Mývatn Nature Baths

Overview

The Mývatn Nature Baths represent Iceland's northern counterpart to the world-famous Blue Lagoon, offering an equally spectacular but distinctly different geothermal bathing experience. Located on the shores of Lake Mývatn in North Iceland, these mineral-rich lagoons are fed by water drawn from depths of up to 2,500 metres, emerging at temperatures reaching 130°C before being cooled to a comfortable 36-40°C for bathing. The naturally occurring blue-green waters contain high concentrations of minerals, silicates, and geothermal microorganisms that give the baths their distinctive colour and purported skin-healing properties.

What sets Mývatn Nature Baths apart is not merely the therapeutic qualities of the water, but the dramatic volcanic landscape that serves as its backdrop. The facility overlooks the Mývatn crater region, where pseudo-craters, lava formations, and the lake itself create one of Iceland's most geologically fascinating panoramas. Unlike the Blue Lagoon's industrial origins as a byproduct of the Svartsengi power plant, the Mývatn baths utilise naturally occurring geothermal springs that have bubbled from the earth in this volcanically active region for centuries.

The baths opened to the public in 2004 and have since established themselves as a cornerstone attraction of North Iceland's Diamond Circle route. The facility maintains an intimate scale with just two lagoons and a steam bath, deliberately preserving a more natural and less commercial atmosphere than its southern counterpart whilst offering equally restorative waters and superior views.

Quick Facts

**GPS Coordinates:** 65.6361°N, 16.8397°W

**Entry Fee:** 5,500 ISK (adults), 2,500 ISK (teenagers 13-16), free for children under 13

**Opening Hours:** June-August 09:00-24:00, September-May 12:00-22:00

**Best Time to Visit:** May-September for weather, November-March for Northern Lights

**Access Level:** Easy - fully accessible with paved paths

**Nearest Town:** Reykjahlíð (5km), Akureyri (105km)

**Water Temperature:** 36-40°C year-round

**Facilities:** Restaurant, changing rooms, towel rental, shop

How to Get There

Driving

From Reykjavík, take Route 1 (Ring Road) northeast for approximately 470km, a journey of 5.5-6 hours. Exit onto Route 87 after Goðafoss waterfall, following signs toward Mývatn. Continue for 55km until reaching the junction with Route 848. Turn right (east) onto Route 848 and follow for 3km - the Nature Baths entrance will be clearly signposted on your left. The facility sits prominently above the main road with excellent visibility.

From Akureyri, drive east on Route 1 for 55km to the Route 87 junction, then follow the same directions as above. This northern approach takes approximately 1 hour 15 minutes and offers spectacular views across Skjálfandi Bay before turning inland.

Parking

The Nature Baths provide a large tarmacked car park directly adjacent to the main building, accommodating approximately 200 vehicles at no charge. During peak summer months (July-August), arrival before 11:00 or after 16:00 is recommended to secure convenient parking. The car park is well-maintained year-round with regular snow clearance during winter months.

Access

The main entrance sits directly above the car park, requiring a gentle 50-metre walk up a paved pathway with handrails. The entire facility is wheelchair accessible, with lifts providing access to the lagoons and specially designed entry points for those with mobility limitations. No hiking or difficult terrain navigation is required.

What to See and Do

The experience centres around two interconnected lagoons carved into the natural landscape, each offering different depths and temperatures to suit varying preferences. The main lagoon reaches depths of 1.5 metres with the warmest waters, whilst the secondary pool maintains slightly cooler temperatures ideal for extended soaking. A natural steam bath hewn from local rock provides intense heat therapy at approximately 50°C.

The mineral composition creates a unique sensory experience - the water feels notably silky due to high silica content, whilst naturally occurring algae and minerals are credited with beneficial effects on skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema. The distinctive blue-green colouration results from a combination of silica particles and blue-green algae, creating an otherworldly atmosphere particularly striking during dawn and dusk hours.

Views from the lagoons encompass the entire Mývatn caldera system, including Vindbelgjarfjall mountain, numerous pseudo-craters, and the lake's distinctive islands and peninsulas. On clear days, visitors can identify specific geological features including Dimmuborgir lava formations to the south and Námafjall ridge to the east. The vantage point provides excellent photography opportunities of the surrounding landscape whilst maintaining the relaxation experience.

The on-site restaurant specialises in local ingredients, featuring Arctic char from Lake Mývatn, reindeer, and lamb sourced from nearby farms. The facility also houses a shop selling locally produced skincare products utilising minerals from the geothermal waters.

Best Time to Visit

**May-September** offers the most comfortable weather conditions with extended daylight hours and temperatures reaching 15-20°C. July and August represent peak season with warmest air temperatures creating the most pleasant entry and exit from the waters, though crowds are heaviest during afternoon hours.

**October-April** provides opportunities to witness the Northern Lights whilst soaking, with optimal aurora viewing occurring between 20:00-02:00 during new moon phases. Air temperatures dropping to -10°C or below create dramatic temperature contrasts and atmospheric steam effects, though wind chill can make transitions uncomfortable.

**November-March** offers the most atmospheric experience with snow-covered landscapes and potential Northern Lights viewing, but requires appropriate winter clothing and careful attention to weather forecasts. Road conditions may necessitate 4WD vehicles during severe weather.

**April-May and September-October** represent optimal shoulder seasons with fewer crowds, reasonable weather, and moderate pricing on accommodation in the region.

Safety

The geothermal waters maintain safe bathing temperatures year-round, but the surrounding natural springs reach dangerous temperatures exceeding 100°C. Visitors must remain within designated bathing areas and observe all posted warnings near natural hot springs in the vicinity.

Winter conditions present the primary safety considerations, with icy pathways between changing facilities and lagoons. The facility maintains heated walkways, but outdoor surfaces can become extremely slippery during freezing conditions. Appropriate footwear with good grip is essential during winter visits.

Strong winds across the exposed landscape can create significant wind chill effects, particularly during winter months. The transition from 40°C water to sub-zero air temperatures requires careful management to prevent thermal shock.

Route 848 accessing the facility remains passable year-round in standard vehicles, but winter driving experience and appropriate tyres are recommended during snow and ice conditions between November and March.

Nearby Places

**Dimmuborgir Lava Formations** (8km south) - Spectacular lava rock formations creating natural archways and caves, accessible via marked walking trails ranging from 30 minutes to 2 hours.

**Grjótagjá Cave** (6km southeast) - Historic hot spring cave featured in Game of Thrones, now too hot for bathing but fascinating for geological observation and photography.

**Námafjall Geothermal Area** (12km east) - Active geothermal field with bubbling mud pots, fumaroles, and sulphur deposits creating a Mars-like landscape accessible via boardwalks.

**Goðafoss Waterfall** (55km west) - One of Iceland's most famous waterfalls, dropping 12 metres across a 30-metre width, easily accessible from Route 1 with minimal walking required.

**Lake Mývatn** (2km south) - The lake itself offers excellent bird watching, particularly during summer months when over 15 duck species nest in the area, alongside walking trails exploring pseudo-craters and wetland areas.

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