Here’s what you should probably know before visiting Iceland’s famous lagoons.
Here is our guide to help you choose which lagoon best fits your travel itinerary.
What are the lagoons?
Courtesy of Blue Lagoon Iceland
The man-made lagoon is a top tourist destination and a beloved local gem that opened in 1992.
Its waters are known for their magical skin benefits since they are enriched with silica and other seawater minerals.
The lagoon is at a constant 100 degrees F and renews itself every 48 hours.
Courtesy of Hannah Streck
Sky Lagoon
New to the Icelandic lagoon scene,Sky Lagoonopened up in late March of 2021.
This man-made lagoon also includes a 230 foot infinity edge that looks directly over the Karsnes Harbour.
How much do the lagoons cost?
Courtesy of Hannah Streck
Tickets prices change for those traveling with children.
With Pure Pass, you get everything in the Pure Lite package and the seven-step ritual.
What does the ritual include?
Courtesy of Blue Lagoon Iceland
If you hold a Retreat Spa ticket, you will get to experience Blue Lagoon’sthree-step ritual.
The ritual was built around the natural elements of the lagoon: silica, algae, and minerals.
You will be guided throughout the entire process in three subterranean chambers with someone who works at the spa.
Makito Umekita/Travel + Leisure
Step two is the silica face and body mask this white mineral mask will cleanse and strengthen your skin.
The third and final step is the algae face and body mask, which will moisturize your entire body.
Sky Lagoon has aseven-step ritualthat is designed to “nourish your senses.”
Courtesy of Blue Lagoon Iceland
Much like the Blue Lagoon’s ritual, it’s recommended to follow the process in order.
Step four is a nice walk through some mist to cool down from the sauna.
To maximize the benefits of the scrub and hydrate your skin, step six is a steam room.
To cap off the entire experience, step seven is a gentle rain shower.
Do the lagoons have restaurants?
Premium ticket holders can also make a reservation at the Lava Restaurant overlooking the main lagoon pool.
The Retreat Spa goers have a private swim-up bar and a private in-spa restaurant with views of the lagoon.
It’s a bit more casual at the Sky Lagoon.
There is a small cafe that offers soups, sandwiches, coffee, and tea.
The lagoon does have a swim-up bar with a selection of wine, beer, and non-alcoholic sparkling wine.
Both the cafe and swim-up bar are open to all lagoon guests.
Makito Umekita/Travel + Leisure
How do you get to the lagoons?
The Blue Lagoon is situated about 30 miles outside Reykjavik (13 miles from the Keflavik Airport).
It’s about a 45-50 minute drive from the city.
The Sky Lagoon is only about five miles from downtown Reykjavik.
Getting there in a rental car will take about 15 minutes.
Your other option will be hopping theStraeto busto get there in about 30 minutes.
How long should you stay?
It really depends on what experience you book!
If you book a Comfort ticket, you probably need no more than four hours.
Premium ticket holders should plan for about six hours if they have a reservation at the Lava Restaurant.
And if you book the Retreat Spa experience with a dining reservation, plan for about seven hours.
Go to the Sky Lagoon to enjoy sweeping views of the harbor while sipping on champagne.
To get the full experience, plan to stay about five hours.
