If you’re soon to embark on an Icelandic adventure, then there’s little doubt that you’ll be planning to include the famous Blue Lagoon on your travel bucket list – it is one of the wonders of the world after all! But did you know that there’s another lagoon in town to rival its better-known counterpart?
The Secret Lagoon, which just so happens to be one of our favourite places to take a dip, is one of Iceland’s oldest swimming pools and offers bathers a truly magical experience.
We give you the lagoon low-down, so that you can decide whether you’re a Blue Lagoon lover or a Secret Lagoon convert.
Blue Lagoon
As the single most popular tourist attraction in Iceland, the Blue Lagoon receives hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. This natural geothermal spa draws in tourists from across the world, all vying to take a dip (and a selfie) in the mineral-rich, geothermally heated chalky blue waters.
Wonder rating
One of the 25 wonders of the world, the Blue Lagoon ranks highly on the wonder rating. With waters fed from the futuristic Svartsengi geothermal plant, rising clouds of steam and milky-blue waters, it’s an otherworldly place.
Attraction
As such a popular tourist attraction welcoming hundreds of bathers each day, the Blue Lagoon is becoming increasingly busy, particularly during peak periods.
Location
Located on the Reykjanes Peninsula, just a 20 minute drive from Keflavik Airport, the Blue Lagoon is ideally located for a pre or post flight swim! What better way to start or end your trip?!
Facilities
The Blue Lagoon’s luxurious facilities will see you bathing in style. As well as being able to relax in the 37°C waters, there are saunas and steam baths to enjoy, a tumbling massage waterfall to experience and silica mud pots to scoop. The chic changing rooms include showers, shampoo, conditioner, body wash and hair dryers. There’s also an on-site café where you can replenish and rehydrate.
Secret Lagoon
Move over Blue Lagoon and make room for the lesser known Secret Lagoon. This unique bathing experience is one of Iceland’s oldest hot springs and has retained all of its magical charm. Not only can you avoid the crowds and enjoy a more authentic dip, but bathers can also take in the sights of the Little Geysir excitedly erupting every five minutes.
Wonder rating
Whilst not listed as one of the wonders of the world, we think this magical lagoon is pretty special! With water temperatures of 38-40°C all year round, peaceful Icelandic nature surrounding you and the erupting Little Geysir, you’ll be completely awe-struck.
Attraction
Part of the Secret Lagoon’s charm is that it is secret! You’ll be able to relax and enjoy a soothing soak in the warming waters. There’s just something so special about knowing you’re enjoying one of Iceland’s wonders away from the crowds! A truly unique experience.
Location
The lagoon is found in the small town of Fluðir. The surrounding area contains many hot springs; being a low temperature geothermal area, where water temperature at a depth of 1km, is below 150°C.
Facilities
Complete with changing rooms, showering facilities and a small café, The Secret Lagoon has all the essentials to ensure you enjoy your authentic bathing experience.
