February 25, 2025.

I wanted to fit at least one proper geothermal soak into our Iceland trip. The Blue Lagoon was the obvious first thought, but once we considered the price, reservation timing and the route for a short day, it felt heavier than we wanted.

Instead, we chose Secret Lagoon (Gamla Laugin) in Flúðir, an easy stop to work into a Golden Circle day.

Snow covering the garden, picnic tables and bare trees outside Secret Lagoon in winter
The first glimpse of the snowy garden before we went into the lagoon. Personal photo · 2025-02-25

A hot spring in a snowy garden

I love outdoor baths, so I had been looking forward to this stop, and the first impression already felt right.

It was less like a large spa complex and more like a warm pool set inside a quiet winter garden. Low hills and trees appeared through the steam, and although there were plenty of people around, it never felt crowded enough to spoil the atmosphere.

There seemed to be a group of younger students, older guests and travelers of all ages sharing the same space. Everyone was simply soaking at their own pace.

Guests soaking in the steaming main pool at Secret Lagoon during winter
The main pool, with snow, steam and the surrounding landscape all in view. Personal photo · 2025-02-25

According to the official site, the main pool dates back to 1891 and is one of Iceland’s oldest swimming pools. Water from the surrounding hot springs circulates through the lagoon, keeping it at roughly 38–40°C throughout the year.

Warm water, cold air

My memory of the place was not just one large pool. There were smaller spots to soak as well, plus a cold pool for cooling off.

The current official FAQ lists the main pool, a warm paddling pool and a cold pool. Moving briefly into the cold water and then back to the main lagoon added a nice rhythm to the soak.

A low view across the dark geothermal water at Secret Lagoon with snow and steam beyond
The warm geothermal water felt even better against the cold February air. Personal photo · 2025-02-25

There is also a walking path around the geothermal area, where Vaðmálahver, Básahver and Litli Geysir can be seen from a safe route.

I thought about walking the loop in my swimsuit, but the winter air was much colder than it looked. The longer I stayed out of the water, the more I wanted to get straight back in.

It suited the grey sky

While we were soaking, the sky gradually turned darker and more overcast.

The steam looked thicker against the grey sky, and parts of the landscape would disappear and reappear behind it. Rather than taking anything away from the visit, the weather made the place feel even more like its name suggested.

Steam rising from Secret Lagoon beneath a grey winter sky with a bare tree beyond the water
As the sky turned grey, the line between steam and landscape became harder to see. Personal photo · 2025-02-25

What I liked about Secret Lagoon was not a long list of facilities. Sitting in warm water and watching the winter air and steam around us was enough.

We had not come looking for the scale or polish of the Blue Lagoon, and that was exactly why this felt closer to the kind of outdoor hot spring I enjoy.

Clear skies again before the next stop

By the time we had changed and stepped back outside, the clouds had opened up again.

Blue sky, forest, buses and a red car in the parking area outside Secret Lagoon after the winter soak
The sky had turned bright again by the time we were ready for the next stop. Personal photo · 2025-02-25

I felt noticeably lighter heading back to the car. It was exactly the kind of break I wanted before continuing the day’s route.

For someone who genuinely enjoys hot springs, Secret Lagoon did not feel like a compromise or a second-choice attraction. It reminded me that I prefer an outdoor bath where I can feel the cold air, see the snow and watch the steam move across the water.

We picked Secret Lagoon instead of the Blue Lagoon, and that day I did not feel like I had missed anything.

Continue Exploring Kerið Crater, a frozen volcanic bowl that felt far larger in person

PRACTICAL INFO

  • Place: Secret Lagoon (Gamla Laugin)
  • Locality: Flúðir, Iceland · Destination Hub: Golden Circle
  • Visited: 2025-02-25
  • Address: Hvammsvegur, 845 Flúðir, Iceland
  • Water temperature: The official site states that the main lagoon stays around 38–40°C year-round.
  • Pools: The current FAQ lists the main pool, a warm paddling pool and a cold pool.
  • Geothermal walk: A path loops around nearby hot springs including Litli Geysir. The surrounding boiling springs are not bathing areas.
  • Reservations: Advance booking is highly recommended; the official site says admission cannot be guaranteed without a reservation.
  • Facilities: Changing rooms, lockers, showers, drinks and simple snacks are available.
  • Parking: Private guest parking is available during opening hours.
  • Info checked: 2026-10-04