Oh, the magical country, Iceland. Did you know that it also goes by the land of fire and ice? Its geothermal wonders, wild terrains, and breathtaking landscapes bestow the country its magic touch. Iceland’s crown jewel, though, is tucked deep within these wonders. The locals refer to it as Gamla Laugin, but for us who travel far and wide to witness it, it is the Secret Lagoon.
Mother Nature herself dropped this bomb, a spot where you can soak up in those warm, mineral-rich waters, surrounded by Iceland’s mind-blowing beauty. Lucky for you, I’ve got you covered with a complete guide.
I’m talking history, the spot’s lowdown, and some cool tips to amp up your visit and make it one for the books. Ready to dive into the vibes and explore this Icelandic paradise? Let’s do this!
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History and Origins
The enigmatic Secret Lagoon weaves a tale deeply rooted in the annals of the early 20th century. In stark contrast to its counterparts in Iceland, where geothermal pools have evolved into contemporary spa havens, the Secret Lagoon retains an aura of rustic authenticity.
Its inception, a chapter etched in history, unveils a narrative dating back to 1891 when the villagers of the quaint Flúðir first embraced its soothing waters, transforming it into a communal bathing haven. Over the years, the Secret Lagoon has undergone a metamorphosis, evolving from a modest local gathering spot into a sought-after destination for adventurers worldwide.
Extending a warm welcome to visitors hailing from all corners of the globe, this concealed oasis has skillfully held onto its intrinsic allure amidst the rising waves of popularity. Even as it becomes a magnet for tourists, the lagoon stands as a testament to preservation, maintaining its status as a concealed haven nestled within the untamed beauty of Iceland’s rugged landscapes.
Location
The Secret Lagoon sits pretty in the southern region of Iceland, in a village that goes by Flúðir. It’s 90 minutes away from Reykjavik by road, meaning that it’s easily accessible to all manner of tourists, and invites you to explore the deeper scenic countryside.
As you would anticipate, vibrant vegetation and underground heat define the Secret Lagoon. The peace it provides is a refreshing break from city life’s busyness. Its remote setting adds a touch of exploration and excitement to your journey, and those who have visited would agree it’s a place you can’t and shouldn’t miss out on.
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What to Expect
I’m sure you’re imagining it already, but let me add some extra details. When you get there, imagine a beautiful and peaceful view. The steam coming from the warm water makes it even prettier. With lots of lush vegetation and big, rocky mountains in the background, what else could you want?
Talking of geothermal waters, 100-104°F is their temperature, perfect for a relaxing and soothing experience, no? Especially after a long day of being out and about, soaking in Iceland’s natural goodies is what any doctor would recommend. The waters are mineral-rich, by the way, and have several therapeutic properties to their name.
Facilities
Remember how I mentioned that the Secret Lagoon still holds its rustic allure? Yeah, that’s not to say that the hidden gem has left time to pass it by. Modern amenities are available, so rest assured that you’ll be comfortable. Everything you need is conveniently at your disposal, including showers, restrooms, and changing rooms. With these, you’ll be able to freshen up before and after soaking in the lagoon.
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Tips for Visiting
Before setting off on what will undoubtedly be a wholesome and life-changing experience, the following are some useful tips that will sprinkle the icing on your cake:
- Book in Advance: The early bird does what? You got that right; it catches the Secret Lagoon worm. As we can all agree, this tourist destination is as popular as they come. During peak seasons, landing a booking on the site is almost impossible. To avoid disappointment, why not book early, then?
- Bring Swimwear and Towels: I’m sure you’re wondering, can’t you rent these on-site? You can, but my advice is that you bring your own. There’s nothing more comfortable if you think about it.
- Respect the Environment: Having come this far, there’s something I need to ask you. Are you a responsible tourist? Do you respect Mother Nature? I’ll latch on to the hope that your answers are in the affirmative, which makes this point more of a gentle nudge. Avoid littering and follow any instructions the staff provides.
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Additional Activities and Nearby Attractions
Now that we’ve agreed that you have to explore the surroundings for a richer experience, how about a few recommendations? Yeah, thank me later, and tag me on all your socials after uploading lots of photos and videos because I’m positive you’ll take up a few of my suggestions.
- Golden Circle Tour: Every time I come across the word “Golden,” I think of King Midas and his touch. And while all the gold ultimately brought the royal misery instead of the joy he had hoped for, the Golden Circle Tour is all about happy endings. Thankfully, Flúðir’s location makes it convenient for you since the village sits near the famous Golden Circle route. If you haven’t heard of it, attractions here include Gullfoss Waterfall, Geysir Geothermal Area, and Þingvellir National Park.
- Hiking Trails: If you are more into an up close and personal vibe, the hiking trails are where the fun’s at. Whether you’re a beginner or a well-versed hiker, there’s something for everyone. As you set out, though, be sure to pack enough water, snacks, and probably a camera to capture the scenic landscapes, but your smartphone would also do.
- Local Cuisine: Enough with the snacking and onto the real deal. If I said the local cuisine is to die for, I would have severely undersold it. That’s how mouth-watering it is!
- Hot Springs Tour: Besides Secret Lagoon, you must pay a visit and see for yourself the many hot springs and geothermal pools around Flúðir. Therefore, a tour of the Secret Lagoon hot springs is also another option. The tour doesn’t limit itself to only the popular hot springs but allows you to dive into the therapeutic waters of the beautiful surroundings.
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Taming of the Great Mysteries: The Midnight Sun and the Northern Lights
Iceland has its own special summer and winter natural show: the midnight sun along with the northern lights during the summer. Generally, summer, the period when the most eruptions occur, is the most desired when you can explore the volcanoes with your own eyes.
The Secret Lagoon lets you swim even at midnight during the summer solstice that lasts for more than 24 hours in Iceland, thanks to the glittering of the sun that shines brighter than expected during this period. The sun continues to shine even during the night, allowing people to swim in the moonlight at midnight and still enjoy it. The lagoon reflects in gold, the beautiful light that paints the perfect photography spots.
However, winter is affected the most when it comes to the number of daylight hours, which means there are longer nights, and you will be able to enjoy the amazing view of the northern lights. Think about yourself being at the Secret Lagoon with the warm waves in which the dark clouds keep a cosmic show and finally give way to visual plasma and the display of green, blue, and purple lights. Aw, no! This is an intimate exposure to nature that you should never miss in your life.
Conclusion
There is nothing like the joy of calm and the thrill of excursions, and the Secret Lagoon in Iceland is certain to provide an unforgettable trip that will be a source of long-lasting memories. This trip offers the relaxing factor of the mineral-rich waters and the possibility to revel in the location’s natural beauty by immersing yourself in the Secret Lagoon. The experience allows you to take a short pause, forget about everything that troubles you, and just let yourself into the overrunning Icelandic nature.
Therefore, why postpone it? Start the journey of a lifetime to the secret geothermal pools of Iceland and look for this concealed treasure to have the experience of a lifetime. The fact that you can share this with just about anyone, from friends to family, makes it a unique, unforgettable experience, which is a distinct advantage. The virgin beauty of the wilderness of Iceland surrounds this very silent and reviving place, making the Secret Lagoon a must-visit destination if you want to commune with nature. If you are in search of the perfect location to vacate and unwind, you are looking in the right place!
