Blue Lagoon vs Sky Lagoon: Which Iceland Spa Is Better?

Iceland’s geothermal lagoons are world-famous — and two names come up again and again: Blue Lagoon and Sky Lagoon.

Both offer warm, mineral-rich waters and unforgettable scenery, but they deliver very different experiences.

I couldn’t choose between the two during my 8-day trip to Iceland, so I visited both! Here’s how they compare — plus tips to help you decide which one fits your trip best.

Blue Lagoon vs Sky Lagoon: Which To Choose?

First, some quick basics:

Blue Lagoon 
Locataion: Reykjanes Peninsula
Distance from Reykjavík: 45 min – 1 hr
Price: From ISK 17,000 (~ $135 USD)
Minimum Age: 2+
Signature Experience: Milky-blue water, silica masks, lava-field setting

Sky Lagoon: 
Location: Kársnes, Kópavogur
Distance from Reykjavík: 10 – 15 min
Price: From ISK 14,999 (~ $120 USD)
Minimum Age: 12+
Signature Experience: Skjól Ritual (formerly the 7-Step Ritual), ocean-edge infinity view

Location & Setting

Blue Lagoon sits in a lava field between Keflavík Airport and Reykjavík — making it ideal for a first-day soak after a long flight or one last dip before heading home.

We visited right after landing, and it was the perfect way to relax and settle into our trip. The pastel-blue water against the dark volcanic rock feels otherworldly and is one of Iceland’s most photographed scenes.

Sky Lagoon, on the other hand, sits right on the coast just outside Reykjavík. Its infinity edge seems to spill directly into the North Atlantic, and the views — especially at sunset — are breathtaking. It’s a perfect evening stop after a long day exploring the city or doing a Golden Circle day trip.

The Experience: Blue Lagoon

The water’s soft, milky color comes from its unique silica content. Entry includes access to the main lagoon, a drink, and one silica mud mask, with higher-tier packages adding algae masks, robes, and more drinks. There’s also a sauna, steam cave, and swim-up bar.

It’s large, lively, and iconic — perfect for first-time visitors who want that “I’m really in Iceland” moment.

While the place does get busy, there’s plenty of space to spread out, and we never felt crowded.

There’s no limit to how long you can stay in the lagoon.

The Experience: Sky Lagoon

Sky Lagoon feels more intimate and design-driven. Its Skjól Ritual guides guests through a curated spa-like circuit — visitors begin in the lagoon and then do a quick cold plunge, before enjoying the ocean-view sauna, cold mist, cleansing body scrub, and steam room.

While you can only complete the full Ritual once, you’re free to soak in the lagoon before and after for as long as you like. You can also revisit the cold plunge as many times as you’d like for an extra burst of energy.

The overall atmosphere is modern, sleek, and incredibly relaxing — though the space is smaller, so it can be harder to find a quiet corner during peak times.

Which I Preferred

I enjoyed both for different reasons.

Blue Lagoon is such an iconic Iceland attraction that it instantly made me think, “Wow, I’m really in Iceland.” I also love its location near the airport — we spent hours soaking and relaxing after a long overnight flight, it was the perfect way to start our trip.

Sky Lagoon we visited later in the week, after a long drive from Iceland’s far east end back to Reykjavík. It was exactly what we needed to unwind. The setup is beautiful, and I loved the Ritual element. That said, a storm rolled in during our visit — and the winds off the ocean were ferocious. Because Sky Lagoon sits on a cliff edge, there’s no protection from the elements (and bad weather is common in Iceland). We still had a great time — and it was quieter than usual due to the weather.

I’d happily visit both again, but I’d keep the same order: Blue Lagoon right after (or before) a long-haul flight, and Sky Lagoon as a relaxing way to unwind while staying in Reykjavík.

How The Facilities Compare

Both lagoons are beautifully maintained, with modern locker rooms, hot showers, and digital wristbands that double as locker keys and payment methods — so you can easily buy drinks or food without carrying anything.

Sky Lagoon is newer and a bit sleeker in its design, but Blue Lagoon still feels high-end and well run.

How the Experiences Compare

Sky Lagoon offers more of a structured spa experience thanks to the Skjól Ritual, which adds a fun and rejuvenating element. After finishing the Ritual, you can stay in the lagoon as long as you like — or grab a drink from the swim-up bar and enjoy the lagoon’s beautiful view.

Blue Lagoon, by contrast, centers around its vast, open lagoon. You get a free drink and face mask with entry, plus unlimited access to the steam room and sauna. While there’s technically “less to do,” the setting itself is so surreal that you’ll easily stay entertained just soaking, exploring, and taking it all in.

Are They Worth The Cost?

While my instinct is to shout a resounding “yes!” — the reality is that prices for both lagoons have gone up noticeably since my last visit.

That said, if it were my first trip to Iceland again, I’d still strongly consider visiting both. Hot spring culture is such a big part of what makes Iceland special, and these two lagoons deliver that one-of-a-kind experience beautifully (though they’re far from the only options in the country). On a return trip, however, I’d likely choose just one — or maybe skip both — depending on my itinerary and budget.

If you’re short on time or trying to keep costs in check, choose the lagoon that best matches your plans — Blue Lagoon for an arrival or departure day, or Sky Lagoon if you’re based in Reykjavík and seeking a spa-like experience.

If you can swing both, though, it’s worth doing.

An Ideal Day At Blue Lagoon

If you want to make the most of your Blue Lagoon visit, plan for up to half a day — ideally right after landing or before flying out.

Start your visit with breakfast or a coffee at the on-site cafe, then head into the lagoon for your soak. A standard Comfort ticket includes entry to the lagoon, a towel, one silica mud mask, and one drink of your choice — but there are plenty of upgrades if you want to elevate the experience.

Available add-ons include:

• In-water massages
• Algae and lava masks
• Private changing suites
• Access to the exclusive Retreat Spa and Retreat Lagoon

If you’re looking for a splurge, the Retreat Spa is the most luxurious option. It includes a private circuit of saunas, steam rooms, and quiet relaxation spaces carved directly into the lava — a completely different, ultra-calming experience compared to the main lagoon.

After your soak, you can enjoy lunch at Lava Restaurant overlooking the lagoon or book the tasting menu at Moss Restaurant, one of Iceland’s most acclaimed fine-dining spots. Just remember: once you leave the lagoon area for the restaurants, you cannot re-enter the water.

Tip: The locker rooms have everything you need to shower, blow-dry, and freshen up before or after your soak — and towels are included with all packages.

An Ideal Day At Sky Lagoon

A visit to Sky Lagoon pairs beautifully with a day of exploring Reykjavík or the Golden Circle. Aim to arrive in the late afternoon or early evening — it’s especially magical at sunset. The views here are really beautiful so arrive before sunset to see it in full light too.

After checking in, head straight into the lagoon’s warm waters and take in the ocean view. The real highlight is the Skjól Ritual, which you can only repeat once (except the lagoon soak and cold plunge) so take your time.

Here’s what it includes:

1. Lagoon soak – Start with a relaxing dip in the main lagoon.
2. Cold plunge – Step into a chilly pool to awaken your senses (it’s quick but invigorating!).
3. Ocean-view sauna – Warm back up in a large sauna with a panoramic window overlooking the Atlantic (this was my favorite!).
4. Cold mist – Step through a refreshing fog mist to close pores.
5. Body scrub – Apply Sky Lagoon’s signature salt scrub for exfoliation.
6. Steam room – Let the moisture open pores again and soak in the minerals.
7. Shower & return – Rinse off, then head back into the lagoon to unwind for as long as you’d like.

Afterward, grab a drink at the swim-up bar or head inside to Smakk Bar, where small plates inspired by Icelandic flavors make the perfect post-soak snack.

Tip: like the Blue Lagoon, the locker rooms have everything you need to shower, blow-dry, and freshen up after your lagoon experience, and towels are included with all packages.

Booking & Getting There

Both require timed reservations, so book early — especially in summer and during holidays.

Getting to the Blue Lagoon: About 20 minutes from Keflavík Airport or 45 minutes from Reykjavík. Shuttles and taxis run regularly, and the road is easy for self-drivers.

Where to book Blue Lagoon:
The best place to book is directly through the Blue Lagoon’s official website: Blue Lagoon. You’ll see a variety of tour packages offered, but most visitors will select the basic “Comfort” ticket. If you’re comfortable driving or taking a taxi, going independently gives you the flexibility to stay as long as you’d like.

If you prefer not to drive, or if tickets are sold out on the Blue Lagoon website, a good backup option is a round-trip transfer tour from Reykjavík. This tour offer multiple pickup times from the lagoon, making them a convenient alternative: Blue Lagoon Admission Including Return Transfers from Reykjavik.

Getting to Sky Lagoon: About 10 – 15 minutes from Reykjavík’s city center, taxis or rideshares are quick and affordable.

Where to book Sky Lagoon:
Again, the best place to book is directly through Sky Lagoon’s official website: Sky Lagoon. You’ll see a few options listed, but most visitors will want the basic “Saman” ticket. Sky Lagoon also offers shuttle transfers for those who need transportation. If you’re comfortable driving or taking a taxi, I recommend doing so — it gives you the flexibility to stay as long as you’d like.

You can also book through third-party providers, which typically bundle admission with transportation. For most travelers, this isn’t necessary, since it’s easy to get there by taxi or using Sky Lagoon’s own transfer options. That said, if Sky Lagoon is sold out on their website, it’s absolutely worth checking third-party availability. This option is well-reviewed and includes round-trip transfers from Reykjavík: Sky Lagoon Ticket and Transfers from Reykjavík.

Crowds & Atmosphere

Blue Lagoon is larger and busier, but its layout absorbs crowds well. Visit early morning or late evening for the calmest experience. We did the earliest entry time and loved it.

Sky Lagoon limits capacity more tightly, giving it a boutique, spa-like feel. You’ll rarely feel rushed or crowded — but it’s also smaller, so find a quiet corner can be a bit more difficult. Sunset is the most popular time to visit.

Dining & Extras

Both sell beer, wine, and cocktails you can sip in the water. You charge everything to your wristband and pay afterward — super convenient. One drink is included with standard admission at Blue Lagoon.

In addition to the swim up bars, both have on-site restaurants and bars:

Blue Lagoon: Cafe, Lava Restaurant, and the upscale Moss Restaurant (at The Retreat).

Sky Lagoon: Smakk Bar serves small plates and local bites, perfect after a soak.

Final Tips Before You Go

• Hair care: Coat hair with conditioner before and after, the minerals can be drying especially at the Blue Lagoon. I kept my hair completely out of the water at Blue Lagoon. At Sky Lagoon my hair got wet, but it wasn’t a problem.
• Jewelry: Leave valuables in your locker — silica can tarnish metals, especially silver.
• Bring sunglasses: Even in winter — the bright water reflects sunlight.
• Photo etiquette: Phones are allowed, but be respectful of other guests.
• Volcanic updates: Blue Lagoon occasionally closes during heightened activity on the Reykjanes Peninsula — check their official site before visiting.

I hope you’ve found this helpful in deciding which to visit: Blue Lagoon vs Sky Lagoon — and have best time!

Any questions? Leave a comment below or reach out on social media.

Looking for more information? Below are more Reykjavík and Iceland guides.

More Information For Your Reykjavík Vacation:

• Reykjavik 3-Day Itinerary
• Reykjavik On A Rainy Day: Things To Do
• Golden Circle: Everything To Know + Itinerary

More Information For Your Iceland Vacation:

• Snaefellsnes Peninsula: Top Things To Do
• 8-Day Iceland Road Trip Itinerary
• Unique & Stunning Hotels In Iceland
• All Iceland Guides