History has borne witness to many titanic battles since the dawn of man: David vs Goliath, Ali vs Frasier, Man vs Clock, Spartans vs Hangovers? Today I am doing God’s work as I dive shoulders-deep into one of the biggest scraps on the wellness scene…
The Blue Lagoon vs the Sky Lagoon.
The famous hot springs of Iceland, there can only be one winner, and you could not have come to a better place to find out who steals this esteemed crown.
You won’t meet a man who loves spa culture more than I do. I’ve soaked in the onsens of Japan, floated in the Dead Sea, braved the Turkish baths of Istanbul and spent a day of pure unadulterated bliss in Romania’s Therme Bucaresti.
Not only that, but I am literally writing this post right after visiting both the Blue Lagoon and Sky Lagoon, so it’s fresh in my mind, but not relatively as fresh as my beautiful, glowing, post-lagoon skin that would put Jessica Alba’s lovely face to shame.
So hold on tight and get your mud masks on while I dissect the great battle of the Blue Lagoon vs Sky Lagoon.
Atmosphere & Setting
The vibe in both lagoons differs significantly from one another. The Sky Lagoon is less busy, so naturally it’s quieter. The contrasts of green hills and stone above you are very calming, and there is a large infinity pool where you can look out into the ocean as you enjoy your drink of choice.
The Blue Lagoon is pure chaos in a bathrobe: high-energy, thanks to the pull of its global fame and the army of selfie-snapping lagooners it attracts. It’s louder, buzzier, and that neon-blue soup of minerals has everyone floating on spa-grade cloud nine.
The Blue Lagoon is, without a doubt, the most ‘touristy’ of the two, but rightly so in my opinion, and it certainly has a lively energy.
Facilities & Experience
In terms of locker rooms, the Sky Lagoon is no frills. You pay the standard fee for your entrance, and you are given a band to go around your wrist. This helps you choose your locker and is also used as a shopping basket as you purchase any extra food or drink at the restaurant.
It’s the same deal with The Blue Lagoon, but they offer an extra package (more on that later), and you get these swanky towel dressing gowns to strut around in when you’re not in the water.
In my opinion, the experience at Sky Lagoon has the edge due to the seven-step ritual. The Blue Lagoon is very much a ’lounge around in hot water in paradise’ kind of experience (nothing wrong with that, I am a fan). Still, the structure of the seven-step ritual, along with the enforced silence and no phones allowed policy, is a big thumbs up from me.
The Seven-Step Ritual (a.k.a. How to Reset Your Soul, Icelandic Style)
The Final Lagoon Dip – Return to the warm waters for a final float. You’ve completed the ritual. You’re reborn. Possibly enlightened. Definitely relaxed.
The Lagoon Soak – Ease in, exhale, and let that warm geothermal water do its thing. The Icelandic air nips at your face while the rest of you melts into bliss.
The Cold Plunge – Brace yourself. It’s short, sharp, and will make you feel more alive than your morning espresso. You’ll question your life choices for about five seconds, then feel incredible.
The Sauna – Step into the panoramic dry sauna overlooking the Atlantic. It’s like sitting inside a postcard — only sweatier.
The Cold Mist – A gentle, icy mist cools you down. Think of it as Iceland’s way of saying, “You did well, warrior.”
The Sky Body Scrub – Time to exfoliate with the signature sea-salt scrub. You’ll emerge feeling like a polished pebble.
The Steam Room – The mist thickens, your pores open, and suddenly your skin is as smooth as your excuses for not doing this sooner.
Another win for the Sky Lagoon was the view from the seven-step ritual sauna, absolutely breathtaking, very much how I’d envisage heaven if I ever do make it to the pearly gates. I am okay with the fact that I had no camera to capture its beauty; it’s etched into my mind forever.
That being said, the on-site restaurant for the Blue Lagoon is lavish and delicious, and they also have a system of luxurious and exfoliating face masks, which leave you feeling fresh as a daisy when you leave the lagoon.
Also, there is a separate part of the Blue Lagoon that you can book if you want massages. I did not choose this option, but that’s a perk if you’re looking for that.
Both lagoons have bars with a limit of three alcoholic drinks and ample drink selections, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic.
Another thing to consider is that The Blue Lagoon is gigantic, so there is a lot more waddling/wandering to do there.
Price & Experience Comparison: Blue Lagoon vs Sky Lagoon
Blue Lagoon
Starting Price: Around 9,990 ISK (≈ £60 / $75) for the Comfort Package.
Location: Near Keflavík Airport – around 45 minutes from Reykjavík.
Packages & What You Get:
- Comfort: Lagoon entry, towel, one drink of choice, and a silica mud mask.
- Premium: Everything in Comfort, plus a bathrobe, two masks, a second drink, and a table reservation at the on-site Lava Restaurant.
- Retreat Spa (Luxury Option): Access to an exclusive private lagoon, multiple spa rituals, relaxation lounges, and in-water massages.
Vibe:
The Blue Lagoon is the celebrity of Icelandic spas — lively, iconic, and often busy. Expect a buzzing atmosphere, lots of visitors, and that unmistakable milky-blue water.
Extras:
- In-water bar and multiple restaurants (including fine dining).
- Optional spa treatments and massages.
- Transfers are usually not included, but easy to add via tour companies.
- Phones allowed, though it can mean a lot of selfies in the lagoon.
Best For:
First-time visitors, social bathers, and anyone chasing that “I bathed in the Blue Lagoon” bucket-list moment.
Sky Lagoon
Starting Price: Around 9,990–11,990 ISK (≈ £60–£72 / $75–$85) for the Pure Pass.
Location: Kópavogur, just outside Reykjavík (10–15 minutes by car).
Packages & What You Get:
- Pure Pass: Lagoon entry, towel, public changing facilities, and full access to the signature 7-Step Ritual (warm soak, cold plunge, sauna, mist, scrub, steam, final soak).
- Sky Pass: Adds private changing suites for extra comfort.
- Sér Pass (Premium): Private changing suites, additional amenities, and the full seven-step ritual in a quieter, more refined setting.
Vibe:
Sky Lagoon feels calmer, more mindful, and intentionally phone-free. The ritual creates structure — it’s not just about soaking, it’s about the process. You’ll hear waves crashing against the cliffs rather than the sound of someone filming a TikTok.
Extras:
- Focus on tranquillity: no phones and enforced silence during the ritual.
- Café and bar on site (smaller than Blue Lagoon’s restaurant scene).
- Multi-visit passes are available for locals or repeat visitors.
- Transfers are sometimes included, depending on your booking package.
Best For:
Those who value peace, structure, and a truly relaxing spa ritual — or anyone who’s already “done” the Blue Lagoon and wants something more authentic.
Crowd Levels & Photography
If you are wondering which lagoon is better for photography, there is one clear-cut winner. The Sky Lagoon isn’t ugly, she scrubs up well and has a natural beauty worth writing home about, but the Blue Lagoon’s pretiness knows no bounds.
Even the outside of the Blue Lagoon is captivating, with mini lagoons dotted around the entrance as you make your way in. Once you get through the locker room, your eyes are met with the striking, uniquely blue-coloured waters, which are framed by old volcanic ash from a previous eruption.
Now that’s a flex.
The Blue Lagoon has multiple archways and bridges, so anyone handy with a camera will have ample opportunity to showcase its magic. You might need to think more strategically about how to navigate the crowd.
If you’re the type of person who gets annoyed by too many crowds easily, then you may struggle at the Blue Lagoon, and the Sky Lagoon will be your friend.
Don’t get me wrong, The Sky Lagoon still has its fair share of selfie queens, but as it’s not as popular, there were fewer people.
Location & Accessibility
The Blue Lagoon is kind of in the middle of nowhere: about 30 miles (48 km) from Reykjavík City Centre, roughly a 45-minute drive depending on traffic and weather.
Whereas the Sky Lagoon is practically on Reykjavík’s doorstep: just 5 miles (8 km) away, taking only 10–15 minutes by car.
Neither of these is difficult to arrange, as you can easily grab a Get Your Guide Tour to either lagoon.
That said, my very own Blue Lagoon Get Your Guide fella failed to pick me up and didn’t reply to my messages when I asked where the hell he was.
Rude Viking.
The Sky Lagoon one was legit, though, much closer to the airport, and once you get there, it’s very easy to get around.
Final Verdict
I’m not going to lie, it’s a tight one. A photo finish of geothermal spa races, if you like.
The Blue Lagoon is better eye candy and has fully earned its bragging rights. The Sky Lagoon is more humble, smaller, but it has its own unique quirks that can light up a spa-culture lover’s heart.
For me, The Sky Lagoon just about pips the Blue Lagoon to the post. It’s more of an intimate experience with the seven-step ritual, the delightfully soothing view from the sanua and the more relaxed vibe that it brings.
After all, isn’t that the main reason to go somewhere like this – to feel more relaxed when you leave?
Also, I felt the Blue Lagoon staff were less friendly, almost arrogant, as they expected me to know what to do and where to go as a newbie. They seemed so over it, seen it all before – a tourist coming to see one of their country’s most iconic attractions.
I hope that this is not the inner-teenage contrarian in me, grasping to hold onto the “I like the less popular thing” as I slam my door and burst out Green Day from the speakers to cathartise any of my leftover teenage angst.
It’s best to end with another kind of question in these types of articles: who should go to The Sky Lagoon and who should go to the Blue Lagoon?
This post was written with the hypothesis that you were on borrowed time when visiting Iceland and only had time for one.
If you’re about ticking the “must do” boxes, are a fan of photography, are extroverted, and you don’t mind spending a bit more cash, then get your soon-to-be exfoliated bum to The Blue Lagoon.
If you’re more towards the introversion scale, have a rational dislike of crowds, saying “wooo” while you’re trying to chill, and you consider spa culture a sacred act that needs to be protected, then The Sky Lagoon is the lagoon of your desires.
Preferably, you will have time to see both and can make your own Blue Lagoon vs Sky Lagoon matchup.
Bonus Tips For Visiting Both
A couple of final thoughts before going to either, these tips are good for visiting either lagoon.
Invest in a good waterproof pouch for your phone. Ideally, it should go around your neck with adjustable straps. I heard a few people complain about the one they bought on-site at the Blue Lagoon, so be prepared and buy one beforehand and be happy with how it works.
Apply a waterproof plaster over any wounds; it stops infection, and the minerals might cause stinging during your experience.
Don’t eat a large meal three hours before going, and book either lagoon in advance, as they can sell out fast. You don’t want that disappointment on your trip to Iceland.
Don’t forget the sunscreen and remember to hydrate.
And lastly, have fun! Neither of these lagoons is a bad choice. Splash ans scrub til your heart’s content, ladies and gents.
