The Sky Lagoon is the capital area’s newest spa addition, opening in 2021. They’ve already won awards for their facility, but sustainability was a driving force in the design. It needed to be eco-friendly, and the team took a holistic approach to the build and launch. They analysed every element of the process from construction to spa operation and food and beverage program. Central to Sky Lagoon’s strategy is clean, renewable energy and they reuse, reduce, and recycle wherever possible.
What Admission Package do you want?
You can choose between a few different admission packages, depending on what you want.
Pure Lite Pass
This admission is for those that don’t have a lot of time but need a bit of relaxation while breathing in the ocean area. The package includes Sky Lagoon admission, public changing facilities, and a towel.
Pure Pass
This is the most popular admission package available at Sky Lagoon. You, of course, get access to the Sky Lagoon itself, public changing facilities, and a towel. Additionally, you get one journey through the seven-step Sky Lagoon Ritual, which you can read below.
Sky Pass
If you like your privacy, then the Sky Pass is for you. This option includes the Ritual and focuses on privacy and vitality. You will get Sky Lagoon admission, one journey through the seven-step Ritual, private changing facilities with Sky Body Lotion, and a towel.
Spa Etiquettes in Sky Lagoon (and Iceland)
Icelanders have a few rules which might feel a bit draconian. Still, they’re simply in place to make the experience even more pleasant.
Before entering the changing rooms, please take off your shoes. Icelanders generally don’t wear shoes inside. When you’re tapping around with bare feet, it’s just better not to worry about sand and dirt.
Then it is time to get ready for the lagoon. You can store all your things in one of the lockers or the private changing room if you got one of those. Then you must shower naked, without the bathing suit on. It is very important to clean yourself thoroughly with soap; that way, we can use fewer chemicals in the water. That also makes the experience much better. Then you must put on your bathing suit. It is obligatory in Sky Lagoon. If you forgot your bathing suit, it is possible to rent or purchase one at reception.
Be sure to lock all your belongings in a locker or changing room. You will receive a wristband connected to your credit card when you arrive. The wristband is your locker key and can be used to purchase food and refreshments.
Sky Lagoon also asks you to use your “spa voice” to make the experience pleasant for everyone. Even if you’re in the water, you will still need to stay well hydrated, and there are water fountains in the changing rooms and at the lagoon. And you can buy drinks at the Lagoon Bar. Alcoholic beverages are limited to three per adult.
Before re-entering the changing rooms or toilets, take time to dry your hair and body to prevent excess water on the floors and seating areas. That makes the area safer for everyone.
The Seven-Step Sky Ritual
Geothermal pools and hot tubs are significant parts of Icelander’s culture and have been for centuries. Many Icelanders swear by going to the hot tub every morning – and they’re probably correct. Sky Lagoon has developed a way to combine the healing powers of warm water, cold water, warm steam, dry heat, and fresh air.
Step 1
Have a relaxing soak in the geothermal water of the Sky Lagoon. The fresh air, beautiful views, and relaxing enveloping warmth. Apart from the sprawling North-Atlantic Ocean, you will see the iconic Mount Keilir in Reykjanes Peninsula.
Step 2
Step out of the pool and walk around in the fresh Icelandic air when you’re ready. For those brave enough, it is possible to do a quick dip into the cold plunge. It will stimulate your immune system, increase blood flow in the body and tighten the skin.
Step 3
Sky Lagoon invites you to visit the sauna for 5 to 10 minutes for the next step. The heat will open your pores, remove toxins, and cleanse your skin. The sauna has Iceland’s largest single window pane, so enjoy the breathtaking views while the heat works its magic.
Step 4
The next step involves fog-mist space. To balance the heat, step slowly through the cold fog-mist space. It is stimulating and rejuvenating.
Step 5
Next is the Sky Body Scrub, which will leave your skin exfoliated and glowing. This is the highlight of the Seven-Step Ritual.
Step 6
Enter the steam bath, which will again open your skin. It will allow it to absorb the key therapeutic elements of The Ritual and maximise the hydrating benefits of the Sky Body Scrub. The moist warmth will ease your breathing and improve overall body function.
Step 7
The last step is to step into the shower, rinse off the scrub, close your eyes and enjoy the moment. You will feel relaxed, rejuvenated and energised. Next, you will be able to step back into the warmth of the geothermal lagoon, feeling like a new person.
How to get to Sky Lagoon?
Sky Lagoon is situated in Kópavogur, next to Reykjavik. It is only a few-minute drive there, but you can buy transfers to and from Reykjavik if you do not have a car. It is also possible to purchase admission with a transfer to make it even easier!
If you want to get there yourself, the address is Vesturvör 44-48, 200 Kópavogur.
Opening hours:
- 1 September – 31 May: Monday – Thursday 12:00 – 22:00, Friday 12:00 – 23:00, Saturday 10:00 – 23:00, Sunday: 11:00 – 22:00
- 1 June – 16 June: Every day 11:00 – 23:00
- 17 June – 14 August: Every day 08:00 – 23:00
- 15 August – 31 August: Every day 11:00 – 23:00
GPS: 64.11654997027568, -21.946269343580223
The Design of Sky Lagoon
Sky Lagoon took inspiration from a few specifically Icelandic elements when designing the spa. One of those elements is the turf houses Icelanders lived in for centuries. In fact, the last people in Reykjavik to live in a turf house moved out in 1979.
The houses offered warmth and shelter from the harsh winter conditions here. They even provided some protection against volcanic eruptions.
The turf wall outside the spa is laid in a unique pattern called Klömbruhleðsla. The turf is taken from swampy areas and made into tiles. Klambra means close quarters or living in close quarters. The turf was then puzzled together to create a beautiful herringbone pattern. This is the same way Icelanders made their homes for centuries.
The ancient Snorralaug in Reykholt inspires the cold plunge in Sky Lagoon. Snorri Sturluson lived there and is said to have created the first geothermal pool in Iceland. He was an author, politician and poet. He is actually world-famous, and you might know some of his works, such as Snorri’s Edda, Egils Saga and Heimskringla (the Old Norse kings’ sagas).
Virtual Visit to the Sky Lagoon
Your Friend in Reykjavik visited Sky Lagoon a few months ago; check out the videos below.
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