The Blue Lagoon Vs The Sky Lagoon

Iceland has two geothermal lagoons that draw visitors from across the world, and on the surface, they have a lot in common. Both sit within an hour of Reykjavik. Both offer mineral-rich waters, spa facilities, and the kind of scenery that stops you mid-sentence. But they are built around very different experiences, and choosing between them is worth a moment's thought before you book. The Blue Lagoon is the one most travellers have seen in photos, set in a pale lava field on the Reykjanes Peninsula. The Sky Lagoon is newer, smaller, and perched on a headland where the water meets the North Atlantic horizon. This guide sets out what each one offers so you can decide which fits your trip.

The Blue Lagoon is extremely conveniently located for travellers flying into Iceland. It is located right next to the airport and just a 45-minute drive from Reykjavik city centre. So whether you’re in Iceland for a mere couple of days or longer, you should have time to fit it in. For those staying in Reykjavik itself, the Sky Lagoon is even closer! It’s located at Karsnes Harbour on a peninsula in the city, boasting incredible views out over the North Atlantic Ocean. So if you’re staying at or near the airport, then the Blue Lagoon is closer for you, and if you’re staying in Reykjavik, the Sky Lagoon is the more convenient option. You can easily rent a car at the Keflavik Airport or downtown Reykjavik to make it easier to visit the Blue Lagoon and Sky Lagoon.

The Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon opened in 1987 and is set against a backdrop of rocky black lava fields. This is compared to the newer Sky Lagoon, which opened in 2021 and boasts a view over the North Atlantic Ocean, that is particularly stunning at sunset. However, the Blue Lagoon is significantly bigger than its new rival, meaning there is more space to relax. Both are man-made and both are filled with Iceland’s natural geothermal seawater. This water is renowned for its benefits to the skin since it is enriched with all manner of ocean minerals. As well as the health benefits, the water is incredibly relaxing.

The Sky Lagoon

The Sky Lagoon offers a seven-step Sky Ritual for those who want the full experience. The ritual is included on all but the most basic Sky Lagoon package and is designed to “nourish your senses” and “promote our wellbeing, inside and out”. The process is based on traditional Icelandic bathing culture, and the seven steps are as follows:

1. Take a relaxing dip in the warm waters of the Sky Lagoon.
2. Plunge into the cold water of the glacier pool, which boosts the immune system and increases blood flow for a natural high.
3. Spend 10 minutes in the sauna. Enjoy the view through the glass window as the heat opens your pores and cleanses the skin.
4. Take a deep breath and walk through the Sky Lagoon’s cold fog-mist space.
5. Enjoy a cleansing scrub with the Sky Lagoon’s Sky Body Scrub, exfoliating the skin.
6. A steam bath helps to maximize the benefits of the Sky Body Scrub.
7. A relaxing shower marks the end of the ritual.

The Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon and the Sky Lagoon in Reykjavik are fairly similarly priced. For the Blue Lagoon, the most basic Comfort package of €98-€130 per person (£85-£112/ $113-$151) includes entrance to the lagoon, towel, hair and body products, mud mask and a drink.

The Sky Lagoon

The Sky Lagoon offers two main packages the cheaper of which being the Saman package from €118.32 (£102.35/$137.39) which includes entry, a towel, hair and body products, and the 7 step Skjol Ritual. Both venues also offer more premium packages for those who’d like to spend more time at either lagoon or include more drinks, private changing rooms or other experiences. But remember, if you’re visiting the Blue Lagoon or the Sky Lagoon on one of our Iceland tours, then entry is included as part of your package!

Dining at the Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon

If you’re making a day of it at the Blue Lagoon or the Sky Lagoon then you’re going to want something to eat and drink! The Blue Lagoon has a café that is open to all ticketholders at the venue. The Lava Restaurant overlooks the main pool of the lagoon and can be added to your booking. There is also a Spa restaurant where you can dine in your robe and the Michelin Starred Moss Restaurant that you can book in advance.

The Sky Lagoon

The Sky Lagoon is offers three dining options. The Gelmir Bar serves beer, champagne, and other drinks from a cave in the lagoon itself. The Keimur Café offers sandwiches, soups, and other light meals, whilst the Smakk Bar serves classic Icelandic dishes. Perfect for a meal after your experience at the Sky Lagoon. All lagoon guests are welcome at all three of these facilities.

This isn’t an easy question to answer. And let’s be clear: whichever of the two lagoons you visit, it is sure to be a highlight of your trip to Iceland.

The Blue Lagoon is the more famous of the two, it’s also bigger, so better equipped to deal with the crowds that can descend on Iceland’s more popular attractions. But the Sky Lagoon is newer and more modern, plus those ocean views are hard to beat. In terms of getting there, both are easily reachable from Reykjavik. But the Sky Lagoon is within the city itself, whereas the Blue Lagoon is best reached by car or public transport. That is unless you’re coming from the airport in which case the Blue Lagoon is the closer of the two! The lagoons are also mutually beneficial to each other; they split the crowds in half so both are quieter than the Blue Lagoon used to be!

On balance, we think the Sky Lagoon is an exciting alternative to the Blue Lagoon. It is sure to wow visitors, especially those who choose to book the Sky Ritual. But the Blue Lagoon remains… the Blue Lagoon! We’ll let you decide which to visit, and when you do be sure to book an Iceland tour so you can have your dream trip to the Lagoon of your choice.