Secret Lagoon Admission Tickets Flúðir

The Secret Lagoon and the village of Flúðir

The Secret Lagoon, or Gamla Laugin, was built in 1891 and used for swimming lessons before it fell out of use and was restored. It sits in Flúðir, a small farming village in the Hrunamannahreppur area of south Iceland, surrounded by steaming ground and green fields. Its unpolished, natural look is what most visitors like best.

If you are looking for Secret Lagoon tickets or wondering how to get to the Secret Lagoon, Flúðir is about an hour and twenty minutes by road from Reykjavik and close to Golden Circle sights such as Gullfoss and Geysir, so it fits neatly into a day trip from Reykjavik. Transport is not included, so plan a car, a tour or a bus connection.

The lagoon: warm spring water and a small geyser

A natural hot spring feeds the pool with fresh water that flows in constantly, so the water stays clean and warm at about thirty-eight to forty degrees. The bottom is a mix of stone and sand, and the pool is large enough to swim a few strokes or simply float and look at the sky.

Beside the pool, a small geyser known as Litli Geysir erupts every few minutes, and the hot springs around the pool steam gently. Note that the springs surrounding the pool are not for bathing, because they are very hot and dangerous. In winter the dark sky over the lagoon can bring a glimpse of the northern lights, and in summer the evenings stay light late.

Facilities and bathing etiquette

The site has modern changing rooms, showers, lockers and resting areas. Icelandic bathing rules apply, which means showering without your swimsuit before you enter the water. This keeps the pool clean, so it is worth following even if it feels unfamiliar.

Bring a swimsuit and a towel, as hire of both is not included in the ticket. Children must be accompanied by an adult and jumping or running is not permitted. Drink water during your stay, since hot water and heat can leave you feeling light-headed, and take breaks on the edge of the pool whenever you feel warm.

Planning your visit: the best time and how long to stay

The best time to visit the Secret Lagoon is in the evening or on a winter night, when the atmosphere is calm and there is a chance of the northern lights, though it is pleasant all year. Is the Secret Lagoon worth visiting? For travellers who want a less crowded, more traditional hot spring than the big spas, yes.

Allow about one and a half to two hours in the water and changing areas, plus the drive. Combine it with Gullfoss, Geysir and other Golden Circle stops for a full day. Opening hours change by season, so check the time slots shown when you book.