Sky Lagoon Opens Today

New geothermal baths, Sky Lagoon, will be opening on Kársnes point, Kópavogur, just south of Reykjavík, today, mbl.is reports.

Construction of the baths - one of the largest in Iceland’s travel industry in recent years - began early last year and has proceeded well. Preparation and design started long before that, though, or more than a decade ago.

Dagný Pétursdóttir, managing director of Sky Lagoon, is optimistic. “Although we may get off to a slow start this summer, we are very optimistic. Once things get going, I think they will happen quickly,” she states. “Of course, you don’t make an investment of ISK 5 billion [USD 40 million; EUR 33 million] unless you’re looking toward the future,” she adds.

Sky Lagoon is a cooperation between Nature Resort ehf., which is in charge of the construction, and the international travel experience company Pursuit, owned by Viad, which operates the baths. Pursuit already operates the flight ride theater FlyOverIceland in Reykjavík.

The baths are designed to be ideal for relaxation, surrounded by Icelandic nature. A wall, made of rocks, has been raised around them, creating a frame. The spa is designed to be uniquely Icelandic, with a reference to history, including a turf house.

Sky Lagoon boast Iceland’s largest sauna, which has an ocean view, including a view of Bessastaðir – the president’s residence – of the Reykjanes mountain range, and, when visibility is good, of Snæfellsjökull glacier.

At full operation, the baths will be able to receive up to 3,000 guests a day. Children under the age of 12 are not permitted, and those aged 12 to 14 must be accompanied by a guardian. “We simply want to create a place where people can come and relax,” Dagný states.