Sky Lagoon Iceland – An Oceanfront Spa Experience in Reykjavik
Without a doubt, you will be asked two questions when you return from Iceland. “Did you see the Northern Lights?” And “Did you go to the Blue Lagoon?”. Now I was incredibly lucky to see the former, but when the weather turned against me and cancelled my trip to the Blue Lagoon, I was left with a completely free day. I was gutted, but that led me to visit the gem that is the Sky Lagoon.
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- Best laid plans in Reykjavik
- Getting to the Sky Lagoon from Reykjavik
- First Impressions
- What Are the Sky Lagoon Changing Rooms Like?
- Sky Lagoon Tickets and Packages
- Entering the Lagoon
- Skjól ritual
- The Swim-Up Bar
- Would I recommend the Sky Lagoon?
- Where to Stay in Reykjavik
- Sky Lagoon Frequently Asked Questions
Best laid plans in Reykjavik
Originally, I was due to do a day tour beginning with a hike up a volcano. Then I would be finishing with a well-earned cold beer in the Blue Lagoon. However, with the wind getting stronger by the hour and by the evening the storm was intense. We eventually received an email saying that the volcano would be too dangerous to hike. So for safety reasons, our entire day was to be cancelled.
I was heartbroken, the Blue Lagoon was my one “I have to go there” excursion, everything else I was flexible on. I searched in desperation for another tour that would take us there. But the majority of excursions had been cancelled earlier in the day. So everyone must have had the same idea as the Blue Lagoon was fully booked. That does mean I can’t do a Sky Lagoon vs Blue Lagoon comparison (but it is a good incentive to go back).
So sitting at breakfast, my friend and I chatted about what we should do with our now-empty schedule. As we had our breakfast and discussed ideas of things to do in Reykjavik. We remembered an email that Play Airlines had sent us a few weeks prior to our departure. It was a discount code for the Sky Lagoon, a newer geothermal spa that had opened up less than a year ago.
It was perfect, not only was it closer to Reykjavik, but it cost a third of the price of the Blue Lagoon, and we could fit in more Reykjavik attractions too. We booked ourselves in for the afternoon and planned a visit to FlyOver Iceland in the morning.
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Getting to the Sky Lagoon from Reykjavik
By Taxi
We arranged for a taxi to pick us up from FlyOver Iceland and take us there directly. At FlyOver Iceland, there was a button we could use to call a taxi, which made getting to Sky Lagoon really easy. I found a lot of hotels had the same system. Between myself and my friend it came to about £15 each for a return taxi, and as we were reaching the end of our trip we didn’t mind the extra expense.
By Public Transport
You can get there by public transport, it’s usually two buses and a walk from the centre of Reykjavik, making it a more affordable option.
From Hlemmur, take bus 4 to Hamraborg, then bus 35 or 36 to Bakkabraut. You then have a short walk that will take you straight to Sky Lagoon.
By Shuttle Bus
You can book a shuttle bus that will take you there directly. This is arranged when you purchase your ticket and the service is operated by Reykjavík Excursions by Icelandia..
By Car
If you have rented a car for your stay in Iceland, there is free parking outside Sky Lagoon, along with electric charging facilities.
First Impressions
My first impression of the location as we approached was a little odd, it seems to be based in the middle of an industrial estate. But when we finally saw the building it looked carved into rock naturally, as if it had always been there. I have never been to a spa before, but this was not my first lagoon in Iceland so I had a rough idea of what to expect. When I made my way into the building though I was blown away by the level of luxury, it was like entering another world.
What Are the Sky Lagoon Changing Rooms Like?
We quickly got signed in and we were given designated wristbands, these were linked to our debit cards so we could buy drinks at the swim-up bar. Even the changing rooms were impressive, I am used to council-run swimming pool changing rooms with permanently dirty floors that never feel clean, and lockers that you can basically get your hand in without having to undo the lock.
Instead, everything here felt luxurious, it looked like a giant bathroom in a posh hotel. Even the lockers looked like something you wouldn’t mind in your own home. What was really impressive was that to lock and unlock them you just tap it with your wristband to pair, and tap again to unlock it.
It’s customary to shower before entering the lagoons, so we had done we made our way into the water. I had no idea what to expect from the Sky Lagoon, having done very little research. But once you stepped into those waters you would not have any clue you were still in a city. Dark rock towers above you on either side as you walk through the water. You are funnelled through until it opens up showing the infinity pool looking out over the sea.
Sky Lagoon Tickets and Packages
There are two packages available for those who want to visit the Sky Lagoon, Sér and Saman.
Saman
The cheaper option includes admission to Sky Lagoon, the Skjól Ritual, a towel and access to the public changing facilities.
Sér
Includes the lagoon and Skjól Ritual, but upgrades you to private changing facilities. You’ll also receive Sky Body Lotion and a reusable waterproof bag
Which package would I choose?
Personally, I’d choose the Saman package. Iceland is expensive and, as both packages include the lagoon and Skjól Ritual, I’d rather save the money and use the public changing facilities. Upgrading to Sér is worth considering if having a private changing room is important to you.
Entering the Lagoon
The water temperature here is perfect, it’s not too hot that it feels like your insides are boiling, but it’s not so cold that you are shivering either. Even with the sea breeze rolling in I was still relaxed, especially after a few visits to the swim-up bar to pick up a pint of Gull Beer.
Skjól ritual
We didn’t go for the full 7-step ritual experience, and I have to admit I have a few regrets about not doing it myself. Our friend also visited later on in the evening and told us over cocktails how luxurious the Skjól Ritual was. We confessed we watched with curiosity people disappearing into the hut near the edge of the pool, almost envious of those worthy enough to be initiated into the secret club of the wooden hut.
Initially when I booked there was an option to just enjoy the infinity pool, but since my visit this has changed and the Skjól ritual is part of every package.
You will find lots of places to sit or float here, just be careful as there’s some seating that is the same colour as the floor. So under the water, you don’t see it until you bang your knees on it. We spent a few hours here, enjoying our beers and never tiring of the view. Often we would move about just to see it from a different angle.
The Swim-Up Bar
I particularly liked the nook by the bar, with the rock encroaching over you with no views of the city, you wouldn’t believe this is such a short drive away. Usually, for experiences like this, you have to travel much further out of Reykjavik. I had already been to the Secret Lagoon on my visit to Iceland. And as much as I enjoyed the remoteness of the pool, I did really enjoy being able to get a beer without having to leave the water.
If you’re visiting Reykjavik, the Sky Lagoon has to be on your bucket list. It’s simply stunning, and I thought it had tons of value for your money. So when your friends ask that inevitable question “did you go to the Blue Lagoon?” You can turn around to them and say “I went somewhere better”
Would I recommend the Sky Lagoon?
In short – Yes, I would absolutely recommend a visit to the Sky Lagoon. Comparing the price to UK Spa visits, you get a lot of value for your money. Some spas I have costed triple but had much smaller facilities and just a massage. Although I didn’t get to experience the Skjól Ritual on my visit, when I visit Reykjavik again I will happily spend my time and money to go back here again.
Where to Stay in Reykjavik
During my trip to Reykjavik I stayed at Center Hotels Arnarhvoll which was in the perfect place for exploring the city and visiting Sky Lagoon. It was ideal for the attractions I visited, my room had a beautiful view across the water, and Harpa Concert Hall was just across the road — perfect for heading to the bar for a drink in the evening.
