- The Golden Circle is a 300-kilometre route from Reykjavík to Þingvellir, Geysir and Gullfoss
- Secret Lagoon water stays at 38-40 Celsius year-round and is supplied by three geothermal springs
- Tours may substitute Secret Lagoon with Sky Lagoon or Blue Lagoon depending on routing
- Strokkur erupts every 5-10 minutes while Geysir itself has been mostly dormant for years
What the Golden Circle Route Includes
The Golden Circle is a loop of about 300 kilometres from Reykjavík into the southern uplands and back. The three primary stops are Þingvellir National Park, the geothermal area in Haukadalur and Gullfoss waterfall.
Haukadalur contains the geysers Geysir and Strokkur. Geysir has been mostly dormant for many years. Strokkur erupts every 5 to 10 minutes.
Other common stops include the Kerið volcanic crater, Brúarfoss and Faxi waterfalls, and Hveragerði town. Skálholt cathedral and the Nesjavellir and Hellisheiðarvirkjun geothermal power plants also appear on some itineraries. Not every tour visits all optional sites.
You can compare full Golden Circle tour options. Explore the route on Iceland self-drive tours if you prefer independent timing.
Golden Circle and Lagoon Tours
More on GetYourGuide
Top ratedBestsellerDay trip · 10 hoursFrom Reykjavik: Golden Circle, Kerid, & Secret Lagoon Tour★ 4.8 6 554 reviews✓ Free cancellation✓ Pickup availableBooked 15 times yesterdayfrom €115 per personSee availability →
BestsellerEntry ticketIceland Secret Lagoon Admission Ticket★ 4.7 2 190 reviews✓ Free cancellationAvailable today and tomorrowfrom €29 per personSee availability →
Day trip · 12 hoursReykjavík: Golden Circle, Secret Lagoon & Aurora Chase★ 4.8 5 reviews✓ Free cancellation✓ Pickup availablefrom €178 per personSee availability →
Day trip · 9.5 - 10.5 hoursFrom Reykjavik: Golden Circle and Secret Lagoon Day Trip★ 4.5 904 reviews✓ Free cancellation✓ Pickup availablefrom €132 per personSee availability →
Entry ticket · 9 hoursFrom Reykjavik: Golden Circle & Secret Lagoon Day Tour★ 4.8 138 reviews✓ Free cancellation✓ Pickup availablefrom €137 per personSee availability →
Day trip · 8 hoursFrom Reykjavik: Golden Circle & Secret Lagoon Guided Tour★ 4.9 231 reviews✓ Free cancellation✓ Pickup availablefrom €142 per personSee availability →Secret Lagoon: Iceland's Oldest Swimming Pool
The Secret Lagoon is known locally as Gamla Laugin. It was made in 1891 at Hverahólmi, a geothermal area near Flúðir. The first swimming lessons in Iceland were held here in 1909 and continued yearly until 1947.
From 1947 the pool fell into many years of oblivion. It celebrated its opening on 7 June 2014.
Three geothermal springs provide 100 per cent of the water supply: Vaðmálahver, Básahver and Litli Geysir. Litli Geysir is an active geyser that spouts every few minutes. The water is warm, clean, rich in sulfur and stays at 38 to 40 Celsius all year round.
The pool water flows continuously and replaces completely every 24 hours. A walking path lets you safely watch the boiling, gushing springs of water.
Find more detail on the Secret Lagoon Iceland page. Compare all Iceland hot springs if you are weighing alternatives.
- Covers all three primary Golden Circle stops in one day
- Secret Lagoon is Iceland's oldest swimming pool, built in 1891 and reopened in 2014
- A walking path surrounds Secret Lagoon so you can watch Litli Geysir spout every few minutes
- Water at Secret Lagoon flows continuously and replaces completely every 24 hours
- Sky Lagoon and Blue Lagoon options suit travellers prioritising different facilities or routing
- Secret Lagoon bistro offers snacks and drinks but does not serve warm meals
- Tours combining multiple stops leave less time at each location than single-attraction visits
- Weather and road conditions can alter schedules, so check safetravel.is before you go
Which Lagoon Tours Pair with the Golden Circle
| Lagoon | Location | Water Temperature | Routing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Secret Lagoon | Flúðir (Hvammsvegur, 845) | 38-40°C | Check tour details for routing |
| Sky Lagoon | Reykjavík (Kársnes) | Check tour details | Check tour details for routing |
| Blue Lagoon | Reykjanes Peninsula (Grindavík) | Check tour details | Check tour details for routing |
Secret Lagoon is located at Hverahólmi near Flúðir. Check individual tour details for routing and lagoon options.
Check the Blue Lagoon vs Sky Lagoon comparison for facility differences. Read about Blue Lagoon transfer options if you plan a separate visit.
Planning Your Day Length and Stops
Tours covering the three primary Golden Circle stops and a geothermal bath typically require a full day. Check tour details for specific durations and stop lengths.
Þingvellir National Park offers walking trails. Gullfoss is a waterfall with viewing platforms. Geysir and Strokkur are stops where you watch eruptions from marked paths.
The bistro at Secret Lagoon offers snacks and drinks but does not serve warm meals, so plan accordingly.
If you want more flexibility, consider Iceland small-group tours for smaller vehicle sizes. Iceland private tours offer custom timing at each stop.
Compare prices, reviews and free-cancellation options before you book.
Check availability →Combining with Other Day Trips from Reykjavík
The Golden Circle and Secret Lagoon combination works as a standalone day trip. You can also pair it with other excursions if you have multiple days.
Popular pairings include South Coast tours Iceland on a second day. A glacier hike Iceland adds active adventure. Check tour details for evening excursions.
For longer itineraries, look at Iceland multi-day tours. These bundle the Golden Circle with the South Coast, Snæfellsnes Peninsula or other regions.
If your cruise ship docks in Reykjavík, check Reykjavík shore excursions for timing that fits port schedules.
What to Bring and Practical Tips
Bring swimwear, a towel and toiletries for the lagoon stop. Icelandic weather changes quickly, so pack layers and waterproof outer clothing.
Roads in Iceland can close due to weather, eruptions or other hazards. Check safetravel.is and road.is before you go.
The Secret Lagoon address is Hvammsvegur, 845 Flúðir. If you plan independent travel, confirm opening hours and entry requirements in advance.
Book early in peak summer months when tour availability tightens. Confirm cancellation and rebooking policies before you commit.
Compare prices, reviews and free-cancellation options before you book.
Check availability →Alternatives and Add-Ons
If you want to see individual Golden Circle sites in more depth, separate pages are available. Consult Þingvellir National Park, Geysir Iceland and Gullfoss waterfall for details.
Kerið Crater is another frequent add-on. Read the Kerið Crater page for details on the volcanic formation and lake.
For water activities inside Þingvellir, Silfra snorkeling and Silfra diving are available.
If you prefer geothermal bathing without sightseeing, standalone visits work well. Blue Lagoon Iceland and Sky Lagoon are bookable as shorter experiences.
Golden Circle tours with a geothermal bath give you famous sights and a warm soak in one day. Secret Lagoon is the oldest swimming pool in Iceland and offers natural surroundings. Check tour details for lagoon options and facilities.
Frequently asked questions
What are the three primary stops on the Golden Circle?
The three primary stops are Þingvellir National Park, Gullfoss waterfall and the geothermal area in Haukadalur. Haukadalur contains the geysers Geysir and Strokkur.
How often does Strokkur erupt?
Strokkur erupts every 5 to 10 minutes. Geysir itself has been mostly dormant for many years.
What temperature is the water at Secret Lagoon?
The Secret Lagoon water stays at 38 to 40 Celsius all year round. Three geothermal springs supply 100 per cent of the water, which replaces completely every 24 hours.
Where is the Secret Lagoon located?
The Secret Lagoon is at Hvammsvegur, 845 Flúðir, in the geothermal area of Hverahólmi near Flúðir.
Can I get food at Secret Lagoon?
The Secret Lagoon bistro offers snacks and drinks but does not serve warm meals. Plan to eat before or after your visit.
