Blue Lagoon Versus Sky Lagoon - Which Iceland Spa is Right For You?

As more upscale geothermal spas open across Iceland, the process of choosing which to visit gets harder and harder. Even when you rule out those that aren’t situated within a comfortable commute of your accommodation, you’re often still left with a pair of equally attractive options. That’s certainly the case for visitors seeking Reykjavik spa day tours and trying to figure out whether to book the Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon.

That’s where we come in: this guide aims to compare the two based on factors such as location, atmosphere, amenities, accessibility and travel style. Armed with the facts about the Blue Lagoon versus Sky Lagoon, we’ll leave it to you to make the final decision before booking the Gray Line spa transfer or combo day tour that’s the best fit for you. 

How do you choose the geothermal lagoon that’s right for you?

In Iceland, wellness attractions are in abundance. Experiencing a geothermal hot spring, pool or lagoon is almost a rite of passage for any first-time visitor and certainly something that a returnee will be eagerly looking forward to. No two are the same, so it’s worth thinking for a moment about your personal travel style rather than booking solely on the basis of online recommendations. Just because someone else prefers one over the other doesn’t mean you will share their view.

Some pools are rustic with minimal facilities. Hike to the hot water river in Reykjadalur or wander along the boardwalk to Landmannalaugar’s People’s Pools and you’ll find little more than somewhere to hang your things. For those seeking to inject a little more sophistication, the rustic chic vibe of Hvammsvik Hot Spring could tick the right boxes.

The Blue Lagoon and Sky Lagoon also cater for the luxury end of the market (admission prices start at 11990 ISK and 13990 ISK respectively) but have very different vibes. Blue Lagoon is a more family-friendly – kids from the ages of two and up are welcome – while Sky Lagoon feels more adult, restricting entry to those aged 12 and over.

Newcomer Laugarás Lagoon on the Golden Circle pairs high end finishes with a stellar view, while Laugarvatn Fontana’s rye bread baking experience will lure committed foodies. Secret Lagoon will please those who appreciate history, as this is reputedly the oldest geothermal bath in the country that’s still in use. Even if you use geography to rule out distant lagoons such as North Iceland’s GeoSea, Mývatn Nature Baths and Forest Lagoon, there are still a lot of places to choose from.

What’s the atmosphere like at the Blue Lagoon compared to Sky Lagoon?

Both these luxury lagoons go big on Icelandic nature, relying on it to set a mood and create a dramatic backdrop to the facilities. The Blue Lagoon in Iceland started out as a solution to what to do with waste water from a geothermal power plant, so on paper it sounds a bit industrial. Yet that’s really not the case, as the milky blue water is surrounded by charcoal grey lava – it’s this stark contrast that gives the place its striking appearance.

In contrast, Sky Lagoon uses the Atlantic Ocean to great effect. An infinity edge pool blends seamlessly with the sea beyond its boundary, giving the illusion that the two are joined. It too makes good use of lava, this time as sheer walls that cocoon bathers and block any unwanted onshore winds. There’s a waterfall feature too, referencing another common sight in the Icelandic countryside.

Which is more convenient: the Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon?

No one likes to waste precious time while on holiday so it’s important to factor in how long it is likely to take to visit a geothermal spa when you’re planning your itinerary. Assuming you’ve reserved accommodation in Reykjavik, you might think that Sky Lagoon is the obvious choice. After all, this Kópavogur attraction is barely a fifteen minute drive from Hallgrímskirkja, making it the closest luxury spa to the city centre.

However, the Blue Lagoon’s location is hardly an issue. Even though you’ll have to make your way over to the Reykjanes peninsula, you’d be doing so regardless as that’s where you’ll also find Keflavik Airport. It’s just 20 minutes away. For many travellers, therefore, the chance to begin or end their trip in style with a relaxing soak at this high end lagoon is irresistible. Combining your Blue Lagoon ticket with an airport FlyBus transfer makes this a strong contender.

Such convenient locations also mean you can visit year-round or at any time of the day or evening. Spending a few hours in a geothermal lagoon after a day spent sightseeing is a popular option. Even after winter snowfalls, it’s rare for either to be off-limits. In fact, outside peak season, those travellers who book a soak after sunset might even be treated to the sight of the Northern Lights while they’re relaxing in the warm water – experiences don’t get more Icelandic than that.

Which of the two geothermal lagoons has the best amenities?

Exclusivity, pampering and luxury underpin both of these outstanding geothermal lagoons so it’s not easy to pick a winner when comparing Blue Lagoon amenities versus Sky Lagoon. While wellness is a strong driver when it comes to facilities, there’s also a clear focus on quality at each. You’ll notice it in the details: the choice of materials, the thought that’s gone into provision and the level of service provided by the staff. The styles might differ, but the basic principle is the same: customer satisfaction is paramount.

Sky Lagoon’s unique selling point is its seven-step Skjól ritual. You begin with a dip in the lagoon itself, and then take a quick dip in the cold plunge pool. Enter a traditional Icelandic turf house as you progress through the remaining steps. The sauna’s floor to ceiling windows capitalise on the views of the ocean, but a cold mist and sea salt scrub awaits. Finally, you round off the experience with a dose of steam to maximise the hydrating benefits of the treatments and then down a shot of juice made from locally-grown crowberries.

Likewise, the Blue Lagoon places a strong emphasis on wellness. The water here is not only geothermal, it’s a mix of 70% sea water and 30% freshwater enriched with silica, algae, and minerals. Standard admission comes with a pot of white silica mud to use as a face or body mask, but you can upgrade to premium status to qualify for two additional masks of your choice – options include algae, mineral and lava scrub.

Are these lagoons perceived to be beneficial to your health?

Visiting the Blue Lagoon or the Sky Lagoon offers more than just a relaxing soak in soothing geothermal waters. Both lagoons potentially provide various benefits for the mind, body and soul.

The Blue Lagoon's combination of fresh and saltwater, along with its rich mineral content, can have a therapeutic effect on the skin. The silica-rich water can cleanse and strengthen the skin, while the presence of algae can nourish and moisturise it. Many visitors with skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema have reported improvements after bathing in the Blue Lagoon. Additionally, the warmth of the water can help relieve stress and promote relaxation.

Similarly, the Sky Lagoon's warm waters provide a range of benefits for visitors. Soaking in the lagoon can help relax muscles, reduce stress and improve overall well-being. The mineral content of the water can detoxify the body and promote healthy skin. The Sky Lagoon's unique seven-step ritual, which includes cold therapy, sauna sessions, and exfoliation, further enhances the therapeutic benefits of the experience.

Can you dine in or stay overnight at Sky Lagoon or the Blue Lagoon?

No Iceland geothermal spa comparison worth its salt can skip food, and both of these luxury lagoons have eateries on site. The Blue Lagoon offers four enticing options. Moss restaurant is Michelin-starred; its exquisite and innovative tasting menu will delight those with refined palates. A second restaurant, Lava, makes the most of its position, built into an 800 year of wall of lava and offering a fabulous view out over the lagoon. The Spa restaurant similarly offers a menu focused on fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, while the more casual Blue Café is the ideal place to sip a coffee or grab a light snack.

Guests booked into Sky Lagoon in Iceland have two options: Smakk Bar and Keimur Café. Unlike Lava and Spa, you won’t be able to eat while in your lagoon robe, but this requirement to change into your regular clothes creates a pleasing formality. Smakk Bar is all about the platters: cheese boards combine local favourites Auður, Ljótur and Feykir paired with organic bilberry jam. Seafood platters also feature prominently on the menu; enjoy flavourful pickled herring and gravlax with locally-baked rye bread. The laidback Keimur Café is ideal for those who fancy a bowl of soup, a sandwich, bagel or baked goods. 

This difference in provision can partially be explained by the nature of the two places. Sky Lagoon’s proximity to Reykjavik means that it only accepts day visitors, while the Blue Lagoon welcomes overnight guests. There, two luxurious hotels – Retreat and Silica – cater for well-heeled visitors seeking exclusivity and prolonged pampering. It really comes down to budget and whether you prefer to unpackage your geothermal lagoon visit from your accommodation to enjoy the flexibility that brings. 

Is either lagoon more accessible than the other?

Accessibility underpins provision at both these geothermal lagoons. Let’s take a closer look at the kind of environment you can expect at each. For more specific queries, reach out to your preferred lagoon in advance of your visit and they will be able to answer any questions you may have.

●   Sky Lagoon

Before it opened in 2021, Sky Lagoon consulted relevant organisations at the design stage to ensure all needs could be met. This means you can be confident that it caters for differently-abled guests and its facilities are wheelchair accessible. During your visit, simply communicate your needs to the nearest member of staff and they will coordinate with other team members via walkie-talkies to provide the assistance you require.

Guests can reserve a private changing room – ask for the accessibility suite. This is equipped with useful features such as a shower chair, bell to summon assistance and an accessible mirror, and has been designed to be spacious enough for those with limited mobility to manoeuvre comfortably. Once changed, you can use lifts to enter the lagoon, cold plunge pool and the turf house. Sky Lagoon Iceland provides a wheelchair for use during the seven-step ritual should you require one.

●   The Blue Lagoon

Accessibility is a priority at the Blue Lagoon as well, though it’s important to note that recent volcanic activity has had an impact on the car park. Repairs have been carried out but the unexpected and sudden nature of such events means that there is a temporary surface that might present a challenge for wheelchair users in the short term.

However, the Blue Lagoon Iceland itself doesn’t present a problem; a map showing the few deeper areas within it is available on request. If required, an accessible changing room on the ground floor can be made available. This is large enough to accommodate an assistant should you be travelling with one; reserve their free admission up front. Upper floors can be reached by elevator and doors open automatically, while specially-modified on-site wheelchairs ensure that the pool and other facilities are accessible too. 

Is it possible to team your geothermal spa visit with a sightseeing tour?

In short, yes. If you’ve come to Reykjavik for a city break and are struggling to schedule everything you want within a short space of time, why not leave the logistics to us?

●   Blue Lagoon Reykjavik tours

Guests based in Reykjavik have a choice of three tours: a standalone visit to the Blue Lagoon with transfers to and from the city, a day trip around the Golden Circle followed by a spell at the Blue Lagoon and a Blue Lagoon visit paired with a Northern Lights hunt. For the aurora combo tours you’ll briefly return to Reykjavik before embarking on the second activity.

●   Sky Lagoon Reykjavik tours

Similarly, you can combine the trio of world-class destinations along the Golden Circle – Þingvellir National Park, Geysir Geothermal Area and Gullfoss waterfall – with a restorative soak at Sky Lagoon. If you prefer, simply book the lagoon on its own (we’ll take care of getting you there and back) and make your own arrangements for the rest of the day.

So what’s the verdict in the Blue Lagoon versus Sky Lagoon debate? Do you have a favourite yet? We hope that this Iceland spa experience guide has been useful in helping you weigh up the pros and cons of each of these incredible lagoons. If you’re still having trouble choosing between the two, then we have good news: you don’t have to. As indeed many visitors do, there’s nothing to stop you visiting both the Blue Lagoon and Sky Lagoon during the same trip.