If you’ve ever travelled to, or dreamed of travelling to Iceland, you’ll know that a trip to a geothermal lagoon is high up on the to-do list! These magical pools, nestled in beautiful locations, offer the chance to soothe away the stresses of the day in their gloriously warm waters.

I’ve been lucky enough to travel to both South and North Iceland and experience two stunning examples of these lagoons. In case you were wondering where you could take a dip, I’m here to help!

Sky Lagoon – Sophisticated Soaking in South Iceland

Located just a 15-minute drive outside the bustle of Reykjavik, you’ll find Sky Lagoon. This breathtaking oceanside retreat is where geothermal waters meet the dramatic Icelandic landscape, creating an unforgettable experience. Everything here feels sophisticated, from the sleek design of the changing rooms to the fluffy towels and ambient lighting throughout the pool. I visited after dark, which added a level of quiet luxury to the evening.

There are two entry options: the Ser Pass and the Saman Pass. The Ser is the premium option with private changing rooms and showers, which is the one I chose. Upon entering, you receive a wristband. This gives access to a locker and allows you to purchase drinks from the swim-up bar without needing to take any valuables into the lagoon. They also offer a package for up to two people. If you are visiting with a friend or partner this could be a good option.

As I waded into the steam, the atmosphere was ultimately chilled. I noticed that not many people had taken their phones in, which I enjoyed. If you do, be prepared to take it in a waterproof case to keep it safe. However, I highly recommend leaving it behind to fully immerse yourself in the moment. In daylight, I can imagine the views across the ocean are truly something to behold. Even in darkness, gazing out over the sparkling water gave me an incredible sense of calm. I didn’t see the Northern Lights myself, but this would be a dreamy spot to witness them had they appeared.

Don’t Miss: The 7-Step Ritual

My favourite part of Sky Lagoon is the included 7-step Skjol Ritual which is included in both packages. This is a delightful wellness routine, I loved it and really enhanced my visit. Beginning and ending with a cold plunge (which I wasn’t brave enough for!), before entering the traditional turf house. Here, you’ll move through the sauna, cold mist, body scrub, and steam room before being offered a refreshing crowberry elixir. Afterwards, you return to the lagoon feeling brand new! For me, this meant it was time for a glass of bubbles from the swim-up bar. I loved the overall cool vibe of the lagoon and can’t wait to experience it again in the day light.

Forest Lagoon – A Warm Welcome in North Iceland

Next, we find ourselves in Akureyri, the capital of North Iceland. This charming town, nestled beside a beautiful fjord, is the perfect base for adventures into the wilds of the north. It also now boasts a stunning new spot to unwind: the Forest Lagoon, just a 5-minute drive from central Akureyri. This lagoon came about by accident when construction for a new tunnel commenced. Here a geothermal spring was discovered which flooded the new tunnel. Unsure of what do, they diverted the water, creating a waterfall of hot water that flowed unused into the sea. Eventually, the lagoon was built as a use for the wastewater, the Forest Lagoon was born!

This has a similar feel to Sky Lagoon in that the design is very sleek, and you definitely feel like you’re stepping into somewhere high-end. It also uses the same wristband technology as Sky Lagoon for lockers and drinks at the swim-up bar. The changing rooms are shared here, that being said very well laid out and easy to navigate.

A Social and Scenic Soak

My first impression of Forest Lagoon is that it feels much more family-friendly compared to other spots. It seems to be more of a social hub, where people come to meet up, chat, and enjoy a drink together. This might have been down to the time of my visit., my entry slot was 5 pm. The Forest Lagoon as been received warmly by locals, offering a membership system. It felt more local, maybe a spot to head off after a day in the office. It didn’t strike me as quite the same kind of relaxation zone as Sky Lagoon.

There are two pools here, one of which is noticeably hotter – that’s the one I opted for. There’s also a sauna and a cold plunge pool. This time, I was brave enough to try the cold plunge – though I don’t think it will become a regular part of my routine. I noticed there were more places to sit and relax here, and it’s clear they’ve focused on making the space functional and accessible. It may not have the same dramatic flair or striking design as Sky Lagoon, but Forest Lagoon is thoughtfully laid out, modern, and very accommodating. With its location away from the city, I also think this could be another great spot to view the Northern Lights.

Final Verdict:

Overall, while each offers something special, Sky Lagoon was my personal favourite. The luxurious feel, stylish design, and the added value of the Skjol Ritual made it a truly memorable and relaxing experience. It felt like a proper treat – a moment of calm and comfort, with a touch of indulgence.

That being said, I really enjoyed my time at Forest Lagoon. It had a more social, friendly atmosphere, perfect for catching up with friends in a beautiful setting. The story behind its creation is fascinating, and it’s clear a lot of thought has gone into making it a modern, practical space that still feels connected to the surrounding nature. There are plans for expansion and adjoining hotel built on the site, so I am excited to see what else they can offer in the years to come.

Whether you’re looking for something a bit more refined or a laid-back soak with a great view, both lagoons are absolutely worth a visit. Each brings something different to the table, and together they showcase just how special Iceland’s geothermal experiences can be. If you think the Forest Lagoon could be your choice, take a look at some of our short trips to Northern Iceland. If the South is calling you, we can add a pit stop to the Sky Lagoon to any of our Reykjavik Tailor-Made trips.