Sky Lagoon in Iceland: Your Ultimate Guide

This guide covers everything you need to know before visiting, from the two pass options and what they include to opening hours, how to get there, and how it compares to the Blue Lagoon.

Sky Lagoon opened in spring 2021 and has become one of the most visited spa facilities in the Reykjavík area. It offers two admission passes, both of which include the Skjól ritual, the lagoon, the sauna, and all other facilities.

Sky Lagoon is a man-made thermal lagoon located on the outskirts of Iceland’s capital, Reykjavík. Like all the country’s hot springs and geothermal pools, its waters are heated by geothermal energy.

Soaking in naturally heated pools is a favorite pastime among Icelanders. Communal bathing is a long-established part of Icelandic daily life, and Sky Lagoon follows that tradition in a purpose-built setting with ocean views.

The spa sits right on the edge of the North Atlantic and offers you sweeping ocean views. The main attraction is the 70-meter (229-foot) infinity-edge pool with its own swim-up bar. This means you can sip on your favorite drink without leaving the lagoon’s warm waters.

When you visit Sky Lagoon, you’ll notice that aspects of Icelandic culture were woven into many parts of its design. For example, on the outside, the sauna is modeled after an Icelandic turf house. And as we’ll explain later, the spa’s Ritual is also rooted in tradition.

Sky Lagoon is the only luxury geothermal spa in the Reykjavík area. You’ll find it on the edge of Kársnes harbor in Kópavogur, just a 15-minute drive south of the capital. By comparison, Iceland's iconic Blue Lagoon is about a 45–minute drive outside downtown Reykjavík, on the Reykjanes peninsula.

Thanks to its convenient location, Sky Lagoon is the perfect spot to unwind after a day of exploring attractions near Reykjavík. For example, you could visit Þingvellir National Park and Gullfoss waterfall before ending the day in the lagoon’s soothing waters.

Since Sky Lagoon is only 8 km (5 mi) from the city center, you’ll find lots of easy ways to get there. 

If you’re exploring Iceland by car, driving is the fastest way to reach the lagoon. Take Kringlumýrarbraut (route 40) from Reykjavík and continue onto Kársnesbraut towards Vesturvör. Once you're there, you’ll be happy to know that parking is free and there are plenty of charging stations for electric cars.

If you’re not driving, you can catch bus 4 from Hlemmur Square to Hamraborg. From there, take bus 35 to Hafnarbraut. Or if you want to get some fitness in, you can also cycle to the spa from the city center.

The entry cost depends on which Sky Lagoon package you purchase.

You have 2 options: Saman and Sér. Both give you access to the Skjól ritual, but Saman is the more budget-friendly option.

Since prices can change, we recommend checking the official website before booking.

The Saman and Sér passes both get you access to the Sky Lagoon, plus a towel and one journey through the Skjól ritual.

The difference? With the Sér pass, you'll pay a little extra for a private changing space and access to the signature Sky Body Lotion. If shared changing facilities are acceptable, the Saman pass is the more affordable option.

You can also buy a Sky Lagoon package for 2. You’ll get Saman or Sér perks, plus 1 drink per person and a Sky Platter from the Smakk Bar.

We highly recommend pre-booking your visit. This way, you’ll avoid the lagoon being sold out on the date and time you want to go.

The lagoon is open every day, but its hours vary depending on the time of year you come.

During the summer months – June through August – you can visit Sky Lagoon daily from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. From September through October, you’ll find the spa shortens its hours, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.

If you’re in Iceland in winter, the Sky Lagoon opens its doors from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. on weekdays, and 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. on weekends.

Geothermal water is naturally mineral-rich and warm water bathing is widely associated with reduced muscle tension and improved circulation. The contrast bathing in the Skjól ritual, moving between the warm lagoon, cold plunge, and sauna, draws on a long Nordic tradition of using temperature variation for recovery. Beyond the physical, communal bathing has always been a social activity in Iceland, and Sky Lagoon continues that.

Here is what to expect during a visit and how to prepare.

Sky Lagoon has world-class facilities, but you’ll still need to pack a small bag with a few essentials before you go, including:

As we mentioned, entry comes with a towel so you don’t need to bring one unless you’d like to use your own. While you’re there, you’ll also have access to:

If you plan to visit before flying home or after you land, you can even store your luggage here for a small fee.

Plus, you don’t need to worry about carrying cash or a credit card to buy snacks or drinks in the lagoon. When you get here, you’ll be given a waterproof wristband that doubles as your locker key and credit card.

There is no time limit on visits. Allow at least two hours to complete the Skjól ritual and spend time in the lagoon. If you plan to use the restaurant or bar, you may want to allow longer.

If you want to grab a bite to eat at the café or restaurant, you can stay even longer. Just remember to keep hydrated and drink lots of water while you’re there. You’ll find water fountains at the lagoon and in the changing rooms.

The Skjól ritual is a seven-stage wellness sequence included with both Saman and Sér passes. Each stage draws on Icelandic bathing traditions.

Your journey starts in the pool itself. Take your time to unwind in its geothermal warmth and breathe in the fresh ocean air.

The Kuldi cold plunge follows the lagoon soak. The water is maintained at 5°C and is inspired by Iceland's ancient Snorralaug pool. Cold water immersion is a standard part of contrast bathing in Iceland, used to stimulate circulation after time in the warm lagoon.

After an energizing dip in cold water, step inside the steamy sauna. The best part? You’ll get prime ocean views from the sauna’s floor-to-ceiling glass window. 

Feel refreshed again after walking through a cooling mist.

It’s time to exfoliate with Sky Lagoon’s signature cleansing scrub. Leaving the scrub on as you enter the steam room allows it to absorb more fully.

The steam room follows the scrub stage and helps the skin absorb the treatment.

After a refreshing shower, try a shot of juice made from krækiber, the crowberries scattered across Iceland's lava fields.

The ritual is included once per visit. Visitors move through the stages at their own pace.

You’ll find that outdoor bathing, whether it's in a hot spring or pool, is a big part of Icelandic culture. So it’s no surprise that locals take their pool etiquette very seriously.

With that in mind, you’ll need to shower without a swimsuit before getting into the lagoon. Every Sky Lagoon pass gives you access to private shower cubicles.

What’s more, you should also take off your outdoor shoes before going into the changing rooms. You’ll notice that every guest walks around the spa barefoot. These habits help keep the pool and its facilities clean.

Sky Lagoon has 2 restaurants and 1 swim-up bar, so you’re welcome to enjoy a drink or a bite to eat while you’re there. At the Smakk Bar, you can sample delicious Icelandic tasting platters made with locally sourced ingredients.

If you’re just after a light snack, stop by the Sky Café and grab a sandwich or a freshly baked treat. And at the lagoon’s swim-up bar, you can sip on a drink as you take in the view.

Before you start planning your visit, you should know that children under 12 aren’t allowed in Sky Lagoon.

That said, there are other thermal spas in Iceland that are more child-friendly. For instance, the Blue Lagoon welcomes kids over the age of 2. So if you’re visiting with your little ones, you can enjoy the spa experience there.

Cameras and phones are permitted in the lagoon. A waterproof case is worth bringing to protect your device from water and condensation. Guests are expected to be considerate of others when taking photographs.

The lagoon is open year-round, so you can stop by for a dip whenever you’d like. The best time to come depends on what you want to experience while you’re there. Each season or time of day offers something different.

Evening visits can coincide with sunset over the North Atlantic, and in winter there is a chance of seeing the Northern Lights from the lagoon on clear nights.

In summer, Iceland experiences the midnight sun, with daylight extending well past midnight around the solstice. Evening visits to Sky Lagoon during this period give you the lagoon in near-continuous natural light, which is a different experience from a winter visit.

But keep in mind that summer is the most popular time to explore Iceland. So if you want to enjoy the spa with fewer people around, come by in the morning or in the evening. 

Otherwise, if you want more of the lagoon to yourself, visit during the shoulder months of April, May, and September.

Sky Lagoon’s waters stay hot throughout the winter, making it a perfect escape from the cold. You could start your day exploring frosted waterfalls or taking an ice cave tour, then warm up in a hot tub overlooking the ocean.

Winter is also the best time to see the Northern Lights in Iceland. And what better way to watch this light show than from the warm lagoon? Book your visit for later in the evening, and you could see these colorful waves for yourself.

When you think of thermal spas, Iceland’s darling, the Blue Lagoon, probably springs to mind. And for good reason – it’s the first of its kind in the country and one of its most sought-out attractions. So of course, a comparison between the 2 is bound to happen.

In our opinion, each one is unique and worth a visit. It just depends on what you’re looking to get out of your experience.

For example, Sky Lagoon is closer to Reykjavík than the Blue Lagoon, making it a more convenient option for a city break. That said, the Blue Lagoon is only a 20-minute drive from Keflavík airport, which makes it an ideal stop before or after your flight.

The Blue Lagoon is also larger, with more dining options and 2 hotels on-site. Sky Lagoon's position on the cliff above Faxaflói Bay gives it a strong ocean outlook that the Blue Lagoon, set among lava fields, does not have. The two facilities offer different settings and are worth comparing before deciding which suits your trip.

Whichever one you choose, it’ll be a day well spent. If you’d like a more detailed comparison between them, check out this Sky Lagoon vs the Blue Lagoon guide.

Sky Lagoon can be added to most Iceland Tours vacation packages. Multi-day tours based in Reykjavík are the most straightforward option, with day trips to nearby attractions and the lagoon available as an optional extra. Self-drive packages and guided group tours also pass through Reykjavík, where a Sky Lagoon visit fits naturally at the start or end of a trip. A 5% deposit secures any booking.