Sky Lagoon — All You Need to Know

Feb 18, 2026 · By Jessica McVey

Sky Lagoon is one of many great spa-like geothermal experiences in Iceland and has become very popular! It’s located only a few minutes drive from Reykjavik city center and is the perfect way to begin or end your trip to Iceland.

What to Expect from Your Visit

The 7-Step Skjól Bathing Ritual

1

Laug (Lagoon)

Spend as long as you'd like soaking in the lagoon & access the swim-up bar.

2

Kuldi (Cold Plunge)

Small cold pool to reinvigorate your senses.

3

Ylur (Sauna)

Two Finnish saunas overlooking the sea through floor-to-ceiling windows. One allows cameras; the other is a phone-free zone.

4

Súld (Cold Mist)

Two Finnish saunas overlooking the sea through floor-to-ceiling windows. One allows cameras; the other is a phone-free zone.

5

Mýkt (Salt Scrub)

Apply a dollop of salt scrub all over to leave your skin silky smooth.

6

Gufa (Steam Room)

Sit and sweat it out in a tiled room where the steam is so thick you can only see your neighbour's legs.

7

Saft (Elixir)

Down a shot of crowberry elixir for a final burst of stimulation.

✨ Pro Tip

Sky Lagoon is perfectly situated for amazing sunsets. If possible, book your time 30 to 60 minutes before official sunset — plan to be either in the lagoon or in the sauna to watch the magic unfold over the ocean.

Admission Options

Saman Pass

From ~$85 USD

Shared changing rooms. All lagoon & ritual access included.

Sér Pass

From ~$115 USD

Private changing room + all lagoon & ritual access.

Ages 12–14 have a reduced admission. Children under 12 are not allowed. Reservations are strongly recommended — tickets sell out, especially in summer. Book at least 1 month in advance.

Sky Lagoon vs. Blue Lagoon

Many travelers choose to visit only one lagoon. Here’s a side-by-side comparison to help you decide:

Feature Sky Lagoon Blue Lagoon
Busy & Crowded Yes Yes
Children Allowed No — must be 12+ Yes — must be 2+
Cost Expensive Expensive
Spa Experience 7-Step Skjól Ritual Self-applied mud mask + Retreat Spa option
Food & Drink Swim-up bar, café, restaurant Swim-up bar (included), café, fine dining
Accommodation No Yes — two on-site hotels
Location 15 min from downtown Reykjavík 25 min from Keflavík Airport
Iconic Views Stunning ocean sunsets Milky-blue waters, iconic for photos
Busy & Crowded
Sky Lagoon Yes
Blue Lagoon Yes
Children Allowed
Sky Lagoon No — must be 12+
Blue Lagoon Yes — must be 2+
Cost
Sky Lagoon Expensive
Blue Lagoon Expensive
Spa Experience
Sky Lagoon 7-Step Skjól Ritual
Blue Lagoon Self-applied mud mask + Retreat Spa option
Food & Drink
Sky Lagoon Swim-up bar, café, restaurant
Blue Lagoon Swim-up bar (included), café, fine dining
Accommodation
Sky Lagoon No
Blue Lagoon Yes — two on-site hotels
Location
Sky Lagoon 15 min from downtown Reykjavík
Blue Lagoon 25 min from Keflavík Airport
Iconic Views
Sky Lagoon Stunning ocean sunsets
Blue Lagoon Milky-blue waters, iconic for photos

Honestly, you can’t go wrong with either. If your flight arrives early in the morning, make your first stop Blue Lagoon (convenient to the airport). If you’re spending time in Reykjavík, Sky Lagoon is perfect. Consider also Earth Lagoon in North Iceland for those milky blue waters without the Reykjavík prices!

* A note on showering

Showering fully nude and washing all parts of yourself with soap is essential and expected in Icelandic bathing culture. Chlorine is not used ubiquitously to clean the water, so it is critical that all patrons enter the water as clean as possible. Contact the spa directly to confirm any special accommodations you may need.

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