The Blue Lagoon vs. The Sky Lagoon: Which One Should You Pick on Your Next Iceland Trip?

Choose between the quiet luxury of traditional Icelandic bathing or one-of-a-kind scenery with the whole family.

Set on the mid-Atlantic ridge and bubbling with volcanic energy, Iceland is the perfect place to get into some hot water. The weather can get cold and windy on this Atlantic island, so the warm geothermal waters are the perfect place to enjoy Iceland’s otherworldly landscape.

Reykjavik, the nation’s capital, is a hip port city and home to the Sky Lagoon. This newer lagoon overlooks the ocean and incorporates elements from the history of Icelandic bathing culture in its architecture. The popular Blue Lagoon, on the other hand, is a short drive away from both the capital and the airport. The Blue Lagoon is rich in algae and minerals and has been a tourist attraction in Iceland for the past 25 years. Both destinations are stunning in their own right, so there’s no wrong choice. But if you only have the time or budget to visit one of them, here’s how to decide which one to visit.

For Traditional Icelandic Bathing Culture

Sky Lagoon opened in 2021 and used the pandemic years to build a loyal customer base that keeps them straight on what’s authentic to Icelandic culture.

“We feel a very strong bond with the locals, they’re not afraid to give feedback.” Heidi, a representative from Sky Lagoon, tells Fodor’s.

Sky Lagoon designed its bathing experience to be in line with both historical and modern bathing culture in Iceland. Their cold plunge is a replica of one of the oldest pools in Iceland–the poet, historian, and politician–Snorri Sturluson’s private pool. The building that houses the sauna, steam room, and salt scrub looks like an Icelandic Turf House.

In contrast, the experience at Blue Lagoon is more geared toward tourists, and while it still builds on the culture of communal bathing, it doesn’t feel quite as rooted in the local community as Sky Lagoon does.

For an Out-Of-This-World Landscape

The Blue Lagoon rests in the middle of a black lava field. A nearby geothermal power plant accidentally created the lagoon by discharging excess seawater, resulting in a lagoon comprised of mineral-rich water and—through interacting with sunlight—a unique opaque blue color.

“It’s ethereal,” describes Krista, a recent visitor to the Blue Lagoon. “[It sits] out in the middle of lava fields with milky blue water. It’s like you’re in a different world.”

While Sky Lagoon’s vast infinity pool overlooks the ocean, offering stunning views, you won’t find quite as surreal a landscape as the Blue Lagoon’s.

For a Family Friendly Experience

Children under 13 aren’t allowed in the Sky Lagoon, so if you’ve got young ones with you, your choice is easy one. However, the sulfur smell of the Blue Lagoon can be strong, so if your little ones have sensitive noses, a more natural lagoon might be a better pick. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a child-free experience, the Sky Lagoon is the best choice.

If You Only Have a Quick Stopover in Iceland

If you have a stopover with enough time to leave the airport but not to do much else, Blue Lagoon is your thermal awakening. Not far from the airport, the lagoon offers shuttles to and from the airport and offers convenient luggage storage. This will give you maximum soaking time during your layover.

If you have a little more time and want to combine a lagoon visit with a wander around Reykjavik, choose the Sky Lagoon. It’s only a few minutes by car or a pleasant one-hour walk from downtown Reykjavik.

If You’ll Be Spending More Time Exploring Iceland

Sky Lagoon is more like many other geothermal spas in other parts of the country. So, if you’ll be stopping at other lagoons during your trip, make the Blue Lagoon your choice for Reykjavik.

For the Beauty and Health Benefits, Go With Either

The Sky Lagoon has a sauna, steam room, and scrub station as part of its seven-step ritual bathing process, which can leave your skin and hair feeling soft and fresh. While the Blue Lagoon does give you masks to use while in the water, its waters are more drying and, in fact, it’s not recommended to fully submerge in the water or get your hair wet. Both lagoons have health and beauty benefits in their mineral-rich waters and sell skincare products made with those minerals.

1. The water at the Blue Lagoon is exceptionally rich in bioactive silica and has been shown to improve skin barrier function and prevent premature skin aging. Courtesy of Blue Lagoon Iceland; 2. The Blue Lagoon features a sauna, steam room, steam cave, mask bar, massage waterfall, and an in-water beverage bar.Courtesy of Blue Lagoon Iceland

If You Want to Spend the Night, Choose Blue Lagoon

Given the proximity to the airport, many travelers choose to go to the Blue Lagoon as either their first or last stop on their Iceland trip. Staying overnight is a great way to either shake off the jet lag when you arrive or soak in the most of your last night of relaxation before leaving.

There are two hotels on the Blue Lagoon’s property: the Retreat Hotel and the Silica Hotel. The Retreat Hotel is more luxurious, with a Michelin-star restaurant and high-end spa. The Silica is simpler, but still lovely accommodation.

Perhaps most importantly, both hotels have their own, small private lagoons where you can enjoy the thermal waters with more privacy. If you’re an early riser, you might just get the pool to yourself.

For Traditional Icelandic Food, It’s a Toss Up

Sky Lagoon’s cafes have a luxurious twist to traditional Icelandic food. The Sky Platter at Smakk Bar will let you try classic Nordic treats like herring and white mold cheese. In the lobby of the Lagoon, it’s a casual yet classy dining experience. The hotels at the Blue Lagoon offer formal dining experiences in sit-down restaurants. You’ll get great views of the lagoon while tasting gourmet regional dishes.

So, Which Lagoon Should You Choose?

There’s no wrong choice between the two lagoons. The decision will depend on whether you’ve got children with you, what else you’ve got planned during your trip, and if you prefer a quieter, intimate location like the Sky Lagoon or a livelier, more touristy spot like the Blue Lagoon.

For quiet luxury and a traditional bathing experience, choose the Sky Lagoon. For unique landscapes and a one-of-a-kind thermal pool experience with the whole family, choose the Blue Lagoon. Just keep in mind that over the past few years, the Blue Lagoon has had to periodically close due to nearby volcanic eruptions. If this gets in the way of your Blue Lagoon plans, know that you’ll still get to enjoy the geothermal waters from the Sky Lagoon. Whichever you choose, you’ll get to relax while enjoying the beautiful scenery in the warm comfort of Iceland’s geothermal lagoons.