Sky Lagoon Ahead of Schedule

The construction of Sky Lagoon geothermal baths on Kársnes point in Kópavogur, just south of Reykjavík, is ahead of schedule, Dagný Hrönn Pétursdóttir, CEO of Sky Lagoon tells Morgunblaðið .

This first phase of the project, estimated to cost ISK 4 billion (USD 28 million; EUR 24 million), is scheduled to be completed in the spring.

Dagný states that possibly, only part of the lagoon will open in the spring. It will depend on the COVID-19 pandemic situation.

Dagný has extensive experience in the operation of geothermal baths, having worked as the managing director of the Blue Lagoon for ten years. She stresses the importance of focusing on the long term when it comes to large investments.

“Nobody could have predicted the current situation,” she states, referring to the pandemic. She explains that the project has required ten years of preparation. “There is a long story behind this project,” she states. “All the planning work is thorough. It’s great being at the helm and in control of everything – be it the investment, cost or earnings part of it. Things are being done well here.”

She expects the baths to employ more than 100 people. “At full operation, we’re talking about the equivalent of 120 full positions, which means many more employees,” she explains. “This kind of service is very labor intensive, and we want to make sure that all our guests receive very good service.”

The possibility remains open to further expand the operation by building overnight accommodation or by offering additional luxury service.

Dagný states that once the first  phase has been completed, the decision could be made to expand the project by 20 percent or even double its size.

She emphasizes that the goal is not to directly compete with the Blue Lagoon. “This supplements that, since it offers an entirely different experience,” she states. “Visiting geothermal baths is the most popular recreation in this country, and we see this as a good addition to the selection.”