Complete Guide to Iceland's Sky Lagoon

Sky Lagoon is one of Iceland’s newest geothermal spas, located just outside Reykjavík and offering a luxurious wellness experience. It’s a place to slow down after days on the road — warm water, ocean air, and space to breathe help you properly switch off. Whether you’re floating in the endless lagoon or moving through the seven-step Skjól ritual, Sky Lagoon blends raw Icelandic scenery with modern comfort in a way that feels relaxed, grounded, and unmistakably local.

Set right at the edge of the Atlantic, guests are invited to move through heat, cold, and quiet in a deliberate rhythm. The Skjól ritual guides you from warm geothermal pools to cold plunges, mist showers, and a seaside sauna designed to slow everything down.

Powered by natural geothermal energy from deep within the earth, the lagoon ensures a consistently warm, comfortable soak no matter the season. Whether you visit during the day to enjoy expansive ocean views or at night for a chance to experience the Northern Lights or starry skies, Sky Lagoon offers a magical and rejuvenating experience.

• Sky Lagoon Iceland is located in Kopavogur, just a 13-minute drive from Reykjavík.

• It is open year-round, offering long summer days and cold winter months to enjoy the Northern Lights.

• The Skjól ritual offers a full wellness experience, including a variety of geothermal pools, saunas, and a cold plunge pool to enhance relaxation.

• Sky Lagoon is ideal for couples or solo travelers looking to unwind and enjoy Iceland's geothermal energy in a peaceful environment.

When planning your visit to Sky Lagoon, our travel experts strongly recommend booking in advance, especially on weekends and during peak seasons, to improve your chances of availability. Sky Lagoon Iceland ticket prices may vary depending on the time of year, so be sure to check the official website for current rates and packages.

Sky Lagoon admission is offered through two main ticket options, both of which include access to the lagoon and its signature wellness experience:

• Saman Pass: The most popular and classic option, the Saman Pass includes access to the lagoon and the complete Skjól ritual with standard shared changing facilities. It’s a well-balanced choice for first-time visitors who want the full Sky Lagoon experience.

• Sér Pass: The premium option includes the full Skjól ritual along with access to private changing facilities for added comfort, space, and privacy. This option is ideal for travelers looking for a more relaxed and personal spa experience.

Sky Lagoon sits at Kársnes Harbour in Kópavogur, just south of Reykjavík, where the coastline opens toward the Atlantic Ocean. From central Reykjavík, it’s roughly a 13-minute drive, making the spa easy to visit as a standalone experience or to pair with city sightseeing. Many travelers combine Reykjavík, the Golden Circle, and Sky Lagoon in the same itinerary, especially before or after a day on the road.

There are several convenient ways to reach Sky Lagoon, depending on where you’re staying and how you’re traveling around Iceland. The lagoon is easily accessible by car, public transport, or even by bike if you’re staying nearby. Its location close to the capital makes it a flexible stop, whether you’re coming directly from Reykjavík, arriving from Keflavík Airport, or finishing a day trip such as the Golden Circle.

Travelers driving from different parts of Iceland can reach Sky Lagoon via main paved roads, with clear signage leading to the lagoon. Public buses connect the area to central Reykjavík, and pre-booked transfers are also available. Some hotels in the Reykjavík and Kópavogur area are close enough to make cycling a realistic choice.

• By car: From central Reykjavík, drive south via Kringlumýrarbraut (Route 40) toward Kópavogur. Continue onto Kársnesbraut and follow the signs to Vesturvör. Free on-site parking is available for guests.

• Taking the bus: Take Bus 4 from Hlemmur Square to Hamraborg in Kópavogur (around 15 minutes). From there, transfer to Bus 35 toward Kópavogsbraut. Once you arrive, follow the wayfinding signs to the lagoon.

• On foot or by bike: The route is approximately 6 km and takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes on foot, following Rauðarárstígur and continuing toward Vesturvör along the coastline.

• The Saman Pass is also available with a transfer from Reykjavík, making it a convenient option if you don’t have a car or prefer not to drive.

Yes, Sky Lagoon is open year-round, making it a relaxing destination regardless of when you visit Iceland. The geothermal waters are kept at a steady 38–40°C (100–104°F), offering a warm and inviting experience no matter the outside weather. It’s a perfect spot for wellness throughout the year, with the possibility to chase the Northern Lights in winter.

Sky Lagoon hours vary slightly by season, but the spa is generally open between 8:00 AM and 11:00 PM. It’s always a good idea to check the official Sky Lagoon website for any updates regarding opening hours, as they may vary during holidays, special events, or off-peak seasons.

Most guests spend around 1.5 to 2 hours at Sky Lagoon, which allows enough time to enjoy the spa and complete the Skjól ritual at a relaxed pace. However, you can extend your visit if you wish to relax further or enjoy some food and drink at the Sky Café. If you’re short on time, a quick dip for about an hour is also a great option.

Sky Lagoon began construction in early 2020 and was designed to feel rooted in Iceland’s landscape and bathing traditions. The spa’s architecture uses natural textures and muted tones that echo the coastline, lava fields, and turf-covered scenery found across the country. Rather than copying a single historic site, Sky Lagoon uses these details to create a modern spa that still feels distinctly Icelandic from the moment you arrive.

One of the clearest nods to Icelandic heritage is the cold plunge, inspired by Snorralaug, a small hot spring in Reykholt believed to be the oldest human-used geothermal pool in Iceland. Linked to medieval historian and poet Snorri Sturluson, the plunge connects modern spa culture with centuries-old bathing practices. Today, it forms the second step of the Skjól ritual, adding historical depth to the experience rather than decoration alone.

The main experience at Sky Lagoon is the Skjól ritual. Inspired by Icelandic bathing traditions, it guides your body through alternating heat, cold, and relaxation. The ritual is meant to be followed in order, allowing time to unwind, reset, and gradually recharge.

STEP 1: Unwind in the geothermal lagoon.

STEP 2: Cool down and awaken your senses in the cold plunge.

STEP 3: Surround yourself with peace and ocean views in the sauna.

STEP 4: Enjoy a refreshing cold mist shower.

STEP 5: Rejuvenate your body with a signature scrub.

STEP 6: Step into a therapeutic steam room.

STEP 7: Stimulate your palate with a crowberry juice elixir.

Sky Lagoon is open all year, and water temperatures remain constant regardless of the season. If you want to avoid crowds, consider going in September or October, when the weather is mild and the summer crowds have already dispersed.

Sky Lagoon at night can be especially memorable. In winter, you can soak under dark, dazzling skies and stars, while summer evenings bring long sunsets and soft light over the ocean. If you’re lucky, you might even spot some wildlife, such as whales passing offshore!

• Perlan: This museum features an observation deck with panoramic views of Reykjavík and the surrounding areas, a geothermal exhibition, and an ice cave experience.

• Sun Voyager: An iconic Viking ship-inspired sculpture on Reykjavík’s waterfront, symbolizing Iceland’s journey into the future.

• Hallgrímskirkja: A towering Lutheran church known for its unique design, inspired by Iceland’s basalt lava formations. It’s home to one of the largest concert organs in the world.

• Skólavörðuholt: The colorful hilltop area leading to Hallgrímskirkja church, lined with shops and cafés — an easy walk with classic Reykjavík street views.

• Ingólfsgarður Lighthouse: Located at the Reykjavík Old Harbor, this lighthouse is a historical symbol of the capital’s maritime roots.

• Reykjavík Maritime Museum: A fascinating look at Iceland’s historic life at sea, featuring exhibits on Iceland’s fishing industry, naval history, and famous Viking Ship replicas.

• Reykjavík Park and Zoo: Immersive for families or those looking to experience Icelandic wildlife, featuring native animals like Icelandic horses, seals, and arctic foxes.

• Whales of Iceland: A highly visual museum with life-size whale models (including the blue whale), ideal if you want a weather-proof activity.

• Snæfellsjökull Glacier: This majestic glacier is a part of Snæfellsjökull National Park and a protected area, offering stunning views, diverse wildlife, and a sense of Iceland’s raw natural beauty. It is also famous for its appearance in Jules Verne’s novel Journey to the Center of the Earth, where it was the entrance to a subterranean world.

• Fagradalsfjall Volcano: One of Iceland’s most active volcanoes, which became globally famous after its eruption in 2021. It’s located on the Reykjanes Peninsula, offering spectacular views of volcanic activity and surrounding lava fields.

• Keilir: A distinct cone-shaped mountain on the Reykjanes peninsula, rising about 380 m (1,247 ft), often visible as a clean outline against the lava fields.

• Bessastaðir: A historical site and the official residence of the President of Iceland. Visitors can explore the Bessastaðir church or simply admire breathtaking views of the Reykjanes peninsula and the Atlantic coastline.

The Sky Lagoon Iceland price varies depending on the package you choose. Entry starts at 15 990 ISK (around €109/$127) for adults, with premium options available that include private changing facilities.

Yes, children under are not allowed at Sky Lagoon. Visitors aged 12–14 must be accompanied by an adult (18 or older). Sky Lagoon staff may ask for ID verification to confirm age.

Yes, Sky Lagoon is usually open until 11 PM, making it possible to visit at night. This offers a unique opportunity to soak under the stars or potentially catch the Northern Lights during the winter season.

Sky Lagoon is a man-made facility that uses natural geothermal water sourced from Iceland's underground geothermal systems. It combines modern spa amenities with Iceland’s rich bathing traditions.

The lagoon water is kept at around 38–40°C (100–104°F). While the temperature can vary slightly due to Iceland’s changing weather, the water temperature stays consistently comfortable year-round.