Sky Lagoon

Sky Lagoon is an oceanfront geothermal spa on the Kársnes peninsula in Kópavogur, a town that forms part of the Greater Reykjavík area. It sits on a cliff above Faxaflói Bay, and its long infinity-edge lagoon is shaped so that the warm water appears to run straight into the North Atlantic. The setting is only a short drive from downtown Reykjavík, which makes it one of the most convenient places in Iceland to enjoy a geothermal soak.

What sets it apart from a simple hot pool is the Skjól ritual, a guided seven-step sequence that moves between warm water, cold plunge, sauna, mist, scrub, steam and a small herbal drink. The design takes cues from Icelandic turf houses and traditional bathing culture, and the result feels more like a journey than a quick dip.

Opened in 2021, Sky Lagoon is a modern facility rather than a natural hot spring, but its location, water temperature and views have made it popular with visitors staying in the capital. Guests must be at least 12 years old, which also helps keep the atmosphere calm.

Construction and opening

Construction began in early 2020, and Sky Lagoon opened its doors in spring 2021. It is one of the newest major geothermal bathing attractions near the capital.

Why Kársnes

The site at the edge of Kársnes Harbour was chosen for its dramatic position directly above the sea. Instead of an inland volcanic landscape, it offers wide coastal views, with mountains such as Keilir and the glacier-capped Snæfellsjökull visible on clear days.

Geothermal energy

The lagoon is heated by geothermal energy, one of Iceland's most abundant renewable resources. Water temperature is kept steady in a range of roughly 38 to 40 degrees Celsius, which stays comfortable even in winter.

A place for quiet

From the beginning, Sky Lagoon positioned itself as a calmer alternative to larger, busier geothermal attractions. A maximum capacity of 280 guests and a minimum age of 12 are part of that approach.

Turf houses and stone

The architecture draws on traditional Icelandic turf houses, which offered warmth and shelter for centuries. A large turf wall greets visitors on arrival. The wall is built from turf cut into tiles and set in a tight herringbone pattern, a craft that has deep roots in Icelandic building heritage.

Inspired by Snorralaug

The cold plunge, known as Kuldi, takes inspiration from Snorralaug in Reykholt in west Iceland, one of the oldest known natural bathing pools in the country. It is a small reference to the long tradition of soaking in geothermal water that the whole facility is built around.

Colors and materials

Greys, blues and greens run throughout the spa, echoing the sea, sky and rock around it. The facility is built into the cliffside, so different parts of the ritual unfold in different spaces rather than all in one pool.

Views

The main lagoon faces the sea, and reviewers often single out sunset as a highlight. In winter, clear nights may give guests a chance of seeing the northern lights from the water.

The infinity edge

The centerpiece is a lagoon about 70 meters long, with an infinity edge that gives the illusion of bathing at the sea's horizon. The design makes the water seem to dissolve into the ocean, yet the lagoon remains comfortable for most guests to stand in.

Water temperature

The lagoon is kept at around 38 to 40 degrees Celsius. Because it is outdoors on an exposed coast, the warmth is especially welcome on a windy or cool day.

Swim-up bar

A bar is set in the water, so guests can order a drink without leaving the lagoon. Food and drinks are also served at Smakk Bar on site.

Cozy corners

Reviewers also mention rocky nooks and cozy corners where it is easier to find a quiet spot.

What the ritual is

Skjól is the Icelandic word for shelter or protection. The ritual is a sequence of seven steps included with admission, designed to be done at your own pace in a set order. The first two steps take place outdoors, after which you move into the turf house for the remaining parts.

The seven steps

• Laug (lagoon): begin with a soak in the warm geothermal water.
• Kuldi (cold plunge): a short dip in a cold pool to wake up the body.
• Ylur (sauna): warm up in a sauna with a large window facing the ocean.
• Súld (cold mist): step into a chamber where a fine, cool mist falls from above.
• Mýkt (scrub): apply a salt-based body scrub to your skin.
• Gufa (steam): rinse and relax in a steam room, letting the scrub do its work.
• Saft (elixir): finish with a small cup of crowberry elixir before heading back to the lagoon.

Details worth knowing

The cold plunge is reported to sit at around 5 degrees Celsius, so it is meant to be brief. Ylur, the sauna, is built with a wall of glass framing the sea, and Súld is a slatted wooden chamber where visitors have described a large boulder appearing to hang overhead. The body scrub is made with sea salt and oils, and it is applied by guests themselves, so there is no need to book an attendant. In the final step the crowberry elixir is served in a tiny cup, and reviewers mention that it also includes botanicals such as angelica and Iceland moss.

Taking it slowly

The ritual is not timed, and you can return to the lagoon between steps. Most visitors spend around two to two and a half hours in total, including time in the water.

Saman and Sér

Sky Lagoon offers two admission levels. Both include entry to the lagoon, the full Skjól ritual and a towel. The Saman pass uses the shared changing facilities, while the Sér pass adds private changing rooms and the signature Sky body lotion. The lagoon experience itself is the same with either pass.

Changing rooms

Saman changing rooms are shared and divided by gender, with shower cubicles, while Sér offers private changing rooms.

Food and drink

Refreshments are available at the in-lagoon bar and at Smakk Bar. Check what is offered when you book, as menus and services can change.

Accessibility

The facility is reported to be wheelchair accessible, including changing rooms and a lift for entering the water. Visitors with specific needs should contact Sky Lagoon in advance.

Prices and booking

Ticket prices vary by pass and season and change over time, so confirm current rates and book through the official website before you go.

An evening soak

Because the lagoon is close to the city, it suits the end of a sightseeing day. Later slots can combine the warm water with sunset or, in winter, darkness.

A full wellness session

If you want to do the ritual without rushing, book a time with room to spare on either side. Allow the full two to two and a half hours the operator suggests, and consider leaving extra time to eat.

With a transfer

Packages that include a return transfer from Reykjavík are available, which is useful if you do not have a car. A taxi or local bus are other options.

Before a flight or after a long day

The facility lies roughly 45 minutes from Keflavík International Airport, so some travelers fit a soak around their arrival or departure. Check hours and flight times carefully if you try this.

Summer

Long daylight hours and extended opening times make summer an easy season for a visit, though it can be busier.

Winter

Cold air and warm water make winter a classic time for a soak, and short days mean you can enjoy the lagoon in darkness. Opening hours are generally shorter than in summer, so check before you plan around them.

Time of day

Because the lagoon can reach capacity in high season, booking an off-peak time slot can help you find a calmer visit.

Opening hours

Sky Lagoon is open every day of the year, with hours that change by season. Because they are updated periodically, check the official website for the date of your visit.

These practical points can make the visit smoother:

• Guests must be at least 12 years old. Those aged 12 to 14 must be accompanied by a guardian aged 18 or over, and staff may ask for ID.
• Book ahead in high season, as the lagoon can reach capacity.
• Bring a swimsuit; a towel is included with both passes.
• Shower thoroughly before you enter the water, as is standard in Icelandic pools.
• The coast can be windy, so expect the air to feel cold when you step out of the water.
• Do not rush the ritual; the steps are meant to be taken at your own pace.
• Parking on site is free for those arriving by car.

Sky Lagoon is a short drive from central Reykjavík, so it pairs naturally with sights in the capital and the surrounding area.

• Central Reykjavík: about 13 to 15 minutes away by car, with the old town, Hallgrímskirkja and Harpa.
• Nauthólsvík Geothermal Beach: a city-side spot for warm water and sea air.
• Perlan: a landmark in the Öskjuhlíð area with views over the city.
• Hafnarfjörður: a harbor town just south of Kópavogur.