Blue Lagoon vs. Sky Lagoon: Which One is Better?

Picture this: you’re luxuriating in a warm pool with a glass of champagne in your hand and the sun is setting behind you. If that sounds ideal to you, then you need to visit one of the amazing bathing pools in Iceland. So, now the question that you may be asking should I visit the Sky Lagoon or Blue Lagoon?

I’ve had the pleasure of visiting both of these pools, so I can finally answer that very question.

Spoiler alert: neither! I loved each of these places and they have very different atmospheres and offerings. So, the real conundrum is figuring out which one is right for you.

I’ve written this guide so that you can figure out which Iceland lagoon you want to add to your itinerary. I’ll give you a side by side comparison of the Blue Lagoon and Sky Lagoon, explain which visitors would prefer which, and add some tips for your trip!

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Choosing to Visit the Blue Lagoon or the Sky Lagoon

Quick Comparison: Blue Lagoon vs. Sky Lagoon At a Glance

What are Geothermal Lagoons?

Iceland is known as the land of fire and ice for good reason, it sits on top of a geothermal hot spot. Meaning the earth naturally heats the water underground. These pools are rich in minerals like sulfur and silica, which many people believe have healing properties. Plus, they feel great after a long day of adventuring.

Two of Iceland’s most famous geothermal pools are the Blue Lagoon and Sky Lagoon. Both of them sit just outside of Reykjavik, which make them easy adds to any Icelandic itinerary.

Blue Lagoon

Blue Lagoon is an iconic destination just outside of Reykjavik Iceland. It’s famous for its gorgeous setting with milky blue waters and volcanic rock all around. Most people have this place on their Iceland bucket list.

Sky Lagoon

Sky Lagoon is a newer geothermal spa with their unique 7 step ritual. It’s a wonderful place to go to feel relaxed and rejuvenated.

Blue Lagoon Iceland Experience

Chances are if you’ve seen photos of Iceland, then you’ve seen the iconic photos of the Blue Lagoon. Milky blue waters shine among large volcanic rocks, while visitors bask in the heat with white paste covering their face.

Ever since Iceland had a tourism boom, the Blue Lagoon has been synonymous with a trip to the land of fire & ice.

Most people pay for the standard package, which allows them the silica mud masks, a drink from the bar, and entry to the geothermal waters of the lagoon. Once you get out there, you’ll see why people are so enthralled by this place.

Spend time relaxing in the hot waters and wandering around the pools to see the various areas. Although it’s on the touristy side, it’s a wild landscape that is a wonderful place to see and capture photos.

For an elevated experience, you can even stay at The Retreat at Blue Lagoon, which is surrounded by the waters.

VISITOR TIP: Go early in the morning to avoid the crowds and have large areas of the lagoon to yourself!

Sky Lagoon Iceland Experience

Sky Lagoon is a much newer facility, opening in 2021, and focusing on the Skjól ritual. This is a 7 step ritual that immerses you in Icelandic bathing culture.

You can book entry to the pools without getting the 7 step ritual, but for only $25 more, I highly recommend it. Plus, it’s one of the things that sets this lagoon apart from the Blue Lagoon.

The 7 Steps are:

1. Laug – First, you bathe in the warm waters of the lagoon
2. Kuldi– Then, you bravely take a dip into the cold plunge pool, which is a practice that has been around for generations
3. Ylur – Luckily, now that you’re freezing it’s time to warm up in the gorgeous sauna rooms. These rooms overlook the water and are very peaceful places to warm up.
4. Slud – Head into a room where cool mist covers your body as it revitalizes you.
5. Mýkt – Now, you exfoliate your skin with their signature body scrub. They give you a little bowl of it and you can rub it in all over.
6. Gufa– Once you’re covered in the scrub, you’ll head into a steam room, which allows your body to absorb the scrub.
7. Saft – Finally, you’ll end the ritual by drinking an Icelandic elixir of crowberries, which are plentiful in the country.

Once you complete the ritual, you can leave or simply go back into the lagoon once again to luxuriate a little more. When I went, we stayed for 4 hours because it was so nice!

Unlike the touristy experience of the Blue Lagoon, the Sky Lagoon truly felt like peaceful and I could see myself returning on many occasions.

VISITOR TIP: Plan your visit around sunrise or sunset, so you can watch the sky change and create a magical scene in the lagoon. 🌅

Which Iceland Lagoon is Right For You?

Now, comes the hard part, choosing which lagoon you want to visit on your trip!

Both the Blue Lagoon and the Sky Lagoon are incredibly unique experiences which will leave you feeling rejuvenated and relaxed. So, it’s a matter of preference.

I’m very glad I went to the Blue Lagoon on my first visit, because it was considered the thing to do. It’s great for first timers, it has amazing scenery, and it’s also perfect if you want to visit right after your flight or before you depart, due to its proximity to the airport.

While the Sky Lagoon felt like more of a luxurious spa treatment. If you are someone that loves to indulge in skincare or you’re a regular sauna user. Then, Sky Lagoon is the perfect for you, because it has it all. It’s the spot for wellness lovers.

Either way, you truly can’t go wrong as both places are incredible.

Quick Decisions Sky Lagoon vs. Blue Lagoon:

• Going to Iceland for the first time → Blue Lagoon
• Looking for a romantic & peaceful vibe → Sky Lagoon
• Short on time and near the airport → Blue Lagoon
• Into saunas and spa rituals → Sky Lagoon
• Want the best photos → Blue Lagoon

Tips for Visiting the Lagoons in Iceland

👱🏻‍♀️ Put your hair up or condition it heavily before you go in! The minerals in the water can dry out your hair badly. My hair was ruined for a week after going into the Blue Lagoon and not taking proper care.

📆 Book tickets in advance. Times can sell out, so if you have a particular time you want to go, then you should get tickets before you go to Iceland.

🕐 Allow extra time. Some people try to just go for a quick 1-2 hour visit. But, it’s really nice to have the time to stay there and luxuriate. So, allow yourself at least 2-3 hours.

📱 Bring a waterproof case. If you want to have your phone to take photos, just remember that you will want a waterproof case to protect it!

✨ Visit after daylight to see the Northern Lights. If you want a truly unique experience you can plan to go to the lagoons during the dark hours of winter. You may get lucky and spot the Northern Lights overhead. But, it’s not a guarantee!

Quick Packing List:

• Swimsuit – A must pack, but I like the sustainability mission of this brand.
• Leave in Conditioner – To help protect your hair!
• Waterproof Phone Case – So you can take photos while you’re there.
• Sandals – Helpful for walking around the pool grounds

How to Book Your Tickets to the Lagoons

You can book your tickets directly at both the Blue Lagoon & Sky Lagoon website. But, I’ve also used Get Your Guide & Viator to have more flexibility and get transfers.

• Blue Lagoon Admission Ticket– Includes entry, a towel, and a drink
• Sky Lagoon 7 Step Ritual Admission Ticket– includes entry & access to the ritual

Final Thoughts

A trip to Iceland is not complete without a visit to one of the geothermal lagoons. So, make sure that you plan ahead and add one of these to your itinerary!

Both the Sky Lagoon and Blue Lagoon are wonderful places that allow you to feel at peace in the beautiful landscapes. Your decision simply depends on what you want out of your experience, there’s something for everyone.

Feel free to leave me a comment or ask me a question in the comments!

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