02/06/2025 | 11:00 AM
If you’re planning a trip to Iceland, taking a soothing soak in one of the country’s geothermal pools should definitely be on your to-do list. Though there are many warm-water geothermal options to choose from, the Sky Lagoon is a firm favorite with tourists and locals alike.
Located a stone’s throw from central Reykjavík, the Sky Lagoon is a modern geothermal spa that combines the Icelandic tradition of hot-springs bathing with immersive elements of a contemporary spa experience. With state-of-the-art wellness facilities, an in-water bar, and an ocean backdrop, this lagoon provides the perfect escape.
Read on to learn more about what to expect when visiting the Sky Lagoon in Iceland, including how to get there, your experience on the day, and how to make the most of your visit.
The Sky Lagoon is a geothermal pool and spa facility close to central Reykjavík, in southwest Iceland. The lagoon opened its doors in 2021, and its rustic design draws inspiration from Icelandic nature and ancient bathing culture; from the tones of greys, blues and greens used throughout the building, to the charming turf house, turf walls, and rock plunge pool.
The standout feature of the lagoon is its 75-meter (246ft) infinity-edge geothermal pool that appears to blend seamlessly into the coastal landscape. From here you can enjoy some of the best views in Reykjavík, including the Atlantic Ocean, the Icelandic president’s residence at Bessastaðir, and the Reykjanes peninsula – home to recent volcanic activity. On a clear day, you can even see Snæfellsjökull glacier on the distant Snæfellsnes peninsula.
As well as enjoying a seaside soak with panoramic views, you’ll also get to experience the cold plunge pool, sauna, steam room, and other spa facilities featured in the Sky Lagoon’s seven-step Skjól Ritual.
Each of the lagoon’s spa facilities are impressive in their own right, but the sauna features floor-to-ceiling windows and exceptional sea views. You can sit and relax in the warmth while taking in the scenery.
There's also an in-water bar serving alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks (you pay using a wristband), plus a stylish cafe and snack bar featuring a combination of traditional Icelandic treats and sharing plates.
The Sky Lagoon is about 3.7 miles (6km) from downtown Reykjavík, at Kársnes harbor in Kópavogur. The drive from the city center takes around 15 minutes on average, and there’s free parking at the lagoon, which is ideal if you’ve hired a car.
Here’s Sky Lagoon’s location on the map to help you plan your travel:
There are also taxis and bus services operating between the Sky Lagoon and Reykjavík. The public bus departs from Hlemmur square in downtown Reykjavík, and takes around 40-50 minutes on average (including a change at Hamraborg, and the walk from Hafnarbraut to the lagoon). You can find out more and plan your route from your hotel on the public transport website straeto.is.
Note that some Sky Lagoon tickets include a transfer, so we recommend double-checking your ticket before planning your journey.
Many people choose to visit the Sky Lagoon on the way to or from Keflavík International Airport. It’s about 29 miles (46km) and the drive takes 40 minutes on average. If you’re planning this as your first or last activity in Iceland, it’s important to mention that there’s a small fee for any baggage that is too large to be placed in the changing-room lockers, but smaller suitcases can generally be stored in lockers without any issues.
Because the Sky Lagoon is so close to Reykjavík, most visitors choose to stay in the capital. There are a couple of hotels in the Kópavogur area, but we’d recommend staying more centrally where possible, since most tours and transport links depart from the city center.
Below, we explain what’s included with your visit to the Sky Lagoon and share tips for making the most of the experience.
When you arrive at the Sky Lagoon, you’ll be checked in by the reception team, who'll explain the experience based on your ticket type and answer any questions. You’ll also be given a waterproof wristband which you’ll use for your locker access in the changing rooms, and payment at the swim-up bar.
You’ll need to take your shoes off before entering the changing facilities, but there's a bench where you can sit down and comfortably do this. After this, you enter the changing room where you can get ready and store your belongings in a locker.
All guests are required to shower before entering the water, without their bathing suit. You’ll find the shower block conveniently located en route to the lagoon entrance – there are cubicles with doors in the Saman changing rooms, and private showers in the Sér facilities. After this, your Sky Lagoon spa experience begins!
Tip: Your ticket is associated with a specific arrival timeslot. We recommend arriving 5-10 minutes before your check-in slot to ensure that you can make the most of your time in the lagoon. There's a 30-minute grace period for any delays you may have on the day.
The lagoon entrance looks like the opening of a rocky cave, and you’re immediately greeted with inviting warmth as you step down into the water. The Sky Lagoon water temperature is between 100 to 104°F (38-40°C) and it’s around 4ft (1.2 meters) deep on average, so you can walk along the bottom of the pool without needing to swim.
The first part of the experience is navigating your way through a tall rock passage until you reach a clearing where you’ll get your first glimpse of the magnificent view of the sky meeting the sea. You can go right up to the edge of the pool and gaze out at the ocean, visit the swim-up bar, or perch on a smooth rock and chat with friends as you enjoy the soak. There's also a waterfall cascading over the rocks, which you can stand under.
Next, you can take part in the Skjól Ritual, which includes the Sky Lagoon sauna (more details below).
Although there's no strict time limit with your ticket, we recommend allowing 1.5 to two hours to take part in the ritual and leave plenty of time to relax and soak.
There’s also an on-site cafe that serves a variety of meals and snacks, making it easy to spend half a day here.
One of the highlights of the Sky Lagoon is the Skjól Ritual, consisting of seven steps in a specific order, designed to provide the ultimate relaxation experience.
Skjól – which translates to ‘shelter’, ‘retreat’, or ‘protection’ – represents the sanctity of bathing culture in the face of even the harshest of Icelandic weather.
The ritual itself is presented as a ‘rejuvenating journey that awakens your senses and leaves your skin healthy and glowing’. It combines warm and cold waters, steam, dry heat, and fresh air.
Here’s what each of the steps involves:
Step 1 – Laug (Lagoon): Relax in the soothing warmth of the lagoon, surrounded by coastal views. Enjoy a drink at the swim-up bar, or simply take in the atmosphere.
Step 2 – Kuldi (Cold Plunge): Take a cold plunge, inspired by Iceland’s early settlers and the ancient Snorralaug pool. This dip lets you experience a deep-rooted tradition, leaving you feeling energized and invigorated.
Step 3 – Ylur (Sauna): After the cool plunge, warm up in Sky Lagoon’s seaside sauna (pictured). There are two rooms to the sauna, one is phone-free (both enjoy the same views).
Step 4 – Súld (Cold Mist): Next, step into a room where you can experience one of the most unique features of the spa: a refreshing cool mist reminiscent of gentle rainfall.
Step 5 – Mýkt (Sky Body Scrub): Gently exfoliate your skin with Sky Lagoon’s body scrub. Infused with nourishing almond and sesame seed oils, it leaves your skin soft, clean, and radiant.
Step 6 – Gufa (Steam): Experience the therapeutic heat of the Sky Lagoon steam room. This part of the ritual boosts your skin’s hydration, encourages relaxation, and amplifies the benefits of the body scrub.
Step 7 – Saft (Elixir): The final step of the ritual is a refreshing drink – a krækiber berry elixir.
After you’ve completed the ritual, you can head back into the lagoon feeling refreshed and reconnected to your mind and body.
Sky Lagoon is open year-round, and its standard opening hours are from 10am to 10pm (with longer hours in the summer months).
Deciding when to visit depends on the experience you’re after, as both summer and winter offer different benefits. Iceland’s winters are cold with fewer daylight hours, but this makes the possibility of a soothing soak in warm geothermal water all the more appealing. Winter also brings with it the chance to see the northern lights, which can make an evening visit to the Sky Lagoon even more magical.
On the other hand, summer offers milder weather conditions which some people prefer. The long daylight hours and the midnight sun from June to August also mean you can experience the lagoon earlier or later than usual without it getting dark.
Throughout the year, the lagoon offers great views at any time of day, but there’s something extra special about being there for sunset – visible right on the ocean’s horizon. For this reason, it’s one of the most popular slots, so we’d recommend booking as far in advance as possible.
Tip: Sunset times will vary throughout the year so keep this in mind when making your booking! Check times on the timeanddate website.
The Sky Lagoon at night also offers a unique experience, with ambient lighting and the lights of Reykjavík in the distance. The sea views aren’t as clear, but it’s typically a quieter time to visit. For smaller crowds with a clearer view, we recommend booking the earliest morning slots where possible.
With a Sky Lagoon Saman Pass, you’ll get to experience the seven-step Skjól Ritual and enjoy the peaceful luxury of the lagoon. Upgrading to a Sér Pass offers a more exclusive experience, so if you value more privacy, this option may be best for you.
The views are a big part of the lagoon, so if you want to capture the moment, we recommend bringing a waterproof phone case for your phone or camera. There aren’t many spaces where you can safely put down your phone, so keep this in mind before bringing any personal belongings with you. You can go back to the changing room and leave your phone in the locker once you’ve taken any photos.
Most people bring their own bathing suit, though they are available to hire if needed. Visitors can also bring flip-flops or water shoes if they prefer not to be barefoot in the lagoon and surrounding areas. Use of a towel, as well as shampoo, conditioner, and body lotion, are all included with your package.
As you bathe in the lagoon and navigate through the Skjól Ritual, it’s important to stay hydrated. You can find water fountains in the changing rooms and additional drinks (including free water) at the in-water bar.
Finally, a top tip for enjoying the Sky Lagoon is to take it slow. Take in the views and immerse yourself in the Ritual without rushing the experience.
If you’re planning a trip to Iceland, you may be wondering if it’s worth visiting the Sky Lagoon over the Blue Lagoon, or vice versa. There are some similarities between each location, but ultimately they provide different, equally visit-worthy geothermal bathing experiences in their own unique settings.
The Blue Lagoon’s milky blue waters are a unique sight and experience, enriched with minerals to soothe and nourish the skin. A selection of mud masks and a complimentary drink are included with a standard admission ticket, which many visitors appreciate. There's also the option to book luxury add-ons such as an in-water massage or float therapy. This location has a wider range of on-site restaurants and hotels, and this spa is more family-friendly since it’s suitable for toddlers and young children – in fact, children aged 13 and under enjoy free admission.
Sky Lagoon is closer to Reykjavík and offers a slightly more luxe experience for the standard ticket, which is reflected in the higher price of the experience. The lagoon’s recently expanded Skjól Ritual is a treat for visitors, creating an immersive, structured wellness experience – but note that admission only grants you one journey through the Ritual. Since there’s an age restriction of 12+, the Sky Lagoon is usually better for couples or those traveling with older children.
Here’s a comparison of the Blue Lagoon versus the Sky Lagoon in Iceland:
*Prices and other information indicated in the table are reflective of the facility websites in January 2025.
| Blue Lagoon | Sky Lagoon | |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Grindavík, Reykjanes peninsula (closer to Keflavík airport) | Kársnes harbor, Kópavogar (closer to Reykjavík) |
| Water type | Geothermal seawater and freshwater | Geothermal groundwater |
| Average water temp | 98° to 102°F (37° to 39°C) | 100° to 104°F (38° to 40°C) |
| Average water depth | 3'11" (1.2 meters) | 3'11" (1.2 meters) |
| Minimum age | 2+ years (free for kids aged 2-13) | 12+ years |
| Spa facilities | Lagoon, sauna, steam room, in-water massage and float therapy available | Lagoon, plunge pool, sauna, cool mist, steam room |
| In-water bar | Yes | Yes |
| Onsite dining | Cafe and restaurant | Cafe and bar |
| Onsite accommodations | Yes | No |
| Standard admission includes | - Entrance - Silica mud mask from in-water Mud Bar - 1 drink of your choice - Use of towel - Public changing facilities | - Entrance - 1 journey through 7-step Skjól Ritual - Use of towel - Public changing facilities |
| Starting price excl booking fee (standard admission)* | 9,990 ISK (~ USD $72) | 12,990 ISK (~ USD $93) |
Many tour companies sell Sky Lagoon tickets online – some as part of a day-tour package, some with transfers to and from Reykjavík, and some as the experience only. You can also buy tickets directly on the Sky Lagoon website.
Whichever ticket type you choose, we recommend booking in advance to avoid any disappointment. If you're traveling with a group or on an organized tour, your check-in slot will be selected for you based on the tour timings. Otherwise, you’ll have the freedom to choose your own slot (typically between the standard opening hours of 10am and 10pm).
There are two Sky Lagoon ticket types available: Saman and Sér.
Saman is the classic experience, and is the most popular package. This includes:
Sér is the premium Sky Lagoon experience, offering everything in the Saman package but with access to private changing facilities for a more exclusive experience.
Current prices of Sky Lagoon tickets are listed on the official website.
Want to plan your trip without the hassle? With Icelandair, you can book a holiday package combining the Sky Lagoon with the Golden Circle, or build your own package for maximum flexibility. Packages include flights and hotel accommodation, and you can also customize an existing package to add other tours in Iceland during your stay.
We also offer Sky Lagoon Saman Pass day tours with or without transfers. You can add your tour to your trip at the time of booking your flights, or purchase your tour after.
For more information about our tours and packages, please check the details on the individual package pages or browse our holidays FAQs.
With its convenient location, stunning sea views, modern spa facilities, and the Skjól Ritual that goes above and beyond a traditional geothermal bathing experience, we think the Sky Lagoon deserves a place on everyone’s bucket list.
We hope you’ve felt inspired to book a trip to Iceland for the Sky Lagoon, and that you’ll come and visit us soon. Discover all our holiday packages for more inspiration, or browse flights to Reykjavík to start planning your adventure.