The Sky Lagoon Vs Blue Lagoon: Which Is Better For You?
The Sky Lagoon vs Blue Lagoon in Iceland: which one should YOU visit!? Aside from both being hot springs near Reykjavik, the similarities kind of stop there. That being said, it can be very expensive to visit both of these lagoons in Iceland, and you might not need to. That’s where I come in!
I visited both the popular Blue Lagoon and the new (as of 2021) Sky Lagoon on my last visit to Iceland. I’ll go over some of the main differences and similarities between the two, so you can decide if it be the Sky Lagoon, the Blue Lagoon, or maybe even both!?
Psst! This blog post contains affiliate links in it which sends me a bit of extra money if you use them… at no extra cost to you!
Blue Lagoon Nearby Volcanic Activity: The Blue Lagoon is in a zone of constant seismic activity. Refer to their website for the most up to date information on opening hours and how to get there.
Sky Lagoon Vs Blue Lagoon: A Quick Overview
The Blue Lagoon and Sky Lagoon are both man made lagoons in Iceland.
Despite all the crowds, the Blue Lagoon is a way more unique experience than the Sky Lagoon. I’m sorry to say that if it’s you first time in Iceland, you should go to the Blue Lagoon, especially if you’re someone who has FOMO (Fear of Missing Out!).
Even though The Sky Lagoon was a much better and more relaxing experience overall, I did feel like I could have been anywhere in the world and I didn’t have to be in Iceland to experience it. Continue reading for more in depth reviews and explanations!
| Blue Lagoon | Sky Lagoon | Alt. Option: Reykjadalur* | |
| Cost (Base Package) | ISK 11 990 / Adult | ISK 13,990 / Adult | Free (paid parking) |
| Natural or Manmade | Manmade | Manmade | Natural |
| Water properties | Silica & algae | Geothermal water | Geothermal water |
| Best For | Families | Couples | Hikers |
| Instagram Worthy | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Proximity to Reykjavik (driving time) | 50 minutes | 10 minutes | 45 minutes (+ 1 hour hike!) |
| Shuttle Service | To / From Reykjavik and Airport | To / From Reykjavik | No, but there are organized tours |
| Guides | Read more | N/A | Read more |
*If you are looking for a completely natural hot spring near Reykjavik, your best option is to go to Reykjadalur instead (read more about that natural hot spring in my post).
Sky Lagoon Vs Blue Lagoon: The Similarities
Because the Blue Lagoon and the Sky Lagoon are similar in many ways, you might think you don’t have to do both in Iceland.
As I mentioned, both are natural geo-thermal heated hot springs and they’re also both manmade. The similarities actually stop there, but there are a few extra things to note…
You Can’t Escape The Crowds At The Sky Lagoon Iceland!
If you thought that going to the Sky Lagoon Iceland would be the less crowded option over the Blue Lagoon, think again! It felt like there were about the same amount of people at each lagoon.
Even though there were fewer people at the Sky Lagoon, it’s also MUCH SMALLER than the Blue Lagoon in Iceland! So per square meter, it’s probably just about as populated as the Blue Lagoon.
And because the Blue Lagoon is that much bigger, the farther ends of the lagoon had a lot less people. Once I made it to the Quiet Zone at the end, it was emptier than the Sky Lagoon ever was!
I Recommend Booking Both Lagoons In Iceland In Advance
Both lagoons in Iceland sell timed tickets. So if you wait to book your tickets, you won’t have as many time slot options. Neither lagoon ever fully sold out, even for same day tickets, but there were fewer options for time slots (and I checked again during high season).
The Sky Lagoon did have fewer time slots still available compared to the Blue Lagoon, but that’s just because they are smaller and have fewer tickets for sale in general.
If you are interested in upgrading your package, the Retreat Spa at the Blue Lagoon is the exception to the rule. Tickets to the Retreat Spa completely sold out several weeks in advance.
Blue Lagoon Vs Sky Lagoon: The Differences
Now for the differences between the two lagoons in Iceland. And from first hand experience, they are VERY different!
Deal Breaker Differences…
These differences between the Blue Lagoon and Sky Lagoon in Iceland might be what makes the choice of which one you visit!
You might be interested in: Plan an even better trip to Iceland with my mini Reykjavik travel guide.
Are You Traveling With Kids?
If you are traveling with kids under 12, your only option is the Blue Lagoon. Kids above the age of two are allowed in the lagoon, and their entrance is actually free until age 13! Compare this to the Sky Lagoon, where kids under 12 aren’t allowed at all!
This also means you’ll have quite different experiences at each lagoon. If you are interested in a kid free zone, you should probably go to the Sky Lagoon.
That being said, there were still some teenagers at the Sky Lagoon when we visited who were loud and annoying. So you can’t expect a completely adult only experience, but it was definitely A LOT more relaxing than the Blue Lagoon in Iceland.
Accessibility From Reykjavik
Although both hot springs are near Reykjavik, and are relatively easy to get to from the city, the Sky Lagoon is A LOT closer than the Blue Lagoon. The Blue Lagoon is about a 50 minute drive from the city versus the Sky Lagoon which is only about 10 minutes.
Both lagoons in Iceland have free parking, offer shuttle services to and from Reykjavik, and are included in a lot organized tours. For example, this one on Viator that takes you to the Golden Circle and your choice of geothermal spa. Otherwise, you can simply book this transfer from either Reykjavik or the airport to the Blue Lagoon, with your entrance ticket included. Similarly, you can book a transfer and ticket to the Sky Lagoon.
But if you don’t have a car and aren’t interested in shuttles or organized tours, the Sky Lagoon is so close that you can take public transit, a taxi, or even walk to the Sky Lagoon from Reykjavik!
If You Want To Turn It Into Weekend Getaway
The Sky Lagoon is only a day spa, so it’s not ideal if you’re looking for a spa weekend. You would have to stay in Reykjavik, and travel back and forth each day. So if a spa weekend is something that interested you, there are two hotel options at the Blue Lagoon.
The Retreat Hotel is at the Blue Lagoon, and the Silica Hotel is about a 10 minute walk away. Both hotels provide amenities and a more private lagoon experiences. For more information about each hotel, check out my full guide to the Blue Lagoon.
Read more: Don’t Book Blue Lagoon Tickets Before A Flight…Do This Instead
A Different Experience: An Attraction Vs A Spa
At the end of the day, the, each lagoon offers you a completely different experience…
The Blue Lagoon is an undeniable new and unique experience that you can only get in Iceland AT the Blue Lagoon. It’s a top Iceland attraction and ultimately a must-do. But if you’re looking for the relaxing spa experience, then that’s going to be at the Sky Lagoon.
Visible Differences Between The Sky Lagoon & Blue Lagoon
Facilities At Both Lagoons
For me, the facilities were not even on the same level at each lagoon. The Blue Lagoon felt like an outdated old gym inside.
Even right before entering the Blue Lagoon, you leave your shoes on the side and had to push an old dirty door once you enter the water to go outside. It definitely took away from the whole magical experience.
On the other hand, the lockers at the Sky Lagoon were new and large. It just had better facilities all around. There were even cubbies at the lagoon entrance to leave any extra belongings like flip flops or towels …etc (so you didn’t have to throw it on the side and hope it was still there when you got back!).
But the best part was entering the lagoon itself. You were surrounded by rock walls on all sides and you just walk down a few steps to be welcomed with a jaw dropping view! It was breathtaking walking out and seeing the Sky Lagoon for the first time.
Manmade Lagoons In Two Very Different Styles
Both of these lagoons in Iceland are completely manmade but incorporate natural elements.
What sets the Blue Lagoon a part is that they aren’t using just any rocks, but lava rocks. In fact, the Blue Lagoon is built on an 800 year old lava field. The Sky Lagoon is much more manicured and less natural feeling.
The floor of the lagoons are the perfect example of this; at the Sky Lagoon, the floor is made of completely smoothed out rock, which is definitely a positive for your feet!
The Blue Lagoon on the other hand it’s quite the opposite; you don’t even know what you’re actually walking on because you can’t see anything through the milky water. Plus, the terrain changes as you walk through the lagoon… at one point it’s smooth but then it could become muddy or even feel hairy.
The Surroundings
Although the Blue Lagoon is built on an 800 year old lava field, you don’t really feel that. When you’re in the water, you’re really just looking at modern buildings. Compared to the Sky Lagoon which transports you to a natural oasis. It has an infinity pool where you look off into the horizon. It’s really magical!
It was also a lot easier to find a place to sit, lean and just relax at the Sky Lagoon, with natural rocks set up in the middle of the pool. Compared to the Blue Lagoon, which instead had a huge empty space in the middle, making it a bit less comfortable…
Read more: Reykjadalur Hot Springs: How To Hike It & Is It Worth It?
The Water Is Different
The water at the Blue Lagoon is one of a kind, not only in the world but also in Iceland. It’s actually the by-product of the next door geothermal plant and contains silica. Which sounds kind of gross but is totally safe!
Although the water at the Sky Lagoon is still natural geo-thermal water with beneficial minerals, they aren’t the same.
The Blue Lagoon is on an entirely different level because of the silica and algae that grows in it. This is what also gives it that creamy blue colour (which is just beautiful!).
Sky Lagoon Vs Blue Lagoon Package Comparison
The main difference in each package are the extras you get. The most popular package at the Sky Lagoon is the Saman Package, which includes the 7-step ritual (known as the Skjól ritual). The ritual includes one pass through the sauna, energizing mist, cleansing scrub, steam, and shower.
The Comfort Package at the Blue Lagoon is the cheapest and most popular option with a silica face mask and free drink!
| Blue Lagoon Comfort | Sky Lagoon Saman | |
| Use of Towel | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Drinks | 1st drink free (non-alcoholic) | |
| Mud Mask | ✔️ | |
| Icelandic Ritual | Steam bath, sauna, colder lagoon | ✔️ |
| Price | ISK 11 990 / Adult* | ISK 13,990 / Adult * |
So, Which Is Better, A Mask & Drink Or A Ritual?
The 7-step ritual was definitely an exciting and relaxing experience, and you can spend as long as you want at every step. But it’s also very similar to nordic spas that I’ve been to elsewhere. I can’t really sit in saunas or steam rooms for that long, so I might have rushed through it a bit quicker than most people would have.
The mask at the Blue Lagoon was a shorter activity but nonetheless fun to experience. I can’t say I’ve put on a silica face mask while in a hot spring before. It was a bit of a hassle to put on and take off without a mirror while you’re sitting in hot water, but you make it work!
The free drink was nice to have as well, especially since I did end up buying a drink at the Sky Lagoon, and they aren’t cheap!
2026 Update: The Blue Lagoon Comfort package now also includes access to steam baths, sauna, and a colder lagoon. And it doesn’t say that it’s only one pass through either!
You Can Pay More For Comfort At The Blue Lagoon Vs Sky Lagoon
I think you can achieve a more romantic, relaxing spa experience at the Blue Lagoon over the Sky Lagoon if you’re willing to pay for it… but like A LOT more for it! At least it’s an option, though. Whereas the highest package at the Sky Lagoon doesn’t get you all that much more.
You can upgrade to the Retreat Spa package (now called Classic Admission) at the Blue Lagoon which gives you access to the retreat spa for 5 hours AND the retreat Lagoon. Let’s just say, the Retreat Lagoon is where you want to be!
The Retreat Lagoon is the best of both worlds: it gets you the attraction of the Blue Lagoon at a relaxing spa without the crowds. The Retreat Lagoon is only available to the Retreat Hotel and Retreat spa guests, so I imagine it’s a lot less crowded.
Along with the quieter lagoon, you also get more spa-like amenities in your package, like the 7-step ritual.
Alternative Hot Springs Near Reykjavik
Hot springs are a big part of any trip to Iceland, so needless to say you have to visit at least one while you’re there – even if you aren’t interested in either the Sky Lagoon or the Blue lagoon. And these are just TWO of many hot springs near Reykjavik…
By the way, you don’t even have to go to a specific lagoon or hot spring, the swimming pools in Iceland have naturally geo-thermal heated water. In fact the most local thing to do is to go to one of the public swimming pools (like Vesturbæjarlaug just outside Reykjavik). They’re A LOT cheaper than any fancy lagoon, and you’ll have the same geothermal water benefits.
Alternatively, you can take it on step further and go to a completely natural hot spring. The most popular natural hot spring near Reykjavik is Reykjadalur.
Read more: 10 Amazing Things To Do In Reykjavik Iceland Your First Time
My Icelandic Spa Amazon Must Haves
There are a few must-haves for any visit to a lagoon in Iceland. Of course, you’ll need a bathing suit, these aren’t nude lagoons! But most of them will provide a towel for you to use. I recommend packing a pair of basic slim flip flops to walk around the facilities so you aren’t barefoot until you get to the lagoon.
If you are interested in taking your phone into the lagoon for some pictures, I used a waterproof phone bag. The pictures are still decent, and at least my phone stays protected near the water!
I also like using a waterproof bathing suit bag. This keeps my wet bathing suit separated after enjoying the lagoon.
As a woman with longer hair, I also really enjoyed bringing a travel brush with me. Your hair will most likely get wet, either in the lagoon or in the shower. You don’t want to leave the facilities with messy wet and tangled hair.
Need A Place to Stay in Reykjavik?
I stayed in Reykjavik our whole time in Iceland at the Skuggi Hotel by Keahotels. They offered free parking (upon availability), breakfast, and a modern room. Check updated prices and availability on Booking.com.
If you’re interested in spa services at the tip of your fingers, ( I mean, you’re in Iceland after all!), stay at Midgardur by Center hotels. My parents stayed here and highly recommend it. Check updated prices and availability on Booking.com.
If you’re staying in Reykjavik for one night before heading out to drive the Ring Road, my sister stayed at the Hotel Frón and would recommend it for a one night stay. Check updated prices and availability on Booking.com.
Or, check out more hotel options on Booking.com in Reykjavik, Iceland
Printable Reykjavik Iceland Travel Guide
Make the most of your first trip to Reykjavik with my printable Reykjavik Iceland travel guide. It includes 14 pages to plan the perfect trip to Iceland, with top things to do, eat, and buy plus a packing guide and common phrases translated to Icelandic!
Start planning your perfect trip to Reykjavik, check it out on Etsy.
Read More Related Posts
- An Honest Guide To The Blue Lagoon Iceland: Is It Worth It?
- Don’t Book Blue Lagoon Tickets Before A Flight…Do This Instead
- Reykjadalur Hot Springs: How To Hike It & Is It Worth It?
- 10 Amazing Things To Do In Reykjavik Iceland Your First Time
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