Sky Lagoon

Sky Lagoon sits on the edge of a cliff at Kársnes Harbour, with the North Atlantic visible from the infinity-edge pool. The main lagoon is maintained at around 38 to 40 degrees Celsius and is roughly 70 metres in length. The architecture draws on traditional Icelandic turf house design, using dark volcanic stone and grass-covered rooflines that blend into the coastal setting. The facility spans multiple levels built into the cliffside, with the different areas of the Skjól ritual distributed across the site.

The outlook from the lagoon and sauna changes considerably depending on the season. In winter the surrounding cliffs can carry snow and frost, while the low sun angle produces long reflections across the water. In summer the extended daylight means the Atlantic view remains lit well into the evening.

The Skjól ritual is Sky Lagoon's signature wellness sequence, included with both Saman and Sér pass admission. The word skjól means shelter in Icelandic, and the ritual draws on the country's long tradition of communal bathing in geothermal water. It moves through seven named stages, each with an Icelandic term:

Laug: the geothermal lagoon itself, where the ritual begins with a soak in warm mineral-rich water with panoramic views of the North Atlantic.

Kuldi: a cold plunge pool, drawing on the Icelandic tradition of contrast bathing between hot and cold.

Ylur: a dry sauna with a floor-to-ceiling glass wall facing the ocean, described as the largest single pane of glass in Iceland.

Súld: a cold mist room that cools the body between the sauna and scrub stages.

Mýkt: a signature body scrub using Icelandic sea salt.

Gufa: a steam room used after the scrub to allow the skin to absorb the treatment.

Elixir: a shot of krækiber, an Icelandic crowberry juice, served at the end of the sequence before returning to the lagoon.

Visitors move through the steps at their own pace. The full sequence takes most people 45 minutes to an hour, though many return to the lagoon for an extended soak afterward.

Sky Lagoon offers two passes. The Saman pass includes lagoon access, the full Skjól ritual, a towel, and use of shared changing facilities with communal showers. The Sér pass adds private changing rooms with individual locking doors, private shower cabins, and premium botanical body products. The lagoon and ritual experience is identical on both passes; the difference is entirely in the changing facilities and amenities.

Sky Lagoon does not admit guests under 12. Guests aged 12 to 14 must be accompanied by an adult. All visitors are required to shower without a swimsuit before entering the lagoon, which is standard practice at Icelandic bathing facilities. Booking in advance is recommended, particularly in summer and around the Christmas and New Year period.

The Smakk Bar serves tasting platters using Icelandic ingredients including reindeer, gravlax, and local cheeses. The Keimur Café offers casual grab-and-go options. The Gelmir Bar operates within the lagoon as a swim-up bar, with purchases charged to a wristband linked to your card at check-in. Guests are limited to three alcoholic drinks during a visit. Wi-Fi is available in the café and bar areas.

Sky Lagoon is at Vesturvör 44-48, Kársnes Harbour, Kópavogur, approximately 6 kilometres and 15 minutes by car from central Reykjavík. Free parking is available on site. By bus from Hlemmur station in central Reykjavík the journey takes around 45 minutes including a short walk from the nearest stop. A direct hotel transfer can be added when booking a package through Iceland Tours.

Sky Lagoon is open every day of the year. Winter visits offer the possibility of seeing the Northern Lights from the lagoon on clear nights, and the contrast between cold air and warm water is most pronounced between October and March. Summer brings extended daylight and the possibility of evening sessions in near-continuous light. The shoulder months of April to May and September to October tend to be quieter than peak summer.