A Complete Guide to Myvatn Nature Baths
Discover what to expect from a visit to Myvatn Nature Baths in Iceland and all the information to help you plan your trip. Our travel guide includes tips on what to pack, when to go, how much things cost, and a comparison of Myvatn Baths to Blue Lagoon.
Located just off the Ring Road, Myvatn Nature Baths are geothermally heated pools and one of the top attractions in North Iceland.
These amazing hot springs with blue water rich in silica also have excellent facilities, a sauna, and perfect settings, just to name a few features.
So the only question remains, can you imagine traveling around Iceland without taking a soothing dip in one of its hot pools?
For a long time, we thought we could, as we usually prefer more active ways of spending our time while visiting a foreign country.
It all changed once we arrived in Iceland, a country with countless hot springs.
Bathing in the hot pools is firmly rooted in Icelandic culture, so in the end, we ended up in a natural hot pool, swimming pool, or a spa every other day when we were exploring this unique country.
Myvatn Nature Baths were one of the places we had on our Iceland itinerary with a question mark.
So far, we had visited only super-natural places where hot water was coming out of the ground or where we literally sat in a large bath designed for a maximum of ten people.
Therefore, we were not sure if Myvatn Nature Baths won't spoil our so far positive experience.
But the light rain and the fact we had spent many long days on the road persuaded us to go and enjoy some relaxing moments, something we rarely do.
Without further ado, here's everything you should know about Myvatn Nature Baths.
Why Visit Myvatn Nature Baths
You may have heard about Myvatn Nature Baths even before visiting Iceland.
Its existence is mentioned in every travel guide and brochure, and it's one of the best things to do while in North Iceland.
On top of that, it's often regarded as a great and cheaper alternative to the famous Blue Lagoon on Reykjanes Peninsula.
Blue Lagoon is not only one of the most popular hot pools in Iceland but, overall, one of the top tourist attractions in the country.
Although we absolutely understand that travelers want to know whether Myvatn Baths are better than Blue Lagoon or vice versa (usually because it is quite pricey to visit both), this article won't give you the definitive answer.
However, we'll share a quick comparison down below.
Nevertheless, we would say Myvatn Nature Baths provides visitors with a fantastic experience worth both your time and money.
Things to Know About Myvatn Nature Baths
Even though Myvatn Nature Baths is a human-made lagoon, the reality is far better than what this simple fact can evoke in you.
The setting of hot pools in an almost barren landscape, blue water rich in silica and other minerals, pleasantly hot water for swimming, and newly built facilities such as a sauna work great together and make the visit unforgettable.
Honestly, we were not sure what to expect, but now we can say that the visit exceeded our expectations.
As the name suggests, Myvatn Nature Baths alias Jardbodin vid Myvatn is located only a short drive from Lake Myvatn.
It's also close to the Hverir Geothermal Area, where you can get an idea of what the landscape around looks like and how hot the water under the surface is.
For your information, water in the baths is drawn from depths of up to 2500 meters!
Even though the locals bathed in the area in their simple pools thousands of years ago, Myvatn Nature Baths were opened in 2004.
Since then, this place has quickly become a true gem of Northeast Iceland.
North Iceland is a diverse region, where most of the top attractions, such as Dettifoss Waterfall, Asbyrgi Canyon, or Husavik, can be found along a loop called Diamond Circle near Akureyri.
If you want to explore the Diamond Circle and the Lake Myvatn, make sure you also visit Myvatn Nature Baths.
Facts
As we've already mentioned, the water in Myvatn Baths forms about 2500 meters below the ground. But the most burning question is, what is the pool temperature?
When the water reaches the surface, it still has 130°C, but the water temperature in Myvatn Baths' lagoon has pleasant 36 – 40°C.
The temperature varies in each part of the hot pools and even throughout the year a bit.
It is colder in the middle, but we also found small nooks where the water was so hot it was almost unbearable (you'll get used to it).
In fact, searching for the hottest spots became one of our favorite activities in the pool to kill some time.
The deepest place in the lagoon is only 1.3 meters which means that even non-swimmers will enjoy Myvatn Nature Baths.
You can technically walk around the entire lagoon and even access its popular areas, such as the bar, without swimming.
The water contains many minerals, including silicates, so it has soothing effects on the mind and skin.
Entrance Fee
The ticket to Myvatn Nature Baths is 5900 ISK per adult.
Tickets
Even though it is possible to arrive at the hot pool without a reservation, it is strongly recommended to reserve your ticket to Myvatn Nature Baths in advance.
First of all, Myvatn Nature Baths are no longer some overlooked hot pools in the far north.
On the contrary, it has become quite a touristy spot, and as we all know, popular places fill up quickly.
Making a reservation makes sense, especially in the summer when the tourist season is in full swing.
The total number of visitors is limited, so you should select the time that suits your travel itinerary as soon as you can to avoid disappointment.
Still, we believe that you should be able to get the ticket even without making a reservation well in advance.
Just be prepared that your selected time slot might be unavailable.
Unlike in the Blue Lagoon, there is only one ticket type for Myvatn Baths, so there is not much to think about when making the reservation.
All guests will receive the same treatment, and you can later pay for the additional services such as drinks or rentals.
Travel Resources
You can book your Myvatn Nature Baths Ticket in advance either here or use the official website.
The price for the ticket was relatively high, but after the visit, we had a feeling this experience was worth it.
Opening Hours
Myvatn Nature Baths' opening hours vary throughout the year, but it is good to know the facility is open every day.
If you're visiting Iceland in the peak season, Myvatn Nature Baths are open from 10 AM to 11 PM from 1st June to 31st August.
Outside these months, the hot pools are usually open from 12 PM to 9:30 PM.
The biggest advantage of late closing hours is that you can spend the entire day on the road and relax in the hot pool afterward.
How Much Time Do I Need
The amount of time you spend in Myvatn Baths is highly individual.
We spent there an hour and a half, which is probably about the same amount of time as an average visitor.
However, it's not uncommon to enjoy the soothing effects of the hot pools for two to three hours.
Of course, you can stay there the entire day if you arrive here early.
What to Pack
If you have been to Blue Lagoon, Hofsos, or any other swimming pool in Iceland, you already know the drill.
So, what should you pack for Myvatn Nature Baths? Swimsuit, towel, and if you want, bathrobe or flip-flops.
It is possible to rent essential items on the spot (except for slippers), but the rental is not very surprisingly quite overpriced.
On the other hand, if you forget something, it is a lifesaver.
How to Visit Myvatn Nature Baths
Finally, it's time to outline what the visit to Myvatn Nature Baths looks like and what you can expect. Don't worry. We will walk you through it.
Parking
There is a large parking at the entrance, so you don't need to worry that you won't find an empty space here.
Once you leave your car at the designated area, you can walk straight to the building in front of you.
Check-In
Inside is a small front desk, where you show the receptionist your ticket (it is not necessary to print it out), and here you can also rent a towel and, most importantly, a beer/wine bracelet.
If you choose to buy some beverages in the lagoon, don't forget to get the bracelet.
For safety and hygiene reasons maximum is either three beers or two wines. You will order your drinks from the staff working outside.
Our budget was spent on the ticket, so we didn't get one.
After the check-in, it is time to go to the changing rooms.
Changing Rooms
There are men's and women's changing rooms with coin-operated lockers, but you do not need actual coins. You get a free coin at the reception.
Choose an empty locker, put your stuff inside (do not forget to take off your jewelry), and go to the shower.
Take a Shower
Before heading to the hot pools, you need to take a shower first.
We know it is quite a big topic, but we find it natural to shower before entering the pool. It's common in the Czech Republic, and it is even against the law not to do so in Iceland.
The showers were clean, and there was even a shampoo, soap, and conditioner.
If you are not comfortable showering in front of other people, there are two or three private showers with a curtain.
Once you are done, change into your swimsuit, and you are ready to go outside. It is much better to keep your towel in the towel rack in the showers than take it outside.
Hair Care
Many travelers ask about the difference between Myvatn Nature Baths and Blue Lagoon.
Even though we'll get to it later, there is one thing we find is worth mentioning now.
To avoid having destroyed hair from the lagoon where the water is rich in silica, it is a good idea to use a conditioner on your hair.
Then, try not to put your head underwater once in the pool.
That being said, we found the level of silica in Myvatn Nature Baths much lower, and we did not find it necessary. It is just a tip for those of you who take hair care more seriously.
Myvatn Baths
Once we were finally outside once again, we could not wait to take a dip in the warm water.
The lagoon is quite large, so there is space for everyone, and you can find your own spot.
As we are not typical spa people, we walked around the whole lagoon several times and let a waterfall shower massage our back.
Later we were trying to find the warmest spot, and what we enjoyed the most was the sauna with a great view.
We repeated this process a few times, and then we decided it was enough relaxing for the day.
We had to take a shower again, unlock the locker, dress, use a hairdryer, and go out to the parking lot.
There is also a restaurant where you can buy a snack, but we went to the grocery store before our visit, so we prepared our dinner in the campground's kitchen.
After visiting Myvatn Nature Baths, we felt relaxed, and our bodies were really warm, which is a very precious thing in a windy Iceland.
And it felt even better as we were camping in Iceland.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
How to Get to Myvatn Nature Baths
The easiest and best way to get to Myvatn Nature Baths is by car.
The nearest village to Myvatn Nature Baths is Reykjahlid on the shores of Lake Myvatn.
Car
If you travel around Iceland by car or a campervan, getting to Myvatn Nature Baths is super-easy and very straightforward.
From Egillstadir, follow Road 1 for about 160 kilometers, and then turn left onto a paved access road (Jardbodin) about three kilometers before Reykjahlid.
Akureyri, the biggest town in North Iceland, is about 90 kilometers west of the hot pools.
The safest way is to use GPS navigation, but it is well-signposted, so you should not have any issues finding the place.
Parking is free of charge at Myvatn Nature Baths.
Here you can find the best deals on rental cars in Iceland.
Public Transport
While there is no direct bus to Myvatn Nature Baths, you can still get there without a car.
In case you do not have your own transport, the most budget-friendly option is to get to Reykjahlid first, and from here, walk approximately four kilometers to the main entrance.
You can also try hitchhiking to speed up the process.
Bus 56 connects Akureyri with Egillstadir and stops in Reykjahlid.
Tour
In case you don't want to visit Myvatn Nature Baths on your own, it's possible to take a guided tour from Akureyri that includes these fantastic hot pools and some other top attractions in the area.
Here you can reserve Lake Myvatn Tour in advance.
Myvatn Nature Baths or Blue Lagoon
In this section, we'll try to compare Myvatn Nature Baths and Blue Lagoon briefly. Both places have their pros and cons, and it's impossible to say which one is better or worse.
Therefore, we will try to point out a few things we noticed were different.
We believe you'll find qualities that are closer to your heart, or in the end, you will have to visit both places as we did.
Myvatn Nature Baths ticket is usually cheaper and costs the same regardless of the time of the day.
Also, Myvatn Nature Baths are smaller than Blue Lagoon, which means fewer people around, although you can argue that the density of people is similar.
The complex feels less touristy, especially because of the location further from Reykjavik.
Still, this is by no means an off-the-beaten-path place but a top attraction in the northern part of Iceland.
Myvatn Nature Baths are less opulent and more basic, but sauna facilities are great, and it feels a bit more authentic.
There is only one ticket to choose from at Myvatn Baths, which makes the visit more straightforward.
Blue Lagoon offers a few more upscale packages and also features an incredibly luxurious hotel.
Myvatn Baths have only one restaurant, no on-site hotels, and no extra treatments such as masks or massages.
Also, the water does not have that dreamy milky blue color as the Blue Lagoon has.
In our opinion, the biggest advantage Blue Lagoon has over Myvatn Nature Baths is its location, as you can visit it on a day trip from Reykjavik or on the way to Keflavik Airport.
When is the Best Time to Visit Myvatn Nature Baths
The Myvatn Nature Baths are open all year round, so all travelers can include hot springs in their travel itinerary, even those who plan to visit Iceland outside the summer season.
While the best time to visit Iceland is in summer, it doesn't matter which season you choose to visit the hot pools.
The summer months between June and August are warmer, but it still can rain, which is actually completely fine when visiting hot pools.
The weather in Iceland is very unpredictable, so do not rely on sunbathing on the lagoon's shores in the summer.
We even found the bad weather a perfect time to visit the baths better as the sky and ground were dark, and the atmosphere was more surreal.
Winter must be a magical time to visit Myvatn Baths as well, especially as the outside temperatures are far lower than in summer.
We would focus on the time of the day when visiting Myvatn Baths instead of the best season.
Try to avoid tours and crowds, so arrive either right after the complex is open or just before the closing time.
As we were mainly camping in Iceland, we really enjoyed the soothing experience in the evening just before we went to bed as we felt warm and well-rested.
Best Hotels Near Myvatn Nature Baths
Myvatn Lake is such a remarkable area that many travelers decide to stay there overnight.
As road tripping can be tiring, it makes sense to enjoy a relaxing evening in the lagoon.
Then you can find a comfortable hotel nearby and continue exploring the country the next day.
On the other hand, Iceland offers so many things to see and do that we were all the time pushed to carry on as we wanted to see as much as possible.
Therefore, after visiting Myvatn Nature Baths, you can still continue to Husavik, Dettifoss, Egilsstadir, or Akureyri.
Here's the list of the best hotels in each location you can consider for your overnight stay.
Dettifoss | Grimstunga Guesthouse - This lovely guesthouse is only a short drive from the Dettifoss Waterfall, and due to its location, it might be the right place for you. This facility offers free private parking and a shared kitchen.
Myvatn | Fosshotel Myvatn - Fosshotel Myvatn offers an amazing location, modern and clean rooms, an on-site restaurant, free parking, and a tasty breakfast. Great value for your money.
Husavik | Fosshotel Husavik - You can basically travel all around Iceland and stay only in the Fosshotel chain as they offer accommodation in every major tourist destination. Modern design, excellent services, and a reasonable price-quality ratio is the reason why this hotel is popular both among local and foreign travelers.
Egilsstadir | Gistihusid - Lake Hotel Egilsstadir - Egilsstadir is not the most picturesque town in Iceland, but it is a tourist hub with an excellent location. This hotel is modernly decorated and offers everything you will need after a long and tiring day on the road.
Akureyri | Centrum Guesthouse - Centrally located hotel offers free parking, newly decorated rooms, and staff that answers all your questions.
Is Myvatn Nature Baths Worth Visiting?
We had a very positive experience with Myvatn Baths, so we believe these hot pools are worth visiting.
They offer a bit more relaxed experience than the Blue Lagoon for less money.
As Myvatn Nature Baths are also less famous than Blue Lagoon, it might be a great alternative in case these renowned hot pools are booked out.
The only question you need to ask yourself is whether you find the ticket price adequate or not.
And that's usually something you can figure out only after visiting the place yourself.
If you travel around Iceland on a budget, you can find free hot pools almost everywhere, whether you visit Golden Circle, East Fjords, or Westfjords.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
