Myvatn Nature Baths in North Iceland – Standard Admission

Located in the heart of Northeast Iceland, Lake Mývatn, with its unique nature and rich birdlife, is one of Europe’s greatest natural treasures. The Diamond Circle tour route travels through the Mývatn area and includes many of the country’s must-sees. A designated nature reserve, Myvatn is an area of fragile beauty where tourist services have been developed in such a way as to cause as little disruption as possible to what is a unique and highly delicate ecosystem.

The Myvatn Nature Baths is a highlight of this region: drawing on a centuries-old tradition, the tastefully designed complex offers bathers a completely natural experience. Take a relaxing dip amidst clouds of steam rising from a fissure deep in the Earth´s surface and enjoy a luxurious swim in a pool of geothermal water drawn from depths up to 2.500 metres.

The water supplies for the lagoon run straight from the National Power Company´s bore hole in Bjarnarflag. The water has a temperature of about 130°C when it arrives at the huge basin beside the lagoon, forming an impressive, man-made hot spring. The lagoon and the basin contain around 3.5 million liters of water. Mixed with cold spring water, the lagoon’s temperature is 36 – 40°C all year round.

The lagoon is a man-made construction; its bottom is covered by sand and gravel. The characteristics of the water are unique in many ways. It contains a high amount of minerals, is alkaline, and is 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.

Geothermal water in Iceland usually contains some sulfur. In this area, the strength of the chemical is greater than others. Therefore it should be avoided to take jewelry from brass or silver into the water; they become black and can be damaged. Sulfur, however, is considered to have a positive effect on asthma and other respiratory diseases, and many of the trace elements in the water are considered to have a good effect on the development of skin problems.

The steam in the natural steam bath rises directly through the floor and is completely controlled by the weather. Typically the temperature is around 45°C, and the humidity is close to 100%. In spring 2019, we put windows in the steam baths so everyone could enjoy our beautiful view.

Body wash, shampoo, and conditioner are offered by an Icelandic company, Sóley Organics. Sóley Organics provides high-quality, natural, organic skin and hair care products from fresh spring water and hand-picked wild Icelandic herbs based on an old family recipe. By buying local products, we reduce the carbon footprint, and natural and clean products are kind to your skin and in harmony with our environment.