Why Is The Sky Lagoon In Iceland The Ultimate Relaxing Getaway? Take The First Plunge
It has been almost a year since the Sky Lagoon in Iceland got a major upgrade. This oceanfront geothermal lagoon, known for its stunning beauty, now has Skjól, officially opened on 22nd August 2024.
This extension of the Turf House, Skjól, celebrates Icelandic bathing culture and promotes wellness tourism by showcasing time-tested Icelandic healing methods that are also universally appealing.
“Skjól represents an invitation to engage in a ritual that is as old as Iceland itself. Providing an inclusive experience that is both distinctly Icelandic and universally appealing, Sky Lagoon honors the past while offering a refuge in the present.”
– Helga Albertsdottir, Managing Director, Sky Lagoon
Also, Skjól is like a place where you can seek refuge after a hectic day, and trust me, the plunge in the Ice Lagoon and the seven-step spa experience have been like a transformative journey for me.
In this Dream and Travel Guide, I will talk about my experience at Sky Lagoon, Iceland, and everything you need to know about it.
What Is The Sky Lagoon?
Sky Lagoon is a man-made geothermal pool and spa designed in sync with the natural Icelandic landscape.
Opening in 2021, this geothermal pool has now become one of the iconic landmarks celebrating the thermal bath tradition of Iceland.
Quick Facts About Sky Lagoon You Must Know
- Opening Date: 30th April, 2021
- Age Restrictions: Above 12 Years (An adult guardian must accompany children aged 12 to 14.)
- Recommended Span: 1.5-2 Hours
- Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible showers, changing rooms, and chairlifts for entering Sky Lagoon
- Towels and Hair Dryers: Available in the Changing Rooms
- Making Purchases inside the Lagoon: You will get a wristband connected to your credit card once you reach the lagoon. The wristband will also function as your locker key.
- Maximum Capacity: 550 People, however, a footfall of 350 is usually preferred.
Where Is Sky Lagoon In Which Country?
Sky Lagoon is in the Reykjavík suburb of Kópavogur in Iceland. The Sky Lagoon is also just a stone’s throw away from Reykjavík.
You just need 15 minutes to cover the distance.
Furthermore, from the lagoon, you can see the Kársnes Harbour. Additionally, Bessastaðir, the home of the President of Iceland, is visible from Sky Lagoon.
Moreover, you will see Mount Keilir. It is a conical volcano associated with numerous myths and stories about sailors.
How To Reach Sky Lagoon Iceland?
At Sky Lagoon, there is a constant effort to preserve the natural beauty of Iceland. Therefore, the authority encourages the use of environmentally friendly transportation options, such as carpooling or public buses.
Having said that, there are many ways to reach Sky Lagoon.
| Mode of Transportation to Sky Lagoon | Direction |
|---|---|
| Public Bus | • Get on bus no. 4 from Hlemmur Square, and you will reach Hamraborg in 15 minutes. • Take bus no. 35 from Hamraborg and reach Hafnarbraut in 4 minutes. • Walk to Vesturvör for a few minutes following the signs from Hafnarbraut. • From Vesturvör, you can take a walk along the ocean to reach the lagoon. |
| Car | • Start your journey from Hlemmur Square. • Take Kringlumýrarbraut from there and reach Vesturvör via Kársnesbraut. • Other prominent locations near the lagoon are: 1. Hallgrímskirkja Church – 12 Minutes 2. Harpa Concert Hall – 14 Minutes 3. Perlan – 9 Minutes 4. BSÍ Bus Station – 9 Minutes |
| Shuttle Service | Icelandia is the official operator of shuttle services to Sky Lagoon. It is available in Bókun. |
| Walking | • Reach Rauðarárstígur after a 5.9-kilometer walk from Hlemmur Square. • Then, walk to Suðurhlíð and reach Vesturvör. • You can cover the distance in one and a half hours. |
Sky Lagoon offers free parking facilities, and there is no time limit. Also, if you are traveling in electric cars, you will find charging docks at the parking lot.
What Is The Best Time To Visit Sky Lagoon?
I visited Sky Lagoon in November. It was magical to see the Northern Lights spilling their magic on the darkest night.
So, if you want to experience the same magic, September to April is the best time to visit Sky Lagoon.
However, the Sun never sets in the summer months from May to August, and the lagoon remains open for longer hours in these months.
So, it all depends on the experience you want!
Having said that, Sky Lagoon has to offer something unique in every season, and here are the details.
| Sky Lagoon In Different Seasons | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Spring | • Mother’s Day in May |
| Summer | • The Midnight Sun • Six-day Annual Festival in August in Solidarity with the LGBTQ+ Community (in association with Reykjavík Pride.) • Pride Parade at Sea in association with the Ýmir Sailing Association • Performance of Hinseginn kórinn, the queer choir of Reykjavík |
| Fall | • Spectacular Sunset Views • Dazzling Northern Lights |
| Winter | • Yuletide Celebrations • Snow-Covered Scenic Views |
How Long Is Sky Lagoon, Iceland Open?
The hours for taking a bath in Sky Lagoon change based on the season. Furthermore, the table below provides all the details regarding the hours at Sky Lagoon.
| Months | Sky Lagoon Open Hours |
|---|---|
| 1st November to 31st May | • Monday to Friday: 11 AM to 10 PM • Saturday and Sunday: 10 AM to 10 PM |
| 1st June to 30th June | 9 AM to 11 PM |
| 1st July to 31st August | • Saturday to Thursday: 8:30 AM to 11 PM • Friday: 8 AM to 11 PM |
| 1st to 31st September | 9 AM to 11 PM |
| 1st to 31st October | 10 AM to 11 PM |
Furthermore, the operating hours of the lagoon differ on specific holidays in December and January.
- 24th December: 9 AM to 4 PM
- 25th December: 9 AM to 6 PM
- 26th December: 9 AM to 10 PM
- 31st December: 9 AM to 6 PM
- 1st January: 10 AM to 10 PM
What’s So Special About Sky Lagoon? History, Geothermal Water, And More
“Beautiful, relaxing and calming… Must do when in Iceland. Would definitely recommend.”
One visitor writes this about Sky Lagoon. But do you know what’s so special about this man-made geothermal pool?
Then, let’s learn about its history and geothermal water.
1. Sky Lagoon Celebrates The History Of Icelandic Bathing
The history of Icelandic bathing tradition in geothermal pools goes back to the 12th century. Even then, people believed in the healing and rejuvenating power of geothermal pools.
Today, people gather at this man-made thermal pool to relax, rejuvenate, gossip, and exercise. It is like a community-building hub.
2. Geothermal Water
Taking a bath in geothermal water is excellent for mental and physical wellness. The warm water alleviates muscle and bone pain by blocking pain receptors.
At the same time, a bath in warm water and the surrounding view can help reduce your stress.
3. Swimming In The Sky Lagoon Allows You To Relax
Taking a bath in the Sky Lagoon is not like swimming in a pool. Once you get inside the lagoon, you will get to touch its bottom.
So, it’s more like floating and relaxing in warm water.
Is Sky Lagoon In Iceland Cold? How Hot Is Sky Lagoon Water?
No, the water in Sky Lagoon is not cold. Even in winter, when the surrounding mountains are covered in snow, the water temperature does not drop below 38 degrees Celsius.
Also, despite the changing weather conditions of Iceland throughout the year, the water of the lagoon maintains a temperature of 38 to 40 degrees Celsius.
How Beautiful Is Sky Lagoon At Night?
Sky Lagoon at night is beautiful and dreamy with signature atmospheric lighting. Furthermore, the ocean and city skyline look amazing from the Sky Lagoon.
Also, watching the Northern Lights and Aurora here is a lifetime experience. Especially if you visit the lagoon between September and April, you can be a part of the Northern Light watching excursions here.
The Seven-Step Spa Ritual At Sky Lagoon, Iceland
Let’s have a look at the seven-step spa ritual at Sly Lagoon.
| Seven-Step Spa Ritual at Sky Lagoon | Details |
|---|---|
| Laug or Lagoon | • Soaking in geothermal waters |
| Kuldi or Cold Plunge | • The Snorralaug pool of Scotland inspires the cold plunge. • The cold plunge offers a natural endorphin rush, reduces inflammation, and boosts your immunity. |
| Ylur or Sauna | • A sauna bath will open up your pores. • The bath removes toxins from your body and cleanses your skin. • You will also enjoy the ocean view from the largest single window in the world. |
| Suld or Cold Mist | • It is a revitalization session with a touch of the cold winds in Iceland. |
| Mykt or Sky Body Scrub | • Offers gentle invigoration • Helps in skin exfoliation |
| Gufa or Steam | • Opens up the pores for the optimized absorption of the therapeutic properties and benefits. |
| Saft or Exilir | • You will love the krækiber or shots made of crowberries grown in the local lava field. • The shot stimulates the palette instantly. |
Sky Lagoon Changing Rooms: Helping Sky Lagoon Iceland Stand Out
Sky Lagoon has private and public changing rooms. However, you can only access the private changing rooms if you have the Sér Pass.
The public changing rooms are in open areas with facilities such as hairdryers, mirrors, benches, and lockers.
Lockers in both types of changing rooms are located in an open area. Furthermore, the wristband you will get at the entrance will work as the key to your locker.
Also, don’t worry if you don’t remember your locker number. A small device in the changing rooms will tell you the locker number once you scan your wristband.
Moreover, if you are traveling with your luggage, you can keep it in a room separate from the changing room.
What Is The Cost Of The Icelandic Bath Experience At Sky Lagoon?
Primarily, two types of passes are available for an Icelandic bath experience at Sky Lagoon. You can buy a Sér and Saman pass.
| Sky Lagoon Passes | Price and Package Details |
|---|---|
| Sér | • ISK 19,990 per Person • The Signature Skjól Ritual • Access to Private Changing Rooms |
| Saman | • ISK 15,990 per Person • The Signature Skjól Ritual • Access to Public Changing Rooms |
Additionally, there are two packages, which include changes for two. Here are the details.
| Sky Lagoon Passes for Two | Price and Package Details |
|---|---|
| Sky Lagoon for Two: Summer Edition (Available from 6th June to 30th September) | 1. Sér for Two • ISK 50,500 (Starting Price) • One Drink Per Guest at Smakk Bar • Smakk Bar Summer Platter 2. Saman for Two • ISK 43,500 (Starting Price) • One Drink Per Guest at Smakk Bar • Smakk Bar Summer Platter |
| Sky Lagoon for Two: A Morning Moment (Available from 6th June to 30th September) | 1. Sér for Two • 2x Sér Passes with the Skjól Ritual • Keimur café Breakfast Platter • 1 Juice or Coffee per Person 2. Saman for Two • 2x Sér Passes with the Skjól Ritual • Keimur café Breakfast Platter • 1 Juice or Coffee per Person |
I Loved The Floating Dinner And Drink Experience At Sky Lagoon
You cannot miss the best of Icelandic food and beverages while taking a bath at Sky Lagoon. So, order Icelandic food and beverages from Smakk Bar, Keimur Café, and Gelmir Bar.
1. Smakk Bar
• Opening Hours: 12 PM to 10:30 PM
Smakk Bar introduces local flavors through dishes and drinks procured from local farmers and producers.
I have fallen in love with Auður, or the cheese here, and it’s a sin not to try pickled herring on rye bread.
2. Keimur Café
Did you know that Keimur Cafe served baked items from Sandholt, one of the oldest bakeries in the country?
The gravlax bagels here are super delicious, and I loved the double latte here. The cafe is also popular for its soups and cold sandwiches.
Please note that the operating hours of Keimur Café change based on the season, and here are the details.
• 1st November to 31st May:
Monday-Friday, 11 AM to 10 PM, Saturday-Sunday: 10 AM to 10 PM
• 1st June to 30th September:
9 AM to 10:30 PM
• 1st to 31st October
10 AM to 10 PM
3. Gelmir Bar
Gelmir Bar allows you to cherish the best Icelandic beer, wine, or cocktail under the cave in the lagoon.
I loved tasting Monalto Rosé here, and you can also try Moët & Chandon Brut Impérial and Töst Rosé.
Is Sky Lagoon Better Than Blue Lagoon?
Now, this is a tricky one because both places are very different in terms of ambiance, size, and experience.
However, Sky Lagoon is my silent favorite, and the first reason is that the water did not dry my hair or skin. On the contrary, after a few hours in the Blue Lagoon, my hair became like parched straw.
Do you want to find more comparison results? Here are the details.
1. Blue Lagoon Vs Sky Lagoon: Which One Is More Beautiful?
It’s difficult to say which one is more beautiful because of the blue color of the water at Blue Lagoon.
However, if you love drama and want to experience the rugged natural beauty of Iceland, Sky Lagoon is a better choice.
2. Sky Lagoon Vs. Blue Lagoon: Which One Offers A Better Experience?
Sky Lagoon has been more adventurous for me! The infinity pool and before that, the section passing through the caves!
Those are like stuff dreams are made of.
3. Blue Lagoon Vs. Sky Lagoon: The Crowd And Vibe
Sky Lagoon offers a cozier and more relaxing ambiance than Blue Lagoon. The setting here is more intimate, and Sky Lagoon is much better-maintained and cleaner than Blue Lagoon.
Is Sky Lagoon, Iceland, Worth It?
Yes, Sky Lagoon in Iceland is a place that celebrates the century-old bathing tradition of Iceland, and the warm water here has many healing properties.
Furthermore, the lagoon offers the most amazing sunset views, and you can even watch the Northern Lights from here.
I also loved the platters and drinks here.
So, it’s every bit worth your time and money if you are planning to visit Sky Lagoon in Iceland.
