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Iceland’s Sky Lagoon Honors the Country’s Bathing Culture With Newly Expanded Turf House and Reimagined Skjól Ritual

Discover why this Nordic country should be on your 2025 bucket list
Heather Mikesell

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Sky Lagoon

While it may seem that women just can’t catch a break these days, there is one country where they’re thriving: Iceland. Consistently ranked as the most gender-equal country in the world, Iceland has set the standard for what progress can look like. There, gender equality isn’t just a goal—it’s a way of life. New parents enjoy generous parental leave policies, where both mothers and fathers benefit from time provided to care for their families. Affordable, high-quality childcare also ensures that parents can pursue their careers without compromise, and the country’s emphasis on work-life balance helps families thrive.

But Iceland’s success isn’t just at home; it’s in politics, too. Nearly half of Iceland’s parliament is made up of women, and the country has a long history of electing strong female leaders, proof that representation matters. And though Iceland leads the charge in gender equality, its stunning landscapes, engaging culture, and unique geothermal experiences make it a destination that belongs on everyone’s 2025 bucket list.

Northern Lights Sky Lagoon Iceland 4
Sky Lagoon provides the perfect setting to view the Northern Lights.

Imagine soaking in geothermal hot springs, seeing the Northern Lights, and exploring dramatic volcanic landscapes. And if that isn’t enticing enough, it’s only a six-hour flight from New York City. When you fly transatlantic with Icelandair, you can also choose to add a stopover in Iceland with no additional airfare. It’s two destinations for the price of one. Not surprisingly, this promotion, introduced in the 1960s, has played a pivotal role in driving tourism and putting Iceland on the map, so to speak.  

I recently had the chance to visit Reykjavik in mid-December, when the sun doesn’t rise until 11am and sets by 4pm. With only four hours of daylight, I wasn’t sure what to expect. What I discovered was a city illuminated with festive holiday lights. Reykjavik felt alive with cozy cafes, bustling boutiques, and holiday cheer. Although I spent a fair amount of my time browsing in shops along the city’s famed Rainbow Street (painted in 2015 to celebrate Reykjavik Pride), the main purpose of my visit was to experience Sky Lagoon and its newly expanded Turf House. Upon arrival, I took the FlyBus shuttle, which deposited me in Reykjavik, just steps from Grandi by Center Hotels, my home base for the next three days. 

Cold plunge pool
After enjoying time in the lagoon, guests awaken their senses with a cold plunge.

What Not to Miss

  • The Skjól Ritual at Sky Lagoon
  • A walking tour with CityWalk
  • Lunch at Posthus Food Hall & Bar
  • Dinner at Apotek, which features a fun mix of Icelandic and European cuisine, and Duck and Rose, serving Italian-influenced cuisine and own and run by head chef Margret, a celebrated chef in Iceland
  • Flyover Iceland, an immersive experience that takes you on a journey across Iceland’s breathtaking scenery and natural landscapes

Accommodations

Located in the creative quarter, Grandi Hotel is just a quick walk from downtown Reykjavik. Featuring an industrial-chic style, it served as a comfortable place to call home during my stay. I especially appreciated the complimentary breakfast buffet and convenience of lobby lockers, which allow guests to securely store their belongings before check-in and after check-out. This proved especially helpful when my flight (like most flights from the U.S) arrived in the early morning hours. The hotel also features an on-site spa with two hot tubs. While I didn’t have time to experience Grandi Spa, it was nice to know it was an option. A comfortable and ideally located retreat for anyone visiting Reykjavik, Grandi Hotel provides modern accommodations and easy access to the city’s engaging cultural scene, waterfront attractions, and iconic landmarks. Just note that there is ongoing construction nearby, so it’s a good idea to request a room away from the work to ensure a quieter stay.

Sky Lagoon Entrance
Sky Lagoon, made of turf, was built using an ancient building technique.

Sky Lagoon

Of course, no trip to Iceland is complete without a soak in its geothermal waters. Sky Lagoon, opened in April 2021, is an oceanfront geothermal lagoon located just outside of Reykjavik. Honoring the country’s bathing culture, it is rooted in Icelandic tradition, as evidenced by its Skjól Ritual. In Icelandic, Skjól translates to “shelter,” “retreat,” or “protection,” some of the ways Icelanders use to describe their bathing culture. “Skjól, in essence, is an invitation to partake in a ritual that is as ancient as the land itself,” says Helga Albertsdottir, managing director of Sky Lagoon. “Offering an inclusive experience for all guests that is both uniquely Icelandic and universally appealing, Sky Lagoon honors the past while offering a sanctuary or the present.”

Packages

It’s easy to understand the allure of a restorative soak once you’ve tried it. There’s something truly magical about a visit to Sky Lagoon, which overlooks Snæfellsjökull glacier, Fagradalsfjall volcano, and the official residence of the president of Iceland. I experienced the Sér package, which provides access to private changing rooms and amenities. Most Icelanders, however, opt for the classic, more popular Saman package, which includes access to public changing facilities. Both package provide full access to the Skjól Ritual, ensuring the same unforgettable experience.

Design

Thoughtfully designed using an ancient building technique, Sky Lagoon employed turf layer specialist Guðjón S. Kristinsson and his team to create the turf wall that first greets guests upon arrival. It was made by cutting pieces of turf into tiles and then layering them in a herringbone pattern inside a wooden frame. The Iceland turf is especially durable because it includes ash from various volcanic eruptions, which makes it stronger. At the onset of the project, the architects were given a “feelings map” to describe how guests should feel as they progressed through the Turf House, experiencing the ritual.

Sky Lagoon Ylur 2
The sauna with its single-pane window overlooking the ocean is a highlight of the Skjól Ritual.

Skjól Ritual

Recently expanded, the Turf House is where most of the reimagined Skjól Ritual—included for all guests—takes place. The expanded experience introduces Ylur, a second sauna featuring Iceland’s largest single-pane glass of window with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. Another new ritual element, Saft, provides guests with a traditional elixir infused with crowberries that grow in the lava fields. Think of a refreshing shot that tastes similar to cranberry juice. These new elements add to the delicious experience.

SkyLagoon Saft Skjol
A shot of Icelandic crowberry elixir concludes the Skjól Ritual.

The Skjól Ritual is a seven-part journey that begins with a soak in the 70-meter infinity-edge geothermal lagoon (Laug), followed by a cold plunge to awaken the senses (Kuldi). The ritual then moves inside the Turf House with time in either the classic or phone-free sauna (Ylur), a revitalizing cold mist (Súld), a gentle exfoliation with Sky Body Scrub (Mýkt), relaxation time in the steam room (Gufa), and a shot of Icelandic crowberry elixir (Saft).

Beyond the physical benefits of the ritual, I was especially taken with the social aspect of Icelandic bathing culture. Icelanders embrace the tradition of unwinding together in the warm waters, sharing stories, and connecting in a relaxed, friendly setting. It’s not uncommon to see couples, friends, even entire families laughing and bonding as they soak. It reminded me of the role bars play in our culture—only this felt better, healthier, and more intentional, creating a sense of true connection. That’s not to say alcohol wasn’t available. Nestled in a cave at the far edge of the lagoon was Gelmir Bar, a swim-up bar where guests can purchase an Icelandic beer or cocktail using a wristband they’re given upon entry.

Sky Lagoon Cafe 5
Smakk Bar offers an array of tasting platters featuring local delicacies.

Dining

The food at Sky Lagoon is yet another way to immerse yourself in Icelandic culture and tradition. At Keimur Café, you can savor delicious sandwiches, hearty soups, and fresh-baked goods delivered daily from Sandholt, one of Iceland’s oldest and most beloved bakeries. For a true taste of Iceland, visit Smakk Bar, where guests often gather after completing the Skjól Ritual. Here, you’ll find unique tasting platters featuring local delicacies like traditional pickled herring from the fishing village of Djúpivogur, reindeer, and more. Indulge in charcuterie boards featuring creamy Auður cheese, organic bilberry jam, Iceland’s signature gravlax, and other artisanal delights. Every bite is a celebration of the country’s rich culinary heritage.

About The Author
Heather-Mikesell-author-1

Heather, co-founder of Well Defined and the former editor-in-chief of American Spa, is an award-winning journalist and content strategist, skilled in writing, copyediting, and media relations. She is also a freelance writer and has contributed to Elite Traveler, Islands, Kiwi, Luxury Travel Advisor, Organic Spa, Porthole Cruise, Travel Agent, abcnews.com, jetsetter.com, outside.com, and wellandgood.com, in addition to various custom publications. She is frequently called upon to comment on various spa and wellness trends for various media outlets.