The Sky Lagoon is Iceland’s most recent addition to its legendary thermal spa experiences. It is just a 10-minute drive from downtown Reykjavik and boasts majestic views of the North Atlantic Ocean.
It is a somewhat surreal experience to be in the geothermal lagoon looking out to the sea on one side and the other towering lava rock walls. Of the many spas I have visited in different countries, this was the most unique and unforgettable experience.
For highly sensitive people, this is paradise. The views will mesmerize you, the geothermal waters will ease all your aches and pains. The smells and different experiences of each part of the 7-step ritual will wonderfully hit all of your senses, and the design of each space is minimalist and serene. I wish I lived near The Sky Lagoon.
PROS
- Wonderful Zen Experience
CONS
- The only con for HSPs would be if it were overcrowded – otherwise none.
Everything about The Sky Lagoon screams minimalism, serenity, calmness, and peace. While the Blue Lagoon is famous worldwide, The Sky Lagoon is its more sophisticated sibling.
The Sky Lagoon is for adults only; no one under 12 is permitted. You will not see towels, dressing gowns, or flip-flops thrown around. When visitors finished their drinks from the bar and left them on the rocks instead of returning, employees quickly scooped them up so that at no time did it feel messy.
The entire location was designed in a beautifully minimalist way to reflect the Icelandic landscape and heritage. With muted blues and greens, beautiful wood throughout the restaurant, and the higher-end dressing rooms, everything feels calming.
Everyone knows about the Blue Lagoon but do not realize it's a 50-minute drive from Reykjavík. The Sky Lagoon on the other hand is a 10-minute drive from downtown.
When purchasing tickets for the lagoon, I recommend going with the Sky Pass; it’s so worth it. You don’t want to miss any of it.
Sky Pass
Sky Lagoon Admission
7-Step Ritual
Luxury Private Changing Facilities with Vor toiletries
Towel, Shoe Bag, Wristband for Lockers + Drinks
$103 USD
Pure Pass
Sky Lagoon Admission
7-Step Ritual
Public Changing Facilities
Towel, Shoe Bag, Wristband for Lockers + Drinks
$73 USD
Pure Lite Pass
Sky Lagoon Admission
Public Changing Facilities
Towel, Shoe Bag, Wristband for Lockers + Drinks
$58 USD
The Sky Lagoon
The Sky Lagoon is a geothermal pool located in the southern part of Iceland. The water comes from the nearby Laugafellslaug geothermal power plant and is heated to a temperature between 39 and 42 degrees Celsius (102-108 Fahrenheit).
Geothermal water is heated naturally beneath the earth’s surface and is deeply restorative.
- Contains minerals that can detoxify and help remedy skin ailments.
- Helps release nasal and lung congestion.
- Reduce stress and relax the entire body.
- Heat that helps alleviate pain.
Walking to the lagoon entry, you have two options depending on your purchased tickets; we entered through the Sky Pass. You must remove your shoes before entering the changing area; benches and shoe bags are at the entry door for your convenience.
Also, before entering the lagoon, you must shower. The private dressing room with its shower was so lovely that we all spent ages just having our showers.
Each private room included all the toiletries needed, towels, and a hair dryer. The shower was made of stone and blended beautifully with the light wood of the dressing area. It’s a small space, but it was well laid out.
You are required to wear a bathing suit at The Sky Lagoon.
The 7-Step Ritual
Step 1:
The
Lagoon
You enter the lagoon from the dressing room area, and the walls change to volcanic rock, soaring high above you on either side as you emerge.
We visited in January, so there was a lot of snow on top of the visually stunning rock. The lagoon winds a little bit and then opens into the main area, an infinity pool that looks out over the North Atlantic Sea.
There are many little spots where you can chat with a drink, so it doesn’t feel like you are in a big open pool. Pick up a drink from the bar and relax; you can feel your stress ease away from you in the geothermal water.
Step 2:
Cold
Plunge
There is a small circular cold water plunge pool next to the lagoon, and before entering, a small cabin-like building where you experience the rest of the ritual.
While I know that everyone says this is incredibly good for you, I decided to completely ignore it and move on to step 3.
I don’t care how good it is for you; I’m not doing it. They recommend ten seconds in the freezing water to wake your senses.
Step 3:
The
Sauna
The main photo in this article is of the sauna; the view alone is spectacular. It’s like an infinity room that looks out over the North Atlantic Sea.
Gentle acoustics echo the sound of the ocean, and the entire room with the amazing view creates a sense of calm.
This is the most beautiful sauna you will ever visit. It is recommended you spend about ten minutes in the sauna, but for the view, stay a bit longer.
Step 4:
Cold-Fog
Mist
I do not like anything cold, so I nearly skipped this step, but I’m happy I did it. The room is lovely and serene, with an open roof to smell the fresh air and see the sky.
A soft cold mist floats down on you. If the mist had been warm, I wouldn’t have left the room for a long time. Take deep breaths while in this room; it’s very stimulating.
Step 5:
Body
Scrub
Outside the Fog-Mist room is a large table where you can pick up your Sky Body Scrub.
The area is quite open so that you can apply the scrub there; use slow circular movements to gently massage the scrub into your skin.
You will love the scent; it was very refreshing. With the scrub massaged into your skin, you leave it on and move to step six.
Step 6:
Steam
Room
The steam room will open your pores and help absorb the scrub’s therapeutic elements. Breathe deeply and relax.
As you move through each step, you tend to have a few people doing it simultaneously. Every step felt fine, but people must have stayed in the sauna longer than they should have because it felt crowded.
I was so annoyed because I had managed to experience nearly all of the different aspects of the Sky Lagoon without any of my senses going into overdrive. I managed to control it, and eventually, some people left, so it was fine again.
Step 7:
Shower &
Lagoon
After the steam room, the last step is to shower off the scrub and return to the lagoon. There were a few rustic showers that had great water pressure, and I just wanted to stand there for ages.
When you finally make your way back to the lagoon, you should be in a state of complete relaxation. You can do the ritual once, so take the time to enjoy every step slowly.
We headed to the Lagoon Bar, bought some drinks (you use your wristband), found a quiet spot in the lagoon, and let it all sink in.
These seven steps, taken in sequence and at a slow pace, can lead to deep relaxation and well-being. As Icelanders have done for centuries, discover the power of tradition and be inspired by these incredible surroundings.
What an amazing place.
How to Get There
& When to Go
Taxi
From downtown Rekjavik it is a ten to fifteen minute drive to The Sky Lagoon.
Best Time to Visit
September through to May are the best times for HSPs. The summer months are usually incredibly busy with tourists in Iceland.
Planes
There are two ways of getting to Iceland; by airplane or by ferry. Around 20 airlines offer regular flights from destinations in Europe and North America to Keflavik airport all year round.
General
Information
Language
Icelandic and English
Currency
Icelandic Króna,
Cash | Cards
Credit cards are accepted everywhere, but it's always advisable to have some cash on hand if needed.
Plugs
The standard voltage is 230 V; buy a travel adapter before leaving.
Icelandic Emergency
112 is the single emergency number in Iceland, representing all the response parties to accidents, fire, crime, search and rescue.
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