Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon: Which One Is Better?

Iceland offers one of the most gorgeous landscapes in the world. Along with breathtaking waterfalls and glaciers, the presence of volcanoes provides geothermal water for hot springs and lagoons across the island. Two of the most popular– and commercialized –  are Blue Lagoon and Sky Lagoon. Both of the geothermal baths offer memorable experiences for Icelandic tourists, but each has its own unique approach, leaving many tourists with the challenge of choosing either the Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon. 

As we were fortunate to have tried both during our stays in Iceland, we have some big opinions about which one is better. Spoiler: It’s Sky Lagoon. But to find the best one for your visit, here’s a closer look at the differences and an overview of our experience at each. 

What to Know Before Visiting a Geothermal Lagoon in Iceland

Nudity

Just a heads-up: Before hopping into geothermal water (at least the manned and/or man-made options), guests are required to shower, which usually entails changing – and getting naked –  in front of other guests. It’s very European, so it can definitely be a shock the first time, especially if you’re not used to group changing rooms, like at a gym. BUT both lagoons have options to make it less awkward, so don’t let it put you off the experience! 

What’s the Difference Between the Blue Lagoon & Sky Lagoon

Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon is man-made, but it harnesses the geothermal water from the power plant next door, which contains a significant amount of silica.  Not only does the high mineral content create that vibrant blue color that the water is famous for, but it is also believed to offer numerous skin and health benefits. I also noticed that it had a buoyancy effect, making it easier to float more than normal water at a pool, lake, or the sea. Yet, keep your hair out of it or risk it becoming a crispy, dry mess. 

The Blue Lagoon features a bar for drinks as well as a mask bar for face masks. Even the most basic package comes with a complimentary mud mask – a perk that may sway some visitors when choosing between the Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon. There’s also a higher-end option with more spa options. 

Lockers & Baggage

The locker rooms are binary gender specific, and the women’s locker room gets incredibly busy. It can feel a bit overwhelming trying to maneuver around the lockers and benches as multiple people are trying to change, so be sure to take a deep breath before entering. Fortunately, every guest has access to a private locker, which is accessible via a wristband provided at entry. 

If you have a suitcase or travel bag with you, there’s a luggage check in the parking lot. Just be sure to stop off before entering the main building because there isn’t enough space in the lockers inside. 

Showers

From my experience back in 2022, the Blue Lagoon is incredibly chaotic when it comes to showering. Not only is the locker room very full, but it also has overhead lighting that can amplify the awkwardness of nudity. Even if you’re fairly comfortable being bush-out, the brightness level is harsh and amplifies the sense of chaos. 

While some people move about in the nude the entire time in the locker rooms, you can easily use a towel or robe to move from the changing area to the showers. Each section of lockers also has a cubicle with a door where more modest guests can change in private. 

Be prepared to stand in line for the showers, especially during the busy season (April to October). The lagoon specifically instructs visitors to shower without bathing suits to remove any soaps, lotions, and oils to help keep the water clean. There are open showers as well as some cubicle options, which featured a curtain back when I visited. Towels, body wash, shampoo, conditioner, and lotion are all provided, so need to worry about bringing any along. 

Upgrade Options

There are a variety of Blue Lagoon package options. For the main lagoon, higher-level tiers are accompanied by additional perks, like additional face masks and the use of a robe. For an upcharge, the Retreat Spa offers a more VIP experience with a private showering option and access to spaces restricted from the standard packages. 

Dining

The Blue Lagoon now has four food options on site, including three restaurants and one cafe. The Lava Restaurant and Blue Café are both relaxed atmospheres with a wide range of food offerings, while the high-end, Michelin-starred Moss Restaurant caters to adult foodies. The Spa Restaurant, on the other hand, is reserved for Blue’s spa guests. 

Price

The cost of entry to the Blue Lagoon depends on the time of year, time of day, and day of the week, but prices usually start around $85. Typically, it’s the more affordable option with the trade-off of ambiance and crowdedness. 

Sky Lagoon

Sky Lagoon was my favorite experience of the geothermal pools. Its infinity edge overlooks the sea, so I felt like I hit a new level of relaxation watching the tide as I enjoyed my hot soak. 

With an age restriction of 12 years old or older, it tends to attract couples, solo travelers, and adult groups. As a result, the general vibe of Sky is also more mature with a modern, higher-end aesthetic that feels spa-like, even with the basic package. However, its water doesn’t have high silica content, so you lose that weightlessness feeling offered by high mineral content, which was the only downside for me. 

The Sky Lagoon also offers the Skjól experience, which involves seven steps, including a cold plunge. It’s now included in the base package for visitors. 

Lockers & Baggage

As at Blue, the locker rooms are gender binary and serve as shower-changing-room combos. Yet, the low lighting and aesthetic finishes in the locker room offer a sense of luxury that sets Sky apart. In my experience, it’s also less crowded, providing a more relaxed, low-stress environment when changing and moving around. Lockers are locked and unlocked using the wristband provided at entry, which is waterproof and can be worn in the water. 

Sky Lagoon offers luggage storage for an additional fee. Simply drop it off at reception. 

Showers

The showers are composed of cubbies, which feature metal doors covering from the neck down. As a result, there’s a greater sense of privacy. The bathroom cubicles are also large enough to change in if you prefer more modesty. Alternatively, they offer private changing rooms, which include a shower. 

Upgrade Options

When we visited in 2023, the Skjól experience was an upgrade, but now, it’s part of the base plan. Sky Lagoon also offers a private changing room upgrade with their Sér package, which includes the seven-step ritual as well. 

Dining

There are two food options on site: Smakk Bar and Keimer Café. While both offer a range of Icelandic dishes, the former focuses on a variety of grazing cheese and meat boards. The cafe, on the other hand, provides quicker, individual dishes. 

After our time in the lagoon, we stopped by the Keimur Café for lunch. Britt enjoyed the soup of the day – perfect for a snowy December afternoon, and I tried the gravlax bagel, which was some of the most delicious tasting salmon I’ve ever had. 

Price

As with Blue, Sky Lagoon prices vary based on the time, season, and day of a visit. On average, the prices start around $90. It’s typically higher priced than Blue Lagoon but offers a quieter, less-crowded, spa-like retreat. 

Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon: Which One is Better?

Both Icelandic lagoons offer an unforgettable experience for sapphic travelers, but for me, Sky Lagoon takes relaxation to the next level, which is my prerogative when visiting a geothermal bath. However, it’s hard to beat the buoyancy perk of the silica at Blue Lagoon. In most cases, I think Blue Lagoon is the best option for families, while Sky Lagoon is better suited for couples and solo travelers. Yet, if it fits in your budget, skip the struggle of deciding between the Blue Lagoon and Sky Lagoon, and instead, opt for both!

Did you make a decision between Blue Lagoon and Sky Lagoon? Which one did you choose? Let us know by dropping a dm or comment on social! We’d love to hear from you.