Looking for the most authentic hot spring experience on the Golden Circle? Then we can send you confidently to Secret Lagoon near Flúðir. And you can save 15% on top of any other discount with our exclusive Secret Lagoon Iceland discount code: EPIC.
Secret Lagoon is the oldest swimming pool in Iceland, built back in 1891. It’s 100% fed by natural hot springs, the water stays at 38-40°C year-round, and the place has kept its raw, simple vibe. No glossy spa, no fancy silica masks. Just warm water and steam coming out of the ground around you.
After visiting Secret Lagoon several times, we’ll share here why we keep sending travelers here, how to use our promo code, and how Secret Lagoon compares to the Blue Lagoon and the tiny natural Hrunalaug pool nearby.
Contents
Why Secret Lagoon
There are a lot of hot springs in Iceland. So why pick Secret Lagoon? Here are four reasons that matter to us.
The oldest pool in Iceland
Secret Lagoon, known locally as Gamla Laugin (Old Pool), was built in 1891. It’s the oldest man-made swimming pool in the country.
When you step in, you step into the same pool where Icelanders took their first swimming lessons in 1909. It has a real sense of place that many newer spas in Iceland lack.
100% natural hot spring water
The water comes from three nearby hot springs: Vaðmálahver, Básahver, and Litli Geysir. No heating needed, no chemicals added. The pool refills completely every 24 hours.
Litli Geysir, by the way, is a small active geyser right next to the pool that shoots up every few minutes. You can watch it erupt from the water while you soak, which is a pretty unique thing to experience 🙂
Enjoying the sunrise at Secret Lagoon
Simple and authentic
Secret Lagoon is not trying to be a luxury destination. The changing rooms are traditional Icelandic style (communal, separate for men and women), the bistro serves simple snacks, and you shower without a swimsuit before entering. Yes, like everyone else in Iceland.
We really like this. It makes you feel like you’re actually in Iceland and not in some resort that could be anywhere in the world.
An easy Golden Circle stop
Secret Lagoon sits in the village of Flúðir, a natural ending point for the Golden Circle route. You can combine it with Þingvellir, Geysir, and Gullfoss on the same day, and finish with a warm soak before driving back to Reykjavík.
See our guide on the best day trips from Reykjavik for more ideas on how to plan this day.
Secret Lagoon vs Blue Lagoon vs Hrunalaug
Which lagoon is the right one for you? We put together a quick comparison so you can pick faster.
| Secret Lagoon | Blue Lagoon | Hrunalaug | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Oldest natural-fed pool | Legendary Instagram spa | Tiny natural pool |
| Adult price | 4,500 ISK | From 11,990 ISK (dynamic) | 3,500 ISK |
| Water temp | 38-40°C | ~38-39°C | ~38-40°C |
| Facilities | Showers, lockers, bistro | Full spa, restaurants, hotels | None, basic shed |
| Capacity | Moderate | Big, might get crowded | 3-5 people max |
| Vibe | Authentic, simple | Luxury, touristy | Rustic, often crowded |
| Best for | Travelers wanting the real thing | First-timers, luxury seekers | Adventurous, short soak |
If you want luxury and silica masks, take the Blue Lagoon. If you want tiny and rustic, take Hrunalaug. Prefer the most authentic soak with proper showers and a changing room? Secret Lagoon is our pick. For more natural spots like Hrunalaug, see our list of all hot springs in Iceland.
View over the buildings and facilities of the Secret Lagoon
Facilities
The building was rebuilt a few years ago, and it’s surprisingly nice inside, despite looking very basic from the outside.
Here’s what you get with the entrance fee:
- 3 pools: the main lagoon, a small hot paddling pool, and a cold pool for a quick plunge
- Indoor changing rooms with lockers and keys
- Indoor showers (communal, separate for men and women)
- Soap for body and hair, plus hair dryers
- A walking path around the pool with views of the hot springs and Litli Geysir
Things you’ll pay extra for:
- Towel rental
- Swimsuit rental
- Food and drinks from the bistro (snacks, sandwiches, cup noodles, drinks. No hot meals.)
If you want to stay overnight next to the pool, Guesthouse Garður is right next door and has 4 double bedrooms with access to the pool during opening hours.
Entrance to the pools
History
The history is actually one of the reasons we love this place.
People have been bathing at Hverahólmi for centuries. The pool in its current form was built in 1891, and it was also used for washing clothes in Vaðmálahver. Until 1894, it was even the site of the legislative body of the Flúðir community.
In 1909, the first swimming lessons in Iceland were held right here. Kids and adults from the area learned to swim in this exact pool every year until 1947.
Then it all fell into oblivion for almost 60 years.
In 2005, the idea of bringing the pool back came up. It took several years of work to make it comfortable for modern visitors while keeping it authentic. Secret Lagoon officially reopened on 7 June 2014.
Gamla Laugin at it’s finest
Secret Lagoon Discount Code
Our exclusive Secret Lagoon Iceland discount code EPIC gives you 15% off the entrance fee.
The Secret Lagoon coupon code works year-round on any online booking. And there’s no limit to how many times you can use it.
How to Use the Secret Lagoon Discount Code
Using the Secret Lagoon Iceland promo code is simple:
- Go to secretlagoon.is and click “Book Tickets”
- Pick your date, time slot, and number of guests
- At the checkout step, look for the promo code field
- Enter EPIC and click apply
- The 15% discount is reflected in the final price before you pay
That’s it. And if Secret Lagoon runs a seasonal offer, our Secret Lagoon Iceland discount code will stack with it.
Reviews
Secret Lagoon has been a long-time favorite of Golden Circle travelers. It has a 4.6-star rating on TripAdvisor with over 2 000 reviews and 4.6 on Google with more than 8 000 reviews!.
What people love the most: the authentic feel, the natural surroundings, Litli Geysir spouting right next to the pool, and the perfect water temperature. Many reviewers mention it felt more “Iceland” than other luxury lagoons.
Negative reviews? Mostly about the communal showers (a culture shock for some first-timers), the small bistro without hot food, and the place being busier than expected in peak season. Nothing that really surprises us once you know what to expect.
Our experience with Secret Lagoon
We’ve been to Secret Lagoon a few times over the years. Here’s what stood out for us.
The water is just perfect. 38-40°C is exactly the temperature where you can stay in for an hour without getting overheated. And because it refills every 24 hours, it feels clean.
Litli Geysir is the bonus. We spent a good 10 minutes just watching it erupt from the pool, warm drink in hand. You won’t get that elsewhere.
Showering without a swimsuit was no big deal. We know this stresses some travelers out, but once you see everyone doing it, you stop thinking about it in about 2 minutes. Bring your normal shower habits from home and you’re fine.
Winter experience in the Secret Lagoon
The bistro is basic, so eat before. We’d recommend having a proper meal in Flúðir (there are a few good spots in the village) before or after your soak. The bistro is fine for a coffee and a snack, but not a full meal.
Winter visits are magical. We came once in late October when it was close to freezing outside. Sitting in 40°C water with steam rising around us and watching the sky slowly turn dark was one of our favorite Iceland moments. If you’re visiting in winter, always check the Icelandic weather forecast before driving. See our guide on when to visit Iceland for more on timing your trip.
One honest tip: always book your time slot in advance. Walk-ins aren’t guaranteed a spot, especially in summer. You can lose hours waiting for the next free slot.
For more spots like this, check our favorite Icelandic hidden gems.
Secret Lagoon FAQ
What is the Secret Lagoon Iceland discount code?
Our Secret Lagoon Iceland discount code is: EPIC. It gives you 15% off the entrance fee, and it stacks on top of any other discount Secret Lagoon may be running.
How do I use the Secret Lagoon promo code?
Enter the code EPIC in the promo code field at checkout on secretlagoon.is. The 15% discount is applied to your total before payment. The code works year-round on any online booking.
Secret lagoon
What are the Secret Lagoon opening hours?
In summer (1 June to 30 September), the pool is open 10:00 to 20:00. In winter (1 October to 31 May), opening hours are 10:00 to 19:00. Always check the Secret Lagoon website for any renovation closures before you go.
How do I get to Secret Lagoon?
Secret Lagoon is in Flúðir, about 90 minutes from Reykjavík. The easiest way is by car. Public buses from Reykjavík via Selfoss exist but the schedule is very limited. Most Golden Circle tours also include Secret Lagoon as a stop. Check Straetó for current bus schedules.
Do I really have to shower without a swimsuit?
Yes, it’s mandatory and part of Icelandic pool culture. It’s also practical. No chemicals are used in the water, so everyone showering properly keeps the pool clean. Showers are separate for men and women, and everyone does it. Nobody’s looking 🙂
Is Secret Lagoon better than the Blue Lagoon?
It depends on what you want. Secret Lagoon is cheaper, more authentic, fed by 100% natural hot spring water, and fits perfectly into the Golden Circle. Blue Lagoon is bigger, more luxurious, with silica masks, fancy bars, and hotels. For adventurous budget travelers, Secret Lagoon is our call. For a glamorous blue water experience, go for Blue Lagoon.
