
Sky Lagoon is a modern geothermal spa in Kopavogur, just a short drive from Reykjavik. Its infinity-edge lagoon features warm, mineral-rich waters, a signature 7-step bathing ritual, and stunning coastal views, all easily accessible from the capital.
Set against a stunning backdrop of the North Atlantic, Sky Lagoon is one of the most popular geothermal spa experiences in Iceland. The thoughtful design, inspired by elements of Icelandic nature, along with the infinity edge that creates the illusion of swimming into the horizon, offers an experience that is as beautiful as it is relaxing.
You can visit this popular geothermal spa with a classic Sky Lagoon ticket (Saman Pass) or upgrade to a premium Sky Lagoon ticket (Ser Pass), which includes a private changing room for a more exclusive spa experience.
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Sky Lagoon also has its own skincare line, which makes a lovely souvenir to bring back home with you. Sky Lagoon Skincare is available at a discounted price with Guide to Iceland's VIP Club, which offers exclusive deals and discounts for all of Guide to Iceland's customers.
The spa is within easy reach of Reykjavik accommodations, making it an easy stop between day trips or adventure tours during your city stay. If you’re planning to rent a car in Iceland, it’s just a 13-minute drive from the downtown area. Alternatively, you can book a Sky Lagoon admission with Reykjavik transfers included, or take a public bus to reach the site.
Keep reading to discover everything you need to know before your Sky Lagoon visit.
Sky Lagoon at a Glance
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Location: Kopavogur in the Capital Region, just 13 minutes from Reykjavik and 45 minutes from Keflavik International Airport.
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Experience: Geothermal infinity-edge pool with stunning North Atlantic Ocean views.
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Passes: Saman Pass (full-access) and Ser Pass (premium with private changing room and body lotion); multi-pass options available.
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Family Info: Children under 12 not allowed; ages 12–14 must be accompanied by a guardian.
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Dining: Smakk Bar, Gelmir Bar, and Keimur Cafe for snacks, drinks, and light meals.
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Accessibility: Wheelchair-friendly with ramps and accessible changing rooms.
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Nearby Attractions: Reykjavik attractions, Reykjanes Peninsula highlights, and Golden Circle tours.
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Best Time to Visit: Winter for northern lights, summer for midnight sun; quieter visits in spring and autumn.
Sky Lagoon Opening Hours
When planning your visit to Sky Lagoon, knowing the opening hours will help you make the most of your time at this stunning geothermal spa.
Sky Lagoon's opening hours vary by season:
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Summer (June 21 – August 20): 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM daily
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Autumn (August 21 – October 20): 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily
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Winter (October 21 – April 30): 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM daily
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Spring (May 1 – June 20): 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily
In summer, Sky Lagoon may open earlier and stay open later, giving visitors extra time to enjoy the pools. There is no strict time limit for your visit, so you can enjoy the lagoon until closing. However, guests are asked to leave the pools 30 minutes before closing.
Different Sky Lagoon Tickets
Sky Lagoon offers two main passes to suit different experiences.
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Saman Pass: Also called the “full-access pass”, including Sky Lagoon admission, one journey through the Skjol Ritual, toiletries like shampoo and conditioner, a towel, and free parking.
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Ser Pass: Known as the “premium pass”, which includes everything in the Saman Pass, plus Signature Sky body lotion and a private changing room.
Both passes give you access to the lagoon, infinity-edge pool, saunas, and relaxation areas. Please note that food and drinks are not included in Sky Lagoon admission and are available for an additional cost.
The Sky Lagoon Experience
Sky Lagoon is designed for more than a relaxing soak, with a bathing ritual, oceanfront setting, and modern spa facilities. Here’s what you can expect during your visit:
The Lagoon
The heart of Sky Lagoon is its geothermal pool, filled with naturally warm water that’s perfect for relaxing. The infinity-edge pool offers beautiful views of the North Atlantic Ocean, creating the illusion that you’re swimming right into the horizon.
At sunset, the sky lights up in shades of pink and gold, reflecting off the water for a magical experience. During winter trips to Iceland, you may even catch the northern lights dancing above, while during summer trips, the midnight sun casts a soft, glowing light well into the evening.
Multiple seating areas and shallow zones make it easy to float, soak, or simply unwind while taking in Iceland’s ever-changing, breathtaking scenery.
For added comfort, Sky Lagoon also features private shower stalls, allowing you to complete the mandatory pre-swim shower with privacy. It’s something that sets Sky Lagoon apart from many other Icelandic pools.
The 7-Step Sky Lagoon Skjol Ritual
Sky Lagoon’s signature 7-step Skjol ritual is designed to guide visitors through a structured wellness journey. The first two steps take place outdoors, after which you step inside the traditional turf house to complete the remaining five steps in a cozy, sheltered setting.
The 7 steps of the Skjol ritual are as follows:
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Laug (Lagoon): Enter the warm waters to float and soak in the views.
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Kuldi (Cold plunge): A bracing cold pool to invigorate your body.
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Ylur (Sauna): A warm sauna with panoramic windows overlooking the ocean.
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Suld (Cold mist): An energizing mist shower for a refreshing boost.
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Mykt (Sky Lagoon body scrub): A gentle sea salt scrub to exfoliate and rejuvenate your skin.
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Gufa (Steam room): A cozy, steamy space to open your pores and relax.
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Saft (Elixir): A refreshing Icelandic drink to hydrate and refresh.
This ritual is perfect for first-time visitors or anyone looking for a structured, relaxing spa experience.
The Swim-Up Bar
For a more social and indulgent experience, Sky Lagoon features Gelmir Bar, a swim-up bar where you can enjoy a drink without leaving the warm geothermal waters. The menu includes Icelandic craft beer, wine, cocktails, and non-alcoholic options. Adult guests can purchase up to three alcoholic drinks during their visit. The bar also has options for younger guests.
Gelmir Bar is a great place to relax and take in the ocean views at the start or end of your 7-step Skjol ritual.
Sky Lagoon Skincare Products
After a relaxing visit to the Sky Lagoon, you can bring a part of your spa experience back home with you.
Choose from a great selection of Sky Lagoon skincare products inspired by Iceland's nature and traditions. The most famous Sky Lagoon product is the iconic Sky Lagoon body scrub from the 7-step ritual. It gently exfoliates and revitalizes the skin while providing detoxifying benefits.
Complementing this, the shampoo and conditioner nourish and balance hair while promoting a healthy shine. You'll conveniently be able to try these during your visit as well!
You can also get the Sky Lagoon pillow spray to bring some of the atmosphere with you. The scent is relaxing and will bring back memories from your time in Iceland.
If you'd like to try a few different products, the Miniature Combos are the perfect choice. Get the pillow mist, body oil, and body lotion in one package and enjoy some of the best of the Sky Lagoon.
You can find the Sky Lagoon products by the spa's bistro, just outside the changing room entrance.
Dining Options at Sky Lagoon
Sky Lagoon offers a variety of dining options to complement your relaxing visit. From casual snacks to refreshing drinks, each spot provides a cozy environment with stunning views of the lagoon and the North Atlantic Ocean.
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Smakk Bar: An indoor restaurant serving Icelandic platters (cheeses, cured meats, smoked salmon). It opens daily at 12:00 PM.
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Keimur Cafe: A comfortable indoor cafe offering coffee, pastries, and Icelandic treats, ideal for warming up or enjoying a relaxed meal before or after your soak.
How To Get to Sky Lagoon
Sky Lagoon is located in Kopavogur along Iceland's rugged southwest coast, just 4.3 miles (7 kilometers) from Reykjavik. The lagoon's convenient location makes it easy to reach from downtown Reykjavik, the airport, or the surrounding Capital Region.
Keep reading for the best ways to get to Sky Lagoon.
Driving to Sky Lagoon
Driving to Sky Lagoon takes about 13 minutes from downtown Reykjavik and 45 minutes from Keflavik International Airport. There’s plenty of parking, so you won’t need to worry about finding a space.
You can rent a car in Reykjavik or get a rental at Keflavik Airport, giving you the freedom to combine your Sky Lagoon visit with other nearby attractions like the Golden Circle or Reykjanes Peninsula.
Taking Public Transport to Sky Lagoon
If you prefer not to drive, there are public buses and shuttles that connect Reykjavik with Sky Lagoon. While schedules can vary, this option allows visitors to reach the lagoon without worrying about Icelandic roads or parking.
From Laekjatorg Square in downtown Reykjavik, take bus no. 1 to the Hamraborg stop. Then, transfer to bus no. 35 and get off at the Hafnarbraut stop. From there, follow the signs and walk for approximately 15 minutes until you arrive at Sky Lagoon.
Check the Straeto website for the latest routes and timetables.
Booking Sky Lagoon Transfers
If you don't plan to drive, booking a Sky Lagoon transfer is one of the easiest ways to visit. This option is perfect for travelers who want a seamless experience without worrying about finding directions.
Whether you're staying in Reykjavik or arriving at Keflavik Airport, there are convenient transportation options available.
Popular Sky Lagoon Combo Tours
For travelers looking to combine relaxation with adventure, several tours pair Sky Lagoon with some of Iceland’s top attractions. These combo tours make it easy to enjoy the lagoon while exploring the Golden Circle, Reykjanes Peninsula, or Iceland’s dramatic South Coast.
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Golden Circle and Sky Lagoon Tour from Reykjavik: Experience Iceland’s iconic geysers, waterfalls, and national park highlights, followed by a rejuvenating soak at Sky Lagoon.
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Full-Day Fridheimar, Golden Circle and Sky Lagoon Tour from Reykjavik: Combine geothermal pools with a visit to Fridheimar’s tomato greenhouse and the classic Golden Circle sights.
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South Coast Tour and Sky Lagoon Spa from Reykjavik: Explore waterfalls, black sand beaches, and glaciers before relaxing in Sky Lagoon’s warm waters.
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ATV Adventure & Sky Lagoon Combo Tour from Reykjavik: Add some adrenaline with an ATV ride over lava fields, then unwind at the lagoon.
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Small-Group Reykjanes Peninsula Tour with Sky Lagoon from Reykjavik: Discover Reykjanes’ geothermal landscapes and coastal scenery with convenient transfers and lagoon entry included.
Best Time To Visit Sky Lagoon
You can enjoy Sky Lagoon year-round, but the experience varies depending on the season.
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Season |
Months |
What to Expect |
Tips |
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Winter |
Dec - Feb |
Best chance to see the northern lights Dark evenings and crisp air make soaking in warm waters extra magical |
If it’s freezing out and you have long hair, tie it up and keep it out of the water; wet hair gets cold fast. |
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Spring |
Mar - May |
Longer days, milder weather Quieter pools before the summer rush |
Visit during weekdays or mornings for a peaceful experience. |
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Summer |
Jun - Aug |
Enjoy the midnight sun and extended daylight Perfect for late evening visits |
Book Sky Lagoon tickets in advance and take advantage of early opening and late closing for extra flexibility. |
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Autumn |
Sep - Nov |
Cooler temperatures return Smaller crowds Autumn colors and calm ocean views |
Arrive early or close to sunset to enjoy a calmer experience and excellent lighting for photos. |
What To Bring for Your Sky Lagoon Visit
Packing the right items can make your visit to Sky Lagoon more comfortable and enjoyable. At a minimum, you’ll need swimwear. Bring sunglasses to protect your eyes if the weather forecast promises sun. You don't need to bring a towel unless you really want to, as this is provided as part of your entrance ticket.
If you plan to capture the moment, a waterproof camera or phone case is helpful for photos, but remember to respect other guests’ privacy. Please note that it's not allowed to use your phone in the changing rooms.
For tips on packing for the unpredictable Icelandic weather, check out our guide on what to pack for Iceland for all seasons to ensure you’re prepared for everything from the chill of winter to the midnight sun of summer.
Sky Lagoon With Family
While Sky Lagoon offers a relaxing and scenic geothermal spa experience, it has specific age restrictions that families should know before planning a visit.
Children under 12 years old are not permitted to enter the lagoon, and those aged 12–14 must be accompanied by a guardian (18 years or older) throughout their visit. This policy helps maintain a calm, spa‑like atmosphere for all guests.
For families with younger children who want a hot spring experience, other Icelandic attractions like the Blue Lagoon or local geothermal pools in Reykjavik may be more suitable.
If your family group includes teens who meet the age requirement, Sky Lagoon can still be a wonderful stop on your itinerary. Be sure to book your Sky Lagoon ticket in advance, plan for a 1.5–2 hour visit, and consider pairing the spa with other nearby family‑friendly attractions.
Make the Most of Sky Lagoon in Iceland
Sky Lagoon is a place to slow down, soak in ocean views, and experience a modern take on Icelandic bathing culture. Many hot spring tours include Sky Lagoon as part of a larger itinerary, making it easy to combine a relaxing soak with iconic sightseeing, scenic drives, or guided adventures around Iceland.
If you're still unsure which geothermal spa you want to visit in Iceland, we recommend checking out our comparison of the Sky Lagoon and Blue Lagoon as well as our guide to the best hot springs and geothermal spas in Iceland.
With the right pass, good timing, and a bit of planning, Sky Lagoon easily becomes one of the most memorable stops on any Iceland itinerary.
Come, relax, and leave with smooth skin, calm muscles, and maybe a Sky Lagoon product or two as the perfect Icelandic souvenir.
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