Sky Lagoon Soaks and Lava Flows in Reykjavik

Sailing into Reykjavik cruise port is a unique way to experience Iceland’s compact but captivating capital. Reykjavik (Reykjavík – Pronounced [ray-kya-veek]) welcomes visitors with steamy pools, volcanic stories, and bold street art just a short ride from the terminal.

Despite being the world’s northernmost capital, Reykjavik feels approachable and surprisingly walkable. The city blends Scandinavian charm with Icelandic edge, where lava meets design and even a simple haircut can lead to a great local conversation.

It’s also a place where natural elements are never far away. Whether it’s soaking in geothermal waters or watching lava roar to life, this city embraces the elements in a way that’s both relaxing and wildly impressive.

On my first visit in 2023, I went straight to Sky Lagoon, a manmade geothermal spa designed to look like it’s carved into the cliffs. The setup is stunning, with natural-looking rock formations and warm, mineral-rich waters that flow right to the ocean’s edge. I took part in the Sky Ritual, a seven-step process that includes hot steam, cold plunges, and even a salt scrub. It’s relaxing and invigorating in equal parts, especially after days at sea. If you’re not up for hiking out to Iceland’s natural springs, this is a solid and scenic alternative right in town.

After I finished at Sky Lagoon, I headed to the Lava Show for a completely different kind of heat. I opted for the VIP package, which got me better seats in the upper section of the theater and a behind-the-scenes look at how they safely recreate a lava flow indoors. The team explained how the magma is heated before it’s poured down the ramp into the main stage area, where it glows red-hot and crackles just feet away from the audience. As part of the VIP experience, I also got to take home a chunk of volcanic glass formed in a previous show, since the new stuff is still way too hot to handle. It’s a great way to learn about Iceland’s volcanic activity and walk away with a little piece of it.

On my return visits in 2024 and 2025, I explored more of the city itself. In 2024, I hopped on the Reykjavik Hop-On Hop-Off bus and stopped at a local mall just to see how it compared. After that, I headed to The Icelandic Phallological Museum, which was way more in-depth than I expected. Yes, I wrapped it up with phallic waffles and bacon. In 2025, I kept things simple with a walking tour near Harpa Concert Hall, checking out murals and sculptures before ducking into a barber shop for a fresh beard trim and a great chat with a local.