In North Iceland, near lake Myvatn, you can relax in a more intimate version of the Blue Lagoon: The Myvatn Nature Baths.
It is a great place to relax after a day walking around craters and lava fields.
Below is my guide to help you plan your visit with map, photos and tips.
Before my tips + photos, here are my favorites for Iceland:
My favorite platform to rent a car in Iceland: DiscoverCars
The unmissable boat tour: Whale Watching
Fun activity: Swimming in Silfra Fissure
My favorite places to stay:
- Reykjavik: see best rated hotels – e.g. Vintage Boutique Hotel
- Lake Myvatn: see best rated hotels – e.g. Hotel Laxa
- Vik area: see best rated hotels – e.g. Hotel Vik i Myrdal
Why visit the Myvatn Nature Baths?
In the region of Myvatn, there are many fascinating walks to do, such as Hverfjall, Dimmuborgir, Leirhnjukur…
So after a long day walking in lava fields and on volcanic cones, relaxing in the hot water of the Myvatn nature Baths is an absolute pleasure:
History and geology
The Myvatn Nature baths, also called Jardbodin, are located in a geothermal area just east of the Grjotagja rift and west of the Hverir geothermal area.
Throughout the history, the locals have used the natural steam for bathing by building a stone shelter over a fissure.
The oldest record of the baths is from the 13th century.
The Nature Baths of Myvatn opened in 2004.
The water supplied to the man-made lagoon is drawn from depths of up to 2.500 metres. contains a large amount of minerals, is alkaline and well suited for bathing. Due to its chemical composition, undesired bacteria and vegetation do not thrive in the lagoon, making chloride or any other disinfectant redundant. The water has a temperature of about 130°C when it arrives to the surface but the lagoon is at a temperature of 36–40°C.
Planning tips and Map – Myvatn Nature Baths Iceland
Where are the Lake Myvatn Baths? – location & Map
- In the North of Iceland
- On the East shore of Lake Myvatn
- Akureyri to Hofdi = 1h15 drive
- Reykjahlid to Hofdi = 5min drive
- Below is a map to help you get oriented:
All my favorite locations are included (with GPS coordinates, map of region and planning tips) in my travel guide eBooks to help you easily plan your Iceland road trip (for 5 days, 7 days, 10 days, 14 days…)
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How to get to the Myvatn Nature Baths
- Easy access by car
- Short drive from Road 1
- From Reykjahlid head East towards Egilsstadir on road 1. After three kilometers, turn right by the sign indicating the Baths and follow the road for 1 km.
- Many tours offer a stop at the baths
- No public transportation
Need to rent a car in Iceland?
My tips:
- Compare prices on my favorite platform: Discovercars.com – one of the best rated comparison sites!
- Prefer a compact car for the narrow streets in villages
- Consider their full coverage option – it for peace of mind!
- Book early to have a large choice of vehicles!
Visit tips
- All facilities on site
- There is a restaurant called Kvika
- Opening hours : 12pm to midnight
- Price – 5900 ISK – See latest on official website
- I see a lot of searches for “Myvatn Nature Baths Promo code” – as far as I know, no platform is really offering any
- You can pre-purchase your entry ticket here
- It remains accessible in Winter
Accommodations around Myvatn
I think Lake Myvatn is a fantastic area to stay for a few days.
The town of Reykjahlid would be a great option to visit the entire area. Choose one of the lake Myvatn accommodations
The Dimmuborgir Guesthouse is one of my favorite places to stay in Iceland (I booked myself and paid entirely for my stay).
Right next to the lake and with the Hverfjall crater in the background… perfect! See more photos and check availability
Otherwise:
- you can stay at Egilsstadir before or after your visit to Myvatn (connection with East Fjords) – see best rated accommodations
- or you can stay at Akureyri, the capital of the North to explore the region – see best rated accommodations
Find more tips in my article about Where to stay in Iceland
Things to know – showers, hairs, jewelry, restaurant…
Based on my experience at the Blue Lagoon and at the Myvatn Nature Baths (Summer and Winter), as well as through reading the reviews, I have collected the following info and tips for your visit to the Myvatn Nature Baths:
Shower
- Shower without swimsuit is required before bathing
- Some private showers with curtains are available
- Towels and bathrobes can be rented while purchasing your entry. You are allowed to bring in your own.
Hair
- There is shampoo and conditionner in the showers (organic)
- If you plan to wet your hair in the lagoon water, be aware that after they are going to be hard for a few days, even if you wash.
- 2 options to counteract: do not wet your hair, or place conditionner on your hair before going in the water + condition after washing going out
- hairdryers are available in the changing rooms
In the lagoon
- Do not keep jewelry except gold (silver will turn black)
- All around are underwater benches
- There are 2 pools accessible
Equipment
- Lockers use coin
- If you have valuables, there is also a safe at reception
- There is a great machine to dry your swimsuit.
Steam baths
- There are 2 steam baths on top of the geothermal area
- The steam rises through the holes in the floor
- And next to them is a cold outdoor shower
Café Kvika
- Cafeteria with views over the lagoon
- light lunch and dinner options – soup, sandwiches, salad boxes, muffins…
- Famous dish: Geyser bread with smoked artic char
- Outside terrace
I don’t drink coffee 
But I also like other drinks and sweets!
Do you like the free content you find on my blog? All my tips and practical information, without intrusive advertising…
Jardbodin in Winter
The Myvatn Baths remain open in Winter.
The road and carpark are cleared.
It is great to relax after a day of walking in the snow.
Blue Lagoon or Myvatn Nature Baths?
Most people visit the famous Blue lagoon but if you have a choice and travel to Myvatn, I recommend the Nature Baths.
Here is a short comparison to help you decide which one to visit.
Pros – Blue Lagoon
- Close to Reykjavik, very easy to access
- Don’t need a car, there are transfers from the capital city
- Many packages available
- Bar in the middle of the pool
- Large pools with many features (fall, mud…)
Pros – Myvatn Nature Baths
- More intimate, less touristic
- Cheaper
- Nice landscape views and good spot for sunset
Plan your trip to Iceland this Summer:
Want to see more of the best Iceland has to offer?
- 45 Most beautiful landscapes in Iceland in pictures – read article
- The best locations off the beaten path around Iceland – read article
- 21 Most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland – read article
- The 5 most beautiful black sand beaches in Iceland – read article
- The Golden Circle – read article
- The Snaefellsnes peninsula – read article
Planning a trip to Iceland?
Check out my travel guide to help you plan:
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- GPS coordinates direct to the carparks
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Hi, may i know can I take photos using my mobile attach to selfie stick while i am at the pool? Did u see ppl doing that?
Hi Danny.
Yes I did see some when I visited.
But many places around the world have banned them, so I can’t be sure what their policy is. There is nothing written on their website.
You should email them at [email protected].
Have a great trip!
Claire