Must-sees and hidden gems: what to see and do in Flúðir?
Tucked away in southwest Iceland, just a short distance from the famous Golden Circle, the village of Flúðir holds more than a few hidden treasures. Here, you slow down. You soak in hot springs, explore greenhouses glowing with geothermal light, and discover places steeped in legend, far from the crowds. It’s an ideal home base for a peaceful stay immersed in Iceland’s lush, generous natural beauty.
1. Soak in the Secret Lagoon
Flúðir’s true gem, the Secret Lagoon (Gamla Laugin), is one of Iceland’s oldest geothermal pools, in operation since 1891. Less famous than the Blue Lagoon but just as magical, this natural pool is surrounded by steam, thick moss, and small fumaroles.
Soaking in 100–104°F water, with mist brushing the surrounding landscapes, creates a rare feeling of intimacy. Far from the tourist bustle, silence still reigns here, broken only by the bubbling of a nearby miniature geyser. It’s an essential stop, in summer or winter.
2. Explore greenhouses bathed in geothermal light
Flúðir is a pioneer in sustainable agriculture thanks to geothermal energy. To see it for yourself, visit the greenhouses run by local producers, where heat comes from volcanic activity underground.
Sweet tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, berries, and aromatic herbs grow year-round beneath soft pink lights, in a green, almost unreal version of Iceland. Guided tours are available, often ending with a tasting, especially at Friðheimar farm, about a ten-minute drive from Flúðir. Guests sit right in the heart of a tomato greenhouse, surrounded by hanging plants and warm, filtered artificial light.
On the menu: homemade tomato soup served with unlimited fresh bread, tomato-based cocktails, and even a dessert woven with basil and sweetness. It’s a rare kind of place, where you savor both Icelandic ingenuity and honest, local flavors.
3. Watch an Icelandic horse demonstration
A few miles around Flúðir, horse farms offer demonstrations with Icelandic horses, the island’s legendary companions known for their distinctive gait: the tölt.
Learning about the training and the different gaits of these proud, sturdy horses, with their braided manes and spirited look, is a way to connect with an essential part of Icelandic culture.
4. Watch the northern lights over the plains
In fall and winter, far from city lights, Flúðir becomes a prime spot for watching the northern lights. Its clear, open skies often give way to vivid dances of green, pink, and purple.
Set up your tripod, pull on your hat, and wait in the hushed calm of the Icelandic countryside. When the sky lights up, everything stops. And the sense of wonder sends more shivers through you than the cold.
5. Discover the volcanic landscapes around Hruni
Just outside Flúðir, the small village of Hruni is surrounded by landscapes shaped by volcanoes: black hills, moss-covered lava fields, and basalt flows.
It’s the perfect place for a walk or bike ride, listening to the wind slip between the rocks and birds nesting here and there. Here, nature also tells stories of trolls and elves, still very much alive in the Icelandic imagination. Some locals speak of them like invisible neighbors.
6. Picnic beside the Hvítá River
The Hvítá River, literally the “white river,” winds its way not far from Flúðir. In summer, it’s a peaceful place to linger by the water, surrounded by wildflower meadows and the gentle sound of the current.
Spread out a blanket, unpack a snack from a local bakery, and enjoy this rural, unspoiled side of Iceland. More adventurous travelers can try canoeing or rafting farther downstream, with the help of passionate local guides.
7. Visit Skálholt Church, Iceland’s religious heart
Just a 20-minute drive away, Skálholt is well worth the detour. Once Iceland’s spiritual capital, it was home to the country’s bishops for centuries.
Its modern church now stands at the center of a site rich in history, with blue-toned stained glass and archaeological remains. It’s a place for reflection as well as culture: concerts, exhibitions, and lectures are sometimes held here, offering a quiet, meditative pause during your journey through Iceland.
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Flúðir has a quiet charm that escapes the usual tourist routes. Between hot springs and futuristic vegetable gardens, this small town offers a concentrated dose of authentic Iceland. Our local experts love helping travelers discover its unexpected corners, especially those looking for living landscapes and a more human pace.
Add Flúðir to a tailor-made trip through Iceland
Traveling with Evaneos means enjoying tailor-made support from our local, English-speaking experts based right in Iceland. With deep knowledge of the area, they experience the destination every day and know how to uncover the most meaningful experiences, far from the beaten path.
Want to stop in Flúðir, unwind in its hot springs, and explore the Golden Circle region in a different way? Your local expert will craft a custom itinerary tailored to your interests, needs, and pace. A trip that truly feels like you, designed close to the heart of authentic Iceland.
