Sky Lagoon vs Blue Lagoon: Which One’s Actually Worth It?

If you’re planning a trip to Iceland, chances are soaking in a hot spring is already on your list. And when it comes to the big names, Sky Lagoon vs Blue Lagoon is a comparison you’ll see literally everywhere. But which one’s actually worth it, and which might not live up to the hype?

I’ve been lucky enough to visit both of them! I went to the Blue Lagoon during my summer trip to Iceland a couple of years back, and the Sky Lagoon more recently in March this year. While they’re totally different experiences, one definitely stood out more for me.

Spoiler: it’s not the one everyone raves about…..Sky Lagoon absolutely stole the show!

In this guide, I’ll walk you through what to expect at each lagoon and share my honest take on which one I think is actually worth your time (and money).

Note: There has been ongoing volcanic activity in the Svartsengi area on the Reykjanes Peninsula, where the Blue Lagoon is located. It’s a good idea to check the latest updates on safety and closures before your trip — you can find reliable info on the Visit Reykjanes and Safe Travel websites.

Sky Lagoon or Blue Lagoon: Which One Is Better?

Let me start by saying I genuinely enjoyed my time at both lagoons, and I’d happily go back to either of them. But I visited Sky Lagoon on my most recent trip to Iceland with my Mum, and I honestly think it’s way better!

If you’re thinking about visiting the Blue Lagoon, it’s worth knowing that the surrounding area has been experiencing some volcanic activity recently. Because of that, the lagoon might need to close at short notice for safety reasons, so it’s a good idea to check for updates before you go.

Another thing to be aware of is the silica in the water at the Blue Lagoon. It’s great for your skin but not so great for your hair. You’ll be asked to put on conditioner before getting in, and it’s best to avoid getting your hair wet altogether, otherwise, it can end up feeling stiff and matted.

At Sky Lagoon, that’s not something you have to worry about and getting your hair wet is totally fine.

Which One’s Better Value for Money?

So, there’s not a huge difference in the base ticket prices. The Comfort ticket at Blue Lagoon and the Saman ticket at Sky Lagoon are fairly similar. Blue Lagoon’s pricing can fluctuate depending on when you visit, and it’s usually around £10 more during peak times.

The Saman ticket at Sky Lagoon includes entry and access to the full 7-step ritual (more on that in a moment!). At Blue Lagoon, the Comfort ticket includes a silica mud mask and your first drink at the bar. These are the tickets I went for when I visited both spas as I didn’t really feel like I needed any of the extras.

If you’re looking at the next tier up, the Ser ticket at Sky Lagoon gets you private changing rooms as well. Over at Blue Lagoon, the Premium ticket includes two drinks, three types of mud masks, and a bathrobe.

Blue Lagoon also has a higher tier option called Signature, which includes some skincare products to take home.

And then there’s a seriously fancy one that gives you access to the Retreat Spa, Retreat Lagoon, and the spa restaurant. That’ll set you back nearly £500 for two people though, and this is definitely out of my price range!

When it comes to Sky Lagoon vs Blue Lagoon, even with the drinks included at Blue Lagoon, I still think Sky Lagoon is much better value for money, mainly because of the gorgeous views and the fact that the 7-step ritual is included as standard.

You can check current prices for Sky Lagoon here, and you can check prices for the Blue Lagoon here!

Is One Spa More Beautiful Than the Other?

Again, this one is easy, and Sky Lagoon is the more beautiful of the two.

That’s not to say the Blue Lagoon isn’t a pretty spot though. The water is this beautiful piercing blue, and it’s surrounded by volcanic rock, which is obviously stunning. But it does feel a little more manufactured, if that makes sense?

Sky Lagoon, on the other hand, feels more natural and fits in with its surroundings. It’s set among black rocks covered in grass, and there’s a small waterfall pouring into the lagoon. The whole thing is designed to blend in with the landscape.

It even has an infinity edge that looks out over the ocean. The swim up bar is tucked into the rocks, and the spa for the 7-step ritual is in a grass-roofed building, which gives it a more peaceful and earthy vibe.

Watching the sunset over the ocean at Sky Lagoon was pretty special. You can see Reykjavík across the water, and on a clear day, you might even spot Snæfellsjökull, a glacier on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. It was too cloudy when we visited, but I’ve seen photos, and it looks really pretty!

If you’re planning to take photos while you’re there, I definitely recommend bringing a waterproof phone case on a lanyard, otherwise, you’ll end up like me, with one very cold hand holding your phone above the water the entire time!

You can buy these when you are at the spa, but they will cost you about 5 times the usual price, so try to get one before your trip!

Which One Feels More Luxurious?

I find this one’s a bit tricky to answer because both spas are luxurious in their own way. I guess if you decide to splash out on the Retreat Spa at the Blue Lagoon, that will probably take the win, but that’s a whole different price bracket and not something I’ve experienced.

Funnily enough, even though Blue Lagoon can be more expensive than Sky Lagoon, I actually felt that Sky Lagoon had a more luxurious feel overall, especially because of the 7-step ritual. I know I’ve mentioned it a few times now, and you’re probably wondering what it actually is!

The Skjól ritual is made up of seven stages. It starts with the lagoon itself, then a cold plunge (which was bloody freezing, by the way!).

After that, you head into the turf house and into the sauna, which has an amazing view over the ocean. Next comes a cold mist, followed by a body scrub, then the steam room. It all ends with a small shot of an Icelandic elixir made with crowberries, which I thought tasted really nice.

The Blue Lagoon also had a sauna and steam room, and these were great facilities, but I’m a sucker for a pretty view and this is why Sky Lagoon wins here for me.

I did like the silica mask you get at the Blue Lagoon though. It’s a nice little extra, and James and I kept getting the giggles walking around with them on.

How Busy Do They Get?

Both Blue Lagoon and Sky Lagoon can get pretty busy, depending on when you go to Iceland.

I went to the Blue Lagoon in July, which is peak season in Iceland, and, I mean, it was definitely busy. Even the changing rooms felt a bit chaotic with so many people around. I went in the evening, which I think is one of the busiest times, since people from earlier in the day are still there too.

It didn’t ruin the experience or anything, but it did mean we had to search around a bit to find a good spot to chill with our drink. That said, there’s still loads of space, so it’s not like you’re crammed in.

When I visited Sky Lagoon in March, I arrived around 5pm, and it was way quieter than Blue Lagoon had been. It felt super calm at first, but just before sunset, it suddenly got pretty busy, and everyone seemed to head straight for the infinity edge with their drinks to watch the sunset.

Between Sky Lagoon vs Blue Lagoon, I’d say Blue Lagoon is the busier of the two, although I do think Sky Lagoon has started to grow in popularity more recently.

How To Reach Each Lagoon

Both lagoons are relatively close to Reykjavík. The Blue Lagoon is about 45 minutes from the city, while the Sky Lagoon is only around 15 minutes from the centre.

When I visited the Blue Lagoon, we were travelling by campervan, so we had our own transport, which made it super easy to get there. If you’re driving, both spas have plenty of parking available for you to use.

For the Sky Lagoon, I used the Flybus transfer instead, which you can add on when booking your entry ticket (same goes for the Blue Lagoon). It was really straightforward as the buses run on a set timetable, and you just need to get to the BSI bus terminal in Reykjavík for pick-up.

On the way back, they’ll drop you at one of the main bus stops dotted around town.

I personally wouldn’t recommend getting a taxi or using Hopp (Iceland’s version of Uber), as it’ll work out way more expensive, especially for the Blue Lagoon, since it’s further out.

Where To Stay In Reykjavik

If you’re staying in Reykjavík, it’s really easy to visit both Sky Lagoon and Blue Lagoon as they’re both close enough to fit into your trip without much hassle.

Reykjavík is also a great spot to base yourself, whether you’re travelling solo, as a couple, or with friends. There are loads of great places to eat, and it’s the perfect jumping-off point for exploring the South Coast or driving the Ring Road.

You’ll come across epic waterfalls, glaciers, black sand beaches, and so much more along the way.

If you’re travelling on a budget or want to stay somewhere with a more social vibe, then Kex Hostel is the place to be. You can choose between shared dorms or private rooms, and there’s an on-site bar and café that’s perfect for meeting other travellers or just chilling out after a day of exploring.

If you want somewhere that’s a bit more mid-range, then The Swan House is a great place to stay right in the centre of town. This is where my Mum and I stayed on my most recent trip, and the small apartments had everything we needed during our stay.

For a more luxurious stay, 46heima Boutique Apartments are also centrally located on Reykjavik’s popular Laugavegur Street with beautifully decorated rooms.

Which One Would I Go Back To?

Ok, so it’s probably no surprise that my favourite of the two has to be the Sky Lagoon!

I’d happily go back to both if I had the time (and the money!), but if I had to pick just one, it would be Sky Lagoon every time. I did enjoy the Blue Lagoon, it’s definitely a fun experience, but I just think Sky Lagoon is better value for money and has an all-around nicer vibe.

Over the years, the Blue Lagoon has kind of become the hot spring that’s on everyone’s Iceland bucket list — and I totally get why. But I do think it’s easy to get swept up in the hype, and personally, I think Sky Lagoon gives you a more memorable (and relaxing) experience.

That said, Iceland has loads of other amazing hot springs too, like the Myvatn Nature Baths in the east and Seljavallalaug Swimming Pool along the South Coast, so you’ve got plenty of options if you’re looking to soak somewhere special.