The Mývatn Nature Baths

The Lake Mývatn region is one of Iceland’s most geologically active. The area is dotted with volcanic craters and bubbling mud pits and is one of the most-visited areas outside of Reykjavik. One of the most-popular attractions in the region is the Mývatn Nature Baths, now renamed Earth Lagoon Mývatn.

Opened in 2004, the Mývatn Nature Baths, are similar to the more famous Blue Lagoon of Reykjavik. Created from the run-off of a geothermal power-plant, the baths contain bright blue steaming water that comes from deep under the earth and contains a high level of silica.

In addition to the main lagoon, the baths offer a hot tub, a natural steam bath, the Earth Lagoon Bistro and massages. A new building and a larger lagoon opened in July 2026, with a swim-in steam cave, a waterfall and a lagoon bar. The baths are open daily from noon to 10pm as of September 2026.

As of 2026, adult admission starts at 7,900 ISK and varies with the time of day, with swimsuit rental at 1,100 ISK and towel rental at 1,200 ISK. Children 5 and under get in free with an adult. It’s best to book online before you go.

Though the baths here lack the draw of the Blue Lagoon, I actually preferred them to the larger, more-touristy version in the southwest. When I visited in mid-September, my husband had the entire place to ourselves - that’s simply never going to happen at the busy Blue Lagoon. After a relaxing soak in out giant private pool, we relaxed with a delicious meal of hot mushroom bisque, hearty bread, and a cold stout beer.

Mývatn isn't the only place to soak in the north anymore. GeoSea, the sea baths in Húsavík, opened in 2018, and the Forest Lagoon just outside Akureyri opened in 2022. See hot springs and pools for prices and hours.

Photo by b00nj