Sky Lagoon Iceland Review: Is It Worth It? Our Sér Pass Experience

Is the Sky Lagoon in Iceland worth visiting? If you're planning a trip to Reykjavík and love a good spa experience, this is one attraction I'd definitely recommend considering.

We actually flew all the way from the UK to Iceland for the day, specifically to enjoy a luxury spa experience for my daughter's 16th birthday!

It might sound a little extravagant, but we'd found flights that made an Iceland Extreme Day Trip possible, and we decided to make the most of the opportunity to celebrate her birthday somewhere a little different.

After quite a bit of deliberation between the famous Blue Lagoon and Sky Lagoon, we eventually settled on Sky Lagoon for two very practical reasons.

Firstly, we only had one day in Iceland, and although the Blue Lagoon is conveniently located near Keflavík Airport, the coach timetable meant that visiting would have taken up practically our entire day, leaving no time to explore Reykjavík.

Sky Lagoon, on the other hand, is just a short journey from Reykjavík, meaning we could enjoy a luxury spa experience while still having time to explore the city and make the most of our Iceland Extreme Day Trip.

Secondly, my daughter wanted to be able to put her hair under the water. The Blue Lagoon's silica-rich water can make hair extremely stiff and difficult to manage, so I wouldn't recommend submerging your hair there. Sky Lagoon doesn't have the same high silica concentration, making it a more appealing choice for us.

We booked the premium Sér Pass, including the seven-step Skjól spa ritual, private changing facilities and return coach transfers from Reykjavík's BSÍ Bus Terminal.

We spent approximately two hours enjoying the lagoon itself, with around three hours at Sky Lagoon altogether once we'd allowed time for checking in, changing, showering and enjoying the spa ritual.

We absolutely loved the experience. In fact, my biggest regret was not booking an earlier admission so we could have stayed longer!

Here's our honest Sky Lagoon review, including what the premium package includes, how the seven-step ritual works, what the facilities are like and whether I'd recommend visiting.

This guide contains affiliate links. If you book through these links, Build a Break may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. All opinions are based on our own experience.

Why We Chose Sky Lagoon Instead of Blue Lagoon

When we first started planning our Iceland Extreme Day Trip, visiting one of the country's famous geothermal lagoons was at the top of our list.

We'd considered the Blue Lagoon because it's such an iconic attraction, with its milky-blue water and volcanic surroundings.

However, we quickly realised that the coach timetable wasn't ideal for our itinerary.

We were flying into Keflavík Airport, spending just one day in Iceland and returning to the UK that evening. We weren't hiring a car, so we needed to rely on scheduled coach transfers.

Although the Blue Lagoon is conveniently located near the airport, the available bus times meant we'd have spent practically our entire visit at the lagoon or waiting for our return flight, without the opportunity to see Reykjavík itself.

For a destination we'd made the effort to fly to, that seemed a shame.

Sky Lagoon is much closer to Reykjavík, making it far easier to combine a few hours of sightseeing with a luxury spa experience.

Choosing Sky Lagoon meant we could explore the Icelandic capital and enjoy a relaxing spa day, giving us a much more rounded experience of Iceland in the limited time we had.

The other important factor was the water itself.

My daughter wanted to be able to enjoy the pool properly, including getting her hair wet. The Blue Lagoon contains a large amount of silica, which can leave hair feeling incredibly stiff and tangled if it's submerged.

Although the effects aren't permanent, it isn't something I'd particularly want to deal with on a short trip, especially when we were flying home the same evening.

Sky Lagoon was therefore the more practical choice for our birthday spa day.

Having now experienced both lagoons on separate Iceland trips, I can say that they offer quite different experiences. Blue Lagoon is particularly memorable for its geothermal surroundings and distinctive water, while Sky Lagoon feels much more like a luxury spa retreat.

You can read more about the differences in our Blue Lagoon vs Sky Lagoon comparison guide.

How to Get to Sky Lagoon from Reykjavík

One of the biggest advantages of choosing Sky Lagoon is its location.

It's situated in Kópavogur, just outside Reykjavík, around 7 kilometres from the city centre.

Unlike the Blue Lagoon, which is roughly 45 minutes from Reykjavík by road, Sky Lagoon can be reached from the capital in approximately 10–15 minutes by vehicle, depending on traffic.

This makes it a particularly convenient choice if you're staying in Reykjavík or visiting Iceland for a short period.

Our Sky Lagoon Transfer from BSÍ Bus Terminal

We booked our Sky Lagoon admission through GetYourGuide and selected the package which included return coach transfers from BSÍ Bus Terminal in Reykjavík.

The booking arrangements were really straightforward, with the transfer and lagoon admission included in the same ticket.

BSÍ is Reykjavík's main coach terminal and is also used by airport transfer services, making it a convenient departure point for visitors travelling without a car.

Our booking instructed us to arrive at least 15 minutes before the scheduled departure, which I'd definitely recommend allowing.

The journey to Sky Lagoon is relatively short, so you're not spending a huge amount of your day on transport.

For us, having everything arranged in advance made the whole experience much easier, particularly as we were working around flights on the same day.

Do You Need a Car to Visit Sky Lagoon?

No, and I really wouldn't recommend hiring a car solely for this experience.

Sky Lagoon is close enough to Reykjavík that you can easily visit using an organised return transfer, taxi or other local transport.

We found the combined admission and transfer package especially convenient because everything was arranged through one booking.

Just make sure that you choose the correct ticket option, as not all Sky Lagoon admission tickets automatically include transport.

You'll also need to check the return departure arrangements, particularly if you're planning to spend several hours in the lagoon.

Sky Lagoon Saman vs Sér Pass: What's the Difference?

Sky Lagoon has two main admission packages, Saman and Sér.

We booked Sér, which is the premium option and includes private changing facilities.

One important thing to understand is that both packages include the full seven-step Skjól spa ritual.

You don't need to pay for Sér simply to experience the sauna, cold plunge, body scrub or steam room.

The main difference is the standard of the changing facilities and the additional premium amenities.

Package details are based on Sky Lagoon's published information for 2026. Transport is an optional addition to admission and must be selected separately where offered.

How Much Does Sky Lagoon Cost?

When checking GetYourGuide, the Sér Pass option with return Reykjavík transfers was available for approximately £129 per person.

This is an example price for the premium admission and transfer package rather than a fixed admission rate. Prices vary by date, availability and the options selected.

We chose the premium option because this was a special birthday experience, and we wanted the visit to feel like a proper luxury spa day.

Food and drinks were not included with our standard Sér admission package, although they were available to purchase separately.

GetYourGuide also offers reserve-now-pay-later options on selected tickets, which can be useful when planning a trip in advance. Check the specific cancellation and payment conditions before booking.

Was the Sér Pass Worth Paying Extra For?

For us, yes.

One of the things I particularly liked was having our own private changing areas, which made the whole experience feel more luxurious from the moment we arrived.

I think private changing and shower facilities can make a real difference when you're visiting a spa, especially if you're not particularly comfortable using communal changing rooms.

However, I'd also say that Saman is worth considering if you're trying to keep the cost down.

You'll still get to enjoy the same beautiful infinity pool and seven-step ritual, so you're not missing out on the main attraction by choosing the less expensive package.

Arriving at Sky Lagoon and the Premium Changing Rooms

When we arrived at Sky Lagoon, we made our way into the reception area to check in.

We were given electronic wristbands, which are used to operate the lockers and pay for any additional purchases during the visit.

As we'd booked the premium Sér package, an attendant escorted us individually to our private changing areas.

It immediately felt like a more personal and luxurious experience than simply entering a large communal changing room.

The facilities were lovely, modern, clean and very well presented.

There was plenty of space to get changed and organised, with baskets for our belongings, fresh towels and our own private shower facilities.

I really liked that everything felt calm and well thought out, which is exactly what you want when you're treating yourself to a spa day.

Do You Have to Shower Naked at Sky Lagoon?

Yes. As with other geothermal bathing facilities in Iceland, visitors must shower thoroughly without swimwear before entering the lagoon.

This is a standard hygiene requirement in Icelandic swimming pools and geothermal spas.

However, if you're worried about showering in front of other people, the Sér Pass is a particularly good option.

We each had our own private shower, so there was no need to feel self-conscious.

Once we'd showered, we got into our swimming costumes and were ready to enter the lagoon.

Shampoo, conditioner and shower products are provided, and the Sér facilities also include Sky's signature body lotion for use when getting ready afterwards.

What Are the Lockers Like?

Your electronic wristband acts as your locker key, so you don't need to worry about carrying a physical key into the water.

It's also used for purchases at the bar, meaning you can leave your money and bank cards securely in your locker while enjoying the spa.

We found the changing facilities spacious and easy to use, with plenty of room to get ourselves organised.

The private facilities were one of the reasons the Sér Pass felt like a premium experience rather than simply paying for admission to a geothermal pool.

Our Experience in the Sky Lagoon Infinity Pool

After getting changed, we made our way into the lagoon.

One of the first things that struck me was how different Sky Lagoon felt from the Blue Lagoon photographs I'd seen over the years.

Rather than a vast open expanse of milky-blue water surrounded by black lava rock, Sky Lagoon has been designed to resemble a secluded natural bathing area, with dramatic stone walls, grottoes and little coves.

The dark volcanic-style surroundings make it feel like you've escaped somewhere completely different, even though you're only a short journey from central Reykjavík.

The water was a lovely comfortable temperature, and the atmosphere felt incredibly relaxed.

We spent time exploring the different areas of the lagoon before heading towards the famous infinity edge overlooking the sea.

How Warm Is the Water at Sky Lagoon?

Sky Lagoon is generally maintained at around 38–40°C, making it wonderfully warm and comfortable for visitors throughout the year.

It was the perfect temperature for relaxing, particularly after spending part of our day travelling and exploring Reykjavík.

As with any geothermal pool, the temperature can vary slightly in different areas and depending on the weather.

It's important to stay hydrated and take breaks when needed, particularly if you're spending several hours in the warm water.

The Incredible Ocean Views

One of the biggest highlights of Sky Lagoon is undoubtedly the view from the infinity pool.

As you approach the edge of the lagoon, the water appears to blend into the North Atlantic Ocean beyond.

It's a really beautiful setting, with views across the sea towards the Reykjanes Peninsula.

On a clear day, you can also look across towards Bessastaðir, the official residence of Iceland's president.

The whole area feels incredibly peaceful, and it's easy to forget just how close you are to Reykjavík.

I particularly liked the natural styling of Sky Lagoon. The combination of dark stone walls, warm water and the enormous open sea creates a very different atmosphere from a traditional indoor spa.

It really does feel like somewhere you can switch off and enjoy the surroundings.

The Sky Lagoon Seven-Step Skjól Ritual Explained

One of the things that makes Sky Lagoon different from many other geothermal bathing experiences in Iceland is its signature seven-step Skjól ritual.

The ritual is inspired by Icelandic bathing traditions and combines warm water, cold water, heat, steam, exfoliation and relaxation.

It's included with both the Saman and Sér packages, so you don't need to purchase the most expensive admission simply to enjoy it.

For me, the ritual was one of the best parts of visiting Sky Lagoon and made it feel like a proper spa experience rather than just a geothermal pool.

Here's what each of the seven steps involves.

Is the Sky Lagoon Seven-Step Ritual Worth It?

For me, absolutely.

I think the ritual is what makes Sky Lagoon feel so much more like a spa experience rather than just a geothermal pool.

You're not simply paying to sit in warm water. There's a whole sequence of different experiences, including the cold plunge, sauna, mist, body scrub and steam room.

My personal favourites were the body scrub and the sauna, particularly because the views from the sauna were so impressive.

I'd recommend taking your time through the different stages rather than treating them as something to complete as quickly as possible.

It's also worth remembering that the cold plunge and very hot sauna won't suit everyone, so listen to your body and check whether the different temperatures are appropriate for you.

Sky Lagoon Swim-Up Bar, Drinks and Food

Another lovely part of the experience is the opportunity to enjoy a drink while relaxing in the warm lagoon.

Sky Lagoon has an in-water bar called Gelmir Bar, positioned beneath the surrounding rock formations.

It offers a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, including wine, sparkling wine, beer, cocktails and soft drinks.

The bar is particularly convenient because you don't have to leave the warm water to purchase refreshments.

Your electronic wristband is used to pay for purchases, with the amount settled when you leave.

We enjoyed having drinks in the lagoon, which added to the feeling that this was a special occasion rather than just a quick sightseeing stop.

Are Drinks Included With Sky Lagoon Admission?

Drinks from the swim-up bar aren't included with the standard Saman or Sér admission packages.

Although the seven-step ritual includes the small Icelandic Saft elixir at the end, this is different from ordering a drink at the main bar.

If you want wine, cocktails or other refreshments, you'll normally need to pay for those separately.

Sky Lagoon also offers certain special packages which include drinks or food, so it's worth checking the exact inclusions when booking.

As with most tourist attractions in Iceland, bar prices aren't particularly cheap, so I'd factor in a little extra spending money if you plan to enjoy a drink.

Can You Eat at Sky Lagoon?

Yes, there are food options available at Sky Lagoon if you'd like to eat before or after your experience.

Keimur Café offers refreshments and lighter meals such as soups and sandwiches, while Smakk Bar serves Icelandic-inspired tasting platters.

Food is not included in the standard Sér Pass, so you'll need to budget separately if you want to eat on site.

If you're visiting for an Iceland Extreme Day Trip like we did, I'd recommend planning your food stops around the rest of your itinerary rather than assuming you'll want a full meal during the spa experience.

How Long Should You Spend at Sky Lagoon?

This is one thing I'd definitely do differently if we visited again.

We spent approximately two hours enjoying the lagoon, with around three hours at Sky Lagoon in total once we'd included checking in, getting changed, showering and completing the seven-step ritual.

That was enough time to experience everything we'd booked, but in hindsight, I wish we'd chosen an earlier admission slot and allowed longer.

Two hours in the water sounds like plenty of time, but once you're there, relaxing in the infinity pool and enjoying the different facilities, it passes surprisingly quickly.

We also had the seven-step ritual to enjoy, which includes time away from the main lagoon in the sauna, cold plunge, mist and steam room.

I'd have happily allowed four or five hours for the whole experience, rather than the three hours we had.

In particular, I would have liked more time to relax in the lagoon after completing the ritual, without feeling we needed to keep an eye on the clock.

The private changing rooms were lovely, and it would also have been nice to take our time showering, drying our hair and getting ready afterwards.

Can You Stay at Sky Lagoon for as Long as You Like?

Sky Lagoon recommends allowing around 1.5 to 2 hours for a visit, but that doesn't mean everyone will want to leave after two hours.

We spent approximately two hours in the water and around three hours on site altogether, but we would have enjoyed staying longer.

However, if you book an admission package with transfers included, you'll need to work around the available return transport arrangements.

This is particularly important if you're visiting Iceland for the day and have a flight to catch later.

If I was planning the same birthday trip again, I'd definitely choose an earlier admission and arrange our return transfer to allow around four to five hours for the overall experience.

Is Sky Lagoon Suitable for Teenagers?

Yes, and this was obviously an important consideration for us because we were visiting to celebrate my daughter's 16th birthday.

Sky Lagoon has a minimum admission age of 12, so it's not suitable for families with younger children.

Visitors aged 12–14 must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over, and Sky Lagoon may request proof of age.

For teenagers who enjoy spa experiences, I think Sky Lagoon makes a wonderful special occasion activity.

It's quite different from a traditional swimming pool, with the emphasis on relaxation, beautiful surroundings and the seven-step bathing ritual.

We felt that choosing the Sér Pass made the experience particularly suitable for a birthday treat because the private changing facilities offered that extra level of comfort.

If you're considering taking an older teenager, it's worth explaining beforehand what the ritual involves, particularly the cold plunge and hot sauna, so they know what to expect.

I'd also recommend checking that they're comfortable with the showering requirements, although the private facilities included with Sér make this much easier.

Can You Get Your Hair Wet at Sky Lagoon?

This was one of the reasons we chose Sky Lagoon over Blue Lagoon for our day trip.

The Blue Lagoon has a very high silica content, which can leave hair feeling dry, stiff and extremely tangled if you put it under the water.

Sky Lagoon doesn't have the same silica-rich water, so we didn't have that particular concern.

That made it a more appealing option for my daughter, who wanted to enjoy the pool without worrying about keeping her hair completely out of the water.

Of course, I'd still recommend rinsing your hair thoroughly afterwards and using the shampoo and conditioner provided.

But if being able to get your hair wet is important to you, it's certainly something worth considering when comparing the two lagoons.

What Should You Bring to Sky Lagoon?

You don't need to bring a huge amount with you because many of the essentials are already included with your admission.

I'd recommend bringing your swimming costume, clean underwear, hairbrush and any personal toiletries you prefer using.

Towels, shampoo, conditioner and hairdryers are provided, so you don't need to pack all of these yourself.

If you're booking the Sér Pass, you'll also have access to the premium private changing facilities and Sky Body Lotion.

I'd recommend bringing a separate bag for your wet swimming costume, particularly if you're flying home on the same day.

A waterproof phone case can also be useful if you want photographs in the lagoon, although photography is not allowed in changing areas, and you should always be considerate of other visitors.

If you're visiting during colder months, remember that the walk between facilities and getting in and out of the water can feel chilly, even though the lagoon itself is beautifully warm.

Is Sky Lagoon Better Than Blue Lagoon?

I can understand why this is such a popular question because both experiences are expensive, and many visitors only have time or budget for one.

However, I really don't think there's one answer that will suit everyone.

Sky Lagoon is much more convenient for visitors staying in Reykjavík, particularly if you're exploring the city without a hire car.

It's also a fantastic choice if you're looking for a proper spa day, thanks to the seven-step ritual, private changing facilities with Sér admission and incredible ocean-view sauna.

Blue Lagoon, on the other hand, is iconic for its milky-blue geothermal water, huge lagoon, face masks and volcanic surroundings.

Having now experienced both, I think the biggest difference is the overall feeling of each attraction.

Sky Lagoon feels like a luxury spa retreat, while Blue Lagoon feels more like visiting one of Iceland's famous natural wonders, even though the attraction itself is a developed geothermal bathing complex.

For our daughter's 16th birthday Extreme Day Trip, Sky Lagoon was definitely the right choice. It fitted our itinerary far better and provided exactly the relaxing spa experience we wanted.

However, on our more recent overnight trip, when we had time to visit the Blue Lagoon on the way to the airport, that was also a fantastic experience.

If you're a spa lover and you're visiting Iceland for several days, I think both are worth considering because they're different enough to offer something unique.

For a more detailed comparison of the two experiences, read our Blue Lagoon vs Sky Lagoon: Which Is Better? guide.

Is Sky Lagoon Worth It? Our Honest Verdict

For us, Sky Lagoon was definitely worth visiting, and I'd happily recommend it.

From the moment we arrived, the experience felt luxurious and relaxing.

The facilities were lovely, modern and exceptionally clean, and the private changing rooms included with our Sér Pass made the visit feel even more special.

The lagoon itself was beautifully warm, with a lovely atmosphere and incredible views across the North Atlantic Ocean.

I also really liked the natural styling, with dark stone walls, grottoes and hidden corners that made it feel much more secluded than you'd expect from somewhere so close to Reykjavík.

However, the highlight for me was the seven-step Skjól ritual.

The body scrub was lovely, and the sauna with its huge windows looking out over the ocean was absolutely incredible.

I think this is what makes Sky Lagoon different from simply visiting a geothermal swimming pool. It's a complete spa experience, with several different elements to enjoy.

The only thing I'd change if we visited again would be to allow more time.

We spent around two hours in the water and three hours at the spa altogether, but I would have loved four or five hours so we could relax a little more and take our time getting ready afterwards.

Although Sky Lagoon isn't cheap, particularly if you opt for the premium Sér Pass and return transfers, I felt it was good value for the quality of the experience.

For our daughter's 16th birthday, it was a wonderful way to celebrate, and it proved that you don't necessarily need to book a long holiday to enjoy somewhere special.

We literally flew from the UK to Iceland for the day, enjoyed a luxury spa experience and still managed to spend some time in Reykjavík.

If you're planning a short Iceland trip, celebrating a special occasion or simply love a good spa day, I think Sky Lagoon is an excellent choice.

More Iceland Travel Guides

If you're thinking about visiting Iceland but don't want to spend a fortune on a longer holiday, have a look at our Iceland Extreme Day Trip guide, where we explain how we visited Reykjavík and Sky Lagoon in a single day from the UK.

Still deciding which geothermal spa to visit? Read our Blue Lagoon vs Sky Lagoon comparison for more information about the differences between the two attractions.

You can also explore our budget-friendly things to do in Iceland guide for more ideas on keeping the cost of your trip down.

Although Iceland has a reputation for being expensive, with a little planning it's possible to enjoy some incredible experiences, even on a short break.