Sky Lagoon Reykjavik: Complete Visitor Guide

Sky Lagoon opened in 2021 at Kársnes Harbour in Kópavogur, a 15-minute drive from central Reykjavík. It sits on the edge of the Atlantic with an unobstructed view across the water from the main infinity-edge pool. The design integrates the lava and sky architecture typical of Icelandic geothermal culture — rough basalt walls, open sky above the pool, and panoramic ocean views to the west.

Unlike the Blue Lagoon, Sky Lagoon is inside the capital region, which makes it more convenient if you don’t have a car. Entry is also somewhat cheaper, and the crowd level is generally lower.

Packages and Prices (as of 2026)

Skjól Package — approximately ISK 8,490 per person Lagoon access with the full 7-step Skjól ritual, use of public changing facilities, towel, and robe. This is the standard entry. The ritual is included in both packages and cannot be skipped — it is the core experience.

Sér Package — approximately ISK 11,990 per person Everything in Skjól, plus a private changing suite with your own shower, vanity, and locker. The private suite is worth the upgrade if you dislike shared changing facilities or are visiting as a couple.

Children aged 12 and over are permitted. Under-12s are not allowed.

The 7-Step Skjól Ritual

The ritual is Sky Lagoon’s signature offering — a structured circuit through seven environments designed to alternate between heat and cold. Each step is signposted within the facility.

1. Lagoon — Begin in the geothermal pool (temperature approximately 38–40°C) with the infinity edge and ocean view.
2. Cold plunge — A cold pool (approximately 5°C) for a quick 10–30 second immersion. The contrast helps circulation and prepares you for the next heat phase.
3. Sauna — A wood-panelled panoramic sauna overlooking the ocean, typically 80–90°C. Seating is tiered.
4. Cold mist — A cool misting room with gentle cold-water spray.
5. Steam — A warm steam room with sky-blue lighting and a heated floor.
6. Scrub — A salt body scrub (provided). Apply to skin, leave for a few minutes, then rinse.
7. Shower — Finish with the ritual shower before returning to the lagoon.

Most visitors complete the full circuit in 45–60 minutes. You can repeat sections or skip steps — the circuit is a guide, not a requirement.

Getting There from Reykjavík

By bus: Route 35 (Strætó) runs from Hlemmur bus station in central Reykjavík directly to Kársnes Harbour. Journey time approximately 20–25 minutes. Check current timetables at straeto.is — the bus runs hourly on most days.

By taxi or rideshare: A taxi from central Reykjavík costs approximately ISK 2,500–3,200 one way, depending on the time of day. Several taxi apps operate in Reykjavík, including Hreyfill (Icelandic taxi company) and Bolt. Journey time is approximately 12–15 minutes without traffic.

By car: Parking is available at Kársnes Harbour (free). The address is Vesturvangar 9, Kópavogur. From central Reykjavík, take Miklabraut east then south toward Kópavogur — about 15 minutes.

What’s Inside the Facility

The main lagoon is the centrepiece — approximately 70 metres long, with an infinity edge that faces west across the water. On clear days the view extends to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. In good conditions, the sunsets from the lagoon in September and October can be exceptional.

Beyond the ritual circuit, the facility includes:

Smakk Bar: A restaurant and bar serving Icelandic-inspired food. Located inside the complex, accessible without a swim. The smoked lamb flatbread and skyr desserts are popular. Budget approximately ISK 2,500–4,500 per person for a light meal.

Sky Bar: An outdoor bar at pool level with drinks served directly in the lagoon. Beer and wine as well as non-alcoholic options.

Changing facilities: Both shared (Skjól) and private (Sér) options. The shared facilities are clean and well-equipped with hair dryers, lockers, and showers.

Best Time to Visit

Autumn evenings (September–November): Clear autumn nights in Iceland have some of the best aurora probabilities, and Sky Lagoon’s position on the edge of the city means you occasionally see the northern lights while in the pool. This is Sky Lagoon’s strongest seasonal advantage over the Blue Lagoon.

Weekday mornings: The least busy period. If you can visit on a Tuesday or Wednesday morning, wait times are minimal.

Avoid Friday and Saturday evenings: The lagoon has a late-night bar atmosphere on weekends and can get loud. If you prefer a quieter soak, avoid peak weekend evening slots.

Summer: The midnight sun means the pool is in full daylight even at 9–10pm. The ocean view is clear but there are no aurora sightings from May through July.

Booking Advice

Book at skylagoon.com with your preferred date and time slot. You choose a 30-minute arrival window — arrive in that window or your booking may be cancelled. The site requires payment in full at the time of booking.

If you want to compare Sky Lagoon with the Blue Lagoon to decide which suits your trip, read our Blue Lagoon vs Sky Lagoon guide for a direct comparison. For more ideas on geothermal and spa activities around Iceland, check the activity listings.

Book Iceland attraction tickets — skip-the-queue entry for geothermal baths, cave tours, and top attractions.

Browse Sky Lagoon tickets — geothermal spa entry, 7-step ritual passes, and transfers from central Reykjavík.

Get travel insurance for Iceland — policies covering glacier hikes, F-road driving, and volcanic disruption.

Related Guides

• Blue Lagoon Iceland — The full guide to Iceland’s most famous geothermal spa: booking, prices, and how to get there
• Geothermal pools in Iceland — Natural hot springs and municipal pools across the country
• Reykjavík city guide — Where to eat and stay in the capital before or after your visit
• Northern lights tours from Reykjavík — Sky Lagoon is one of the best places to see the aurora while staying warm