Steam, Sea, Serenity: A review of Iceland’s Sky Lagoon

What to Expect at Sky Lagoon, Iceland’s oceanfront thermal spa

Sky Lagoon has been on my spa bucket list since it opened in 2021. I’ve been lucky enough to visit some of Iceland’s famous hot springs before I started reviewing spas, but this spot looked like next level beautiful. Infinity pool on the edge of the world? Sauna with floor to ceiling windows overlooking the sea? Hello!

We all know that Instagram isn’t always reality though. I couldn’t be happier to report back on what it was actually like to soak in this gorgeous Icelandic spa, so read on for my honest Sky Lagoon review or jump to the basics (prices, hours etc.).

Disclosure: My photographer and I were guests of the Sky Lagoon. They did not review of approve of this post and my views are my own.

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What is the Sky Lagoon in Iceland?

The Sky Lagoon is a thermal waters spa just outside of Reykjavik that offers a hot pool experience with an indoor circuit “ritual” based on the country’s traditional bathing culture and wellness practices. You don’t come here for facials or massages you come here to soak, sweat and socialize your way to bliss in a beautiful environment with ocean views.

Important notes: this is not a natural hot spring—it is a man-made lagoon—but the water is heated naturally, taking advantage of Iceland’s geothermal energy. Also, the water is not blue here. It’s crystal clear.

Sky Lagoon vs Blue Lagoon

I would rather not start here, to be honest. But I know it’s a big question for travellers to Iceland. What I will tell you is that if you can afford it, especially if you are a spa or bathing enthusiast, you should absolutely visit both. They are each unique experiences you won’t find elsewhere in the world. And sometimes the choice is made for you — the Blue Lagoon is located near a volcano that keeps erupting and is sometimes closed as a result. Either way, to make your decision I recommend reading all the details to the end!

First impressions

The entrance to the pools is one of the most stunning and memorable first impressions of a public bath I’ve ever had.

The Sky Lagoon’s main draw is a 70-metre long thermal infinity pool. But at first you don’t see it.

After a quick shower and short walk through the darkened changeroom areas you simply step outside straight into a narrow, twisting pool of warm water. Walls of black volcanic rock tower around you on all sides, like you’ve gone swimming on another planet. I honestly didn’t want to leave this zone—we had it basically to ourselves. But if you keep going, around one more turn….the big reveal.

This is not like a hotel infinity pool—the waters are very warm (kept at approximately 38 to 40 °C/100 to 104 °F) with rising steam creating a misty, ethereal atmosphere.

The maximum depth is 120 cm/3’11” feet, so you don’t swim in it, but you can float if you like. We walked lazily around to the pool’s edge and the unobstructed views of the wild North Atlantic. (More specifically, Skerjafjörður is the fjord that Sky Lagoon sits in.)

My brain knew I was just a 15 minute-drive from the centre of Reykjavik, but I really felt like we were in the middle of nowhere.

What facilities are at Sky Lagoon?

In addition to the infinity pool, the main facility at Sky Lagoon is an indoor space for a “ritual” they call Skjól, an Icelandic word for “shelter” “retreat” or “protection.” These steps are located in a cute “turf house,” built in traditional style that looks like elves could live there for sure.

Note: your admission includes one visit to the Skjól ritual. You can stay in here as long as you like, but there’s no going back in so plan accordingly.

• Cold Plunge Pool (“Kuldi”)
  Confession: I didn’t notice this small pool, which is just outside the turf house entrance and meant as a transitional space. I especially love a cold plunge in my hydrotherapy but I didn’t miss it here as the thermal pool didn’t get me hot enough to want to shock my system with cold water.

• Two Saunas (“Ylur”)
  OK, these are the most gorgeous saunas I’ve visited yet. If you’re bummed about giving up the ocean views when you go inside, not to worry. Both large saunas boast massive floor-to-ceiling windows. It’s so beautiful it feels like virtual or augmented reality but it’s real! Both are quiet zones, and one is phone-free.

• Misting Room (“Súld)
  After the hot sauna, pass through a dark cavern where a cool mist rains downs from a skylight. Sky Lagoon says this “evokes the ancient winds and gentle rains” of the country. I say there should be one of these rooms in cities around our ever-heating world.
• Scrub (“Mýkt”)
  Exfoliation time! There’s a “bar” here when they hand you a pretty dish of body scrub.
• Steam Room (“Gufa”)
  I truly wish I could tell you something about this room but we missed it! I thought after the scrub we go straight to the shower to wash up but in fact you are encouraged to sit in the steam room in the scrub first. Oops!
• Drink! (“Saft”)
  The final step is a shot of Crowberry elixir. I’d never heard of this berry before (abundant in Scandinavia and northern places like Alaska, apparently) and it was a nice, sweet jolt before heading back outside.

Vibes and Views

There’s a swim-up bar at Sky Lagoon? Yes!

Tucked discretely around the corner from the pool entrance is Gelmir Bar, offering an impression of drinks, including a lot of non-alcoholic options including beer, sparkling wine, lemonade and mocktail, plus local brews. Drinks are not included so you tap your electronic wristband to add to your tab. You are welcome to wander around with your drinks.

As we settled in to relax in the infinity pool, it started to feel a bit like a very chill “day club.” There’s no music or anything, but it’s very social and everyone is in a great mood, taking photos (not in an obnoxious way), sipping on drinks, and enjoying the nature.

One thing that surprised me here is that there is no place to “lounge.” If you’re at Sky Lagoon you are either in the waters, or in the turf house rituals. This is reflective of the local bathing culture—much of the year Iceland is cold and dark, so why would you build a solarium or a beach with lounge chairs? You don’t. So no need to bring a book or anything else.  

Sky Lagoon faces the West, and so we timed our visit for the end of day hoping for a glorious sunset. Sadly, it was cloudy and we didn’t get that golden glow. We also couldn’t see Snæfellsjökull (a glacier-capped volcano) that is sometimes visible from here. But that’s travel (especially in Iceland) you don’t control the sky! In winter months, if you go at night, you may be lucky and catch the Nothern Lights from Sky Lagoon, which I imagine is super magical. Even on a grey day, it was pretty magical.

Sky Lagoon Review: Final Thoughts

Sky Lagoon exceeded my expectations for a thermal pool. It’s a very well-thought-out blend of modern luxury, convenience and natural beauty that showcases what makes this country of “fire and ice” such a unique destination. It’s also very accessible, which seems forward-thinking and respectful of all visitors. I would be comfortable here as a solo female, too.

My one complaint is that how did I miss a steam room? Which is my favourite thing at Nordic spas? Maybe some wayfinding signage could be improved here.

Overall, if you’ve read this far and still not sure if you should visit the Sky Lagoon or the Blue Lagoon I’ll say this: Sky Lagoon is closer to Reykjavik so easier to visit for a relaxing evening after a day of sightseeing. It’s smaller so you’ll find fewer crowds. And no kids (must be 12 and up to enter). It’s not the most famous lagoon in Iceland and may never be but the only one I know near Reykjavik that’s right on the ocean side.

I’m thrilled for this new addition to the area and will definitely return on any trip to Iceland.

Know Before You Go

My last visit was April 2025. Please check for the latest information on their website,  www.skylagoon.com.

Where: Vesturvör 44-48, 200 Kópavogur, Iceland. A 15-minute drive from downtown Reykjavik in an industrial area (no hotels nearby). Sky Lagoon parking is free. No car? There’s a local public bus that gets you pretty close, see the city transit system or Google for routes and schedules. Or book a Sky Lagoon transfer from Reykjavik.

When: Hours are very seasonal. More sun, more fun! June: 9am to 11pm. July and August: 8am to 11pm. September: 9am to 11pm. October: 10am to 11pm. November 1 to May 31: 11am to 10pm.

Who: Children under the age of 12 are not permitted. Ages 12-14 must be accompanied by a guardian 18 years and older. Sky Lagoon is wheelchair accessible, including change rooms, showers and a lift for entering the pools.

What To Bring: Just your swimsuit. They provide towels and hairdryers. I don’t usually recommend a camera at spas, but this place is camera friendly (just make it a discrete phone camera and be mindful of other guests’ space and privacy.) Do not pack flip-flops—the lagoon is accessed directly from change rooms everyone goes bare foot. This is actually a very positive environmental choice as there’s no daily laundering of robes or slippers that you’re not going to use anyway.

How Much: $140-$195 CDN. There are two tiers of Sky Lagoon tickets, slightly higher cost on weekends. Both get you the same access to facilities, it just depends on what kind of changing room experience you’re most comfortable with. I highly recommend booking in advance as they will reach capacity during high season.

Basic entry is called “Saman”—shower cubicles and a shared (gendered) changing area. This costs $140 CDN on weekdays and $162 on weekends. If you don’t want to be naked in front of strangers, or want an upgrade, choose the “Sér” ticket which includes individual small cabins with a private shower and changing space. This costs $175 CDN on weekdays and $195 on weekends. This is what we had offered to us and it was a nice add-on to the experience but if I was returning on my own expense I’d likely not spend an extra $30 on a private shower. But you might!

Travelling with luggage? If it doesn’t fit into your locker they will store it for you for a fee of 900 ISK/$11 CDN.

I hope you’ve enjoyed reading my Sky Lagoon review. Please let me know if you go in the comments!