A trip to Iceland isn’t complete until you have experienced its geothermal pools or hot springs. If you are looking for the best Geothermal pool, check out Secret Lagoon in Iceland.
It’s a bit out of the way, but so very worth the drive to experience one of the most amazing natural hot springs in Iceland.
Fludir Secret Lagoon Iceland
Secret Lagoon is a natural hot spring area located in Fludir and just along the Golden Circle. It is the oldest thermal pool in Iceland, dating back to 1891.
When you arrive at Secret Lagoon, you will check in at the front desk and be given the option of purchasing a drink or snack or renting towels.
Towel rentals are great because many people who are traveling internationally fail to bring a towel with them and you will appreciate the towel when you get out of the warm water and are drying in the cool air.
You will then head into the Secret Lagoon locker room to shower & change.
Men go in one direction, ladies in the other.
Geothermal Pool Etiquette
Those not familiar with the etiquette of Geothermic Pools & Hot Springs should make sure that they understand the order of operations.
Choose a locker, remove the key, and attach it to your wrist.
Remove all of your clothing and store your items in the locker.
Notice that I did not mention putting on your swimsuit.
In Iceland, you are required to shower nude before putting on your swimsuit and entering the geothermal pool.
This is done to keep the pools as free of germs and grime as possible. Remember, these are natural waters with little to no chemicals.
The Secret Lagoon showers are open, meaning it is a common area where EVERYONE is naked in the communal shower. Soap & shampoo are provided.
Once your shower is done, you will then put your swimsuit on and head out to the pool area.
When you walk out of the locker room, you will quickly get a sense of why Secret Lagoon is one of the best Geothermal pools in Iceland.
The pool is not ridiculously large, but it is expansive enough that you can easily enter and exit without tripping over people.
Secret Lagoon provides pool noodles for you to use at no charge. Simply grab a few and take them as you enter the water.
This will help you relax and float in the warm water.
For the most part, you will be able to touch the bottom. You will find the bottom covered in smooth stones.
The stones are warm of course, but will not burn or make your feet uncomfortable.
The temperature of the water will vary depending on your location. Simply swim around until you find the right spot for you.
If you are traveling with children, please advise them that this is not a typical pool atmosphere. Geothermal pools in Iceland are for relaxing, not horseplay.
Enjoy the Natural Surroundings
What sets Fludir’s Secret Lagoon Hot Spring apart from others in Iceland is the scenery.
This pool is surrounded by beautiful mossy ground and you can look off into the distance and see nothing but the natural beauty of the landscape.
One unique feature that Secret Lagoon has is that there is a trail around the entire perimeter of the pool where you can view natural hot springs and see a small geyser that actually erupts
Secret Lagoon Tickets:
Hours:
Winter Season: from October 1st to April 30th open 11:00 am – 20:00 pm
Summer Season: from May 1st to September 30th open 10:00 am – 22:00 pm
Location of the Secret Lagoon
Secret Lagoon is located along the Golden Circle in Iceland at Hvammsvegur, 845 Flúðir. It is easily reached by car, although some tours of Iceland do stop here.
You can take a Golden Circle and Secret Lagoon Day Trip from Reykjavik.
What to Bring with You to Secret Lagoon
Tickets
You really should book your time at Secret Lagoon in advance. The last thing you would want to do is get here and realize that you cannot enter because they are full for the day! Wouldn’t that be a mess?
Swim Suit
You will need to wear a swimsuit in the Secret Lagoon Thermal Pool. While you can rent a swimsuit, understand that they do not have a suit for every size.
Waterproof Phone Case
You are going to want to take some photos while you are in the thermal pools in Iceland and this water can really damage your phone.
Remember, not only is the water heated which creates steam, but it also has minerals that can wreak havoc on a cell phone.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This is at no cost to you.
You will want to have a waterproof phone case that will keep the moisture out!
Bottle of Water
The heated water of the geothermal pool will cause you to be dehydrated.
You will want to make sure that you drink water prior to entering the pool and when you take breaks from swimming.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This is at no cost to you.
While you can purchase water at Secret Lagoon, bringing your own is simple enough.
Hair Ties or Swim Cap
Both the heat from the Geothermal pool and the minerals can cause hair to dry out.
- Inner micro grid texture provides more comfort and stretchy silicone won’t snag or pull hair
- Contoured shape reduces drag for outstanding hydrodynamic performance
- Soft, durable silicone for long lasting wear
- Interior textured surface keeps cap in place
- Snug fit for optimum performance
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This is at no cost to you.
If you already have brittle hair, you may want to wear your hair up or put on a swim cap to avoid further damage.
Have you experienced any of the Geothermal Pools Iceland has to offer? What was your experience?
Zara
Saturday 10th of November 2018
Showering nude! I'm European and still find that awkward...saying that I'm British, so very prudish haha! I'm visiting Iceland with a friend I don't know all that well, so this might be an awkward moment!!
Dianne
Tuesday 27th of February 2018
Just returned from Iceland a few weeks back. It was a awesome trip. Tried to get to the blue lagoon but could not get in till 6pm. Hotel suggested secret lagoon and it was perfect. Not crowded and very relaxing. Price was great at $28 a person and suit and towel rental $5 each. Just watch where you place your towel. My nice dry one disappeared. I suggest not hanging it over the fence. Well worth the visit. Yes the showering was awkward but something you have to get over. 7 of us, age 16 - 60. Would be awesome at night with the northern lights.
Kristi
Monday 5th of March 2018
Yes, I agree. Seeing the Northern lights from there would be an amazing experience!
Taryn
Saturday 4th of November 2017
I visited the secret lagoon last January and loved it! I've been to both the Blue Lagoon and the Myvatn Nature Baths and the Secret Lagoon was by far my favourite. The setting is great - the little geysir just makes it so awesome! We went in January in the afternoon so sunset was really early - it's really pretty in the dark as well as they have some lights around the pool. Great post!
Amy Poulton - Page Traveller
Saturday 4th of November 2017
Is it called the Secret Lagoon?! From the photos it doesn't look too secret! However, I have heard the same - the Blue Lagoon is super-crowded, so this seems like a great alternative. Thanks for the tip!
Mellissa Williams
Saturday 12th of August 2017
I've been to the Blue Lagoon which I thought was lovely and as we are going back to Iceland in two weeks, I've been thinking of going here so thanks for the post! How much was the towel hire? We are thinking of going to see the bread being made in the volcanic earth
Kristi
Saturday 12th of August 2017
I believe it was 500 ISK (4£)