If I had to recommend one place to swim during a short stay in Reykjavík, Sky Lagoon would be very high on my list. Not because it has the most interesting geothermal water in Iceland. In that respect, I think Blue Lagoon beats it.
Sky Lagoon has a different weapon.
You are sitting in water with a temperature of around 38-40 °C, in front of you there is not a hotel or a mountain slope, but the open North Atlantic. The edge of the pool disappears into the horizon, above your head you can see the midnight sun, snow falling or – if you are really lucky – the northern lights dancing.
And then comes the ritual.
You climb out of the warm water, dive into a pool that is approximately five degrees Celsius, sit in a sauna with a huge window overlooking the ocean, walk through an icy mist, apply a scrub, get into the steam, and finally get a small shot of the Icelandic drink made from krækiber, or black elderberry.
It sounds a bit like an Instagram wellness Disneyland. And honestly – Sky Lagoon really is a bit of one. But it’s done very well.
Sky Lagoon was only created in 2021 on the Kársnes peninsula in Kópavogur, practically on the outskirts of Reykjavík. It takes about 12 minutes by car from Hallgrímskirkja and about a quarter of an hour from Harpa Concert Hall. This is its first huge advantage over the Blue Lagoon.
Sky Lagoon in a nutshell
- Where: Kópavogur, a few kilometers from downtown Reykjavik
- Lagoon temperature: approximately 38–40 °C
- Maximum depth: approximately 120 cm
- Infinity edge: approximately 70–75 meters
- Minimum age: 12 years
- Youth 12–14 years: only with adult accompaniment
- Capacity: the operator lists a maximum of 280 visitors for travel agencies
- Average visit length: approximately 2–2.5 hours
- Recommended duration of stay in hot water: approximately 1.5–2 hours
- Seven-Step Skjól Ritual: part of all current tickets
- Basic Saman Pass: from 14,990 ISK ( buy online )
- Suite with private changing room: from 17,990 ISK ( buy online )
- Parking: free
- Reykjavik city center: approximately 10-15 minutes by car
- Keflavík: approximately 45 minutes by car
- Biggest advantage: Atlantic view, architecture and ritual
- Biggest weakness: high price and surprisingly many people on the wrong date
My tip: 10 tips for the best thermal baths in Iceland
Where is Sky Lagoon in Iceland?
Sky Lagoon is not a natural hot spring
First, I would like to clarify one thing, because it is quite common to get lost around Icelandic “lagoons”. Sky Lagoon is a modernly built geothermal swimming resort. It is not a natural lake around which someone later built changing rooms.
The complex took approximately 15 months to build and its initial investment was around 5 billion Icelandic krónur. At the time of its opening, it was one of the largest investments in a tourist attraction in the capital area, according to local media.
The main lagoon is artificially built and heated by geothermal energy. But I don’t think that matters at all. I just wouldn’t compare Sky Lagoon to a wild hot spring somewhere in the Icelandic mountains. It’s more of a very clever modern interpretation of Icelandic bathing culture.
The water is 38–40°C and surprisingly shallow
The temperature of the main lagoon is around 38–40 °C. In the Icelandic wind, the perceived temperature can be a little different, and the operator himself warns that the weather can locally affect the water temperature. This is already a very pleasant temperature for my taste. It is not a lukewarm hotel pool. When it is windy, raining or snowing outside, the contrast between the cold air and the warm water is half the experience.
Interestingly, the lagoon is quite shallow. The maximum depth is approximately 120 cm. You don’t go swimming in Sky Lagoon. Rather, you move slowly between the stone walls, standing or sitting in the water and looking for a place with the best view.
Infinity edge is the main reason why Sky Lagoon looks so good in photos
The main visual trick is simple. The edge of the lagoon is built so that when viewed from the water it merges with the Atlantic. Incidentally, official materials are not entirely consistent in its length either – some current sites state 70 meters, others still 75 meters. But the number doesn’t matter at all in the end. What’s more important is what you see in front of you. In good weather, the view opens up across Faxaflói and in the distance you can see other parts of southwest Iceland.
When it’s bad, the experience isn’t necessarily worse. Clouds, rain, and steam over the water, in my opinion, perhaps fit Iceland even better than a perfectly blue sky.
When would I go to Sky Lagoon?
If I had a completely free hand, I would choose between two times.
First morning slot
I would choose this time if the priority is as much peace as possible. The area has a limited capacity, but it turns out that even Sky Lagoon can get pretty full during peak hours. There are even experiences with a queue before entering the ritual. In the morning, there is the best chance that you will enjoy the infinity pool, sauna and some parts of the lagoon without ten people filming reels around you.
About an hour before sunset
If I want the strongest atmosphere, I would go in the late afternoon. Arrive while it’s still light, do the ritual, and when you return to the lagoon, it’s just starting to get dark. This combination is exactly why people prefer Sky Lagoon to Blue Lagoon. If the Northern Lights happen to come out in the winter, you probably have one of the nicest wellness evenings you can arrange in Reykjavík.
I would never plan to go to Sky Lagoon primarily for the Northern Lights. That’s a bonus, not a service included in the price 😀
Sky Lagoon opening hours in Iceland
From June 21 to August 20, Sky Lagoon is currently open from 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM.
From August 21 to October 20, the hours are reduced to 9:00 AM–10:00 PM. In winter, from October 21 to the end of April, the hours are 10:00 AM–9:00 PM.
| Period | Opening hours |
|---|---|
| October 21 – April 30 | 10:00–21:00 |
| May 1 – June 20 | 10:00–22:00 |
| June 21 – August 20 | 8:00–23:00 |
| August 21 – October 20 | 9:00–22:00 |
You need to leave the water approximately half an hour before closing time.
And one more detail: Skjól Ritual and the lagoon bar close an hour before the entire area.
Sky Lagoon entrance fee price list in Iceland
| Admission | Adult | Youth 12–14 years old | What does it include? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shaman | from 14,990 ISK | from 7,495 ISK | Entrance to Sky Lagoon, Skjól ritual, towel and shared changing rooms |
| Serum | from 17,990 ISK | from 8,995 ISK | Entrance to Sky Lagoon, Skjól ritual, towels and private changing room with shower |
Prices are listed as the lowest available and may vary depending on the date and time of visit.
Where to stay near Sky Lagoon
Sky Lagoon is located just a short distance from the center of Reykjavík, so when choosing accommodation, it is not necessary to look for a hotel right next to the spa. In the center of Reykjavík you will find a significantly larger selection of quality hotels and Sky Lagoon is easily accessible by car or taxi.
- Hotel Reykjavík Saga – one of the best-rated hotels in central Reykjavík, is located on Lækjargata Street, just a few minutes’ walk from the main sights, restaurants and the harbor.
- Canopy by Hilton Reykjavik City Centre – a stylish hotel in the very centre of Reykjavik, just a few minutes’ walk from the main shopping street, Laugavegur. The rooms combine modern amenities with Icelandic design, and the hotel also features a restaurant, bar and fitness centre.
- The Reykjavik EDITION – a luxury hotel right by the harbor and Harpa concert hall, is one of the most interesting design accommodations in Reykjavik. It offers restaurants, bars, a fitness center and its own spa, and some rooms have sea views.
- Sand Hotel by Keahotels – a smaller boutique hotel right on Laugavegur is a nice choice especially for couples and short stays. It has a great central location, modern rooms and a popular breakfast. Hallgrímskirkja Church and a number of restaurants and cafes can be reached within a few minutes’ walk.
- Exeter Hotel by Keahotels – a modern design hotel near the old harbor offers comfortable rooms, a sauna and a fitness center. There is a restaurant and bakery on the ground floor of the hotel and it is within easy walking distance of Harpa, the old town and Laugavegur.
The seven-step Skjól ritual: the biggest difference from Blue Lagoon
A few years ago it was simply called the Seven-Step Ritual. Today Sky Lagoon presents it more prominently under the name Skjól, which in Icelandic means roughly shelter or shelter.
Each step was given its own Icelandic name.
| Step | Name | What awaits you? | Temperature |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Laug | main geothermal lagoon | 38–40°C |
| 2 | Cold | cold plunge | approx. 5 °C |
| 3 | Ylur | sauna with ocean view | 80–90°C |
| 4 | Sould | cold fog | approx. 5 °C |
| 5 | Toll | body scrub | — |
| 6 | Gufa | steam bath | approx. 46 °C |
| 7 | Saft | Icelandic krækiber drink | — |
The ritual itself is, in my opinion, the main argument for visiting Sky Lagoon at least once during your stay in Iceland. At the same time, you need to have the right expectations. It is not a classic sauna world.
Step 1: Laugh – first you warm up
The first step is the easiest. You just step into the main lagoon. The water is around 38-40°C and the operator recommends taking a moment to slow down and warm up before continuing with the ritual. I wouldn’t rush this part. It’s a bit of a shame to come, walk to the ritual in ten minutes and start ticking off individual stations. I think Sky Lagoon works exactly the opposite. First I would walk around the lagoon, find the infinity edge, watch the ocean for a while and leave the ritual for later.
Step 2: Kuldi – water around five degrees
Then comes a quick return to Icelandic reality. The cold pool is approximately 5 °C. It is inspired by the historical Snorralaug in Reykholt, which is associated with Snorri Sturluson. Here I like that the architecture is not just random “Viking” decoration. The circular stone pool and the grassy structure refer to real elements of Icelandic history. But in my opinion, there is no need to prove your heroism in the cold water. A short dip, depending on how you tolerate it, is enough.
Step 3: Ylur – perhaps the most beautiful sauna in Iceland
This is where the whole ritual culminates in my opinion. The sauna is approximately 80–90 °C and one wall is a huge window facing the Atlantic. Sky Lagoon even offers two sauna variants today:
- classic,
- a quieter phone-free option.
And a phone-free sauna would be my choice. Phones are probably the most common minor complaint that comes up in Sky Lagoon reviews. The resort tries to sell peace, horizon, and disconnection from the world, but at the same time it is so photogenic that some guests spend half their visit taking pictures of themselves. Some people don’t care. For others, it can pretty reliably kill the whole “zen” experience.
Step 4: Súld – cold fog
After the sauna, there is no further immersion in a cold pool. You will pass through a space with very cold fog. The temperature is around 5 °C. It is the alternation of individual sensations that makes the ritual more interesting than the usual “sauna → pool”. It has a clear dramaturgy.
Step 5: Soften – peeling contains almond and sesame oil
The fifth step is the Mykt body scrub. And here’s one practical detail I really wish I knew before booking.
The peeling includes, among other things:
- sea salt,
- sweet almond oil,
- sesame oil,
- grape seed oil,
- argan oil,
- rosehip oil.
If you have an allergy to almonds, sesame or any other ingredient, I wouldn’t automatically consider this step as harmless cosmetics. The operator explicitly warns about allergens.
Step 6: Gufa – leave the peeling on your body in the steam
The peeling is not washed off immediately. You continue with it to the Gufa steam bath, where it is around 46 °C. Only the heat and steam complete the entire peeling step. Only then do you take a shower. This system makes more sense than some quick self-service cosmetic mask by the pool. At the same time, the whole process is strictly linear.
Step 7: Saft – instead of a shower, you get a taste of Iceland
The last step is Saft. Today it is a drink made from krækiber, or black elderberry, supplemented with an herbal mixture. The current composition includes water, herbal tea with birch, angelica leaves and Icelandic moss, sugar, krækiber juice and lemon juice.
Another small practical note: if you have a significant sensitivity to birch, herbs or pollen, it’s good to know.
Otherwise, I think it’s a nice point.
Is the seven-step ritual really a traditional Icelandic procedure?
Yes, the individual motifs are linked to Icelandic bathing culture. The warm geothermal water, the cold contrast, the historic Snorralaug or the traditional grass buildings are not imaginary backdrops.
No, it doesn’t mean that Icelanders have been walking the seven steps in exact order for centuries, applying the branded Sky Body Scrub, and finishing it off with a shot of krækiber.
Skjól is a modernly designed commercial wellness ritual inspired by Icelandic traditions.
You will receive one pass through the Skjól Ritual per visit.
In my opinion, the architecture is better than the marketing story itself
Upon arrival, you can hardly see what lies behind the building. The entire pool is hidden behind stone and grass structures and only opens up when you walk through the changing room into the water. The historic klömbruhleðsla technique works with blocks of Icelandic sod laid out in a traditional pattern.
Sky Lagoon claims that this is where this ancient technique was first used in modern Icelandic construction. The project involved specialists in traditional turf work. It’s not just grass glued to a concrete roof.
Interesting fact: they reuse the water after bathing
Energy is also technically interesting. After flowing through an approximately 70-meter lagoon, geothermal water is captured and its heat is further used, for example, for:
- underfloor heating of buildings,
- background heating,
- heating of outdoor sidewalks,
- melting of snow and ice.
The water in which guests were bathing a moment ago still helps keep the sidewalks free of snow in winter.
Saman or Sér? For me, I would mostly save
There are two main entry options in 2026.
Shaman
Currently from 14,990 ISK per adult.
The price includes:
- entrance to the lagoon,
- one Skjól Ritual,
- unlimited access to the lagoon and cold plunge,
- shared changing room,
- separate shower cabins,
- towel,
- shampoo and conditioner,
- cabinet,
- chip bracelet for payments.
Serum
Currently from 17,990 ISK.
In addition, you will mainly get:
- private changing room,
- own shower,
- a more private cosmetic zone,
- body lotion,
- other small equipment.
The difference is approximately 3,000 ISK, or around five hundred crowns per person. And if Sér is worth it to me? I would usually take Saman.
But there’s one Icelandic thing you won’t miss in Sér: showering without a swimsuit.
Classic Icelandic rules apply here: Before entering the water, you must shower thoroughly with soap and without a swimsuit.
It’s right in the visitor rules. And it makes sense. Icelandic bathing culture takes hygiene before entering the communal water really seriously.
Fortunately, there are showers in cabins in Saman, so for someone used to Czech privacy, the situation is not nearly as dramatic as in some older Icelandic pools.
Alcohol has a limit of three drinks
In the middle of the lagoon there is Gelmir Bar. You simply pay with a bracelet that you get when you enter. However, the operator limits alcohol to a maximum of three alcoholic drinks per person. I think that is a good rule. The combination of 40°C water, a sauna and a few strong drinks is not exactly the ideal recipe for wellness. Moreover, Icelandic drinks are quite expensive.
At Smakk Bar, for example, the current price list shows a glass of wine at around 2,000–2,600 ISK, prosecco from around 2,500 ISK upwards.
You cannot bring your own food inside.
The visitor regulations prohibit bringing your own food and drinks. Sky Lagoon itself even recommends it – do not go into the hot water completely empty stomach.
The following are operating on site:
Keimur Café – simple meals and snacks,
Smakk Bar – Icelandic tasting plates,
Gelmir Bar – drinks right in the lagoon.
Sky Lagoon with children: be careful, children under 12 are not allowed here at all
There is a huge difference here compared to the Blue Lagoon. Children under 12 are not allowed in the Sky Lagoon. Youth from 12 to 14 years old must be accompanied by an adult over 18 years old and the operator may request a passport or other document confirming age.
Sky Lagoon is not completely adults-only. But you will practically not meet small children, inflatable sleeves or toddlers here. If I go with two, I consider it an advantage. If I travel with an eight-year-old child, it is decided:
I can’t do Sky Lagoon and Blue Lagoon can.
Surprisingly small capacity: maximum 280 guests
Official information for travel agencies lists a maximum capacity of 280 guests. On paper, that sounds great. It’s one of the reasons why Sky Lagoon tends to feel more intimate than Blue Lagoon. But even 280 people is not a small number if a large number of them decide to undergo the ritual at the same time.
How much time should you reserve for Sky Lagoon?
The operator states that the average visit lasts around 2–2.5 hours.
How to get to Sky Lagoon
The location is one of the biggest advantages for me.
The address is: Vesturvör 44, Kópavogur.
It is approximately 10–15 minutes by car from the center of Reykjavík.
By car :
From Hallgrímskirkja approximately 12 minutes. From Harpa around 14 minutes. From BSÍ bus terminal around 9 minutes. Parking is free and without time limit and there are also chargers for electric cars. If I have a rented car, I wouldn’t think of anything more complicated.
By public transport:
From Hlemmur, take bus number 4 to Hamraborg. There, change to bus 35 or 36 and get off at Bakkabraut. From there, it’s a few minutes’ walk. It’s cheaper than the tourist transfer.
Shuttle
Sky Lagoon also offers a transfer service operated by Icelandia/Reykjavík Excursions. This can be convenient for one or two people without a car. For three or four people, I would compare the price to a taxi.
Sky Lagoon vs Blue Lagoon: which lagoon would I choose?
These two places look a bit similar on Google. Hot water. Iceland. Expensive admission. Pool bar. But in reality, they’re quite different.
| Sky Lagoon | Blue Lagoon | |
|---|---|---|
| From downtown Reykjavik | approx. 10–15 minutes | approx. 45–50 minutes |
| From Keflavík | about 45 minutes | about 20 minutes |
| Basic entry 2026 | from 14,990 ISK | from 11,990 ISK |
| Minimum age | 12 years | 2 years |
| Water | clear geothermal water | unique geothermal seawater |
| Temperature | 38–40°C | 37–40°C |
| Main experience | ocean, infinity edge, ritual | blue silica water and lava field |
| Ritual | 7 steps included | masks, sauna, steam, cooler lagoon |
| Sauna | once as part of a ritual | repeated access included |
| More suitable for children | No | Yes |
| More suitable for a couple | Sky Lagoon for me | Yes |
| Better after arrival/departure | No | Blue Lagoon |
| More iconic water | No | Blue Lagoon |
| Better ocean view | Sky Lagoon | No |
| More emotionally intimate | Sky Lagoon | larger resort |
What makes Blue Lagoon water really different?
When it comes to pure water, the Blue Lagoon wins. Its geothermal seawater is created about two kilometers underground by a combination of ocean and freshwater. It contains silica, mineral salts and specific microalgae. The Blue Lagoon states that the ratio is approximately 70% seawater and 30% freshwater. It is the silica that gives it its iconic milky blue color. Sky Lagoon has nothing like it. Its water is clean and transparent.
So if you want to swim in water that is geologically unusual in itself, I would go to the Blue Lagoon.
What do I think Sky Lagoon wins at?
Sky Lagoon has a better dramaturgy of the experience. At Blue Lagoon you get into the water, put on a mask, drink, sauna and then you compose the program yourself.
At Sky Lagoon you have a clear path:
heat → ice water → sauna → mist → peeling → steam → Saft → back to the lagoon.
And the ocean. For a couple on a short stay in Reykjavík, Sky Lagoon seems aesthetically and organizationally better.
The Blue Lagoon is also significantly larger
The main Blue Lagoon is approximately 10,000 m² and holds around 9 million liters of geothermal seawater. The Sky Lagoon feels much more intimate. That’s both an advantage and a disadvantage. It has more atmosphere. But if a lot of people gather for a ritual, there’s not much to escape to.
What would I do when I visit?
- I would buy Saman : A private dressing room is nice, but I don’t think it’s necessary.
- I would arrive in the morning or before sunset : The noon slot seems the least interesting to me.
- I wouldn’t do the ritual right away : I would first stay in the lagoon for half an hour.
- I wouldn’t overdo the cold plunge : I don’t have to sit there for two minutes just because the person in front of me sat there for two minutes.
- I would leave my phone in the locker most of the time : A few photos yes. Filming my “wellness journey” for 40 minutes probably not.
- I would eat lightly beforehand : Not completely hungry and not a huge lunch.
- After the ritual, I would return to the lagoon : Returning to the warm water after the cold plunge, sauna and mist seems like the best conclusion to me.
SpaMagazin.cz review
| Region | Rating |
|---|---|
| Water temperature | 9/10 |
| View | 10/10 |
| Architecture | 10/10 |
| Skjól Ritual | 9/10 |
| Sauna | 8/10 |
| Variety of pools | 5/10 |
| Peace | 8/10 |
| Couples | 10/10 |
| Families with children | 4/10 |
| Location relative to Reykjavik | 10/10 |
| Price-to-bid ratio | 7/10 |
| Originality | 9/10 |
Overall rating: 8.7/10
My verdict
Sky Lagoon, in my opinion, stands right on the border between two worlds. On the one hand, it is undoubtedly an expensive tourist attraction built to look fantastic in photos. On the other hand, the architecture, view and ritual are done so well that I would not write it off as a tourist trap because of that.
It doesn’t try to offer ten pools. It doesn’t try to pretend to be a water park. It doesn’t try to beat the Blue Lagoon with its blue water. It sells one strong scene: hot water, the Atlantic, black rocks, a cold pool, a sauna and an Icelandic sky. And it works.
Frequently asked questions about Sky Lagoon
How much does Sky Lagoon cost in 2026?
Current official prices start at approximately ISK 14,990 for the Saman Pass and ISK 17,990 for the Sér Pass. Prices may vary depending on dates and availability.
What’s in the basic Saman Pass?
Lagoon entrance, one complete Skjól Ritual, unlimited access to the main lagoon and cold plunge, shared changing rooms, private shower cabins and a towel.
Is the Sér Pass worth it?
In my opinion, especially if you want a private changing room and shower. The lagoon itself and Skjól Ritual are the same as the cheaper Saman Pass.
How many pools does Sky Lagoon have?
It is not a classic thermal complex with a large number of pools. The main part consists of one large geothermal lagoon and a separate cold pool as part of the ritual.
How warm is the water?
The main lagoon is approximately 38–40 °C, the cold pool around 5 °C.
How deep is Sky Lagoon?
At its deepest point approximately 120 cm.
How long does a visit last?
The average visit, according to the operator, lasts about 2–2.5 hours. I would set aside 2.5–3 hours.
Can children go to Sky Lagoon?
Ages 12 and up only. Visitors ages 12-14 must be accompanied by an adult.
Do I have to shower without a swimsuit before entering?
Yes. Showering with soap without swimwear is mandatory. In the basic Saman variant, the showers are in separate cabins.
Is a towel included?
Yes. A towel is included with all current tickets.
Is a bathrobe included?
No. Sky Lagoon does not provide bathrobes or slippers as standard.
How far is Sky Lagoon from Reykjavik?
From the center approximately 10–15 minutes by car. From Hallgrímskirkja the operator states approximately 12 minutes.
Is parking free?
Yes. Parking is free and there is no time limit.
Is Sky Lagoon or Blue Lagoon better?
For a couple staying in Reykjavik, I would personally choose Sky Lagoon. For a first-time visitor to Iceland, a family with young children, or a stopover on the way from the airport, Blue Lagoon has great advantages.
Photos of the Sky Lagoon spa in Iceland
Photo sources: YouTube.com | skylagoon.com
