If you’re looking for the ultimate relaxing experience while in Iceland, you’ve probably considered visiting one of the country’s geothermal spas. Both the Blue Lagoon and the Sky Lagoon offer luxurious treatments and beautiful settings, so which one should you choose? This Blue Lagoon vs Sky Lagoon comparison post will cover everything you need to know about the key differences (and similarities!).
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General overview
| Blue Lagoon | Sky Lagoon | |
| Location | 45-minute drive from Reykjavik | 15-minute drive from Reykjavik |
| Water temperature | 37 – 40°C (98 – 104°F) | 38 – 40°C (100 – 104°F) |
| Amenities | Lagoon, sauna, steam room, silica mud mask, swim-up bar (first drink free), hotel, spa, Lava restaurant, Michelin-starred Moss restaurant, Spa restaurant | 7-step ritual (lagoon, cold pool, sauna, cold mist, sky scrub, steam room, shower), swim-up bar, Sky Cafe, Smakk Bar, ocean view |
| Suitable for kids? | Yes (2 years old and over) | No (12 years old and over) |
| Price | • Comfort Package: ISK 8,990 ($63.22 USD) • Premium Package: ISK 11,490 ($80.80 USD) • Children 13 years old and younger are free | • Pure Lite Pass: ISK 7,990 ($56.19 USD) • Pure Pass: ISK 9,990 ($70.25 USD) • Sky Pass: ISK 13,900 ($97.74 USD) |
Blue Lagoon vs Sky Lagoon
Blue Lagoon
Description
Iceland’s Blue Lagoon is a mega-popular geothermal spa located on the Reykjanes Peninsula. The lagoon’s warm and mineral-rich waters are said to have healing properties, making it a popular tourist destination. The hot water is naturally heated by geothermal activity and contains silica, algae, and minerals that are good for the skin.
The Blue Lagoon also offers spa treatments, saunas, and restaurants. Visitors can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding black lava fields while soaking in the lagoon’s milky blue waters. If you’d like to stay longer, the Blue Lagoon also has two on-site hotels: the Silica Hotel and the Retreat Hotel.
Location
The Blue Lagoon is a 45-minute drive from Reykjavik and a 20-minute drive from Keflavik Airport (KEF). It makes the perfect place to visit on the first or last day of your Iceland Golden Circle road trip.
Amenities
Blue Lagoon’s basic package offers everything that first-time lagoon guests could want: access to the geothermal lagoon itself, a face and body mask, a towel, and a free drink from the lagoon bar.
For those that want a more luxurious experience, the Premium Package adds two more masks and a robe. In my opinion, this package would only be worth it if you’re planning on dining at Lava Restaurant for the free glass of sparkling wine.
Both of the two packages include access to communal changing rooms. If you want access to a private locker room, you’ll need to splurge on the Luxury Package.
Price
Blue Lagoon has two different pricing tiers.
Comfort Package: This is the most popular option. It includes access to the Blue Lagoon, a silica mud mask, use of a towel, and one free drink. The Comfort Package costs ISK 8,990 ($63.22 USD).
Premium Package: The Premium Package includes access to the Blue Lagoon, three face masks, a towel, one free drink, use of a robe, and a free glass of sparkling wine if you’re dining at Lava restaurant. It costs ISK 11,490 ($80.80 USD).
There is also a spa option, the Luxury Package, which includes five hours at the Retreat Spa. This package costs ISK 69,000 ($485.21 USD) and includes private changing rooms and unlimited access to the Blue Lagoon.
Sky Lagoon
Description
The new Sky Lagoon is a geothermal spa located about 10 km (6.2 mi) from Reykjavik. It offers stunning North Atlantic ocean views and features a large infinity pool surrounded by smaller hot pools and saunas. Sky Lagoon’s water is heated naturally and enriched with minerals, providing relaxation and skincare benefits.
The main difference between Blue Lagoon and Sky Lagoon is the Sky Lagoon’s seven-step ritual. The ritual is designed to combine the healing powers of warm water, cold water, steam, heat, and fresh air.
Location
Sky Lagoon is located just a quick 15-minute drive from downtown Reykjavik. It overlooks the Kársnes Harbour in Kópavogur and can be reached by driving, biking, or public bus.
Amenities
The first step of the seven-step ritual experience is a long soak in the man-made lagoon. Once you’ve heated up, it’s time to cool down with a quick dip in the cold plunge pool. This stimulates the immune system, increases blood flow, and tightens skin!
After the cold plunge, head over to the sauna to open your pores and cleanse your skin. The sauna room has the largest single window in Iceland with amazing views over the ocean. Step number 4 is a walk through the cold fog-mist — this was my personal favorite part of the ritual!
Next, you can use an almond oil and sesame seed oil scrub all over your body. This mineral scrub felt amazing and leaves your skin feeling super smooth. With the scrub still on your body, you then go to the wet steam room to ease your breathing and improve overall body function. The final step of the 7-step ritual is to take a warm, relaxing shower.
After you finish the seven-step ritual, you’re free to head back to the geothermal water in the Sky Lagoon.
Price
Sky Lagoon has three different pricing tiers.
Pure Lite Pass: This package includes access to the Sky Lagoon. It does not include the 7-step Ritual. The Pure Lite Pass costs ISK 7,990 ($56.19 USD).
Pure Pass: This is the most popular option. The Pure Pass includes access to the Sky Lagoon, the 7-step Ritual, and a towel. It costs ISK 9,990 ($70.25 USD).
Sky Pass: The Sky Pass includes access to the Sky Lagoon, the 7-step Ritual, a towel, and access to private changing rooms. This option costs 13,900 ($97.74 USD).
The verdict
Which is better, Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon?
Both the Blue Lagoon and Sky Lagoon are incredible and relaxing geothermal spas in Reykjavik. They each have their own unique features and offerings, and which one you like best will depend on your individual preferences.
The Blue Lagoon is bigger, more established, and has a wider range of amenities. Entrance comes with a free drink and there are more restaurants to choose from. It’s also more family friendly for those traveling with young children and is closer to the airport for those on a quick layover.
On the other hand, the Sky Lagoon is newer, more intimate, and is a better value for money if you opt for the Pure Pass package. The 7-step ritual is incredibly relaxing and feels absolutely divine. The atmosphere is more modern and mature since young children are not allowed.
It’s impossible for me to pick which one was better — they’re both spectacular and so different!
Should I go to both Blue Lagoon and Sky Lagoon?
If you have the budget and the time for it, yes! I went to both the Blue Lagoon and the Sky Lagoon during my time in Iceland and I loved them both for different reasons.
Is Sky Lagoon less crowded than Blue Lagoon?
Sky Lagoon is Iceland’s newest geothermal spa, and as such, it may be less crowded than the more established Blue Lagoon. However, the popularity of Sky Lagoon has been increasing since its opening, and you may come across bigger crowds during peak seasons.
To avoid crowds, definitely book your visit in advance and consider visiting during off-peak hours or seasons.
Book tickets to Blue Lagoon
Book tickets to Sky Lagoon
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Thanks for reading this Blue Lagoon vs Sky Lagoon comparison post! If you’ve visited both, which one did you prefer? Let me know in the comments below!
xoxo Niki
