It was an unexpected trip that we took to Iceland. We asked people for suggestions on places to visit in Iceland. The Blue Lagoon has become almost synonymous with Iceland, so it's not surprising. There are many Instagram photos of tourists in thermal lagoons with products on their faces.
Although we enjoyed a thermal bath in Yunnesun, Japan, we weren't able to find what we wanted on our trip to Iceland. The Blue Lagoon is very close to the airport. This is a great spot to stop before or after you fly.
If you are looking for a natural spot to visit, then look elsewhere. Blue Lagoon is an artificial tourist attraction that is powered by water from the nearby Svartsengi geothermal power station. The power plant's pipes have been re-routed to allow guests to swim in the water.
We decided to stop at another place instead of heading there between our lunch of tomato soup, and our journey to the Hotel Laekur.
Our tour guide suggested we make a side trip to Secret Lagoon.
Gamla Laugin is Iceland's oldest swimming pool. It is also known as the Secret Lagoon. It was built in 1891 at Hverahlmi (a geothermal area close to Flir).
We used Google Maps to find the location. However, we weren't sure if we were at the right place when we arrived.
This place was a gravel parking area and a plain building. It was not even close to the Blue Lagoon complex that we had seen online.
As we walked in, a single desk agent asked us if we had any reservations. Although we said no, it was not a problem since they were not crowded. After paying our entry fee, we were directed to the changing room and showers.
In Iceland, guests must shower thoroughly before they can enter a thermal bath. Similar to Japan, you will need to completely wash your body before you can put on your bathing suit. Although some Americans may find the use of the Secret Lagoon communal showers awkward, the Icelanders did not notice any foreigners in their ranks.
Sharon is not able to fit into most bathing suit and prefers to swim in shorts and a tshirt. The person selling our tickets told her that this was acceptable. Sharon was told by the lifeguard that she would not be allowed to enter the lagoon wearing a cotton Tshirt.
Fair enough, the locker room had signs that said no shorts, sports bras or T-shirts are allowed in the lagoon.
Secret Lagoon had swimsuits available for rent, and Sharon made the most of it despite their poor fit.
This pool felt more like a local swimming pool than the touristy atmosphere of the Blue Lagoon. It was full of locals as well as tourists, and everyone had a great time. The pool was semi-deep, but you could float in it without much effort.
There were two hot areas just behind the pool that had steaming hot water. To prevent skin irritations and burns, they will tell you not jump in or stick your hand in the water.
The pool is heated by this thermal water. You can feel the heat entering the lagoon.
While many people enjoyed local beers while floating in the lagoon's waters, others were content to just float around for an hour.
The Secret Lagoon is a great option for anyone traveling the Golden Circle. Although it is not an authentic experience, it's closer to the way the Icelanders soak than the Blue Lagoon with all the tourists.
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