Everyone knows the Blue Lagoon in Iceland, right? It’s a large pool in a magnificent lava landscape filled with geothermally heated, mineral-rich water. The Secret Lagoon is less well-known but equally spectacular. So why would you not want to go the Secret Lagoon?
Strokkur geyser on the Golden Circle
The Golden Circle is one of the most popular tours in Iceland. It does not take so many hours, so you can still make the most of the Golden Circle while combining it with another tour on the same day. For example, the Golden Circle with the Secret Lagoon, Caving or Snowmobiling – any of these tours will give you a really fabulous day in Iceland.
The first stop is Þingvellir National Park about a 30-minute drive from Reykjavík. Here you can literally take a walk or even snorkel between two continents, where the North American and the Eurasian tectonic plates have moved apart. This is an awesome place to take photos, images which will truly make your friends jealous!
This is a very important place for the Icelanders because it has so much history. The annual meetings of the Vikings who settled this land took place here, for the first time in the year 930 AD. These meetings of the Icelandic Parliament were called the Alþing, this is still the name by which the Parliament of Iceland is known today. This is certainly one of the oldest parliaments in the world. This beautiful and totally unique place appears on UNESCO´s list of World Heritage Sites. You absolutely must visit Þingvellir!
Thingvellir National Park in Iceland - Photo: Banco de Imágenes Geológicas
The second stop was Gullfoss Waterfall which was so magnificent! I could have stayed there for ages. Believe me, this waterfall most certainly has the wow factor!
It is so easy to find your way around at Gullfoss and you can enjoy the views from various angles. There are different pathways, so there is a great feeling of space and you get a fabulous view even with other visitors around. If you feel cold or thirsty, why not warm up in the cafeteria near the waterfall, sometimes a warming hot chocolate is just what you need! You will still see lovely views even from the café!
Gullfoss waterfall on the Golden Circle
The last stop on the Golden Circle route was at Geysir, to watch Strokkur erupting boiling hot natural spring water every 5 to 8 minutes, these explosive water spouts and steam can soar up to 30 meters high. The steam can make you a little damp, depending on how close you stand. This rare natural phenomenon only occurs in geothermally active volcanic areas.
There are other geological wonders around Geysir, such as natural hot springs and areas where steam is rising straight out of the ground, do take a look at these but keep to the pathways.
Geysir Golden Circle in Iceland
If you opted to take the longer Golden Circle tour you will stop at some extra interesting places in the area, we did not do this because we had chosen a tour which included the Secret Lagoon. Hot spring pool bathing was very high on my to-do-in-Iceland list!
The Golden Circle tour is definitely a must-do tour when you visit Iceland. Yes, it is a little touristy, but the natural phenomena are just so extraordinary.
Everyone knows the Blue Lagoon in Iceland, right? It’s a large pool in a magnificent lava landscape filled with geothermally heated, mineral-rich water. The Secret Lagoon is less well-known but equally spectacular. So why would you not want to go the Secret Lagoon?
Secret Lagoon Hot Spring
I spent 2 hours in the Secret Lagoon. The water was beautifully warm, in some places maybe a little too hot, but that is just my opinion. You can walk around the area and take some photographs of the beautiful trees and peaceful landscapes, there are also hot springs and a geyser hot spring close to the pool. The Secret Lagoon is not busy, making it the perfect place to relax in the middle of Icelandic nature at any time of year.
The staff is very friendly and they explain everything you need to know. The dressing rooms are clean and spacious with hairdryers and lockers (with keys) to keep your belongings secure. You can rent towels or swimsuits if necessary.
Secret Lagoon
It is possible to buy water, juices, coffee or something else to drink inside or outside by the pool! Snacks can also be purchased (eating is not allowed in the lagoon).
In my view, the Secret Lagoon is cheaper, less crowded and more beautiful than the lagoons and spas which are far better known.
I certainly recommend visiting the Secret Lagoon before it becomes too popular!
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