Blue Lagoon vs Sky Lagoon: Which Iceland Geothermal Spa Should You Book?

Iceland is well known for its natural wonders of fire and ice, jaw-dropping waterfalls, and for its wellness activities. The one answer most travelers are looking for before they make their trip to Iceland: which lagoon do I go to? How do I make the decision between Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon?

I visited both on the same trip, so here’s how they compare and a breakdown of my experience at two of the most popular geothermal spas in Iceland.

Location

Blue Lagoon is about 45 minutes from Reykjavík near Keflavík Airport, while Sky Lagoon is about 15 minutes from Reykjavík in Kópavogur. That makes the Blue Lagoon easy to pair with your arrival or departure day since it is only a 20 minute drive to and from the airport, and Sky Lagoon easy to fit in after a day in the city or driving through the Golden Circle.

If you are traveling in the winter, you may want to consider when the sun is coming up in the late morning, which is what I chose during my trip in February for Sky Lagoon, or during the nighttime, as there is a possibility of catching a beautiful view of the Northern Lights while relaxing in the spa. Visitors were lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights at both geothermal lagoons, but you will have a better view at Blue Lagoon!

Visit Blue Lagoon early to avoid the mass of visitors in the afternoon, this is a mistake I made and the line to enter the lagoon was longer than my experience, and I didn’t give myself enough time before my flight to enjoy Blue Lagoon, and its amenities.

Both lagoons have parking lots, and there are tour companies that will take you and pick you up from Reykjavik if you did not rent a car and drive.

The Experience

Sky Lagoon

The Sky Lagoon overlooks the ocean and centers on a seven-step ritual that combines the lagoon with a cold plunge, sauna, steam room, and more. The one thing that surprised me about Iceland’s iconic wellness treatments is that you must rinse off before entering the lagoons. I was really cold at Sky Lagoon as the showers are right near the outdoor entrance, so I quickly made my way into the lagoon to heat up, as the morning in February is definitely chilly.

Here is a short overview of The Skjól Ritual:

1. Laug – Enter the lagoon or “Laug” enjoy the views, relax and take it all in. This is the part of the lagoon that you can exit and enter as you please.
2. Kuldi – The cold Plunge that is just outside the lagoon before you enter the inside portion of the ritual. I decided to skip this as it was February and I was already cold!
3. Ylur – You can enjoy the Sauna as you please as well, but once you pass this step you can only go through the ritual once. There are two sauna options, but you can enjoy both. One is phone-free, and the other is one of the most iconic pictures of The Sky Lagoon experience. I did both; who doesn’t love a sauna!
4. Suld – The cold mist portion, which I was only able to withstand for about 30 seconds as I was freezing! It was a very cool experience though and the atmosphere is amazing!
5. Mykt – After your mist, you enter a common area and are instructed to take the body scrub and get to work on that dead skin. The signature body scrub is specific to Sky Lagoon. There are many seating or standing areas to take your personal bowl of scrub and start applying. This area is so beautiful and relaxing
6. Gufa – It’s time for that scrub to get to work! Enter the steam room and let your skin absorb the scrub and take in those hydrating benefits to make your skin smooth and healthy. You can stay in here as long as you want! I only lasted about 5-10 minutes; it was very hot!
7. Saft – The final step of the wellness ritual and a rewarding way to complete the journey. You are served a juice called “Saft” that has been drunk by Icelanders for centuries! The juice was delicious, and afterward you can head back to the lagoon area to relax for as long as you’d like

In the lagoon, there’s a swim-up bar in the water to enjoy beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic). It felt calm, intimate, and more of an elevated spa experience. If you need a bite, you can head to the café and grab something to eat. I did this before heading off on my journey to explore the Golden Circle.

Blue Lagoon

Blue Lagoon is the icon. Depending on your package, you get a silica mask or two, a drink, and access to saunas, steam rooms, and a cold plunge. The entire facility recently underwent renovations and has upgraded many of the areas. You can choose up to three packages, but if you buy the basic package and want to try the other masks or purchase a drink, you can use your wristband to purchase additional masks and drinks throughout your stay. Different from the Sky Lagoon, the shower rinse before you enter is still inside, so you are not as cold before you enter the lagoon, which is actually inside! You can also schedule additional treatments like a massage inside the lagoon for a truly pampered spa day. After relaxing and enjoying the property, you will work up an appetite. There is a café for quick and easy food options, but if you are looking to treat yourself, I suggest making a reservation at their Lava restaurant after your spa day.

The only con about the Blue Lagoon, other than the crowds, is that it is family-friendly, so you won’t feel as relaxed as you would at a regular spa. The lagoon is huge, so I did not feel too crowded as I hopped from different spots in the lagoon, and there are two lines at the mask bar. I suggest not following the crowd to the first line, as you will be served much quicker at the second line near the steam room!

Cost

Both use dynamic pricing, so rates vary by date and time slot. Base tickets are broadly comparable.

Sky Lagoon’s base pass includes the full seven-step ritual and access to the communal locker room rather than having a private one. I would suggest getting the basic unless you are a couple and want a private locker room.

Blue Lagoon’s base ticket includes only one mask and access to the lagoon. I chose the second package, which included three masks and a drink, which I thought was totally worth it! There is also a third option that includes everything in the second package but also includes an additional drink and Blue Lagoon Skincare products to take home, valued at ISK 14 000!

Check current prices before you book, and book early as spots will fill up fast, especially during the summer months!

Who Each Is Best For

• Choose Blue Lagoon if it’s your first trip, you’re traveling with kids, or you want the famous milky-blue water.
• Choose Sky Lagoon if you want a calmer, ocean-view spa experience close to Reykjavík
• Can’t decide? Do Sky Lagoon after a city day and the Blue Lagoon on arrival or departure day

Tips

• Hair: Apply the conditioner from the showers before entering the Blue Lagoon. The silica water can leave your hair dry.
• Volcanic activity: The Blue Lagoon sits on the Reykjanes Peninsula and has closed temporarily during some eruptions. As of October 2026, no eruption is underway. Check the lagoon’s website before you book and again the day before.
• Third option: If you want to skip the crowds, the Secret Lagoon on the Golden Circle is Iceland’s oldest geothermal pool, dating to 1891. It was closed during my visit, so I haven’t tried it yet.

Planning the rest of your trip? See my Ultimate Iceland Travel Guide and Top 5 Things to Do in Iceland.