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A trip to Iceland is incomplete without visiting one of the many incredible hot springs in the country. Located in northern Iceland, Mývatn Nature Baths is a popular hot spring option for visitors traveling the Ring Road. The perfect way to relax after long days of travel and exploring, you would truly be missing out if you did not add a hot spring visit to your Iceland itinerary.
After visiting multiple hot springs in Iceland, Mývatn stands out as one of our favorites. Interested in visiting these hot springs in northern Iceland? Read this guide to find out the top things you need to know before visiting Mývatn Nature Baths!
All About Mývatn Nature Baths
Mývatn Nature Baths is one of the many beautiful hot springs in Iceland. We explored the Mývatn area, located in the northern region of Iceland, on a trip around Iceland’s epic Ring Road, not far from Husavik. On this trip, we completed the Ring Road in a counter-clockwise direction, but when visiting Iceland you can also choose to complete this Ring Road in a clockwise direction. Either way, you will pass through the northern region of Iceland, home to Mývatn Nature Baths!
Mývatn Nature Baths is a man-made facility that has been in operation since June 2004. The water supply for the lagoon comes from the nearby National Power Company’s bore hole located in Bjarnarflag, and is drawn from a depth of up to 2500 meters. The area surrounding the baths is a nature reserve and hot spot for geothermal activity. As a result, you may notice a slight sulphuric smell while enjoying the Mývatn Nature Baths; this is all part of the experience! The rich mineral composition of the water means that chemical disinfectants are unnecessary and the milky-blue water is perfect for bathing.
How many Pools are at Mývatn Nature baths?
The Mývatn Nature Baths facility includes a large main bathing pool, hot tub, and sauna. The main bathing pool is spacious with a bottom covered by sand and gravel. The smaller hot tub is located just outside of the main bathing pool, and here visitors can enjoy a slightly hotter bathing experience. Guests can also enjoy a relaxing steam in the sauna; the facility has recently installed a window in the sauna giving guests the opportunity to view the surrounding landscape while inside!
How hot is the water at Mývatn Nature Baths?
The temperature of the main bathing pool ranges from 36-40°C. Guests may find variations in the temperature of this large main bathing pool, with some spots being hotter than others. Interestingly, the water arrives in a basin beside the main pool at a temperature of 130°C; this water is then cooled to a comfortable temperature for bathing. We found ourselves moving around in this main bathing pool when we felt that certain spots became too hot or too cool.
How Much Do Mývatn Nature Baths Cost?
The ticket prices for Mývatn Nature Baths can be found below. These prices are comparable to other hot spring locations found throughout Iceland, but are much cheaper than the famous Blue Lagoon and Sky Lagoon near Reykjavik.
Do you need to book ahead?
While it is possible to visit without booking ahead, it may be a good idea to make advance reservations if you are visiting during peak season or at busy times of day. Many hot spring locations are busiest during the late afternoon and early evening.
However, we were lucky and had no problems entering without a reservation when visiting on a July evening. If you are following a particular schedule or want to ensure that you are able to visit without the risk of getting turned away, making a reservation is a good idea. You can book ahead via the Mývatn Nature Baths website here.
How Long can you stay at Mývatn Nature baths?
There is no time limit for visiting the hot springs. If you are planning a visit, you can expect to spend around 2-3 hours here. Visitors may also wish to spend time at Cafe Kvika, the on-site cafe, before or after relaxing in the hot spring; the cafe offers a variety of light lunch and dinner options. We chose not to try any of the food at the cafe, and instead spent our time soaking up our time in the relaxing water and enjoying lovely views of the surrounding area.
If you are booking your ticket in advance, you will need to reserve a specific time for your arrival. However, you can stay as long as you’d like!
When can I visit Mývatn Nature Baths?
Mývatn Nature Baths are open year-round. Like much of Iceland, the experience at the hot springs will vary depending on the season of your visit. For long evenings and midnight sun, visit in the summer months. If you’d like to experience views of a snow-covered landscape with the potential for northern lights viewing, visit in the winter months.
can guests purchase beverages at Mývatn Nature Baths?
Yes, you can purchase beverages at Myvatn Nature Baths and enjoy these drinks while soaking in the pools. We found the system for paying for and receiving our drinks to be very convenient. You can pre-purchase alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages at the reception area before entering the bathing pool (up to 3 beer or 2 glasses of wine per person). Another option is to purchase your drinks from the swim-up bar once inside. We chose to pre-purchase our drinks at reception; a token was placed on the bracelet containing our locker key, and we could pick up our drink from the bar or have it delivered when we were ready.
Water is free, and the cups and dispensers are located near the entrance of the main bathing pool.
is Mývatn Nature Baths wheelchair accessible?
Yes, Mývatn Nature Baths are wheelchair accessible. The facility also offers a wheelchair from the shower to the bathing pool if you do not wish to use your own.
Are children able to visit Mývatn nature baths?
Yes, children are welcome at Mývatn Nature Baths and there is no entrance fee for children aged 12 and under. However, it is important to remember that many visitors are here for relaxation; ensure that your children are respectful of the other guests and supervised at all times.
How to get to Mývatn Nature Baths
Mývatn Nature Baths is located 475 km from Reykjavik and can be reached by following the Ring Road (Route 1) in a clockwise direction. This route will also pass through Akuyeri, the second largest city in Iceland, located 87 km away. If you want a hot spring near Akuyeri, make sure to check out the Forest Lagoon!
Travelers will find the exit to Mývatn Nature Baths conveniently located along the Ring Road; when driving east this exit is found shortly after passing the Lake Mývatn area. Visitors may also include Mývatn Nature Baths on an itinerary of the Diamond Circle, a 250 km detour from the Ring Road found in the northern region of Iceland.
Hot Spring Etiquette & Tips for Visiting Mývatn nature baths
Cleanliness is very important when visiting any hot spring in Iceland. Before entering Mývatn Nature Baths, guests must shower thoroughly with soap and without swimsuits. Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash are provided in the showers. These provided items felt quite luxurious on our visit, as we had spent most of our trip up until that point using campground showers. If you require any other toiletries, be sure to bring them with you. These additional toiletries can be safely stored in your locker while you enjoy the baths.
There are a few private shower stalls at Mývatn Nature Baths and a larger public shower. It may seem uncomfortable at first to shower in these public facilities, but know that this is common practice at hot springs in Iceland! Alternatively, you can use the private shower stalls, but there may be a longer wait to use these showers.
You may also bring your own towel or rent one from the facility. When traveling the Ring Road and visiting many hot springs locations, we preferred to bring our own quick-drying towels that could be used instead of having to rent a towel multiple times. Renting towels is not cheap, so we would recommend adding a travel towel to your Iceland packing list. If you are planning to visit numerous hot springs on your Iceland trip, you might also want to pack more than one bathing suit, as we found it’s tough to dry bathing suits in Iceland – even in the dead of summer.
At reception, we were reminded to remove glasses and jewelry before entering the pools; the minerals in the water here can leave stains or tarnish some materials. These valuables can be stored securely in your locker. Also, if you are hoping to take photos of your experience, bring a waterproof bag for your phone or camera. This way, you can capture your memories without worrying about damaging your phone or dropping it in the water!
Activities near Mývatn Nature baths
We enjoyed our time exploring the area surrounding Mývatn Nature Baths. It is a unique region of Iceland where you can witness the country’s geothermal activity and experience less crowds than some of the busier areas near Reykjavik. A trip to this northern region is definitely worth the time and effort and long drive from Reykjavik!
The Diamond Circle
The Diamond Circle is the name of a 250km scenic detour from the main Ring Road. This route includes many impressive locations, including the must-see Godafoss and Dettifoss , two of the most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland. Other popular stops include Lake Mývatn, the harbor town of Húsavík, and Ásbyrgi Canyon. If you have some extra time in your Iceland Ring Road itinerary, this detour (or even just a few of these popular stops) makes a great extension!
Námafjall Geothermal Area (Hverir)
Visitors hoping to see the power of Iceland’s geothermal activity may be interested in stopping at the nearby Námafjall Geothermal Area, also known as Hverir. Hverir is one of the best things to do in Iceland and is conveniently located just off the Ring Road. Here, visitors will enter the paid parking lot and take a short walk toward the geothermal area. Here, you can view smoking fumaroles (vents emitting volcanic gases and vapors) and bubbling mud pots warmed by geothermal activity. The entire area feels like another planet; be warned that the geothermal activity emits a strong smell of sulphur. We stumbled across this spot while in the Mývatn area, and were glad we stopped to explore!
Krafla & Viti Crater
At Krafla, visitors can climb the rim of a volcanic caldera for a view of the bright blue waters filling Viti Crater. There is a small parking lot nearby and visitors can gain some neat views after the relatively short (but uphill) climb. The parking lot for Viti Crater is located approximately 15 minutes from Mývatn Nature Baths, traveling east along the Ring Road. Once on the road to the Krafla area, you will also pass the quirky Krafla hot spring shower and through the site for the Krafla Power Plant.
Lake Mývatn
Lake Mývatn is named for the midges (small flies) that are found in the area. However, do not let this discourage you! The area is also known for a wide variety of plant and bird life, and the lake itself includes up to 50 small islets that can be viewed from the shoreline. We were traveling the Ring Road with a campervan and chose to spend a night at one of the campgrounds along Lake Mývatn called Camping Mývatn.
Where to stay near Mývatn nature baths
Although the northern region of Iceland is more remote than some other areas near Reykjavik, there are a number of options for accommodations for travelers hoping to stay in the area.
Fosshotel Mývatn: Part of the Fosshotel chain of hotels, this hotel is located near Lake Mývatn and is in a great location for exploring the Mývatn or Diamond Circle area.
Hótel Laxá: Located on the southern end of Lake Mývatn, this hotel offers views of the lake and an on-site restaurant and bar.
Camping Mývatn: Renting a campervan is one of the easiest and most popular ways to travel in Iceland. The Camping Mývatn campground is located along the shores of Lake Mývatn and offers shower and outdoor kitchen facilities for guests. We enjoyed the lovely lakeside views here!
Are Mývatn nature baths worth it?
A visit to Mývatn Nature Baths is well worth the time and price, as with other hot springs in Iceland like the Forest Lagoon, Hvammsvik and Vok Baths. The area surrounding the hot springs is certainly worth a trip, and a visit to the baths is a great way to unwind after a busy day of travel. You will likely find that Mývatn Nature Baths is less busy than the popular Sky Lagoon or Blue Lagoon near Reykjavik, and may offer a quieter and more relaxing experience. If you are visiting northern Iceland, add Mývatn Nature Baths to your itinerary!
Travel Iceland
We hope this guide to the Myvatn Nature Baths has helped you in planning your Iceland trip. For more travel around the country, see below!
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