lined pools vary in temperature and border the dark sand shoreline of Lake Laugarvatn. A highlight of the property is the outdoor bakery where traditional Icelandic rye bread is buried and baked directly in the hot geothermal sand.
This charming, small geothermal pool sits nestled into a grassy hillside on a private historic farmstead. The pool walls are crafted from rough, moss-covered stone boulders that blend seamlessly into the surrounding green valley pasture. A tiny turf-roofed stone hut stands at the water's edge to serve as a rustic, historical changing shelter.
FREEThis spectacular geothermal river winds through a lush green volcanic valley filled with bubbling mud pools and steaming vents. Wooden boardwalks track along the sections of the river where the temperature is ideal for open-air bathing. The water temperature changes dynamically based on how far upstream or downstream you choose to settle.
Common questions
What is the water temperature at Secret Lagoon?▾
The water temperature at Secret Lagoon ranges up to 40°C (minimum around 38°C).
Is Secret Lagoon free to visit?▾
Secret Lagoon charges an entrance fee in ISK.
Is Secret Lagoon a public or private bath?▾
Secret Lagoon is a public bathing spring.
Are tattoos allowed at Secret Lagoon?▾
Yes, Secret Lagoon welcomes visitors with tattoos.