Mývatn Nature Baths

Soak in the Soul of North Iceland

There's something quietly unforgettable about Mývatn. It's not just the landscape—though the volcanic craters, bubbling mud pots, and surreal lava formations could convince you otherwise. It's the feeling that you've stumbled into one of Iceland's best-kept secrets. And nowhere is that feeling stronger than when submerged in the mineral-rich waters of the Mývatn Nature Baths.

Tucked into the hills above Lake Mývatn, this geothermal oasis is North Iceland's answer to the better-known Blue Lagoon—just smaller, quieter, and more connected to its surrounding wilderness. The locals call it Jarðböðin við Mývatn, and for many, it's a ritual. A way to slow down, look out across the lake, and let time melt away with the steam.

A Spa in the Land of Fire and Ice

The Mývatn Nature Baths are filled with warm, soothing water that comes straight from the earth—geothermal water drawn from a borehole deep within the volcanic bedrock. Rich in silica, sulfur, and other minerals, the water is naturally disinfected, meaning there's no chlorine or harsh chemicals—just Icelandic earth and water doing what they do best.

Whether you visit in the glow of midnight sun or under a sky streaked with northern lights, the experience is always something special. Float weightlessly. Watch the steam curl against a backdrop of ancient lava. Let the cold air kiss your face while the water hugs the rest of you in quiet warmth.

A Place to Warm Up and Wind Down

The baths feature two main pools with varying temperatures, a steam room built over a natural geothermal vent, and an on-site café for a post-soak bite or a glass of wine. The setup is simple but thoughtful—built to enhance your connection with the surrounding landscape rather than distract from it.

The view stretches across Lake Mývatn, a region shaped by glaciers and fiery eruptions during the Ice Age. You're soaking, quite literally, in the story of Iceland's geology.

Fewer Crowds, More Stillness

Mývatn Nature Baths are often called "the Blue Lagoon of the North," but that's not quite fair. This place has its own rhythm, its own silence. You'll find fewer people, less polish, and more presence here. It's where you can hear your thoughts—and maybe even a few ducks calling from the lake below.

If you're already heading through the North—perhaps on a loop of the Diamond Circle or en route to Akureyri or Húsavík—this is an easy and rewarding stop. But even if you're not, it's worth the detour.

Good to Know

• Open year-round (and especially magical in winter)
• Booking in advance is recommended, especially in summer
• Towels and swimsuits can be rented on-site if you've left yours behind
• The on-site café serves snacks, drinks, and light meals with local flavor
• The steam baths are built directly above a hot spring and are intensely atmospheric

Why It Matters

At Key to Iceland, we champion places that offer more than just a photo op. We look for experiences that ground you, shift your perspective, and help you feel something real. Mývatn Nature Baths is one of those places.

It's Iceland, without the noise.

So go ahead—soak in the silence. When you close your eyes, the lava, the lake, and the low-hanging steam will still be there.