Sky Lagoon vs Blue Lagoon For A Memorable Iceland Trip?

If there’s one thing Iceland absolutely nails, it’s hot, healing water. But when you’re only in the country for a few days, deciding between its two most iconic geothermal spas – Sky Lagoon vs Blue Lagoon – can feel surprisingly stressful.

I’ve soaked in both (yep, all pruney and blissed out!), and while each has its own vibe, they offer totally different experiences. One’s got sleek Scandi minimalism and a seven-step ritual, the other is a milky-blue wonder set in a lava field.

So how do you choose? If you’re squeezing in a soak during a quick weekend getaway or short stopover, I’ll break down the pros, cons, costs and overall feel of both spas. So you can pick the one that fits your trip (and your vibe) perfectly.

The Blue Lagoon: Iceland’s Established Icon

Blue Lagoon is probably the one you’ve seen more often on social media. It’s an established icon and popular tourist spot for visitors to Iceland.

Here’s a summary of the site, the facilities on offer and some useful points to consider.

History and Reputation

• Opened in 1992, originally formed by accident from geothermal runoff
• Known globally and featured on countless travel bucket lists
• Famous for its milky-blue silica-rich water, which gives it that unreal glow

Experience and Amenities

• Expansive pools, photogenic bridges, and steamy mist
• Free silica mud masks included (premium packages offer extras)
• Blue Cafe for snacks, Lava Restaurant for a la carte dining and Moss Restaurant for retreat guests
• Swim-up bar for drinks, cold plunge pool, sauna and quiet area
• Optional massages and spa treatments (for hotel or day retreat guests only)
• Feels social and lively – good for people watching or travelling with friends
• Welcomes over 4,000 guests per day during peak season

Good to Know

• Towels are included with all ticket options
• Robes are included in some packages, or can be hired for an additional fee
• Changing rooms are communal. Private suites are included with high-tier packages
• Showers are in individual, private cubicles
• There are complimentary shampoo, conditioner, moisturiser and hairdryers for all visitors

Logistics for a Short Stay

• Only 20 minutes from Keflavík International Airport
• 45 minutes from Reykjavík
• Easy to slot in before or after a flight
• You can stay for as long or as little time as you like, but 2 hours is a good ballpark
• Pre-booking is essential, especially in peak months
• Bear in mind that Blue Lagoon is occasionally evacuated and closed due to the nearby active volcano

Sky Lagoon: The Newer, Chic Contender

A much newer spa, Sky Lagoon has been gaining in popularity more recently thanks to its luxury vibe and calming experience.

Let’s look at what’s on offer, and what’s good to know ahead of a visit there.

Concept and Design

• Opened in 2021, with a design rooted in Icelandic nature and tradition
• The ‘7-Step Ritual’ offers a guided spa experience
• Built into a dramatic ocean-side cliff with stunning Atlantic views

Experience and Amenities

• Infinity-edge pool that blends with the sea horizon
• Swim-up bar for drinks – the cost is added to your electronic bracelet, and you pay the total at the end of your visit
• 7-Step Ritual includes cold plunge, sauna with panoramic view, mist room and body scrub
• Some massage and facial treatments (available to all guests, individually or as part of a package)
• Has a Keimur Cafe for light meals and Smakk Bar for Icelandic-style tasting platters
• Designed for quiet reflection and wellness, not crowds or chatter
• Capped guest numbers to maintain a peaceful vibe

Good to Know

• Towels are included in all ticket prices
• Robes are included in some packages, or can be hired for an additional fee
• Changing rooms are shared – private cubicles are available on the Sér package, and are yours for the full duration of your visit
• Showers are in individual, private cubicles
• Complimentary shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, hairdryer use and water fountains are available to all guests

Logistics for a Short Stay

• Only 15 minutes from Reykjavík city centre
• Around 50 minutes from KEF Airport
• Allow at least 2.5 hours if including the 7-Step Ritual
• Pre-booking is recommended for preferred time slots, like sunset

Key Differentiating Factors for Short Trips

Water & Sensation

These two lagoons have slightly different temperatures and a very different feel to them, so your choice when deciding Sky Lagoon vs Blue Lagoon might depend on your preference:

Feature	Blue Lagoon	Sky Lagoon
Temperature	Warm (37 – 39°C)	Slightly warmer (38 – 40°C)
Water type	Silica-rich, milky blue	Saltwater blend, clear and soothing
Skin feel	Silky, masks included	Cleansing and invigorating, the scrub leaves skin feeling smooth

Atmosphere & Crowds

I’d recommend choosing which lagoon to visit based on your preferred type of experience and who you’re visiting with.

• Blue Lagoon: Social, touristy, great for selfies and Instagram moments – the perfect choice if visiting with friends or family (the minimum age requirement is two years old)
• Sky Lagoon: Intimate, wellness-focused, calmer, adult-only (12+) – perfect for solo travellers and couples

Cost & Value

Both spas offer different levels of pricing based on experience type. Tickets to Blue Lagoon are cheaper than Sky Lagoon, if your budget is tight, and it offers a basic package. Sky Lagoon has stopped selling its entry-point tickets, so it’s not as competitively priced for those looking for a visit with fewer frills.

Package	Blue Lagoon	Sky Lagoon
Basic	From €70* for Comfort (including mask & 1 drink)	From €112* for Saman (including 7-step ritual)
Premium	From €92* for Premium (2 drinks, 2 extra masks & bathrobe) or €116 for Signature (also includes skincare products to take home)	From €140* for Sér (includes private changing facilities)
Value	Flexible stay, iconic photos	Ritual experience, premium feel

* Prices correct as of July 2025, and are subject to change

Duration & Efficiency

Which lagoon you choose may also depend on how much time you can allocate to the experience.

• Blue Lagoon: Easy to visit for 1-2 hours on your way in or out of Reykjavic
• Sky Lagoon: More of a dedicated experience that needs a little extra time, if including the ‘7-step ritual’
• If you’re flying in or out on the same day, Blue Lagoon’s the practical pick. Otherwise, Sky Lagoon is closest to Reykjavic centre, so easier to reach if you’re staying in the city.

Expert Opinions and Visitor Feedback

What Geothermal Experts Say

“The bioactives in Blue Lagoon have the capacity to improve skin barrier function and to prevent premature skin ageing,” according to a National Library of Medicine paper.

Meanwhile, Sky Lagoon’s saltwater and sauna ritual are praised for detoxifying and helping remedy skin ailments.

My Experience

Here’s how I found each place, to help you weigh up the choice of Sky Lagoon vs Blue Lagoon:

Blue Lagoon: I really enjoyed Blue Lagoon. It was clean and well maintained, with good facilities. It definitely had more of a social vibe, with lots of families and groups of friends enjoying the experience and people taking photos.

The mask felt nice on my skin and left it super smooth, but the silica in the water did not agree with my hair. I had to use a deep conditioning treatment afterwards because it left it feeling dry and damaged.

Sky Lagoon: We visited 1 hour before sunset, and we had the most amazing view over the ocean. It was definitely a bucket list experience.

We used the plunge pool, panoramic sauna and body scrub, before watching the sky change colour over the ocean with a cocktail in hand. It was just perfection. It wasn’t crowded, in fact I almost forgot there were other guests there.

Real Visitor Experiences

Here’s what other guests had to say about Sky Lagoon or Blue Lagoon (real quotes taken from the Extreme Day Trips Facebook group):

• “The Blue Lagoon was incredible, and three hours was more than enough.”
• “I highly recommend Sky Lagoon, I could spend hours there. Skip the 7-step ritual if you don’t have long.”
• “The Blue Lagoon was another level, I loved it!”
• “We spent 4 hours at Sky Lagoon because the Northern Lights came out. It was too good to miss, and we had the most amazing experience.”
• “I went to Blue Lagoon with my daughter and toddler granddaughter, and it was fantastic.”
• “Sky Lagoon, wow! I was speechless from entering to leaving. We scrapped our plans for the rest of the day as we didn’t want to leave!”

Making Your Choice

• ✅ Pick Blue Lagoon if…
  • You want a location close to the airport
  • You love taking photos in iconic spots
  • You’re travelling with kids or have less than 2 hours spare
  • You’re on a budget
• ✅ Pick Sky Lagoon if…
  • You prefer a quieter, more luxurious experience
  • You’re based in Reykjavík for the night
  • You enjoy calming spa rituals and ocean views
  • You don’t mind spending a little more for a luxury, tranquil experience
• 📌 Booking & travel tips:
  • Book online, as far in advance as possible – especially for sunset, and in peak tourist months
  • Plan transport – buses and taxis can add up in cost
  • Pre-book your ticket with a transfer included, through providers like Get Your Guide. My hand-picked packages are shown below.

FAQ

Comparison Table

If you’re still struggling to choose between Sky Lagoon or Blue Lagoon, here’s a recap of all the information given in this post, to compare side-by-side:

	Blue Lagoon	Sky Lagoon
Temperature & water type	37-39 degrees, silica	Up to 40 degrees, saltwater
Vibe	Social, lively, family-friendly	Calming, relaxing, adults only
Price	From €70	From €112
Location	Closer to KEF airport	Closer to Reykjavik
Best features	Bridges, mud mask, steamy mist	Ocean view, 7-step ritual, capped guest numbers
Photo opportunities	Selfies with mud-masked faces and silky blue waters	Staring out watching the sunset or Northern Lights with an infinity pool view

Honestly, both are dreamy. If you’re short on time, choose based on what you value most: iconic and convenient, or peaceful and rejuvenating.

Blue Lagoon’s a classic for a reason – it’s beautiful, efficient and photo-ready. And the least expensive option. But Sky Lagoon gives you that spa-like feel with fewer people and an unforgettable view.

Whichever you choose, don’t skip the soak. Iceland’s geothermal gems are the perfect way to relax into (or out of) your adventure.

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