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A visit to one of Iceland’s thermal spas is a must on every itinerary.
While there are a lot of good spots, I think the Secret Lagoon is one of the best (not as touristy spots), while still being in a good location for most visitors to add to their itinerary.
While not exactly “secret,” it is pleasantly low-key compared to some of the more polished, Instagram-famous lagoons.
I’ve now visited Secret Lagoon three different times and keep coming back because it feels much more like the Iceland I imagined before arriving.
Here is what to expect and how to prepare for an Iceland lagoon experience, especially if you’ve never been.
🥳 TESTED TOP PICKS FOR ICELAND
- 📲 Best eSIM: Ubigi eSIM (my top pick for convenience and stability) 10GB for 7 days for $11 – Also get 10% your plan with discount code BACHELORTRAVEL
🏨 Best hotel in Reykjavik: KEX HOSTEL – awesome location, great prices for private and shared rooms
🚌 Airport transfer: Keflavík Airport → Reykjavík Bus (Flybus) — cheapest and most straightforward way to get into the city after landing
🍽️ Food experience: Reykjavík Food Walk (guided foodie walking tour) — if you only do one tour in Reykjavik choose this one!
I update articles like this often, so you’re working with the most up to date information.This article was last checked in July 2026.
Why Visit the Secret Lagoon?
The answer to that is obvious, as it combines a lot of the cultural and natural highlights of the country. Whether the air is wintery crisp or not, the landscape and steamy natural water have been a tradition in Iceland, and a ritual that goes back years.
While part of that experience has been commercialized, you really can’t miss the opportunity to soak, relax, and see it for yourself.
When to Go?
I would say the beauty of Iceland is that bathing doesn’t stop when the temperature drops. It is probably even better with rainy or cold weather.
Just note that opening hours may vary seasonally, but that’s all you really need to worry about.
Where Is It Located?
The Secret Lagoon is in the village of Flúðir, in South Iceland, making it an easy stop on a Golden Circle itinerary or south coast road trip.
- From Reykjavík: About 1 hour and 30 minutes by car
- Very close to Friðheimar, the greenhouse restaurant famous for its tomato soup that you will want to stop and enjoy as well. Don’t miss it! You can book tickets for that here. You absolutely MUST book to get a slot nowadays, don’t leave it to the last moment.
There are also a lot of Golden Circle tours that will take you around all the highlights of that area, plus combine lunch or a visit to the thermal spas.
Here are 30+ more ideas for things to plan to see around Iceland if you’re visiting in 2026.
How Much Does the Secret Lagoon Cost?
Compared to many of Iceland’s other geothermal spas, I actually think the Secret Lagoon offers excellent value for money.
- Adults (15+): 4,500 ISK (approximately US$35)
- Children (under 15): 260 ISK
- Seniors: 3,300 ISK (approximately US$26)
If you’re travelling light, you can also rent both swimsuits and towels on-site for 1,200 ISK each (around US$9), so there’s no need to panic if you’ve forgotten something.
Unlike spas such as the Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon, the Secret Lagoon keeps things simple. There are no massages, facials, beauty treatments, or spa packages here—you’re paying purely for the experience of soaking in one of Iceland’s oldest natural geothermal pools. Personally, I think that’s part of its charm.
How is the experience at Secret Lagoon?
Visually, it’s not as sleek as other lagoons — and that’s part of the charm.
- The front parking lot feels a bit basic, but once you walk in, the steam rising from the water and the cozy wooden building create a sense of retreat.
- There’s a small geyser and steaming vents around the pool, which make for a beautiful and unique atmosphere.
- A short boardwalk lets you walk around the geothermal area — just pay attention to hot water warning signs and avoid sticking fingers, toes, or cameras too close to the bubbling springs!
What to expect when you walk in
First things first, you’ll want to have made a reservation ahead of time during the busy season. Most of the lagoons operate with time slots, so you’ll need to be on time as well if you want to make the most of it.
Showering and hygiene
The second part that might surprise some visitors is the strict hygiene protocols. The main thing to keep in mind here is that the water is natural, not chlorinated, meaning introducing bacteria from unwashed people doesn’t work well if you think about it.
That’s why, traditionally, Icelanders shower naked with soap and no bathing suit, to make sure they clean everywhere before going into the pools.
The good news is that shower facilities are gender-separated and some, like the Secret Lagoon, offer semi-private stalls for those who feel shy.
After taking a group of teenagers here, I must say the experience is less traumatic than it might appear at first to people not used to it.
For kids specifically, small exceptions are made in case they need to shower with bathing suits on — just make sure to scrub where you have to…. to clean everything.
There are also a few private shower stalls if that makes you more comfortable.
While this more European approach to nudity might be a bit off for some people, it is good to keep in mind that you’ll be in a space (the changing rooms) where others find it normal to shower and get dressed or undressed openly, so it’s good to prepare children ahead of time.
Once you enter, you leave your boots and use the locker rooms before getting changed and showering. Then you’ll go into the pool from the back door, meaning you’ll have to walk a bit in the cold air before being rewarded with the nice relaxing water.
Small note: If you’re lucky to visit a community-run pool in Iceland with a local, make sure to adhere to the rules, especially the hygiene ones. These are more safe spaces for the locals, and often the place where they socialize and relax.
What else can you do?
Well, not much other than soak.
The Secret Lagoon specifically has a cold plunge pool you can use as well, in between your soaking, so that might be another option.
There is also a small café for refreshments and other drinks or snacks.
I personally found the idea of drinking a beer or alcohol way too much in addition to the hot water, but it’s definitely popular.
Just make sure to drink slowly, as the combination of alcohol with the hot water can make you feel dizzy. I was definitely feeling overheated after half an hour — and that was on a cold and rainy day in the winter.
What to bring with you
In addition to the normal flip flops (tongs), bathing suit, and towel, I would definitely recommend a second towel or warmer layer for when you first come out (if it’s winter). And even a beanie to keep your head warm. Check out the full packing list to Iceland.
You might also want to consider how you’ll dry your hair after, since it will take some time with the dryers there.
What else is good to know?
On average, expect to spend about 1.5 to 2 hours at the lagoon, which means you can combine your day with other attractions and activities in the area.
The most popular in the area is the Golden Circle, which is about 300km of main attractions like Þingvellir National Park, the Geysir, and Kerid (the volcanic crater).
I must stress the importance of trying the tomato soup buffet at Friðheimar nearby, which is another attraction that gets super booked — so make sure to grab a ticket for that as well in advance.
Ready to book? Top Iceland recommendations
📲 Best eSIM for Iceland: Easiest option is Ubigi — reliable across the country and super easy to set up before landing. Check full review here.
🚌 Airport transfer: Book the Keflavík Airport → Reykjavík bus (Flybus) — cheapest and easiest way into the city after landing
🏨 City hotel option: I’d stay somewhere central in Reykjavík for the first day or 2-3 days if you want to see everything. I love KEX Hostel out of all the hotels I’ve tried. Super interesting design, social space, amazing location.
🎟️ Top Iceland activities:
There are so many good activities and tours to do in Iceland. Here are some of my favorites:
- From Reykjavik: Golden Circle, Kerid, & Secret Lagoon Tour
- Reykjavik: Guided Foodie Walking Tour with 6 Tastings
- Skaftafell: Blue Ice Glacier Hike on Vatnajökull
- Reykjavik: the Original 3-Hour Whale Watching Tour (I have had this tour cancelled on me a few times due to weather, but I will get it next time.)
🚗 Car rental: If you’re doing the Ring Road, compare prices on DiscoverCars — this is what gives you the most flexibility
🗺️ Must-have apps: Download/bookmark road.is and Vedur (Iceland weather) before your trip — you’ll use them daily
🛟 For something important: Install the 112 Iceland app — it can send your GPS location directly to emergency services if needed
👚Packing list: Some things to not forget to bring on your trip
