Developed hot spring pool · Iceland
Gamla Laugin
Iceland · 25 miles northeast of Selfoss
Last updated
- Type
- Developed Developed hot spring pool
- Water temperature
- 212°F (100°C) at the source
- Cost
- Paid entry (check current price)
- Hours or season
- Oct 1-May 31 11:00-20:00; Jun 1- Sep 30 10:00-22:00
- Clothing
- Not recorded
- Nearest town
- Selfoss (25 mi / 40 km)
- Coordinates
- Pools or sources
- 4
- Scalding: recorded at 50°C or above. Water at this temperature causes burns in seconds.
About Gamla Laugin
Editor's note. Gamla Laugin, better known as the Secret Lagoon, is a natural pool in the village of Flúðir that has been used since the late 1800s. A small geyser erupts beside the pool every few minutes. It is simpler and cheaper than the big lagoons and an easy detour from the Golden Circle.
Gamla Laugin is a developed hot spring pool in Iceland, about 25 miles northeast of Selfoss. The nearest large city is Reykjavík, roughly 48 miles away as the crow flies.
The recorded temperature has been recorded at 212°F (100°C). That puts it in the "too hot to enter at the source" range. Water this hot can burn skin quickly. Soaking pools are usually cooled by mixing with creek or tap water. Never enter the source itself.
This is a developed site with built pools, tubs or a bathhouse, so there is usually an entry fee, set opening hours and basic facilities.
The site has 4 mapped pools or sources within about 500 meters of each other.
Water temperature
Too hot to enter at the source. Water this hot can burn skin quickly. Soaking pools are usually cooled by mixing with creek or tap water. Never enter the source itself.
Readings come from OpenStreetMap mappers, and other public sources. Temperatures change with season, flow and pool design. See our soak temperature guide for safe soaking times.
Map and directions
Red marks Gamla Laugin. Other colored dots are nearby springs in this directory. Coordinates: 64.13723, -20.30897.
Getting there
- Nearest town: Selfoss. The spring is about 25 miles (40 km) northeast of town in a straight line.
- Nearest large city: Reykjavík, about 48 miles (77 km) in a straight line.
- Planning from a city? See hot springs near Reykjavík, Iceland.
- Use the directions buttons above for a driving route. Final roads to many springs are unpaved, seasonal or closed in winter, so check road conditions before you go.
Hot springs near Gamla Laugin
- Hrunalaug Not recorded
- Laugarás Lagoon Not recorded
- Blesi Not recorded
- Kúalaug Not recorded
- Reykjadalur Not recorded
- Hverahild Not recorded
Before you go
- Check the operator, land manager or park website for current hours, fees and closures. Details in any directory can go out of date.
- Keep your head above water. Warm fresh water can carry Naegleria fowleri, a rare but deadly amoeba that enters through the nose.
- Drink water, limit soaks to 10 to 20 minutes at a time in very hot water, and skip alcohol.
- Read our hot spring etiquette guide and safety guide.
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Gamla Laugin?
The recorded temperature has been recorded at 212°F (100°C), which is too hot to enter at the source. Water this hot can burn skin quickly. Soaking pools are usually cooled by mixing with creek or tap water. Never enter the source itself.
Where is Gamla Laugin?
Gamla Laugin is in Iceland, about 25 miles northeast of Selfoss. The GPS coordinates are 64.1372, -20.3090.
Is Gamla Laugin free?
No. It is recorded as a paid site. Check the operator's website for current prices and booking rules.
What hot springs are near Gamla Laugin?
The closest listed spring is Hrunalaug, about 1.7 miles east. Laugarás Lagoon is about 6.2 miles away.
What should I bring to a hot spring?
Water to drink, a towel, sandals with grip, a bag to pack out trash, and warm layers for after your soak. At primitive springs bring a headlamp and tell someone where you are going.
Sources and corrections
This listing combines OpenStreetMap. Data last refreshed August 2026. Source 1 Source 2 Source 3 Source 4
Visited recently? Send a correction, such as a temperature reading, fee, closure or photo. If you look after this spring and want it removed, see removal requests.