Where the Sea Meets the Sky: My Review of Iceland’s Sky Lagoon

Iceland has an amazing love affair with its spas and lagoons and after visiting this stunning country, I can see why. Spending time in nature and enjoying a soak (either the hot, warm or cold version) is often a daily social ritual that Icelanders partake in and communal bathing is a tradition dating back to the 12^th century. There are geothermal lagoons throughout Iceland and just a few minutes from downtown Reykjavik on the edge of a Peninsula in Kopavogur, you too can be immersed in the stunning waters of Sky Lagoon. This was the perfect day one introduction for us as it truly embodies the beauty and culture of Iceland.

Overview of Sky Lagoon

Sky Lagoon opened in 2021 and is situated right on the Atlantic Ocean which dramatically showcases their description of where the sea meets the sky as on a foggy day, it’s hard to tell where the two separate. It is man made, but was built to capture the spirit of Iceland with the perfect blend of nature and luxury. Upon arrival and check in, you’ll be given a wristband which you can link a credit card to. This will come in handy later when you make your way to the swim up bar. If you purchased the Seven Step Ritual (which I highly recommend) you’ll also be given another wristband for access to that experience (spoiler alert: part of it is located in a turf house).

Ticket Options & What to Bring

Sky Lagoon Ticket Options are available for guest ages 12 and older and they offer three different entry options:

Pure lite Pass: Entry into Sky Lagoon, public changing facilities and a towel
Pure Pass: Entry into Sky Lagoon, public changing facilities, a towel AND their Seven Step Ritual Package
Sky Pass: Entry into Sky Lagoon, individual private changing facilities, a towel AND their Seven Step Ritual Package (more on that below)

We opted for the Sky Pass and each of us (four in our family) had our own private room with a shower and changing facility. Of note, Iceland is serious about a full body shower without your suit prior to entry of any of their lagoons and it is considered rude to not partake in this. Our private changing rooms had plenty of hooks and baskets to get organized, along with providing Sky Lagoon’s signature shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lotion and hair dryer. Lockers are provided in both the public and private changing areas, but are located outside of the private changing room. Meaning you’ll shower, change and then store your belongings. Lockers open with wrist bands making it convenient to not have to carry a key or remember a code. Other than a swimsuit, the only other item to consider bringing is a waterproof phone case. Shoes are not allowed into the changing areas or lagoon.

The Lagoon Experience

Upon exiting the showers, it’s just a few steps to the lagoon’s entrance and the atmosphere is mythical as you are immediately greeted by misty waters and towering black basalt cliffs. You’ll wind your way through the geothermal waters and peak around the corner to where the lagoon opens to a giant infinity pool offering a stunning panoramic view of the North Atlantic Ocean. A waterfall, grassy slopes, moss covered rocks, and even an iconic turf house encompass the setting.

There is a swim up bar located near the back of the lagoon’ infinity pool with offerings of complimentary cold water and alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages for purchase ranging from beer, wine, champagne. There are plenty of underwater benches throughout the lagoon to sit and take in the views while enjoying your beverage of choice.

Seven Step Ritual

The Seven Step Ritual made our experience that much more enjoyable and your skin feels so rejuvenated at the end. Even our teenage kids thought this was so worth it.

Step 1: Lagoon…slow down and unwind in their ethereal infinity pool
Step 2: Cold Plunge…cool down in their cold pool. The health benefits of cold plunging range from a boosted immune system, a release of endorphins and reduced inflammation. It’s also so good for your mental state as it reinforces that you can do hard things. I always set my watch timer for two minutes and find that after a challenging 45 seconds, you settle in and it gets easier. After this step, you’ll enter the turf house (they will ask for your wrist band) and enjoy step 3.
Step 3: Sauna…relax with a view. This sauna has a floor to ceiling window with unobstructed views of the Atlantic Ocean. I didn’t have my phone with me, but it was a jaw dropping experience to walk in and rumor is, it’s the largest window in Iceland!
Step 4: Cold Mist...refresh your senses with a foggy mist of rain designed to stimulate your senses and restore your equilibrium. After a hot 10-15 minutes in the sauna, this felt amazing.
Step 5: Body Scrub-renew yourself with Sky Lagoon’s signature body scrub comprised of sea salt, almond oil and sesame oil.
Step 6: Steam Room…clear your senses and allow the steam to open your pores and unleash the hydrating powers of the scrub.
Step 7: Shower and Lagoon…rinse it all off and then reconnect with the Lagoon or revisit the cold plunge pool.

How to Get To Sky Lagoon

Just 15 minutes from downtown Reykjavik you can easily get here via a rental car or taxi. We called a taxi at our hotel and upon exiting the lagoon, there is a taxi waiting zone and it was very convenient to grab one. You can also prebook transfers.

Visiting Sky Lagoon was the perfect arrival day activity. We landed early in the morning and while we waited for our room to be ready, we left our suitcases with bell services, hopped in a cab and enjoyed a lovely morning soaking away our jet lag. As we walked into Sky Lagoon, a sign on the wall said “Embrace the day, then set it free”. This definitely fits in with the pace of Iceland…be present, but don’t get too worried about things you can’t control. This mindset was my favorite souvenir from Iceland.

Are you ready to start planning your Iceland vacation? I can help you find the best Sky Lagoon package-even one that includes transfers to simplify your plans. I am an Certified Travel Advisor and would love to work with you. Reach out to me at [email protected] or fill out a quote request here.