3 Luxurious Lagoons in Iceland You Must Experience

When planning a trip to Iceland it may be difficult to decide which lagoons are worth it – if any.

In the age of social media, the Blue Lagoon is almost impossible to miss. You may be wondering if the water is really that blue, if it’s crowded with tourists, and if it’s just a tourist trap for “cool” Instagram pictures. Never fear, here is your guide to the wonderful lagoon options in Iceland

Iceland is full of breathtaking views, beautiful hiking areas and stunning scenery. Getting to immerse yourself at a spa in a natural setting is truly one-of-a-kind.

After a long day of sightseeing, driving from destination to destination, hiking or exploring, a lagoon is the perfect way to take the edge off and relax.

There are 3 lagoons that stand proud at the top of my list. Each bringing a unique and special experience that the others don’t replicate. If you can’t make it to all, this guide will help you narrow down which is the best option for you.

Blue Lagoon (Grindavík, Iceland)

“The Social Media Spot”

Arguably the most posted location on social media, the blue lagoon is hard to miss. Travel blogs, Tik Toks, Instagram posts, travel brochures, and more, all include pictures of this otherworldly blue pool.

A 20 minute drive from the KEF airport, or a 40 minute drive from Reykjavík is where you’ll find this lagoon.

I was a bit hesitant to go to this social media hotspot, but figured, when in Iceland! To my surprise it wasn’t nearly as crowded as I had imagined. We went to the public side, as the pricing is cheaper and had a wonderful time.

My main takeaways:

1. The water really IS that blue. It’s not a filter or an edit, it truly is that color.
2. It isn’t talked about enough, but don’t get your hair wet! The water is full of silica which is wonderful for your skin, but not so wonderful for your hair. While it won’t make your hair fall out, it will dry it out, get pretty knotty, and make it very hard to brush. When I went, I showered prior to entering the lagoon and loaded my hair up with the conditioner offered in the showers. I put my hair up in a clip while in the lagoon and left with smooth skin and hair!
3. The face mask is complimentary, but you can buy other face masks at an additional price. Upon check-in, you’re given a rubber bracelet to open your locker that is also associated with your credit card, so you can purchase drinks or face masks while in the pools.
4. I don’t believe that the blue lagoon is over-hyped and I would still recommend making your way there if you have time!

Hvammsvík (Mosfellsbær, Iceland)

“The Zen, Off-the-Beaten-Path Spot”

This lagoon was one that I only heard about through extensive research prior to our trip – and wow was it wonderful.

Located less than a 1 hour drive from Reykjavík, this lagoon is nestled away in a cove within a beautiful fjord.

They open at 11am, and we made sure to get there promptly at opening. We were actually the first people in the changing room.

Unlike other lagoons, they offer 8 different hot springs with varying temperatures between 95-104(F) or 35-40(C). One of the 8 pools is located in the shallow waters of the North Atlantic Ocean. You must partake in a “polar plunge” of sorts in order to get there. Depending on water levels and the tides, this pool may be fully submerged.

My main takeaways:

1. I suggest wearing water shoes. Although it isn’t required, the stone paths can be quite cold outside between the pools. The rocky beach by the ocean is also somewhat uncomfortable to walk on.
2. Though this is the lesser known of the three lagoons mentioned in this article, it offers the widest variety of pools and the most nature-immersed experience.
3. Admire the beautiful fjord in front of you and its dramatic steep rock walls.
4. I would make time for this experience as it truly feels off-the-beaten-path and more traditional than most other lagoon experiences.

Sky Lagoon (Kópavogur, Iceland)

“The Spa Experience Spot”

I’ll be honest. Originally, when I first researched this spa I thought it was a bit gimmicky and possibly a tourist trap. The Sky Lagoon is only a short 15 minute drive from Reykjavík, and is truly phenomenal.

You have the option to book either the Pure Light, Pure or Sky level which offer different perks, and you can even book with a transfer for them to shuttle you to and from your accommodation. The highest level, the Sky option, offers a 7-step Ritual and a private changing area. We believe that the 7-step Ritual is not to be missed.

The 7-step Ritual includes

1. Soaking in their warm sauna
2. Taking a cold plunge in their cold tub
3. Relaxing in their sauna with a view of the ocean
4. Cooling off in a cold mist room
5. Exfoliating your body with a body scrub
6. Sweating it out in a nice steam room
7. Showering off and going back to the lagoon

We honestly loved this spa so much that we went twice during our week in Iceland.

My main takeaways:

1. This experience is wonderful in any weather. Our first time was during a gloomier, gray morning with rain/mist and we still loved it, and our second time was on a clear sunny evening with a beautiful golden hour.
2. Indulge in the seven step ritual. You truly won’t regret this and the Nordic countries are truly known for their sauna and spa experiences.
3. You can also indulge in delicious alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages at their swim-up bar.
4. Make sure you go during the earlier part of your trip so you too can go again if needed!

No matter which lagoon in Iceland you choose to experience, you’ll be more than satisfied with your decision. Happy travels and get Exploren!