Secret Lagoon Iceland Guide – Tickets, Timing, Etiquette, Tips

Welcome to the Secret Lagoon (Gamla Laugin) — Iceland’s oldest man‑made swimming pool, warmed naturally by geothermal springs and wrapped in countryside calm.

Table of Contents

• Quick Facts
• Tickets & Passes
• Getting There
• What to Expect
• Etiquette
• Packing List
• Best Timing
• Safety & Health
• Sample Itinerary
• Bottom Line

Quick Facts

• Where: Flúðir (South Iceland), ~100 km from Reykjavík
• Part of: Golden Circle (near geysers and waterfalls)
• Average soak: 60–90 minutes
• Facilities: Changing rooms, showers, towel rental, small bar/snacks

Tickets & Passes

Tip: Book ahead during summer and weekends — capacity is limited.

Getting There

• Drive: Reykjavík → Ring Road (1) → Route 35 → Flúðir (~90 min, conditions vary).
• Tours: Golden Circle packages often include the Secret Lagoon.
• Winter: Check road & weather at https://safetravel.is/.

What to Expect

• Natural geothermal pool with steady warm temperatures (~38–40°C).
• Steam vents and a small geyser add ambience; respect barriers.
• On busy days, it’s sociable; late evenings feel tranquil.

Etiquette

• ✅ Shower thoroughly (without swimwear) before entering — it’s Icelandic pool culture.
• ✅ Keep glass and breakables out; use plastic cups if available.
• ✅ Quiet voices after dusk; let the setting be the soundtrack.
• ❌ No diving or splashing near vents; keep to marked zones.

Packing List

• Swimsuit, quick‑dry towel (or rent), flip‑flops/sandals, hair tie
• Water bottle, light snack, waterproof phone pouch
• Winter: hat and warm layers for before/after the soak

Best Timing

• Summer: Book sunset slots for golden light.
• Shoulder seasons: Late afternoon for fewer crowds.
• Winter: Clear nights may bring northern lights — check forecasts.

Safety & Health

If you feel lightheaded, exit slowly, hydrate, and cool down. Hot water + cold air can sneak up on you.

Health notes

• Limit alcohol; hydrate well.
• Pregnant travelers: consult your doctor about hot water exposure.
• Remove silver jewelry (can darken near sulfur). [^sulfur]

Sample Itinerary

10:00  Þingvellir National Park
12:00  Geysir Geothermal Area (lunch)
14:00  Gullfoss Waterfall
16:00  Secret Lagoon soak (90 minutes)
18:00  Dinner in Flúðir → Reykjavík

Bottom Line

Book ahead, shower well, pack light, and time your visit with the light — the Secret Lagoon rewards simplicity and respect for its geothermal nature.

[^sulfur]: The mild sulfur smell is normal around geothermal pools.