Iceland is famous for its geothermal pools that make use of the various natural hot springs that can be found around the island. Sky Lagoon is one of the most famous, and due to its convenient location, is one of the most visited.
This article will tell you all about this incredible place. From the most basic information, such as operating hours, prices, and location, to tips on how to plan and prep for a visit. So, without further ado, here’s what you can expect from a Sky Lagoon experience.
Discovering Sky Lagoon: A Brief Overview
It’s hard to believe that Sky Lagoon is just a few minutes’ walk away from the city center of Reykjavik when one experiences the tranquillity it offers. Sky Lagoon’s slogan, “where the sea meets the sky”, couldn’t be more spot on. As one lounges in the infinity pool that gives you an eagle-eye view of the city and the coastline below, it truly does appear at certain angles that the pool is running straight into the endless ocean in front of you.
But like most of our geothermal pools here in Iceland, the Sky Lagoon offers much more than lazying about in the healing warm waters of a hot spring, ranging between 38 to 40 degrees Celsius. There are plenty of other amenities and facilities one can take advantage of as well. From getting pampered at the spa to experiencing culinary bliss at the restaurant – you can experience it all at Sky Lagoon.
The Signature 7-Step Ritual Unveiled
When it comes to the spa at Sky Lagoon, there’s one thing that makes it stand out from the rest of the geothermal crowd: the Ritual. This “package” of spa treatments is an entire experience on its own that consists of 7 “steps”:
The Lagoon
You get to experience lounging around in the lagoon with its breathtaking views first-hand. You also need to keep in mind that our hot spring water has actual healing properties and is not just for relaxation purposes. The warmth helps soothe all sorts of aches and pains, and the high mineral content of the water helps with all sorts of skin conditions.
The Cold Plunge
The cold plunge is inspired by Iceland’s oldest pool, which can clearly be seen from its edges. The water ranges between 10 to 12 degrees Celsius and studies have proved that taking the plunge will give you a natural endorphin “high”, reduce any inflammation you have in your body, and stimulate your immune system.
The Sauna
The Sky Lagoon Sauna is one of the saunas in Iceland with the best view that can be seen through what has officially been established as the largest single window in Iceland. Once again, it can almost feel like you’re part of the surrounding ocean as you allow the 80 to 90-degree Celsius heat to open up your pores, cleanse your skin, and remove toxins.
Cold Mist
Once again, the previous high-intensity heat is countered with the cold as you walk through our cold mist of -5 degrees Celsius. As you can imagine, this is quite stimulating for all the senses and re-energizes and revitalizes the body and mind.
A Sky Body Scrub
Sky Lagoon has its own signature sea salt scrub. This scrub serves to enliven and exfoliate the skin. For the best results, it’s recommended that you do not wash the scrub off before continuing on to the next step. Please just take note that the signature scrub contains sesame seed oil and almond oil, so if you have allergies, it’s best to avoid it.
Steam
The steam room heats things up to about 46 degrees Celius, once again allowing your pores to open and absorb the goodness contained in the scrub, especially its hydrating benefits. This is the last of the therapeutic steps in the Ritual.
A Shower
The final step in the Ritual is where you emerge refreshed and anew as you wash away the last of your stress in our refreshing shower. Feel the warm water flow over you as you reflect on the relaxing and rejuvenating experience you’ve just had.
Beyond Relaxation: Unique Features of Sky Lagoon
As we already touched on, there’s much more to the Sky Lagoon than the lagoon itself and the Ritual. Here’s what else you can look forward to here:
Eat and Drink
You will have your pick of delicious dishes and drinks at Sky Lagoon:
Smakk Bar
Smakk Bar specializes in platters of local delicacies. These platters are also ever-evolving, and the menu will change along with whatever is in season, ensuring that you always get the freshest local produce. You will find that most of Sky Lagoon’s partners and vendors are deeply rooted within the community, many of whom are local family businesses.
For example, some of the baked goods come from Iceland’s oldest bakeries, the coffee from one of the island’s first specialty coffee shops, and the game is hunted by a father-son duo in the south of Iceland. Additionally, Smakk Bar serves alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
Sky Café
Sky Café specializes in café-style light dishes such as soups and sandwiches. Once again, the café has a strictly local policy that keeps dishes as fresh and authentically Icelandic as possible. You can also get drinks at the café, but they are of the non-alcoholic variety.
Lagoon Bar
Now there’s not even a reason to get out of the water! From bubbly to beers, you can lounge around in the lagoon at the cave-side bar while enjoying the warm water and the views. You also don’t have to worry about keeping your wallet with you (and dry!) while in the water since you simply have to charge any orders at the Lagoon Bar to your wristband.
Sky Lagoon Events
In further support of the local community, Sky Lagoon often partners with other organizations and local individuals to bring you the best events at the venue. For example, you’ll find a variety of celebratory events at the lagoon during Reykjavik Pride week in August, and you can also join local tours coming to the lagoon to lounge in the warm water while watching the Northern Lights dancing above the Sky Lagoon at night.
Planning Your Visit to Sky Lagoon in Iceland
Below, you will find everything you need to plan your visit to the Sky Lagoon.
Location
The Sky Lagoon in Iceland can officially be found at Vesturvör 44-48, 200 Kopavogur if you’re using a GPS. Although, it’s much easier to explain that Sky Lagoon is just a short walk away from mid-city Reykjavik (well, depending on what you define as a short walk). From Hlemmur Square, you take Raudararstigur for 5.9 kilometers and then take Sudurhlid towards Vesturvör for another 100 meters before you reach the lagoon.
Operating Hours
Operating hours at Sky Lagoon differ depending on the season you’re visiting. These look as follows:
- 21 November to 20 March
10:00 – 22:00, 7 days a week
- 21 March to 31 May
09:00 – 22:00, 7 days a week
- 1 June to 31 August
09:00 – 23:00, 7 days a week
- 1 September to 31 October
11:00 – 23:00, 7 days a week
*Please note that the operating hours of the Smakk Bar and Sky Café may slightly differ from those of the lagoon.
Packages and Prices
You will have the option of the following packages with their varying prices:
Sky Package
This package gives you access to the Sky Lagoon, includes the Ritual, and you’ll have access to private changing rooms. A towel is also included.
Cost: ISK 12 790 (about $92)
Pure Package
This package gives you access to the lagoon and includes the Ritual. No private changing facilities are included in this package. A towel is also included.
Cost: ISK 9 790 (about $71)
Pure Lite Package
This package only gives you access to the lagoon for a swim (a good option if you have limited time on the island). A towel is also included.
Cost: ISK 6 790 (about $49)
Add-on Transfer
You have the option of choosing any of the above packages at an additional fee, which will include transport to the lagoon from the BSI bus station in Reykjavik:
Sky Package – ISK 9 900 (about $71)
Pure Package – ISK 12 900 (about $93)
Pure Lite Package – ISK 15 900 (about $114)
The Sky Lagoon for Two
You will also have the following packages available if you’re visiting with a partner or a friend:
The Sky Package for Two
This includes all the above-mentioned that’s included in the Sky Package, but for two people, and it also includes one drink per person as well as the Sky Platter from Smakk Bar.
Cost: ISK 36 400 (about $261)
The Pure Package for Two
This includes all of the above-mentioned that’s included in the Pure Package, but for two people, and it also includes one drink per person as well as the Sky Platter from Smakk Bar.
Cost: ISK 30 400 (about $218)
*Please note that no children under 12 are allowed at Sky Lagoon, and children between 12-14 will pay adult fees while requiring being accompanied by someone older than 18 at all times.
The Best Time to Visit
Sky Lagoon is open all year round, even though the Sky Lagoon hours differ between seasons. When it’ll be the best time to visit will all depend on your personal preferences. Take the following into consideration when making your decision:
- Summertime in Iceland has your stereotypical “nice swimming weather”. The weather is generally mild, and the temperatures are high (for Iceland, at least).
- Yet many swear by the exhilarating feeling of the contrasting cold air and the warm water during the colder months of the year.
- Summer is peak season here in Iceland, so Sky Lagoon will be busier than usual.
- The warmer months of the year offer visitors plenty of daylight hours, which makes it perfect for those who wish to fit the Sky Lagoon into a jam-packed trip itinerary.
- When visiting during the colder months of the year, you have much fewer daylight hours (mid-winter is a mere 4 hours), but this also makes it the perfect time to take advantage of those Northern Lights tours to Sky Lagoon.
Exploring the Vicinity: Must-See Sights and Must-Do Activities Near Sky Lagoon
You will find plenty of other things to see and do around Sky Lagoon. If you’re looking to add more to your trip itinerary, consider the following:
- Hallgrimskirkja
- Nautholsvik Geothermal Beach
- Perlan
- Vesturbæjarlaug Water Park
- National Museum of Iceland
- The Einar Jonsson Sculpture Museum
- Whale Watching or Puffin Boat Tour Departing from Reykjavik Harbor (please note that we recommend going on a whale watching boat tour during whale season from April to September, and the Puffin tours are only available during their breeding season on the island from April to August).
Where to Stay Near Sky Lagoon
Sky Lagoon does not have its own hotel or other on-site accommodation, but this makes sense since it’s so conveniently located near the city. These are a few of the accommodation options you’ll find nearby:
- Iceland Comfort Apartments
- Reykjavik Natura – Berjay Iceland Hotels
- BB 44 Homestay
- SM Hostel
- Bus Hostel Reykjavik
Sky Lagoon vs. Blue Lagoon: An In-depth Comparison
Many want to know how the Sky Lagoon compares with our other famous geothermal “lagoon”, the Blue Lagoon. These are the biggest differences:
- The Blue Lagoon has on-site accommodation in the form of the Retreat Hotel. The Sky Lagoon has none, but this isn’t really a problem since it’s so close to the city.
- The Blue Lagoon’s spa is very different from the Sky Spa in Iceland. The Blue Lagoon offers spa treatments (individually as well as in packages), while the Sky Spa offers the Ritual as a package.
- The Blue Lagoon will require transport (it’s almost smack-bang in the middle between Keflavik Airport and Reykjavik), while the Sky Lagoon is within walking distance away from the city center of Reykjavik.
- The Sky Lagoon is much more affordable than the Blue Lagoon. The Blue Lagoon’s most basic entry fee starts at $69.
Concluding Thoughts: Is Sky Lagoon Worth the Visit?
Visiting Sky Lagoon in Iceland is a must, not just because it offers a unique experience but also because it’s the perfect solution for those with limited time on the island or those who do not have transport.
For those who plan to rent a motorhome in Iceland and road-tripping around the island, the Sky Lagoon is a great outing to add to your first couple of days as you explore Reykjavik and its surroundings. When it comes to asking whether Sky Lagoon is worth the visit, we would argue that the view alone makes it well worth the trip, and the rest just adds to Sky Lagoon being a once-in-a-lifetime type of experience.
