Visit Secret Lagoon in Iceland – Iceland’s Oldest Thermal Pool

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Are you curious about visiting Iceland and looking for cozy local thermal lagoon experience? While the luxurious Blue Lagoon and now even the newly opened Sky Lagoon, may be the most popular on social media. But, there are a few alternatives in Iceland that are more affordable and traditional.

The Secret Lagoon is Iceland’s oldest thermal lagoons. It is rustic, simple, affordable, and is perfect for a soak. Whether you are needing to warm up during your campervan road trip in winter or soak your muscles after a summer hike, the Secret Lagoon is the perfect alternative to big spa resorts.

We visited mid-winter January 2016, as part of a 5-day road trip. The Secret Lagoon was a highlight. We enjoyed just relaxing and enjoying a simple no-fuss lagoon experience in a smaller local village outside the city.

This guide covers everything you need to know to about visiting the Secret Lagoon in Iceland including my honest review and what to expect.

When most people think of Iceland, they think of the iconic Blue Lagoon, that perfectly Instagrammable location that signifies everything Iceland. Or does it? Iceland is a wild and raw country with other more local natural lagoons surrounded by nature.

The Blue Lagoon is commercialized and expensive. If you are looking for a more rustic and local experience, don’t miss the The Secret Lagoon. The Secret Lagoon is just what the title hints at secret and intimate. With a limit on the number of people allowed in and tucked away in a small Icelandic town, this place became our favorite, with two visits during our Iceland Road Trip.

This post was originally published shortly after we visited Iceland January 2016. It has been completely updated with recent information.

About Iceland’ Secret Lagoon

Iceland is a geologically active country, and there are no shortage of hot springs and thermal pools. While some of them are in remote areas accessible only with a hike during summer, others are commercialized and expensive.

Secret Lagoon is located in Flúðir, Iceland. The pool is 100% supplied by local natural hot springs. Sourced from the active geyser, Litli, the pool is always warm and cozy year, round! We had no issues staying warm even in the coldest part of winter!

With constant water flow, it is always clean! The water stays around 40°C no matter how cold and snowy it gets outside.

The History of Iceland’s Secret Lagoon

The Secret Lagoon is Iceland’s oldest thermal pool, established in 1891. It is locally known as Gamla Laugin and has been an integral part of Icelandic culture and tradition.

Historically it was a place for community and was used for bathing, washing clothing, and even official government use. In the 1940s the site was all but abandoned and crumbled into disarray.

In a revitalization effort, the community came together again to lovingly restore the Secret Lagoon, with an effort to provide modern convenience, but maintaining its traditional value and use. It wasn’t until the 2000s that it fully reopened.

Important Information

The Secret Lagoon is open year round. With capacity limits on how many people can visit it is best to prebook your slot online, especially if you are visiting during peak season, hours evening and weekends.

Tickets and Cost of Iceland’s Secret Lagoon

• Adult tickets are 4,500 Icelandic Króna (2026 prices)
• Towels are an additional 1,200 Króna.
• Pre-book your visit, here.

The cost has gone up significantly since I visited early 2016, but its basic price is still nearly half of what a basic entry to Blue Lagoon costs!

Opening Hours of The Secret Lagoon

• Winter Hours: 10 am – 7 pm
• Summer Hours: 10 am – 8 pm.

Expect to spend about two hours here!

What to Expect at the Secret Lagoon

When we visited in January 2016, it was a relatively quiet experience. But, with Iceland’s tourism boom, it is a more popular option. We had just finished up day 2 of our 5-day campervan winter itinerary. After seeing the Golden Circle highlights in the snow and cold we were so ready for a hot soak.

When we entered, we checked in at the counter. We purchased tickets (I do not recommend trying to buy on site in 2026 book ahead), a towel, and we each got a wine or beer.

There are two separate locker rooms for men and women and the facilities are quite nice. You can safely store any valuables or clothing in the lockers, but leave your shoes outside the room.

Per Icelandic cultural norms, you’re expected to shower upon arrival. This isn’t a quick rinse off, when they say shower, they mean shower. Take off ALL your clothing and soap up, scrub up, and then put your bathing suit on.

Handy signs in the shower room remind you that fecal matter and sweat are on your body, so they really want you to get into every nook and cranny.

It’s okay, don’t be shy, when in Rome, right?

In the winter, the walk to the lagoon is cold and icy, so be careful, but once you enter the warm waters, you’re in heaven. The warmest spot of the lagoon is against the right-hand wall, where the geothermal water enters.

A spooky mist covers the lagoon, with a nearby geyser erupting every few minutes and the abandoned old bathhouse crumbling in the distance. My boyfriend (now husband :)) and I enjoyed beer and stayed soaking for two hours

An Alternative To Blue Lagoon?

If you are looking for an alternative to the Blue Lagoon or a place away from the commercial experience, look no further than the Secret Lagoon.

As beautiful and Instagrammable as Blue Lagoon and Sky Lagoon are, they are expensive luxury experiences. You are paying a premium to get modern and high-end amenities and service. At these luxury sites you can expect a fancy high-end spa.

Secret Lagoon, can’t compare to these high-end spas. It is however, a more affordable and casual dip. I think this is a great alternative for those looking for a slightly more traditional and authentic experience.

The Blue and Sky Lagoon offer very different experiences from the Secret Lagoon, so it is not fair to directly compare them. But the Secret Lagoon is a great alternative for those on a campervan tour of Iceland!

Is Secret Lagoon Worth It?

We loved Secret Lagoon, so much we visited twice. While we never made it to Blue Lagoon, Secret Lagoon was a recommendation from our local campervan rental company Kuku Campers. We were so happy to have this local insider information.

My favorite thing about Secret Lagoon was the casual and local feel. If you aren’t fussed with the fancy spa experience of the big city lagoons, then I highly recommend a dip with the locals!

Looking For Tours That Visit?

If you don’t want the hassle of renting your own car, or planning an independent road trip, especially in winter, then book a local tour! Secret Lagoon is located in Iceland’s Golden Circle. Many of these tours take you to see the highlights of the Golden Circle and coordinate tickets to dip in the Secret Lagoon as part of their tour!

Comment and Share Iceland Secret Lagoon

Visiting Iceland’s Secret Lagoon is a unique local experience that offers an alternative to the expensive luxury experience at Blue Lagoon.

Take a quiet dip to warm up during a campervan road trip, or visit after a long day of hiking in the summer. Secret Lagoon is Iceland’s oldest thermal bath and offers a local experience.

Planning a trip to Iceland in winter? I’ve got you covered!

• Iceland 5-Day Winter Campervan Roadtrip Itinerary
• Driving Golden Circle in Winter
• Renting and Driving a car/camper in Iceland in Winter
• Kuku Camper Campervan Rental Review
• 24-Hours in Reykjavik in Winter