The Secret Lagoon (Icelandic: Gamla Laugin, meaning “the old pool”) is Iceland’s oldest swimming pool, a natural geothermal bathing lagoon located at Hvammsvegur, 845 Flúðir, in the South Iceland region, approximately 115km east of Reykjavik. This 2026 travel guide covers opening hours, ticket prices, transport options, parking, facilities, and practical tips to help you plan your visit.
To skip the explanation, and just book your tickets, head this way.
Quick facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | Hvammsvegur, 845 Flúðir, Iceland |
| Winter hours (1 Oct – 31 May) | Daily 10:00–19:00 (18:00 on 24 and 31 December) |
| Summer hours (1 Jun – 30 Sep) | Daily 10:00–20:00 |
| Adult ticket (15+) | 4,500 ISK |
| Child ticket (14 and under) | 260 ISK (max 3 children per accompanying adult) |
| Senior / disability (67+) | 3,300 ISK (valid ID required) |
| Getting there | By car, organised tour (Golden Circle), or limited public bus via Selfoss |
| Parking | Free, on-site, during opening hours only |
| Typical visit duration | 1.5–2 hours |
Secret Lagoon opening hours
The Secret Lagoon is open every day of the year across two seasonal schedules. During the winter season (1 October to 31 May), it is open from 10:00 to 19:00. On 24 and 31 December, it closes at 18:00. During the summer season (1 June to 30 September), it is open from 10:00 to 20:00.
Visitors should also note that in winter the lagoon closes at 19:00, meaning it is not open late enough for Northern Lights viewing. The official FAQ explicitly confirms this: chances of seeing the Northern Lights are higher later at night, so visitors cannot view them from the lagoon during normal operating hours.
Opening hours were checked on the official website and last updated in February 2026.
Secret Lagoon ticket prices
| Visitor type | Price |
|---|---|
| Adult (15 and over) | 4,500 ISK |
| Child (14 and under) | 260 ISK |
| Senior (67 and over) or person with disability | 3,300 ISK |
| Swimsuit hire | 1,200 ISK |
| Towel hire | 1,200 ISK |
| Multi-pass (10 entries) | from 36,000 ISK (valid 1 year) |
The senior and disability rate is valid only on presentation of a current ID at reception.
A maximum of three children per accompanying adult applies. Children aged 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult to enter the lagoon. Children cannot enter unaccompanied.
Admission includes use of the shower facilities, lockers, and access to all three pools. Towel and swimsuit hire, and any food or drinks from the café, are paid separately. Tickets are single-use and valid only for the selected date and time slot.
Payment is accepted in cash (Icelandic krona, US dollars, or euros) and by card (Visa, Maestro, American Express, Apple Pay). Tickets can be purchased online in advance or paid at reception on arrival.
Ticket prices were checked on the official website and last updated in February 2026.
How to get to the Secret Lagoon
The Secret Lagoon does not operate its own transport. The four options are:
By car: The lagoon is approximately 115km from Reykjavik (around 1 hour 30 minutes via Route 35 through the interior) or approximately 130km via the Ring Road (Route 1) and Route 30 through Selfoss. It lies just outside the village of Flúðir in South Iceland. Google Maps plots the precise location (GPS: 64° 8.238’N, 20° 18.557’W).
By organised tour: The Secret Lagoon is a stop on many Golden Circle day tours departing from Reykjavik. Tour operators confirmed on the official site include Reykjavik Sightseeing, Gray Line Iceland, and BusTravel Iceland. This is the most practical option for visitors without a car.
By public bus: The bus service between Selfoss and Flúðir is extremely limited. Straeto operates routes 51 and 52 from Reykjavik to Selfoss, and routes 72 and 73 from Selfoss towards Flúðir. Timetables should be checked carefully in advance, as connections are infrequent and don’t always align with lagoon opening hours.
By taxi: Taxis serve the route but this is going to be horrendously expensive.
Parking at the Secret Lagoon
Free private parking is available for guests on site during opening hours. Overnight parking and camping are both prohibited on the property. The nearest campsite is Flúðir campground, 1.5km from the lagoon.
How long to spend at the Secret Lagoon
The average stay is 1.5 to 2 hours. Individual guests purchasing tickets online are not subject to a maximum time limit, though regular closing time forms a natural boundary. Groups of 10 or more are allocated a 1.5–2 hour slot as part of their reservation.
Facilities at the Secret Lagoon
The lagoon has three pools: the main geothermal bathing pool (Iceland’s oldest, maintained at 38–40°C year-round), a hot paddling pool for quieter soaking, and a cold plunge pool. A walking path runs around the outside of the pool area, allowing visitors to view the surrounding active hot springs — including Litli Geysir, which spouts every few minutes — and the larger geothermal features nearby, without entering them. The springs reach 100°C and are not for bathing.
Changing rooms are indoors with lockers and keys. Showers are segregated by gender and are communal (no private cubicles), in keeping with Icelandic bathing tradition. Soap and hair dryers are provided.
The café sells hot and soft drinks, alcoholic drinks, snacks, sandwiches, and cup noodles. Ice cream and hot dogs are available seasonally. The café does not serve hot cooked meals.
Swimsuits and towels are available to hire at reception (1,200 ISK each). Lockers require a key deposit, returned on exit.
Practical visitor tips
| Tip | Detail |
|---|---|
| Pre-book | The official website states that reservations are highly recommended and that a spot cannot be guaranteed without one. Book online before travelling. |
| Showering is mandatory | It is compulsory under Icelandic custom to shower thoroughly without your swimsuit before entering the pool. This rule is strictly enforced and is part of the reason no chemicals are added to the water. |
| Remove silver jewellery | The water is high in sulphur. Silver jewellery may discolour, and any item dropped in the pool is extremely difficult to retrieve from the gravel bottom. |
| Eat and drink before entering | The official site recommends eating beforehand and staying hydrated throughout, as spending time in hot water on an empty stomach can cause dizziness. |
| No Northern Lights from the lagoon | In winter the lagoon closes at 19:00, which is too early for reliable Northern Lights viewing. The official FAQ explicitly confirms that visitors cannot use the lagoon to watch the Northern Lights. |
| Appropriate swimwear only | Clothing not made for swimming (dresses, shorts, T-shirts) is not permitted in the pool for sanitary and safety reasons. |
| No entry outside opening hours | The site is private property. Entering outside business hours is a reportable offence. |
Frequently asked questions about the Secret Lagoon
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is the Secret Lagoon suitable for children? | Yes. Children aged 14 and under pay 260 ISK. However, children aged 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult, and one adult may accompany a maximum of three children. Children cannot enter unaccompanied. |
| Do you need to book tickets in advance for the Secret Lagoon? | Pre-booking is strongly recommended. |
| Is the Secret Lagoon open on Sundays? | Yes, it is open every day of the year. |
| Can you see the Northern Lights from the Secret Lagoon? | No. The lagoon closes at 19:00 in winter, which is too early for reliable Northern Lights viewing. The official FAQ confirms this. |
| Is there parking at the Secret Lagoon? | Yes, free private parking is available on site during opening hours. Overnight parking is not permitted. |
| Can you hire a towel or swimsuit at the Secret Lagoon? | Yes. Towels and swimsuits are available to hire at reception for 1,200 ISK each. |
| How hot is the water at the Secret Lagoon? | The main pool is maintained at 38–40°C year-round, fed entirely by natural geothermal springs. No chemicals are added. |
| What currency is accepted at the Secret Lagoon? | Cash is accepted in Icelandic krona, US dollars, and euros. Most debit and credit cards are also accepted, including Visa, Maestro, American Express, and Apple Pay. |
Things to do near the Secret Lagoon
Flúðir village (1.5km): a small agricultural village with a campsite, guesthouse (Gardur Stay Inn, adjacent to the lagoon), and basic services.
The Golden Circle route: the Secret Lagoon is a regular stop on Golden Circle day tours from Reykjavik. The three main Golden Circle sites — Þingvellir National Park, the Geysir geothermal area (including the active Strokkur geyser), and Gullfoss waterfall — are all within 40–70km of Flúðir and are typically combined with a lagoon visit on the same day itinerary.
Geysir geothermal area (approximately 40km north-east): the original Great Geysir and the regularly erupting Strokkur geyser are free to view. The adjacent visitor centre and hotel have dining options.
Gullfoss waterfall (approximately 55km north-east): a two-tiered glacial waterfall on the Hvítá river, free to visit, with a café and visitor centre on site.
Þingvellir National Park (approximately 70km north-west): a UNESCO World Heritage Site where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet, and the site of Iceland’s original parliament. Free to enter, though car park fees apply. You can snorkel in the Silfra Fissure here.
Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls (approximately 60–80km south-east): two of Iceland’s most accessible waterfalls on the South Coast, often combined with a broader South Iceland day trip from the Flúðir area.
More Iceland travel
Other Iceland travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- How to spend 24 hours in Reykjavik.
- Do you have to pay to enter Hallgrimskirkja, Reykjavik?
- How safe is it to visit the Reynisfjara black sand beach?
- Plan your visit to the National Museum of Iceland.
- What to expect at Svartifoss in Vatnajökull National Park.
