Sky Lagoon, Iceland: What it’s really like to visit

Steam swirled around as the warm, geothermal water I was soaking in met the crisp winter air. Waves from the North Atlantic Ocean gently lapped at the craggy shoreline, shaping a seemingly endless panorama of deep blue as the late morning sunrise cast a soft pink hue overhead.

The only sounds were trickling water and a waterfall gushing out of black lava rocks behind me, and I embraced the tranquility of the moment as I’d somehow been lucky enough to steal a few moments all alone in the incredible Sky Lagoon in Iceland.

Sky Lagoon in Iceland

Iceland is famous for its geysers and natural hot springs, so it’s only natural that one of its top attractions would be a spectacular geothermal lagoon perched along the waterfront.

The restorative retreat boasts a dramatic 75-metre-long infinity pool, secluded hideaways, a sauna, steam room and swim-up bar, making Sky Lagoon the perfect setting to celebrate another trip around the sun.

Yes, I smartly timed this visit for my birthday.

Our group of nearly a dozen ladies arrived right at opening time on this brisk December day, to make the most of the few hours of sunlight this part of the world gets around the time of the winter solstice.

Conveniently located a short drive from downtown Reykjavik in the suburb of Kópavogur, Sky Lagoon’s modern, minimalist and natural design elements were inspired by historic turf houses.

We admired an impressive feature wall at the entrance, where turf was layered into an intricate herringbone pattern.

Rich woods, natural stones and the palette of creams, deep greens and grey-blues used throughout seamlessly blend into the surroundings, and the massive boulders shaping the lagoon were built up from lava.

That attention to detail combined with the fundamentals of the spa experience have made the Sky Lagoon a treasured spot for both Icelanders and tourists since opening back in 2021.

The Skjól Ritual at Sky Lagoon

While some guests are content to simply relax in the pool and enjoy the serene surroundings, the heart of the Sky Lagoon is an add-on called the Skjól Ritual.

“The traditions of bathing culture are integral to the Icelandic way of life and are at the core of the Sky Lagoon experience,” said general manager Dagny Petursdottir, who we met later that afternoon at the café while dining on local specialities like reindeer pâté and pickled herring from the Djúpivogur fishing village.

The seven step ritual combines warm and cold waters, steam, dry heat and fresh air, which Petursdottir described as a “rejuvenating and transformative experience.”

Following a leisurely soak in the lagoon with a champagne toast, our group made our way toward the separate building that houses the Skjól Ritual, guided by Ragnheiður Haraldsdottir who worked as a marketing manager for Sky Lagoon.

The hot sauna beyond the closed doors beckoned–but first up was a cold plunge.

“It’s so good for you, and you feel it when you go in that it’s not only empowering, it’s really refreshing,” Haraldsdottir explained, coaxing us toward the frigid water. “It’s energizing, and it’s strengthening you.”

She was right: submerging yourself in what feels like a vat of ice is one way to get your immune system firing in true Viking style, and while I wasn’t brave enough to dunk myself past the waist I still felt the benefits as I quickly got out and made a beeline for the hot haven that awaited inside.

The next 45 minutes were spent following the next five steps, with one of the most impressive being the sauna which is used to open pores, remove toxins and cleanse the skin.

Its massive fourth wall is made entirely of a single window pane gazing right into the ocean, which is somehow kept so sparkling clean it appears there is nothing but air.

Next up was a light mist of showers that felt like a refreshing rainfall, before rubbing the signature Sky Body Scrub all over our bodies.

Heading into the steam room, the air was so thick we could hardly see, and I felt myself melting into the seat as every muscle relaxed.

When I couldn’t take the heat for a moment longer, I felt my way back out towards the showers, my skin feeling baby soft as the salty scrub rinsed off.

“Going through the circle is going through the ritual, and once you’re back to the lagoon you can relax, go to the infinity edge, take in the view again…or head straight to the bar!” Haraldsdottir said with a laugh, as we emerged back into the daylight.

Taking her advice, that’s exactly what we did.

Glasses filled with sparkling Moët & Chandon, we glided back towards the infinity edge, toasting to the perfect birthday at Iceland’s Sky Lagoon while watching the golden sunset disappear over the horizon.

If you go: Sky Lagoon prices and packages

Sky Lagoon has two types of packages, as well as add-ons like transfers, multi-pass discounts and seasonal specials. 

• Saman: The most popular package which includes Sky Lagoon’s signature Skjól Ritual and access to public changing facilities.
• Sér: Includes everything listed in Saman, plus private change rooms, a reusable swimwear bag and signature Sky Body Lotion made with sesame, grape and almond.

Sky Lagoon entrance:

Sky Lagoon entrance + transfers

FAQs about visiting Sky Lagoon Iceland

How long does it take to visit Sky Lagoon?

A comfortable visit to Sky Lagoon takes at least three hours, especially if you do the seven-step ritual.

We spent almost the entire day here (from about 9 am to 4 pm) and enjoyed every minute, so no need to rush this experience if you love spas and hydrotherapy circuits as much as I do.

Where to eat at Sky Lagoon

Smakk Bar serves shared tasting platters (similar to charcuterie) while the Keimur Cafe serves comfort food like (very expensive) bagels, sandwiches and coffee drinks.

You can sip Icelandic beer, mixed drinks or a glass of wine right in the lagoon by wading over to the Gelmir Bar.

Are kids allowed at Sky Lagoon?

Sky Lagoon welcomes guests aged 12 and up. Guests aged 12 to 14 must be accompanied by an adult. 

Which one is better: Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon?

The two most famous geothermal spas in Iceland serve very different travelers, and the right answer depends on what kind of experience you are after.

Sky Lagoon is newer, closer to Reykjavík (in Kópavogur, a few minutes’ drive away) and built around a curated seven-step ritual with strong Icelandic design character. The infinity pool looks directly out to the North Atlantic, and the whole aesthetic, turf-house architecture, lava boulders, rich wood and stone, feels rooted in genuine Icelandic character. It tends to draw visitors who want a more intimate, local-feeling experience.

The Blue Lagoon is older, much larger, internationally iconic, and located near Keflavík airport. Its milky-blue water is immediately recognizable and genuinely spectacular, but also draws enormous crowds and often requires booking well in advance.

Globe Guide’s opinion:

Sky Lagoon is best for guests who want a more elevated, full-day experience while the Blue Lagoon is better for those wanting the famous milky-blue water photo-op and a quicker visit.

For first-timers staying in Reykjavík with limited time and no car, Sky Lagoon’s proximity makes it the easier, more relaxed choice. If a selfie in that iconic blue water is on your bucket list, then the Blue Lagoon is your spot. 

Globe Guide experienced Sky Lagoon in collaboration with Pursuit. This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

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