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!?

Blue Lagoon Nearby Volcano Eruption April 20 2024 Update

The Blue Lagoon is currently open. Due to the nearby volcanic eruption, bad air quality, and continuing seismic activity, their opening hours might be affected.

You can find up to date information on their website.

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!

sky-lagoon-vs-blue-lagoon-Iceland-pinterest1

Sky Lagoon Vs Blue Lagoon: A Quick Overview

The Blue Lagoon and Sky Lagoon are both man made lagoons in Iceland.

If you are looking for a completely natural hot spring near Reykjavik, your best option is to go to Reykjadalur instead (read about that natural hot spring here).

At the end of the day, 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 there, 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 8, 990 / Adult	ISK 6,790 / 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 (like this one)
Guides	Click here	N/A	Click here

Sky Lagoon Vs Blue Lagoon: The Similarities

Because the Blue Lagoon and the Sky Lagoon are similar in many ways, 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 just MUCH SMALLER than the Blue Lagoon in Iceland!

So, even though there are less people at the Sky Lagoon, the space is so much smaller that 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 we 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

Neither lagoon ever fully sold out, even for same day tickets, but there were fewer options for time slots (and I checked during high season).

Both lagoons in Iceland sell timed tickets. So if you wait to book your tickets, you won’t have as many time slot options.

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.

buildings-surrounding-the-blue-lagoon-Iceland

You might also be interested in reading…

Don’t Book Blue Lagoon Tickets Before A Flight…Do This Instead

Sky Lagoon Entrance Tickets From Viator

Sky Lagoon Entrance Ticket →

Entrance Ticket with 7-Step Ritual & Transportation from Reykjavik →

For more organized tours to the Sky Lagoon Iceland, click here.

Blue Lagoon Vs Sky Lagoon: The Differences

Now for the differences between the two lagoons in Iceland, and let me tell you 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 for you!

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 a different experience 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, like this one on Viator that takes you to the Golden Circle and your choice of geothermal spa.

Tours To The Blue Lagoon From Viator

Blue Lagoon Entrance Ticket (with optional transfer) →

Full day trip from Reykjavik to the Golden Circle & Blue Lagoon →

For more organized tours in Reykjavik Iceland, click here.

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, check out the 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 guide to the Blue Lagoon here.

blue-lagoon-walk-to-silica-hotel-Iceland

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. 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 for 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.

entering-blue-vs-sky-lagoon-Iceland — *Entrances to the Blue Lagoon vs Sky Lagoon in Iceland*

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!

At the Blue Lagoon 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…

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 most popular package at the Sky Lagoon is the Pure Package, which includes the 7-step ritual. The Sky Lagoon offers an even cheaper option for those who don’t care about the 7 step ritual – which I appreciate!

The Comfort Package at the Blue Lagoon is the cheapest and most popular option with a silica face mask and free drink!

See the comparison of both popular packages below.

	Sky Lagoon Pure Package	Blue Lagoon Comfort Package
Use of Towel	✔️	✔️
Drinks		1st drink free
Mud Mask		✔️
Icelandic Ritual	✔️	Available in upgraded package
Price	ISK 9,790 / Adult	ISK 8,990 / Adult

As of September 2023

The Blue Lagoon Mask Vs. Sky Lagoon 7-Step Ritual

The main difference in each package are the extras you get:

The Blue Lagoon offers one free drink and a silica face mask whereas the Sky Lagoon offers you one pass through the 7-step ritual with your ticket.

The ritual includes one pass through the sauna, energizing mist, cleansing scrub, steam, and shower.

P.S. There is an even cheaper package at the Sky Lagoon without the 7 step ritual if it’s something you’re not interested in. I appreciate having this option, because if I went back, that’s probably the package I would choose.

On the other side, the Blue Lagoon also offers a 7-step ritual in their upgraded package, but that will cost you a lot more money than the Pure Package at the Sky Lagoon!).

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 we 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 we did end up buying a drink each at the Sky Lagoon, and they aren’t cheap!

So, which is better? It’s really up to you and what you would enjoy more!

sky-lagoon-sauna — *The sauna at the Sky Lagoon Iceland*

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. The highest package at the Sky Lagoon doesn’t get you all that much more.

You can upgrade to the Retreat Spa package at the Blue Lagoon which gives you access to the retreat spa AND the retreat Lagoon. 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 (and don’t worry, you still get one free drink!).

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.

You’re in luck because those are just TWO of many hot springs near Reykjavik…

You don’t even have to go to a specific lagoon or hot spring, even 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 about it here).

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