Globetrotters looking to take off their hiking boots and get lost in the gentle ripples of a natural hot spring need to visit the Secret Lagoon. Iceland has several lagoons, but the Secret Lagoon hot spring has a mystical quality about it. With the waters hovering around 40 degrees Celsius throughout all four seasons, you can enjoy the hidden lagoon Iceland has been keeping to itself, no matter when you arrive.
Read on to unravel the mysteries behind the Secret Lagoon in Fludir Iceland.
What is the Secret Lagoon?
Amidst the scenic beauty of Iceland’s peculiar landscape and wondrous geysers lies “Gamla Laugin,” which translates to, “The Old Pool,“ in English. The Fludir Secret Lagoon is nestled in a small village located in the Hrunamannahreppur municipality.
Although it’s within the country’s main tourist route, the Golden Circle, it wasn’t until the turn of the century that a Secret Lagoon Iceland tour became a worthwhile endeavor. Iceland is home to many hot springs, and you may be tempted to compare the Secret Lagoon vs Blue Lagoon Iceland. However, each contains its own unique charm and shouldn’t be missed.
You don’t have to search very hard for secret hot springs — Iceland is filled with them. The Secret Lagoon is extra special because while you’re soaking in the bath, you can enjoy a show of geysers erupting every few minutes. If you’re lucky, you can lay back and see the Northern Lights cascade across the night sky.
Where is the Secret Lagoon Located?
If you’re staying in Reykjavík, prepare for a long ride, as the Secret Lagoon in Fludir is nearly 100 kilometers away. However, if you’re already on the Golden Circle circuit, you only need to make a 47-kilometer detour from Selfoss to dip your toes in the warm waters of the Secret Lagoon.
If you’re exploring Iceland’s marvels on your own in a camper van, you can expect an hour and a half drive from the capital. Otherwise, you can find a tour or bus that will get you to your destination.
Secret Lagoon vs Blue Lagoon Iceland
The Secret Lagoon and Blue Lagoon are both located in active geothermal areas — this is how they stay toasty throughout the year — but each offers a different view of the country from their inviting waters. If you have time to spare, you should visit both. But, if you have to pick just one, here are some things you should keep in mind.
The Blue Lagoon is known for its eponymous blue hue, which is offset by the vast lava fields surrounding the pool. This lagoon is also more well-known. Because of the added tourist traffic, the Blue Lagoon has more amenities, which has led to a higher entry ticket cost.
While the Blue Lagoon is closer to Reykjavík, there are numerous benefits to choosing the Secret Lagoon. The Secret Lagoon’s pools are surrounded by lush, green vegetation and have beautiful, clear waters. One of the main reasons to choose the Secret Lagoon is the low cost. The admission ticket is half the price compared to the Blue Lagoon. As an additional bonus, you may be able to see the Aurora Borealis because it’s less populated and has less light pollution.
History of the Secret Lagoon
Back in 1891, Iceland’s first swimming pool was created in a little village named Fludir, situated near Geysir (the oldest known geyser) and the Gullfoss waterfall. Nearly two decades later, they began teaching swimming lessons there. Four decades later, it was still one of the only places where many natives of Iceland could learn how to swim.
In 1947, Iceland opened up several other concrete pools, leaving the magical little lagoon behind. It wasn’t until half a century later that the current owner chose to update the facilities. However, he didn’t have the public in mind when making the renovations. From 2005 to 2014, the Secret Lagoon was used as a personal pool for the owner and his friends. That’s how it picked up the name Secret Lagoon.
When it was eventually opened up to the public, the owner didn’t invest in a lot of marketing, but that didn’t stop the Secret Lagoon from becoming a sought-after tourist destination.
What to Know Before You Go
Before you embark on your journey, here are some tips to keep in mind for your visit.
- Showering in the nude is compulsory before entering the hot spring.
- As with any hot tub, you should be well-hydrated, as the heat can quickly sap your energy.
- The pool is only about waist-to-chest height.
- You can visit the Secret Lagoon year-round, however, the hours of operation will vary slightly, depending on the season.
- Summer season (May-September): The pool is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Winter season (October-April): The pool is open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- If you want to visit the pool without a large crowd, it’s best to avoid visiting during the summer on weekend afternoons.
- The pool has an admission fee, with adult tickets starting at $22 (3000 ISK). You can also rent a towel or a swimsuit for approximately $5 (700 ISK).
Visit the Secret Lagoon on Your Own Terms
If you want to fully immerse yourself in the land and the Secret Lagoon, Iceland is best explored with an Iceland camper van. Thankfully, you can rely on Rent.is to provide you with a top-of-the-line camper to get you out into the wild, where you can set your own agenda. If you want to see the mysterious lagoons, ancient geysers, and majestic volcanoes of Iceland, contact Rent.is today!
