Secret Lagoon

Secret Lagoon is a working geothermal pool rather than a spa complex. It was created in 1891, and the water arrives hot from the ground on the site. A small geyser stands beside the pool and spouts steam and water while people bathe. A path runs around the springs behind the pool, past hot ground where bathing is not allowed. No shuttle bus serves the place, so almost everyone arrives by car, and it stays quieter than the Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon. Staff go through the rules on arrival. Changing rooms are separate for men and women, with lockers and showers.

• Shower first. Showering naked, without a swimsuit, is required in the changing rooms before you enter the pool.
• Hair. Light or dyed hair can change colour in the mineral water.
• Queues. People line up outside before the doors open in the morning.
• On site. Toilets, showers, a bar and an eating area.

Secret Lagoon sits on the edge of Flúðir in South Iceland. No shuttle bus serves the pool, so most visitors drive. The car park is next to the entrance, and the way from the bays to the door is level, with no steps. The nearest public transport stop is in Flúðir, a little under a kilometre from the pool.

Better: the middle of the day, or the hours before the 20:00 close.

Avoid: the 10:00 opening — people queue outside before the doors open.

The pool is outdoors and unroofed, so in winter the evening bathing happens in the dark, with steam standing over the water.