The Magic of Secret Lagoon: Iceland’s Hidden Gem
You’ve maybe seen the iconic Blue Lagoon photos when searching for Iceland with blue water and luxury spa vibes. Iceland is full of those photogenic geothermal spots that went viral everywhere in the Internet. So naturally, soaking in a hot spring was definitely the experience I was most excited about.
As luck would have it, our visit to the Secret Lagoon came right after the energetic rafting activity. I was cold, a little tired, and completely ready to relax. What happened next turned out to be one of the most quietly magical moments of our whole trip!
In This Post, You’ll Discover:
♨️ What makes the Secret Lagoon so special?
🧖♀️ What to prepare for the best experience
💡A few simple tips to help you soak it all in, just like we did!
This Secret Lagoon exploration is part of the Timetravels Iceland trip, and honestly, one of the moments I’ll never forget. If you’re curious about this activity like I was, and wondering how the experience actually felt, this post is for you. 💙
Secret Lagoon Iceland: What Makes It So Special?
Secret Lagoon didn’t try to impress its visitors with design or luxury spa vibes, unlike some of Iceland’s more famous hot springs. The lagoon is entirely natural which is why it attracted me over the Blue Lagoon, which is heated by a nearby geothermal power plant. I was totally drawn by the atmostphere with the steam rising from the earth and mossy stones.
The History
Located in the quiet village of Flúðir, the geothermal Secret Lagoon (if you’re curious, in Icelandic: Gamla Laugin) is Iceland’s oldest geothermal pool. It is surrounded by tiny geysers and lava rocks blanketed in moss.
Built in 1891, it’s still fed by bubbling hot springs that keep the water at a steady 38–40°C year-round. The rich natural resources of warm water coming from Vaðmálahver, Básahver, or Litli Geysir (which erupts every few minutes for a show).
Curious about it? There’s a walking path built so visitors can explore the spouting hot springs!
Fun fact: As the water flows in continuously, it only takes 24 hours for the new water to refresh itself. Therefore, no matter the season, the water is warm, clean and mineral-rich in sulfur!
Secret Lagoon Iceland: What to bring?
Wondering what to pack for Secret Lagoon Iceland? Everyone’s different, but these are the essentials I’d recommend for making the most of this luxurious experience.
1. 🩱 Swimsuit
It’s the one thing you absolutely can’t skip. You’ll shower before and after the soak, but the main event calls for your favorite, most comfortable swimwear. You could also rent swimsuit on the spot with extra fee.
2. 🧖 Quick-Dry Towel
While towels are available for rent, bringing your own means you can wrap up in something soft and familiar as soon as you step out of the water.
3. 💧 Water Bottle
The heat can be dehydrating, and you’ll thank yourself later for having a sip between dips.
4. 🎀 Hair Tie/Clip[ or Swim Cap
If you have long hair, this will save you from tangles and minimize mineral buildup.
5. 🩴Flip-Flops (optional)
Perfect for walking between the locker room and the pool without freezing your toes on chilly days. Some of us prefer to go with barefoot but bring them if it’s convenient to you.
6. 🧴 Travel-Size Toiletries
Pack shampoo and conditioner to rinse away minerals afterward. Your hair will appreciate you for the extra care.
8. 📱 Waterproof Phone Bag
If you plan to snap photos near the lagoon, this will keep your device safe from steam and splashes.
9. ✨ Moisturizer
The combination of heat, steam, and Iceland’s dry air can leave skin thirsty. Apply some after your final shower to lock in moisture.
Secret Lagoon Iceland: The Pre-Swim Ritual
As the video guide played the history of the pool was explained along with safety rules and hygiene guidelines all to keep the place clean and respectful.
It was a quick but useful introduction before heading out into the cold air.
Icelanders are very serious when it comes to keeping their public pools clean. They don’t joke around. The first thing to expect is, shoes are not allowed in the changing rooms. Okay, this is easy.
Next, the thing that might catch you off guard is the shower culture. In true Icelandic fashion, everyone is expected to shower completely naked before entering the pool.
And yes, not behind curtains or in private stalls. If that sounds intimidating, you’re definitely not the only one! But here’s the thing: no one really cares. Everyone’s too busy with their own scrubbing and moving along. Once you get past those first few seconds of hesitation, it actually feels liberating!
Extra Tips Before Your Secret Lagoon Soak
Eat some light meal beforehand
Spending time in hot water on an empty stomach can cause dizziness. Outside food is not allowed, so eat before arriving. The on-site cafe offers snacks and drinks.
Remember To Hydrate
The warm geothermal waters can be wonderfully relaxing, but the heat and minerals in the water also make you sweat more than you think. Keep a water bottle in your backpack and drink regularly.
Tie Up Loose Hair
Before soaking, it’s wise to gently brush or comb your hair to remove any tangled or knots. Especially if you have long hair, braiding it or tie it as a bun will keep it off from tangling in the mineral-rich water. Also, these specific styles will help minimize friction between hair strands and protect them from potential damage from mineral buildup.
Take Off Your Jewelry
If you have earrings or necklaces made of silver of certain metals, it’s better to leave them in the locker as they can tarnish in geothermal weather. Also, lost items are hard to retrieve from lagoon’s gravel bottom.
Secret Lagoon Iceland: The Soak
We grabbed our towels and headed through the warm changing room toward the outdoor path. The air hit us like a slap cold and crisp against our skin. Stepping outside to the lagoon area felt like a healing experience as we took a slow and deep breath.
The water greeted us with a perfect temperature, around 38–40°C and it instantly began to loosen every tight muscle I didn’t know I had. The pool itself was embraced by lava rocks and grassy terrain, with the little geyser burst off happily every few minutes. At the bottom, it was slightly uneven with stones and mineral rick silt. Therefore, it’s advised to move slowly as you find your perfect spot.
We paused for a moment on the warm water and enjoyed the sound of gentle burble of the nearby hot spring. That was the time a local showed us their favorite “spot” in the lagoon – sometimes near the burbling vent where the heat is the strongest!
Other tips for the Best Secret Lagoon Swim
Always First Test the Temperatures
The Lagoon’s warmth feels heavenly as it hugs you, but different area could have different heat levels.
Dip your toe first to gauge the warm, enter gradually starting with your feet. Spend a few moments for your body to get used to the temperature before fully immersing yourself.
Take Steam Breaks
In Finland, we have sauna and cold air/snow/ice bath. In Iceland, it’s often to see the locals going for soak-and-steam-break. Step out of the warm and embrace the cool breeze for the moment, then sink back into the geothermal warmth. The contrast not only boosts circulation and wakes up your senses, but it also makes the water feel twice as luxurious.
Capture the Moment Wisely
It’s hard to resist taking a few photos in such a wonderful place. Just be careful with your electronics, especially around the rising steam. I even took off my smartwatch to be safe. If you want pictures during the swim, I’d advice to use a waterproof case or capture them from outside the pool to keep them protected.
Ending
As we stepped out of the Secret Lagoon, the cool Icelandic wind embraced us. Instead of feeling cold, we felt lighter, as if the geothermal warmth had carried away every pound of tension. Swimming in the Secret Lagoon Iceland isn’t just a dip; it’s a lingering experience you’ll remember long after your trip. We hope you leave with what we did: a smile, a relaxed body and muscles, and an unforgettable post-soak memory from one of Iceland’s most magical places.
Remember, when visiting Iceland…
- You should never throw rocks, because of the chance you may accidentally hit one of the elves.
- Denying the existence of elves is believed to bring about a lifetime of extremely bad luck.
- If some mountains or scenery objects seem extremely unique—or like they couldn’t possibly be carved by nature itself – there’s a high chance that a troll had something to do with it.
Read more: Mythical Beings of Iceland