Honest Review: Sky Lagoon (with Sky Pass) in Iceland

Today we’re going to take a look at one of the newest geothermal pools in Iceland — and also one of the more luxurious ones — the Sky Lagoon. As always, I’ll give you my honest review of the Sky Lagoon, located just a short drive from Reykjavik. Is this new geothermal lagoon worth it? And is the more expensive package (the Sky pass) worth it? Let’s find out!

Table of Contents

• What is the Sky Lagoon?
• Where is the Sky Lagoon?
• Fees and Packages
  • What to Bring to the Sky Lagoon:
• Check in and Arrival Process
• Sky Private Changing Rooms Experience
• Sky Lagoon Experience
• 7-Step Ritual Experience
• Was the Sky Lagoon Worth it? Was the Sky (private changing rooms) package worth it?
• Sky Lagoon vs. Blue Lagoon? Which is better?
• More About Iceland

What is the Sky Lagoon?

Sky Lagoon is a geothermal spa/ hot spring, much like the famous Blue Lagoon but with a more adult vibe — and much less crowded. It has a stunning infinity-edge that seems to blend directly into the Atlantic Ocean, offering amazing, endless views. The lagoon is designed to mimic the Icelandic landscape, incorporating natural volcanic rocks and and waterfall features.

No one under 12 years of age is allowed in the Sky Lagoon – no exceptions, Karen!

Where is the Sky Lagoon?

Sky Lagoon is located in Kársnes Harbour, Kopavogur, just a short drive from downtown Reykjavik. You can easily reach it by:

• Car: It’s about a 15-minute drive from the city center. There’s lots of parking available at the site.
• Bus: Local buses run regularly from Reykjavik to the lagoon. Check the local bus schedules for the most direct routes.
• Taxi: A quick and direct way to get there, though it can be more expensive than public transport.

We had a rental car so we drove ourselves there. It was a little weird getting here, in that you drive through this very industrial area — it feels like you shouldn’t be there and you might wonder if you made a wrong turn — and then suddenly, the Sky Lagoon is right in front of you! You’ll find plenty of free parking.

Fees and Packages

The Sky Lagoon offers three different packages — and it’s not cheap no matter what way you put it! All of these packages give you access to the lagoon itself but vary in amenities:

Pure Lite: The basic package – you get access to the Sky Lagoon. That’s it, no 7-step ritual. You will be in the public changing rooms with no privacy.

Pure: You get the same as the Pure Lite package but you get the 7-step ritual.

Sky: This package includes the 7-step ritual and gives you access to the private changing rooms.

We went all out — we did the Sky package. Why? Because we’re American and we don’t like changing in front of others. Yep, our reasoning is that simple!

You will need to reserve a spot in advance and they can sell out. We did this as a last-minute activity and didn’t book until 2 days before we wanted to go. It was no big deal; they had plenty of slots — and this was in July.

No matter what package you chose, you are allowed to stay in the Sky Lagoon as long as you want, but you can only do the 7 step ritual once!

What to Bring to the Sky Lagoon:

When packing for your visit to Sky Lagoon, here are a few essentials:

• Swimsuit: You’ll need this to enter the lagoon. If you don’t have one, they do have some for rent or for purchase.
• Flip-flops: Useful for walking around the lagoon area comfortably — and to avoid athletes foot!
• Waterproof phone case: If you want to take photos without risking water damage to your phone.

You don’t need to bring a towel; regardless of what package you choose, towels are free for everyone. All changing rooms also have hairdryers.

Check in and Arrival Process

When you arrive, you’ll give your name so the employee can look up your reservation. Everyone in your party will be given a wristband. The wristband works as your locker key and as your payment for anything to drink while in the spa. The credit card you used to book the reservation is the one coded into the wristband. You’ll then be directed to the proper changing room — Pure or Sky. Pure packages go to the communal rooms, and Sky has the area with private rooms.

Again, we booked the Sky Package so your experience will vary! I can’t speak to what it’s like in the Pure changing rooms.

If you purchased a package with a 7-step Ritual, you will be given an additional wristband, as you can only do it once during your visit.

Sky Private Changing Rooms Experience

I absolutely loved it! These rooms we much nicer and the whole area felt more luxurious than the Blue Lagoon. It also wasn’t crowded at all. My husband and I chose rooms right across the small hallway from each other. The changing room has a nice shower, toiletries, a bathroom, and a ‘getting ready’ / changing’ area with a hairdryer and a mirror. It’s really nice!

When you’re done showering and changing into your swimsuit, it’s time to head out to the lagoon! I brought my phone out with me — I didn’t bother with any waterproof case, as my phone is already waterproof. But for peace of mind, you might want to bring it. You can wear your flip flops as you walk out of the changing room; they have cubby holes for your shoes right before you get into the water.

Sky Lagoon Experience

I thought the water was a bit warmer than what I experienced at the Blue Lagoon but not as hot (in spots) at the Secret Lagoon. Right in the middle — it was never too hot where you feel you need to cool off, like you would at the Secret Lagoon.

One of the best areas to relax at the Sky Lagoon is on the edge of the infinity pool, where you can look out into the Atlantic Ocean for miles. When we were here, a volcano was erupting on the Reykjanes Peninsula — we could see it right from the Sky Lagoon!

There’s a swim-up bar here too, but unlike the Blue Lagoon, you are not getting any free drinks with any package. Gotta pay for whatever you want. I had to have a Coke Zero 🙂

I also loved the waterfall at one end of the Sky Lagoon – it was really refreshing! Plus, because they limit the amount of people visiting with their reservation system, it was always easy to find some little nook or cranny in the lagoon just to relax.

7-Step Ritual Experience

I loved this too! I didn’t take any photos during this experience, as I had put my phone away — I didn’t want to get it all messed up as I was going through the ritual.

You can do this ritual at any point during your time at the Sky Lagoon but it’s a ‘group’ ritual, in that you’ll have other people in the sauna, the steam room, etc as you go through it.

Before you start the experience, you will be asked to surrender your 7-Step ritual wristband. After that, you’re directed to get into the cold plunge. My husband loved this and he went fully underwater (as you’re supposed to!). I was too chicken; I went up to my waist and then hopped out. Looking back, I should’ve just did it. Oh well.

The cold plunge is actually the second step in the 7-step ritual. The first step is just being in the waters of the Sky Lagoon itself.

After the cold plunge, you’re directed into the sauna. The sauna is just amazing – the gigantic window overlooking the ocean is so clean that I legit thought I was outside. You can stay in here as long as you want (if you bring your phone in here, it’s sure to overheat) but it gets very hot.

The third step is a cold, misty shower, which feels great after being in a hot sauna.

After that, you’re given a cup filled with a salt scrub. Scrub yourself down and then you can head into the steam room.

You can sit in the steam room as long as you want. The steam will help opens your pores, allowing your body to absorb the 7 step ritual’s final elements with the help of the body scrub.

Then, the final step is a shower — you can rinse away that body scrub and then head back into the lagoon.

Was the Sky Lagoon Worth it? Was the Sky (private changing rooms) package worth it?

I think so. This was tough because it was pretty expensive – even for Iceland. But I just loved everything about it. I had a ton of fun here and I’d love to come back. I loved that the experience was aimed at adults — they are very strict on the age limit here and I appreciate that.

As for the private changing rooms – yes, I loved them. Granted, yeah, I could get by just fine in the other room I’m sure, but this added to the experience.

That said, if you don’t have a problem with changing in front of others, I’m sure the Pure Lite / Pure package would work just fine. It was just nice to have an area to change in that’s all mine after being in the lagoon and taking a shower in my own private space — plus the facilities were really nice — you felt like you’re at a spa.

Sky Lagoon vs. Blue Lagoon? Which is better?

I did both so I can speak to my experience and maybe help you make a decision. Here are the key elements for each that you’ll want to think of before you decide (that is, if you can only pick one – do both if you can!) Overall, I liked the Sky Lagoon better than Blue Lagoon, but I am still happy I did the Blue Lagoon.

Blue Lagoon

• Iconic Iceland experience. It’s one of those things that you just ‘have’ to do if you visit this country.
• Beautiful milky-blue water (from a nearby power plant — but it’s safe)
• Very crowded but large facility
• Each person gets a free drink — yes, even an alcoholic drink if you wish
• One free face mask per person
• Hotel on-site
• Hair can get very dry/damaged if you go under water
• Easy-peasy drive/access from the airport
• More expensive than the Pure Lite Sky Lagoon package
• Private shower stalls and changing areas available to all
• Children welcome
• Other spa services are available

Sky Lagoon

• Located about 10 min from Reykjavik.
• Beautiful landscaping (albeit artificial but well done) and amazing infinity edge pool
• Smaller facility
• Less crowded
• More luxurious experience
• Under 12 years old not admitted
• No private changing/showering facilities unless you pay more.
• 7-Step Ritual available
• Hair won’t get damaged if you go under water
• No free drinks
• Small cafe/restaurant on site for use after you are finished

Have you ever visited the Sky Lagoon Iceland? Any questions?