Sky Lagoon | A modern retreat inspired by Iceland’s rich bathing traditions
Located on the edge of Reykjavik, Sky Lagoon combines cutting-edge geothermal spa facilities with Iceland’s centuries-old bathing culture and the charm of its traditional turf-house design. With the mineral-rich waters of its infinity lagoon, signature seven-step ritual, and hot and cold therapies, it invites you to immerse yourself in a peaceful experience that honors Iceland’s heritage while surrounded by stunning views of the North Atlantic. Keep reading to explore more and plan your perfect escape.
Why visit Sky Lagoon, Iceland?
1/4
The closest geothermal spa to Reykjavik
Sky Lagoon is just a short 15-minute drive from Reykjavik, making it the most conveniently accessible geothermal spa from the city. It’s ideal for travelers who are on a short visit and a perfect way to begin or end an Iceland itinerary.
Different seasons, different experiences
Whether basking in the long sunsets during summer or soaking in the heated pool surrounded by snow in the winter, Sky Lagoon has a different charm in every season. You can connect with Iceland’s ever-changing natural beauty year-round.
Authentic yet affordable luxury
Sky Lagoon offers an authentic Icelandic geothermal spa experience at an accessible price, combining high-end spa amenities with affordability. It’s the perfect spot for travelers who want to indulge in a luxurious atmosphere without breaking the bank.
A tranquil, crowd-free retreat
Despite its proximity to Reykjavik and growing popularity, this geothermal spa maintains an exclusive and tranquil atmosphere. The facility tries not to exceed 350 guests at any time. Unlike larger, more tourist-heavy geothermal spots, its expansive infinity pool and spacious design ensure a more intimate and crowd-free experience.
Highlights of Sky Lagoon
Geothermal infinity pool
Sky Lagoon’s 70-meter infinity pool is filled with geothermal water drawn from natural hot springs beneath the earth. Blended with cooler water, the lagoon is maintained at a steady temperature of 38–40°C year-round, providing the perfect setting for a restorative soak.
Seven-step Skjol wellness ritual
The Sky Lagoon seven-step Skjol ritual combines hot and cold therapy that promotes detoxification, relaxation, and deep healing. It takes you through a series of carefully designed steps to rejuvenate the body and mind.
Cold plunge pool
Inspired by an ancient Icelandic pool called Snorralaug, the cold plunge pool offers a stark yet refreshing contrast to the warmth of the geothermal waters. Immersing in the invigoratingly cold water (5–8°C) promotes circulation and reduces muscle tension.
Sauna with a view
With temperatures of 80–90°C and a large floor-to-ceiling window that overlooks the North Atlantic Ocean, the Sky Lagoon sauna offers the perfect balance of warmth and tranquility. The dry heat and unmatched views help relax your muscles and clear your mind, creating an ideal environment to unwind.
Gelmir swim-up bar
Sky Lagoon’s swim-up bar lets you enjoy refreshing drinks without leaving the water. Set into the infinity lagoon’s stone wall, the Gelmir bar offers a selection of Icelandic beers, wines, cocktails, and juices to keep you hydrated as you soak.
On-site culinary experience
Two on-site eateries – Smakk Bar and Keimur Café – partner with local businesses to celebrate the flavors of Iceland. Sample local cheeses, cured meats like reindeer and herring, and fresh seafood, and warm up with hearty soups and sandwiches.
Traditional turf-house design
Sky Lagoon’s design draws inspiration from Iceland’s traditional turf houses, blending modern sustainability with cultural heritage. Its eco-friendly design integrates natural materials and earthy tones, creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere that honors the country’s history, architecture, and craftsmanship.
Unparalleled views of the North Atlantic
The lagoon’s stunning location provides horizon-to-horizon views of the North Atlantic Ocean. Whether relaxing in the water or enjoying the sky, the expansive views add an unmatched sense of peace and connection to nature.
The seven-step Skjol ritual
The lagoon (laug): Begin the ritual with a calming and therapeutic soak in the lagoon’s mineral-rich geothermal waters.
The cold plunge (kuldi): Take a bracing dip in the cold plunge pool and let the chilly water fire up your endorphins! This step boosts your circulation and strengthens the immune system.
The sauna (ylur): Wrap yourself in the warmth of the sauna and let the heat open your pores and clean your skin of toxins.
The cold mist (suld): Stimulate your senses by cooling down under the refreshing -5°C mist to balance the sauna’s intense heat.
The sky body scrub (mykt): Use Sky Lagoon’s signature, luxurious scrub with sesame seed oil and almond oil to exfoliate and revivify your skin.
The steam room (gufa): Let the moist heat of the steam help your pores absorb the nutrients of the scrub, leaving it hydrated and smooth.
The elixir (saft): Savor a few sips of the juice of Kraekiber – crowberries that grow in Iceland’s lava fields – to refresh and hydrate yourself.
Complete the ritual with an energizing shower before returning to the infinity lagoon to luxuriate in the warmth and enjoy the views.
Plan your visit to Sky Lagoon, Reykjavik
Sky Lagoon hours:
June 1 to September 30: Daily 9am – 11pm
October 1 to October 31: Daily 10am – 11pm
November 1 to May 31: Monday – Friday: 11am – 10pm, Saturday & Sunday: 10am – 10pm
Days with special timings:
December 24: 9am – 4pm
December 25: 9am – 6pm
December 26: 9am – 10pm
December 31: 9am – 6pm
January 1: 10am – 10pm
Note: The infinity lagoon closes 30 minutes before closing time. The Skjol ritual and the swim-up Gelmir bar close 1 hour before closing time.
By car: Sky Lagoon is 7 km from Hlemmur in Reykjavik’s city center (a 12–15 minute drive depending on traffic) and 7 km from Reykjavik International Airport (an 11 minute drive).
Nearest parking: Sky Lagoon parking lot
Sky Lagoon remains open all year round, with the water in the geothermal lagoon maintained at a constant 38–40°C regardless of the season.
Weekends tend to attract more visitors while weekdays are generally less busy. For a peaceful experience with fewer people around, the best time to visit is close to the opening time in the morning or late evening on a weekday.
Sunsets offer some of the best views from the lagoon. Pick an evening slot to catch the golden hour. These hours vary throughout the year—between 9pm and 12 midnight in summer, between 4pm and 9pm in the spring and autumn months, and between 3:30pm and 4pm in winter.
The peak season summer months (June to August) bring large crowds to Sky Lagoon. The off-peak season months from April to May and September to October (spring and autumn) are the optimal time to visit, with a balance of favorable weather and fewer visitors.
The Sky Lagoon facility is wheelchair accessible, with accessible changing rooms, showers, and restrooms. There is also a chairlift to assist wheelchair users to enter the infinity lagoon.
Electronic wristbands for locker access and payments
Secure lockers
Public and private changing rooms
Public and private showers
Washrooms
Shampoo, conditioner, and shower gel
On-site restaurants and bars
Towels
Hair dryers in the changing rooms
Swimwear rental and purchase
Luggage storage
On-site parking
Children under the age of 12 years are not allowed at Sky Lagoon. Children aged between 12 and 14 years must be accompanied by an adult.
According to Icelandic bathing traditions, you must shower without a swimsuit before entering the lagoon.
Proper swimwear is mandatory within the lagoon area and the spa ritual rooms.
You cannot swim or dive in the lagoon.
Outside food and drinks are not permitted inside the spa.
Photography and video shooting in the lagoon, ritual rooms, and public areas are only allowed for personal use. It is strictly forbidden to take pictures and videos inside the changing rooms and showers. Remember to respect other guests’ privacy at all times.
Respectful and considerate behavior towards other guests and staff is expected at all times.
Make sure to book your tickets online ahead of your visit to secure your preferred time slot.
Sky Lagoon provides towels. You don’t need robes or flip-flops as you can access the lagoon area directly from the showers.
Stay hydrated before, during, and after your soak and spa ritual to maximize the wellness benefits.
Gerðarsafn Kópavogur Art Museum: This museum showcases a vibrant collection of contemporary art, housed in a striking architectural space. With a focus on Icelandic artists, it features rotating exhibits, sculpture gardens, and immersive installations, just a short drive from Reykjavik.
Perlan Museum: Reykjavik’s Perlan Museum offers immersive exhibits on Iceland’s natural wonders, including glaciers, volcanoes, and geothermal energy. Its iconic glass dome provides panoramic views of the city and the surrounding landscape.
Hallgrímskirkja Church: Hallgrímskirkja is a stunning, towering church with a unique design resembling volcanic basalt columns. Its sleek, modernist architecture and imposing façade make it one of Reykjavik’s most recognizable landmarks.
Nauthólsvík Geothermal Beach: Featuring golden sand surrounded by rocky shores, Nauthólsvík Geothermal Beach has steaming geothermal pools blending into the natural landscape. Relax on the beach and take a dip in the heated pools year-round.
Frequently asked questions about Sky Lagoon tickets
A Sky Lagoon ticket includes round-trip bus transfers from Reykjavik, entry to the facility, the seven-step Skjol ritual, access to the lagoon, sauna, steam room, and other spa areas, lockers, and on-site eateries. Based on the ticket option you choose, you also have access to private or public changing rooms and showers.
A typical visit lasts for about 3 hours, which gives you enough time to relax, enjoy the geothermal lagoon, the Skjol ritual, and have a meal. If you want to spend longer soaking in the views and the warmth in the infinity pool, you can stay on for as long as 5 hours. There is no set or strict limit though.
The water in the geothermal lagoon is naturally heated by underground hot springs, but the pool itself is man-made. However, it has been designed to mimic Iceland’s raw and wild natural landscape, with tall grey stone walls topped with turf, and its own waterfall.
Sky Lagoon’s standout feature is its 70-meter-long pool with an infinity edge that appears to merge seamlessly with the ocean and the sky. It is also the only geothermal spa to offer the seven-step Skjol ritual, based on traditional Icelandic bathing practices.
Yes, Sky Lagoon remains open all year round. If you visit in winter, you can have the unique experience of soaking in the warm lagoon with snow all around you, and you might even get lucky enough to spot the northern lights.
Yes, there are lifeguards at Sky Lagoon to ensure visitors’ safety in the infinity pool. Regardless, it’s best to remain cautious and follow the facility’s rules and guidelines.
Bath
Sky Lagoon Entry Tickets
Unwind with a 7-step geothermal bathing ritual at Sky Lagoon, enjoying breathtaking views of hot springs and the North Atlantic Ocean.
Everything you get: Entry to Sky Lagoon and the opportunity to participate in the famous 7-step Skjól ritual.
Why choose this: Experience one of Reykjavík’s most popular geothermal baths and traditions, beloved by locals and visitors alike. Immerse yourself in the famous 7-step Skjól ritual, which includes a cold plunge, sauna session, and full-body scrub, all designed to relax your mind and body
Upgrades: Pick the option with round-trip transfers from Reykjavík and private changing facilities after your cold dip for a more comfortable experience.
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Free cancellation
Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.
Book now, pay later
2 hr 30 min
Transfers available
Pickup available
Unwind with a 7-step geothermal bathing ritual at Sky Lagoon, enjoying breathtaking views of hot springs and the North Atlantic Ocean.
Everything you get: Entry to Sky Lagoon and the opportunity to participate in the famous 7-step Skjól ritual.
Why choose this: Experience one of Reykjavík’s most popular geothermal baths and traditions, beloved by locals and visitors alike. Immerse yourself in the famous 7-step Skjól ritual, which includes a cold plunge, sauna session, and full-body scrub, all designed to relax your mind and body
Upgrades: Pick the option with round-trip transfers from Reykjavík and private changing facilities after your cold dip for a more comfortable experience.
Inclusions
#
Entry tickets to Sky Lagoon
Participation in the 7-step spa ritual
Sky Lagoon Saman Pass (as per option selected)
Sky Lagoon Sér Pass (as per option selected)
Towel (as per option selected)
Round-trip bus transfers (as per option selected)
Wi-Fi on the bus (as per option selected)
Private changing facilities (as per option selected)
Public changing facilities (as per option selected)
Exclusions
#
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Food and drinks
Gratuities/tips
Souvenir photos
What to bring
Swimwear is mandatory for entry, so please bring your own.
What's not allowed
Oversized bags and suitcases are not permitted inside the facility.
Outside food and drinks are not allowed.
Alcohol and sharp items are strictly prohibited.
This experience is not available for children under 12 years old.
Accessibility
The venue is wheelchair accessible.
Additional information
Transfers from Reykjavík depart from the BSÍ Bus Terminal.
Guests under 14 years of age must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or older.
Visitors with medical conditions, such as heart conditions or high blood pressure, are advised to consult a healthcare professional before booking.
Transfer times back to Reykjavík are available every hour from 1:30pm to 9:30pm (1:30, 2:30, 3:30, 4:30, 5:30, 6:30, 7:30, 8:30, 9:30pm).
Sky Lagoon is located just a short distance from central Reykjavík.
The lagoon is open year-round, including during winter months, when you may even catch the northern lights. Water temperatures are typically maintained between 38 and 40°C.
The signature 7-step ritual includes the Sky Body Scrub. Guests with allergies should review the ingredient list carefully: Maris Sal, Isopropyl Myristate, Sweet Almond Oil, Sesame Seed Oil, Grape Seed Oil, Argan Oil, Rosa Canina Fruit Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, and fragrance.
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
