Sky Lagoon tickets: Saman and Sér passes, the Skjól ritual and how to get there

💡 The Short Version: Sky Lagoon is an oceanside geothermal retreat located at the outer tip of the Kársnes peninsula in Kópavogur, just 13 minutes by road from central Reykjavik. Admission centres on two passes, Saman (full access, shared changing rooms) and Sér (adds a private changing room), with both granting access to the 70-metre infinity-edge lagoon and the 7-step Skjól ritual. Visitors under 12 years of age are not permitted. Or book a tour: reserve entry with door-to-door shuttle bus transfers via GetYourGuide’s Sky Lagoon admission and transfer packagead for central pickup and instant mobile vouchers.

Sky Lagoon opened in 2021 on the Kópavogur shoreline. The lagoon has a 70-metre infinity edge facing Faxaflói bay, with the presidential residence at Bessastaðir and the Reykjanes mountains in view, and the buildings are faced in turf walling in the Icelandic tradition.

The turf-walled entrance to Sky Lagoon on Kársnes. Photo: Laurenmcl, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.

Pass options and pricing structure

Sky Lagoon operates dynamic pricing: off-peak morning entry (prior to 11:00) and late evening sessions offer the lowest rates, while sunset hours and weekend afternoons require higher fares.

Children under 12 are strictly barred from the premises to preserve a calm, contemplative atmosphere. Teenagers aged 12 to 14 must be accompanied in the water by a paying adult aged 18 or older.

Wristband functionality and dining

Every visitor receives an electronic RFID wristband upon check-in. The wristband secures your assigned electronic locker and serves as your digital payment method at the Gelmir swim-up lagoon bar and indoor Smakk Bar.

All bars and cafés inside the complex are entirely cashless. You tap your wristband for drinks and light snacks, settling the balance at the automated checkout kiosks before departing. Alcohol consumption in the thermal waters is strictly restricted to a maximum of three alcoholic drinks per guest, recorded digitally on your wristband. Debit cards, credit cards, and contactless smartphone payments are accepted across the site, matching the cashless standard outlined in our guide to money in Reykjavik.

A sauna at Sky Lagoon facing the sea. Photo: Laurenmcl, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.

Tour options and combo packages

While independent self-drivers and bus travellers can book directly through the venue, booking a combined tour streamlines your holiday schedule and eliminates public transit transfers.

Reykjavik: Sky Lagoon Admission with Transferad

From 18,000 ISK · 4.8 stars from 2,841 reviews · 2.5 hours · Pickup & drop-off included

This hassle-free package combines standard Saman admission with scheduled round-trip coach transportation from the BSI Bus Terminal or designated tourist bus stops across downtown Reykjavik. The package includes full access to the geothermal lagoon, use of a towel, and the complete 7-step Skjól ritual. Free cancellation is permitted up to 24 hours prior to travel.

Reykjavik: Sky Lagoon Entrance Pass With 7-Step Spa Ritualad

From 14,600 ISK · 4.8 stars from 8,099 reviews · 2–3 hours · Mobile voucher

Ideal for visitors with their own hire vehicle or taking a short taxi ride from central hotels, this direct-entry ticket guarantees admission at your chosen time slot. The mobile barcode on your phone enables immediate scan-and-enter access through the reception turnstiles without queueing at the manual box office.

Reykjavik: Golden Circle, Kerid Crater and Sky Lagoon Tourad

From 28,500 ISK · 4.9 stars from 645 reviews · 11 hours · Full-day excursion

This full-day excursion links Iceland’s sights with an evening soak. Travel by comfortable Mercedes minibus to explore Þingvellir National Park, the erupting Strokkur geyser at Haukadalur, Gullfoss waterfall, and the volcanic caldera of Kerið before concluding your day watching sunset from the warm waters of Sky Lagoon.

The 7-step Skjól bathing ritual

The centrepiece of Sky Lagoon is the Skjól (Shelter) ritual, housed inside a turf-and-stone building engineered to evoke 19th-century turf farmhouses. The ritual follows a methodical cycle of contrasting temperatures and mineral treatments:

1. Laug (The Lagoon): Immerse yourself in the main geothermal pool, maintained at a therapeutic 38°C to 40°C. Soak alongside towering man-made canyon walls built of volcanic palagonite rock before swimming out to the 70-metre ocean infinity edge.
2. Kuldi (The Cold Plunge): Step out of the warm water and submerge yourself into a hand-hewn circular stone basin filled with chilled fresh water at roughly 5°C. A 10 to 30-second immersion triggers vasoconstriction, boosting blood circulation and awakening the nervous system.
3. Ylur (Warmth): Enter the expansive wood-lined sauna, boasting an enormous uninterrupted panoramic window overlooking Faxaflói bay. The gentle dry heat (80°C to 90°C) warms muscles, induces perspiration, and provides unobstructed views of passing seabirds and sea swells.
4. Súld (Cold Mist): Walk through an arched basalt cooling chamber where fine nozzles spray a micro-mist of refreshing cold spring water (5°C) to temper core body heat without shock.
5. Mýkt (Softness): Apply the signature Sky Lagoon body scrub, compounded from coarse Atlantic sea salt, nourishing almond oil, and sesame oil. Massage the scrub in firm circular motions over limbs and torso to exfoliate dead skin cells. An unscented, nut-free formulation is available for bathers with allergies.
6. Gufa (Steam): Step into the dense, heated steam room (46°C). The humid air opens skin pores, allowing the restorative plant oils and marine minerals from the body scrub to penetrate deeply into the skin.
7. Saft (Elixir): Rinse away the salt scrub beneath overhead rain showers, then collect a small chilled glass of krækiber (wild Icelandic crowberry) juice served at the exit counter.

After finishing the ritual sequence, you may return to the main lagoon and remain in the thermal waters for as long as you wish until the facility closes.

Sky Lagoon versus the Blue Lagoon

Most visitors choose between Sky Lagoon and the Blue Lagoon. They differ in setting, travel time and age rules:

Sky Lagoon suits adults who want an ocean view close to downtown restaurants. Families with young children, or anyone breaking the journey to Keflavík Airport, should choose the Blue Lagoon.

Opening hours and operational schedules

Sky Lagoon is open daily year-round, including all statutory bank holidays:

• Winter Schedule (21 October to 30 April): Open daily from 10:00 to 21:00.
• Spring Schedule (1 May to 20 June): Open daily from 10:00 to 22:00.
• Peak Summer (21 June to 20 August): Open daily from 08:00 to 23:00.
• Autumn Schedule (21 August to 20 October): Open daily from 09:00 to 22:00.
• Christmas Eve (24 December): Open 09:00 to 18:00.
• Christmas Day (25 December): Open 09:00 to 20:00.
• New Year’s Eve (31 December): Open 09:00 to 20:00.
• New Year’s Day (1 January): Open 09:00 to 22:00.

Bathers must leave the thermal pools 30 minutes prior to closing time. The in-water Gelmir Bar and the Skjól ritual building close one hour before the pool closes.

The Kársnes shore in Kópavogur, where Sky Lagoon stands. Photo: Ogkelt, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0.

Getting there and transit options

Sky Lagoon is located at Vesturvör 44, 200 Kópavogur.

• By Hire Car: From central Reykjavik, drive south along Sæbraut and Kringlumýrarbraut, taking the exit toward Kópavogur and following the brown signs pointing to Kársnes harbour and Sky Lagoon. Driving takes 12 to 15 minutes. Free outdoor car parking is provided across two spacious tarmac lots directly outside the main entrance.
• By Public Bus: take Strætó route 1 from Lækjartorg to Hamraborg, change to route 35 and get off at Hafnarbraut, then walk about 15 minutes to the lagoon. A single ride is 690 ISK; see public transport in Reykjavik for fares.
• By Taxi: book through Hreyfill (+354 588 5522) or BSR (+354 561 0000), or in the Hopp app.

For alternative bathing options, explore our complete guide to Reykjavik’s historic thermal pools or see how to fit an afternoon soak into our 3 days in Reykjavik itinerary.