Which One Should You Visit?
If you’re visiting Reykjavík, chances are you’re planning to hit at least one of Iceland’s famous geothermal lagoons. But which one?
There are a bunch to choose from, all around the country, but in the southwest corner of the island, two relaxation giants reign supreme.
Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon? Both offer incredible relaxation, stunning scenery, and that signature Icelandic bathing experience, but they each have their own unique vibe. Let’s break it down so you can decide which one is right for you!
Location & Convenience
Both lagoons are easy to get to from Reykjavík, but their locations are quite different.
- Blue Lagoon is about 45 minutes from Reykjavík and sits in the Reykjanes Peninsula, not far from Keflavík Airport. Many people visit on their way to or from Iceland since it’s so close to the airport. If you don’t have a car, plenty of shuttle buses run between Reykjavík, the airport, and the lagoon.
- Sky Lagoon is just 15 minutes from downtown Reykjavík, making it much easier for a quick visit. If you're staying in the city and don’t want to spend too much time traveling, Sky Lagoon is the more convenient choice.
Scenery & Atmosphere
Both lagoons have stunning views, but the experience is very different.
- Blue Lagoon is located in a dramatic lava field, giving it an otherworldly feel. The milky-blue water contrasts beautifully against the black volcanic rock, and steam rising from the lagoon makes it look like something out of a dream. It’s a bit more "touristy" and can get busy, but it’s famous for a reason—it’s breathtaking.
- Sky Lagoon is all about blending into nature. It sits right on the coastline, so you get sweeping ocean views while soaking in the warm water. On a clear day, you can watch the sun dip below the horizon or even catch the Northern Lights in winter. The design feels more intimate and Icelandic, with turf-covered walls and an infinity pool effect that makes the lagoon feel like it stretches into the sea.
Facilities & Experience
While both lagoons offer premium bathing experiences, the facilities differ in style and what’s included.
- Blue Lagoon is a full-on spa resort, with large pools, in-water bars, and a famous silica mud mask that’s included with every ticket. There’s also a luxury section called the Retreat Spa, with private pools and relaxation areas for an even more high-end experience.
- Sky Lagoon is more focused on Icelandic bathing traditions, featuring the 7-Step Sky Ritual, which includes a cold plunge, sauna with ocean views, steam bath, and a body scrub. It’s a more immersive wellness experience rather than just a soak-and-relax type of visit.
Pricing & Value
Both lagoons are on the pricier side, but Sky Lagoon tends to be slightly more affordable.
- Blue Lagoon has different price tiers, starting around 9,990 ISK (€65/$70) for the Comfort Package, which includes entry, a mud mask, a towel, and a drink. The Premium Package costs more but includes extra perks like a robe and sparkling wine. The Retreat Spa is significantly more expensive but offers a super-luxurious experience.
- Sky Lagoon starts at around 8,990 ISK (€59/$63) for the Pure Pass, which includes entry and the Sky Ritual with public changing rooms. The Sky Pass, which includes private changing rooms and premium amenities, costs a little more.
Which One Should You Choose?
- If you want the classic Iceland experience, a bigger lagoon, and don’t mind the extra travel time, go for the Blue Lagoon. It’s world-famous for a reason!
- If you prefer something more intimate and closer to Reykjavík, with an emphasis on Icelandic bathing traditions, Sky Lagoon is the perfect pick.
Honestly? You can’t go wrong with either. If you have time, why not try both?
If you’re visiting Reykjavík and craving some adventure, you’ve got to try snowmobiling!
It’s one of the most thrilling ways to experience Iceland’s wild landscapes. And the best part? You can do it as a day or even a half-day tour from the city. Imagine zooming across a glacier, surrounded by endless white snowfields, with epic mountain views in every direction—it’s pure adrenaline and awe rolled into one unforgettable experience.
Where do they go?
Most snowmobiling tours from Reykjavík take you to Langjökull, Iceland’s second-largest glacier. This massive ice cap is just a couple of hours from the city, making it the perfect destination for a quick escape into the highlands. The tours usually last around 4 to 8 hours, depending on the package you choose. Some are standalone snowmobiling trips, while others combine it with visits to nearby sights like Thingvellir National Park or Gullfoss waterfall for a full Golden Circle adventure.
I have never been snowmobiling before. Is this for me?
No experience? No problem! The tours are beginner-friendly, and your guide will give you all the gear and safety instructions you need before hitting the ice. You’ll be driving powerful snowmobiles across pristine glaciers, with stops along the way to soak in the incredible scenery. Think vast white expanses stretching out forever, jagged peaks in the distance, and the occasional crevasse glowing a deep blue beneath the ice. On clear days, you’ll get panoramic views of Iceland’s highlands and maybe even spot a volcano or two.
When is the best time to go?
Winter (November to April) is the best time for snowmobiling, with guaranteed snow and the most dramatic landscapes. That said, you can often join tours in summer too, thanks to the permanent ice caps on Langjökull. The summer experience is a bit different—you’ll be riding on top of ancient ice under a midnight sun, with milder temperatures but just as much adventure.
What do I need to bring with me?
Tour operators provide everything you need, from warm overalls and helmets to gloves and balaclavas, so you just need to show up with sturdy shoes and a sense of adventure. Many tours offer tandem snowmobiles, so you can share the experience with a partner—or take turns driving if you’re up for it.
Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or just want to experience Iceland’s glaciers up close, snowmobiling from Reykjavík is an absolute must. It’s a chance to explore a world that feels completely untouched, where the only sound is the hum of your snowmobile and the crunch of ice beneath you.
If you’re visiting Reykjavík and looking for something truly unforgettable, you have to go whale watching. There’s nothing quite like seeing these incredible animals in their natural habitat. And the best part? You don’t have to travel far—Reykjavík’s Old Harbour is the perfect jumping-off point for an adventure on the open sea.
Iceland’s waters are home to a variety of whale species, and depending on the season, you might spot minke whales, humpbacks, or even the occasional orca. Seeing a humpback breach right in front of you or watching a pod of dolphins play around the boat is something you’ll never forget. It’s a mix of excitement and awe—you’ll be standing on deck, bundled up in your warmest layers, scanning the horizon for that first glimpse of a dorsal fin.
When is the best time to go whale watching?
Whale watching in Reykjavík is a year-round adventure, but the experience changes with the seasons.
Summer (April to October) is the best time to spot whales, with long daylight hours and calm seas. This is when minke whales, humpbacks, white-beaked dolphins, and harbour porpoises are most commonly seen. Lucky visitors might even catch a glimpse of orcas or blue whales during these months.
Winter (November to March) offers fewer sightings, but it’s still possible to see minke whales and white-beaked dolphins. Plus, the winter backdrop of snow-capped mountains and the chance to spot the Northern Lights makes it a magical time to be out on the water. For the best chance of seeing whales, plan your visit between June and August, when the waters are teeming with life and sightings are almost guaranteed!
How long do the tours take?
Most whale-watching tours in Reykjavík are a few hours long, and they’re led by experienced guides who know exactly where to find the action. They’ll tell you all about the different species and share fascinating facts about their behavior and migration patterns. Some tours even have indoor areas with big windows, so you can stay warm while still catching all the action.
Not every day guarantees a close-up encounter, but even if the whales are playing hard to get, you’ll still get a beautiful boat ride with epic views of the city and surrounding mountains. Plus, the companies are super respectful of the whales’ space, making sure the tours are as eco-friendly as possible.
Are there other ways to see the whales?
Now, if you want to get really up close and personal with the giants of the sea (without getting wet), you should check out the Whales of Iceland museum. It’s just a short walk from the harbor, and it’s an awesome way to learn more about these fascinating creatures. The museum is filled with life-sized models of the whales that live around Iceland’s waters—you can literally stand next to a full-size blue whale and feel just how tiny we humans really are compared to these giants.
The exhibits are super interactive and great for all ages. You’ll get a deeper look at the lives of these animals, from their feeding habits to how they communicate with each other. There’s even a soundscape that plays whale songs as you walk through the space, which makes the whole experience feel really immersive. It’s a perfect complement to a whale-watching tour, giving you the full picture of Iceland’s marine life.
Whether you’re out on the water or wandering through the museum, whale watching in Reykjavík is a must. It’s a chance to connect with nature, learn something new, and come face-to-face with some of the most awe-inspiring creatures on the planet.
So, bundle up, grab your camera, and get ready for an adventure. You never know what you’ll spot just beyond the waves!
You’ve probably heard of the Blue Lagoon, right? It’s kind of the spot in Iceland—a total bucket-list destination. And trust me, it lives up to the hype. Nestled in a lava field in the Reykjanes Peninsula, about 45 minutes from Reykjavík, it feels like something out of a dream. The milky-blue water, the black volcanic rocks, and the clouds of steam rising around you… it’s unreal.
What's so great about it?
The lagoon is filled with geothermal seawater, which comes from deep within the earth. It’s naturally warm and packed with minerals like silica and algae, which are known for being great for your skin. That’s one of the things the Blue Lagoon is famous for—the water leaves you feeling soft, refreshed, and totally rejuvenated. People even scoop up the silica mud and put it on their faces for a little DIY spa moment.
The history of the place
What’s cool is that the Blue Lagoon didn’t start as a luxury spa. It was originally a byproduct of the nearby geothermal power plant. Don't be alarmed by the words "power plant"! The way it works is that wells are dug into the ground at sites with high geothermal activity. From those wells, hot water surges upwards, where it spins a turbine to create electricity. Most of the host water is then pumped into our homes to heat them up. But a bit was released "back into the wild", which ended up creating the Blue Lagoon.
And if there is one thing you can be sure about when it comes to Icelanders, it's that when we find a natural pool, we will be jumping in!
Locals quickly discovered how amazing the water was for the skin, and boom—it became one of the most popular destinations in Iceland. Now, it’s a full-on wellness retreat with everything from swim-up bars to fancy spa treatments.
How do I book a visit, and are there different packages?
If you really want to make the most of your visit, they’ve got a few different entry options. The Comfort Package is the basic one—it includes entry to the lagoon, a silica mud mask, and a drink of your choice from the swim-up bar. The Premium Package takes it up a notch with an extra mask, a robe, and a glass of sparkling wine at the on-site restaurant, Lava.
For the ultimate experience, go for the Retreat Spa Package. It gives you access to the exclusive Retreat Lagoon, which is quieter and even more serene. Plus, you can try out private changing suites, relax in a series of spa rooms, and enjoy a few extra treatments that make you feel like royalty.
You can choose between booking admission only or including your visit in a larger tour like a Golden Circle tour!
How much time should I reserve for my Blue Lagoon visit?
One of the best things about the Blue Lagoon is how easy it is to fit into your itinerary. It’s super close to Keflavík Airport, so a lot of people stop there on their way in or out of the country. Imagine stepping off your flight and immediately soaking in warm, mineral-rich water. Best layover ever.
A normal visit and soak can last anywhere between one and two hours. It just depends on how much you like it, and how long you want to soak for.
And the views—oh man. You’re surrounded by lava fields that stretch for miles, and on a good day, you’ll catch the sunset reflecting off the water. It’s such a unique experience, blending relaxation with Iceland’s wild, natural beauty.
So, if you’re coming to Iceland, the Blue Lagoon is a must. It’s more than just a pretty spot—it’s an experience that stays with you. Whether you’re there for an hour or a full day, you’ll walk away feeling like you’ve hit the reset button on life.
If you’re heading to Reykjavík, you have to check out the Sky Lagoon. It’s a gorgeous geothermal spa right on the coast, and it honestly feels like you’ve stepped into another world. Imagine soaking in warm water with the ocean stretching out in front of you and the sky constantly putting on a show—sunsets, clouds, maybe even the Northern Lights if you’re lucky. It’s magical.
The whole place is inspired by Icelandic bathing culture, which has been a part of life here for centuries. People have always trusted these geothermal waters to soothe and heal—no surprise, considering how cozy and calming it is to sink into a hot pool on a cold day. It’s kind of a way of life here, and the Sky Lagoon gives you the chance to experience that for yourself.
But what else can we do there?
Now, the coolest part! It’s not just a dip in a hot pool; it’s an experience. They’ve created this 7-Step Sky Ritual that’s all about rejuvenation. You start by relaxing in the lagoon’s warm waters, just soaking it all in. Then comes a cold plunge—yes, it’s chilly, but it’s surprisingly refreshing and wakes you right up. After that, there’s a sauna with incredible ocean views. Seriously, it’s worth the visit just for the view from there.
Then you’ll get to do a cold mist, followed by a body scrub that leaves your skin feeling amazing, and finally, a steam bath before you head back to the lagoon to finish your journey. By the time you’re done, you feel brand new—completely refreshed and relaxed.
They’ve got a couple of different options for entry, depending on how fancy you want to go. The Pure Pass gives you access to the lagoon, the Sky Ritual, and the public changing facilities. But if you want a bit of luxury, the Sky Pass is where it’s at. You get private changing rooms with premium amenities—perfect if you want a little extra comfort.
And it looks cool as well
The design of the place is really something, too. It blends right into the landscape with these turf-covered walls and minimalist architecture that makes it feel like part of the earth. And that view… did I mention the view? Whether it’s the endless ocean or a sky full of stars, it’s unreal.
Honestly, whether you’re visiting Iceland for the first time or you live here and just need a little escape, the Sky Lagoon is such a treat. It’s the kind of place where time slows down, and you walk away feeling lighter and recharged.
So, yeah… definitely put it on your list. You won’t regret it.
