Iceland’s warm geothermal baths draw visitors from all over the world. These natural hot springs offer a chance to relax in heated mineral water while taking in amazing views. Two of the most popular options are Sky Lagoon and Blue Lagoon, and both promise an unforgettable experience.
Many travelers wonder which one to choose. The truth is, each lagoon has its own special qualities. Your choice depends on what you value most: location, price, atmosphere, or scenery.
This guide will help you decide between these two famous Icelandic destinations. We’ll compare their locations, prices, facilities, and overall experiences. By the end, you’ll know exactly which lagoon fits your travel plans and budget.
Sky Lagoon vs Blue Lagoon: The Verdict
Choosing between these two popular geothermal baths doesn’t have to be difficult. Both offer wonderful experiences, but they cater to different types of visitors.
Quick Comparison Overview
The Sky Lagoon vs Blue Lagoon debate comes down to what matters most to you. Blue Lagoon sits in a lava field about 50 kilometers from Reykjavik and 20 kilometers from the airport. It’s larger, more famous, and gets extremely busy. Sky Lagoon is much closer to the city, just 7 kilometers away, and offers dramatic ocean views from its clifftop location. It’s newer, smaller, and typically has fewer crowds.
Price-wise, they’re very similar, with both starting around $70 to $75 for basic admission. Blue Lagoon offers more dining options with three restaurants, while Sky Lagoon has two more casual spots. Blue Lagoon works great if you’re stopping during an airport transfer, while Sky Lagoon makes more sense if you’re staying in Reykjavik and want a quick escape from the city.
Choose Sky Lagoon If You Want
Sky Lagoon is perfect for people who love ocean scenery. The infinity pool design means you can soak in warm water while watching the Atlantic waves crash below. It feels more peaceful and private because it opened recently and doesn’t attract as many tour buses. The location makes it easy to add to a day of city sightseeing.
Every ticket includes the Skjól Ritual, a seven-step spa experience that takes you through different saunas, cold plunges, and relaxation areas. The turf-roofed buildings give it a traditional Icelandic feel. If you’re based in Reykjavik and want beautiful views without spending hours on the road, this is your best choice.
Choose Blue Lagoon If You Want
Blue Lagoon offers the classic Icelandic experience that you’ve probably seen in photos. The bright milky blue water surrounded by black lava rock creates a unique setting. It’s much bigger, so even when it’s crowded, you can usually find a quiet spot. The facilities are more extensive, with three different restaurants, a luxury hotel, and larger changing rooms.
The location works perfectly if you’re arriving or leaving Iceland and want to make the most of your time. Many visitors stop here between the airport and Reykjavik. It’s also open later during winter months, which gives you better chances to see the Northern Lights while soaking in the warm water. If you want the famous landmark experience and don’t mind bigger crowds, Blue Lagoon delivers.
Location and Accessibility
Where each lagoon sits makes a big difference in planning your trip. The distance from Reykjavik and the airport affects which one fits better into your schedule.
Blue Lagoon Location
Blue Lagoon sits on the Reykjanes Peninsula, about 50 kilometers from Reykjavik. The drive takes roughly 40 minutes from the capital city. More importantly, it’s only 20 kilometers from Keflavik Airport, which is about a 20-minute drive. This makes it incredibly convenient for travelers arriving or leaving Iceland.
The lagoon sits in the middle of an 800-year-old lava field, which creates a dramatic landscape. Black volcanic rocks surround the bright blue water, making it look like something from another planet. Many visitors schedule their Blue Lagoon trip for their first or last day in Iceland to avoid backtracking.
Sky Lagoon Location
Sky Lagoon sits on the western edge of Reykjavik, just 7 kilometers from downtown. You can get there in about 15 minutes by car or taxi. This proximity makes it easy to visit without dedicating an entire day to the trip.
The lagoon sits on top of cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The views stretch out to the horizon, giving you a sense of being right at the edge of Iceland. Since it’s so close to the city, you can easily combine it with other Reykjavik activities like museum visits or shopping.
What to Expect at Each Lagoon?
Understanding what makes each lagoon unique helps you set the right expectations. The Sky Lagoon vs blue lagoon experience differs in several important ways.
Blue Lagoon Experience
Blue Lagoon is massive, holding about 9 million liters of water and covering 8,700 square meters. The water gets its famous milky blue color from silica minerals. Interestingly, it’s actually man-made, created from runoff water from a nearby geothermal power plant. More than 1 million people visit each year, making it one of Iceland’s busiest attractions.
The water temperature stays between 37 and 40 degrees Celsius year-round. Opening hours change by season, with longer hours in summer when daylight lasts almost all night. You can apply free silica mud masks while soaking, which is included in your admission. The lagoon has several areas to soak, including some quieter spots away from the main pool.
Sky Lagoon Experience
Sky Lagoon features an infinity pool design that makes the water appear to blend right into the ocean. It opened in 2021 and expanded in 2024 to handle more visitors. The water is clearer than the Blue Lagoon’s milky appearance, reflecting the sky above. At its deepest point, the lagoon reaches five feet deep.
Traditional Icelandic turf-roofed huts dot the area, giving it an authentic local feel. Every admission includes the seven-step Skjól Ritual, which guides you through different temperature experiences. You move from the hot lagoon to a cold plunge, then into a sauna, and through other stations. This ritual is based on old Icelandic bathing traditions and adds something special to your visit.
Pricing and What’s Included
When comparing Sky Lagoon vs Blue Lagoon costs, they’re quite similar. Blue Lagoon starts at about £56 or $72 for basic admission. This includes your entrance, a towel, a silica mud mask, and one drink. Sky Lagoon costs slightly more at £59 or $75. Your ticket includes entrance, a towel, and access to the Skjól Ritual.
Both lagoons offer premium packages if you want extras like private changing areas, robes, and additional treatments. These can cost significantly more, sometimes over $200 per person. The standard admission gives you everything you need for a great experience, though.
Booking ahead is essential for both locations. Blue Lagoon especially sells out days or even weeks in advance during peak summer months. Sky Lagoon also requires booking, but typically has more availability since it’s newer and less famous.
Dining Options
Food and drink options vary quite a bit between these two locations. Blue Lagoon offers more choices, while Sky Lagoon keeps things simpler.
Blue Lagoon Restaurants
Blue Lagoon has three different restaurants to match different budgets and moods. The Spa Restaurant is the most casual option, where you can eat in your bathrobe right after soaking. Lava Restaurant offers upscale dining with ingredients sourced from local farms and fisheries. They focus on traditional Icelandic dishes prepared in modern ways.
Moss is the finest option, earning a mention in the Michelin Guide. The menu changes seasonally and focuses on the best ingredients Iceland has to offer. Reservations are required for both Lava and Moss, while the Spa Restaurant works on a first-come, first-served basis.
Sky Lagoon Dining
Sky Lagoon keeps dining more relaxed with two options. Sky Café serves sandwiches, soups, and salmon dishes that you can grab quickly before or after your soak. The food is good quality but simple and meant for convenience.
Smakk Bar offers Icelandic tasting platters featuring local cheeses, cured meats, and other traditional foods. It’s a nice way to sample authentic Icelandic flavors without sitting down for a full meal. Both spots have reasonable prices and focus on local ingredients.
Tips for Visiting Iceland’s Geothermal Lagoons
Planning makes your lagoon visit much better. Here are important things to know before you go.
- Book your tickets in advance, especially for Blue Lagoon, which is extremely popular and sells out regularly.
- Think about timing when deciding betweenSky Lagoonn vs Blue Lagoon: Blue Lagoon works better for airport transfers, while Sky Lagoon fits well with city-based itineraries.
- Blue Lagoon stays open later in winter, giving you better chances to see the Northern Lights while soaking.
- Sky Lagoon typically has fewer people, making it better if you want a more private, intimate experience.
- Both lagoons keep water temperatures between 37 and 40 degrees Celsius, so they feel simila.r
- Always shower thoroughly before entering either lagoon: this is standard Icelandic pool etiquette and required
- Leave jewelry at home or in your room because the minerals in the water can damage it permanent.ly
- If your budget and schedule allow, visit both lagoons to compare them yourself and see which you prefer.
These tips help you avoid common mistakes and make the most of your time. Following local customs like showering first shows respect for Icelandic culture.
Conclusion
Both Sky Lagoon and Blue Lagoon offer incredible experiences that you won’t forget. Neither one is objectively better; they just suit different types of travelers.
If you love dramatic lava landscapes and want the famous Iceland landmark experience, the Blue Lagoon is your answer. Its convenient airport location makes it easy to fit into tight schedules. For ocean view lovers who want something newer and less crowded, Sky Lagoon provides a more peaceful atmosphere right near Reykjavik.
Consider your itinerary and what matters most to you. Are you prioritizing convenience for airport transfers? Choose Blue Lagoon. Want a quick escape from the city with amazing coastal views? Sky Lagoon is calling your name. Both count as must-visit Iceland experiences, so you really can’t go wrong with either choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Visit Both Lagoons in One Day?
Yes, you can technically visit both in one day since they’re about 60 kilometers apart. However, each lagoon deserves at least 2 to 3 hours to fully enjoy. The driving time plus bathing time makes for a long, rushed day. Most visitors prefer choosing one or splitting them across different days.
Do I Need to Bring My Own Towel to the Lagoons?
No, both lagoons include a towel with your admission ticket. The towels are good quality and large enough for drying off and sitting on. You can also rent bathrobes at both locations for an additional fee if you want extra warmth while walking around.
Are the Lagoons Suitable for Children?
Yes, both lagoons welcome children and families. The warm water and shallow areas make them safe for kids who can swim. Blue Lagoon has more space for families to spread out. Both have changing facilities with family rooms.
What Should I Wear at Blue Lagoon and Sky Lagoon?
Bring a swimsuit and flip-flops for walking around. Both lagoons provide lockers for your belongings and private changing areas. Leave valuable jewelry at home since minerals can damage it.
Can You See the Northern Lights from These Lagoons?
Yes, both lagoons offer chances to see the Northern Lights during the winter months from September through March. Blue Lagoon has an advantage because it stays open later, giving you more dark sky time.
