Blue Lagoon vs Sky Lagoon: Which Should You Visit in 2026?

Iceland’s two most famous geothermal spas are both world-class, but they offer very different experiences. If you only have time (or budget) for one, this guide breaks down exactly how they compare so you can choose the right one for your trip.

The short version: Blue Lagoon is the iconic bucket-list experience in a dramatic lava field setting near the airport. Sky Lagoon is the modern, design-forward option overlooking the ocean in Reykjavik. Both are worth visiting. Which one is "better" depends entirely on what you are looking for.

Quick Comparison

Here is a side-by-side snapshot before we dive into the details:

Blue Lagoon:

  • Location: Reykjanes Peninsula, 20 min from Keflavik airport, 50 min from Reykjavik
  • Opened: 1992 (expanded multiple times)
  • Setting: Man-made lagoon in black lava field
  • Starting price: 12,990 ISK ($95 USD)
  • Signature feature: Milky-blue silica water, mud masks, swim-up bar
  • Best for: First-time Iceland visitors, airport layovers, bucket-list travellers

Sky Lagoon:

  • Location: Karsneskopavogur harbour, 15 min from downtown Reykjavik
  • Opened: 2021
  • Setting: Infinity-edge pool overlooking the North Atlantic
  • Starting price: 8,490 ISK ($62 USD)
  • Signature feature: 7-step spa ritual, ocean views
  • Best for: Couples, design lovers, travellers based in Reykjavik

Location and Getting There

Blue Lagoon sits on the Reykjanes Peninsula, roughly halfway between Keflavik International Airport and Reykjavik. If you are landing in Iceland or departing, the Blue Lagoon makes a natural stop on the way. They even offer luggage storage so you can visit on arrival or departure day without hauling bags into the city first.

Getting there from Reykjavik takes about 50 minutes by car. Several bus services run direct from the BSI terminal in Reykjavik.

Sky Lagoon is in Reykjavik’s Karsneskopavogur harbour area, about 15 minutes from the city centre. If you are staying in Reykjavik, this is dramatically more convenient. You can grab a taxi, take the local bus, or even drive yourself in under 15 minutes. No need to plan a half-day excursion.

The verdict: If you are flying in or out and want to make the most of your transit time, Blue Lagoon wins on logistics. If you are based in Reykjavik and want an easy evening or afternoon trip, Sky Lagoon is far more practical.

The Experience

Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon is built around a large man-made lagoon fed by mineral-rich geothermal runoff from the nearby Svartsengi power plant. The water is milky-blue from dissolved silica, and the lagoon sits in the middle of a black lava field. Steam rises off the water and drifts across the volcanic landscape. It looks like another planet.

The lagoon itself is enormous. You can spend hours exploring different areas: quiet corners tucked away from the main pool, the swim-up bar, the silica and algae mud mask stations, a small cave area, and a waterfall. Water temperature stays between 37 and 40 degrees Celsius year-round.

The facilities are world-class. Everything from the changing rooms to the architecture feels polished and premium. The on-site Lava Restaurant serves excellent Icelandic cuisine (requires Premium booking or separate reservation).

The downside: Blue Lagoon can feel very crowded, especially between 10am and 4pm in summer. At peak times, hundreds of people share the lagoon. If you want a relaxed experience, book the earliest morning slot (7am or 8am) or the latest evening session.

For a deeper dive into the Blue Lagoon experience, including package details and whether it is worth the price, see our honest Blue Lagoon guide.

Sky Lagoon

Sky Lagoon takes a completely different approach. Instead of a massive lagoon in a lava field, Sky Lagoon is built around a single large infinity-edge pool that appears to merge with the ocean. On a clear day, you can see all the way to the Snaefellsnes glacier on the horizon.

The headline feature is the Skjol 7-step spa ritual. You move through a sequence: warm lagoon, cold plunge pool, sauna with panoramic ocean views, cold mist, sky body scrub (an Icelandic mineral treatment), steam room, and finally back to the warm lagoon. The ritual takes about an hour and leaves you feeling genuinely restored.

The atmosphere is more intimate than Blue Lagoon. The pool is smaller, the crowds are lighter, and the design leans heavily into Scandinavian minimalism. Turf walls, dark stone, clean lines. It feels calmer and more curated.

The downside: Sky Lagoon is smaller, so while it is less crowded overall, the pool area can still fill up during peak hours. There is no swim-up bar or mud mask station like the Blue Lagoon. The on-site cafe is decent but not as refined as the Lava Restaurant.

Pricing Breakdown (2026)

Blue Lagoon Packages

  • Comfort (~12,990 ISK / ~$95): Entry, silica mud mask, towel, one drink at the in-water bar
  • Premium (~16,990 ISK / ~$125): Everything in Comfort plus algae mask, bathrobe, slippers, Lava Restaurant table
  • Retreat Spa (~79,990 ISK / ~$585): Private changing rooms, exclusive Retreat Lagoon (separate from main), spa treatments, fine dining

Sky Lagoon Packages

  • Ser / Pure Pass (~8,490 ISK / ~$62): Lagoon access and the 7-step ritual. Private changing facilities
  • Saman / Sky Pass (~12,490 ISK / ~$91): Same as Pure but with shared changing facilities (lower price reflects shared changing, not reduced lagoon access)

The price verdict: Sky Lagoon is meaningfully cheaper. A couple visiting Sky Lagoon with the Pure Pass spends roughly the same as a single Blue Lagoon Comfort ticket. For budget-conscious travellers, this is a significant difference. A family of four saves around 18,000 ISK ($130) by choosing Sky Lagoon over Blue Lagoon.

For a full picture of what things cost in Iceland, see our Iceland budget breakdown.

Atmosphere and Vibe

Blue Lagoon feels grand and iconic. The scale of the place, the otherworldly lava landscape, the milky water stretching in every direction. It is a spectacle. But it also feels more commercial and touristy, especially during peak hours. You are sharing the experience with a lot of people, and the vibe can lean more "attraction" than "retreat."

Sky Lagoon feels designed and intentional. The infinity pool, the ritual, the ocean views, the minimalist architecture. It attracts a slightly different crowd. Fewer tour groups, more couples and smaller groups. The atmosphere is quieter and more contemplative. If you are looking for relaxation rather than a landmark experience, Sky Lagoon delivers.

In winter: Both are exceptional. Blue Lagoon with snow on the lava and steam swirling in cold air is magical. Sky Lagoon at sunset with the ocean turning gold is equally stunning, and the 7-step ritual feels even better when the air is cold.

For northern lights: Both locations can offer northern lights views while you soak, weather and season permitting. Blue Lagoon is further from Reykjavik’s light pollution, which can be a slight advantage. Check our northern lights guide for the best times and conditions.

Crowds and Booking

Blue Lagoon: You must book in advance. Walk-ins are not possible. Popular summer time slots sell out weeks ahead. The most crowded times are 10am to 4pm. Early morning (7am to 8am) and evening slots are much quieter. Cancellation is free up to a certain point, so book early.

Sky Lagoon: Also requires advance booking, though availability is generally better than Blue Lagoon. Peak times are weekend afternoons and early evenings. Weekday mornings tend to be quietest.

The verdict: Blue Lagoon requires more planning and fills up faster. Sky Lagoon is easier to book, even on shorter notice.

Volcanic Activity Note

The Blue Lagoon sits on the Reykjanes Peninsula, which has experienced volcanic eruptions since late 2023. The lagoon has periodically closed as a precaution when eruptions occur nearby. If you are visiting in 2026, check the Blue Lagoon website for their current operating status, and see our Reykjanes volcanic activity guide for the latest.

Sky Lagoon is in Reykjavik and is not affected by the Reykjanes eruptions.

If volcanic activity is a concern for your trip planning, having a backup plan is smart. Either spa works as a substitute for the other.

Which One Should You Choose?

Choose Blue Lagoon if:

  • You are visiting Iceland for the first time and want the iconic experience
  • You are arriving at or departing from Keflavik airport and want a convenient stop
  • You love dramatic natural landscapes and want the lava field setting
  • You do not mind spending more for a bucket-list experience
  • You book an early morning or late evening slot to avoid the biggest crowds

Choose Sky Lagoon if:

  • You are based in Reykjavik and want something easy to reach
  • You are on a tighter budget
  • You prefer a more intimate, design-focused atmosphere
  • The 7-step spa ritual appeals to you
  • You have already visited the Blue Lagoon on a previous trip

Do both if:

  • You have 4 or more days in Iceland and budget allows. They are different enough that visiting both does not feel repetitive. Visit Blue Lagoon on your arrival or departure day (near the airport) and Sky Lagoon during an evening in Reykjavik.

Other Geothermal Options Worth Knowing About

If neither Blue Lagoon nor Sky Lagoon fits your plans, Iceland has dozens of other places to soak. Here are three strong alternatives:

  • Hvammsvik Hot Springs: Natural-style hot springs on a fjord, about an hour from Reykjavik. More rugged and authentic. See our Hvammsvik guide
  • Myvatn Nature Baths: Often called the Blue Lagoon of the North. Similar milky-blue water, a fraction of the crowds. Perfect if you are driving the Ring Road
  • Public swimming pools: Every town has one. Entry is around 1,150 ISK. This is where Icelanders actually soak. Laugardalslaug in Reykjavik is excellent

For the complete rundown, see our best hot springs in Iceland guide.