Temperature
36–40°C
Mineral-rich geothermally heated water
Mývatn Nature Baths (Earth Lagoon): North Iceland Geothermal Spa
Mineral-rich milky-blue lagoon in a volcanic lava field overlooking Lake Mývatn — the Blue Lagoon of the North.
Updated February 1, 2026By the Iceland.org Travel Team
Location
North Iceland
Lake Mývatn area
Rebranded as Earth Lagoon in October 2025 and currently undergoing expansion, the Mývatn Nature Baths (Jarðböðin) are a mineral-rich geothermal lagoon set in a lava field overlooking Lake Mývatn. The silky blue-white water is rich in minerals and naturally heated to 36–40°C, offering a more intimate alternative to the Blue Lagoon.
Safety + sourcing
Last updated: 2026-02-01
Undergoing expansion (rebranded Earth Lagoon Oct 2025). Check current hours and access.
Sources to check
Minerals
Silica-rich
Milky-blue water with skin-nourishing properties
Location
Mývatn
Surrounded by volcanic lava formations
What to Expect
Milky-Blue Lagoon (36-40°C)
Alkaline, silica-rich water heated to 36-40°C with a distinctive milky-blue color from dissolved minerals. The water has a high pH that is gentle on skin
Natural Steam Baths
Two geothermal steam caves heated by underground vents to approximately 50°C. The steam is rich in minerals and naturally humid
Volcanic Lava Views
Panoramic views over the Mývatn lava field and surrounding pseudocraters from the lagoon, which sits in a lava flow landscape
Changing Facilities & Towels
Modern changing rooms with hot showers and lockers. Towels available for rent. Bring your own swimsuit. Children under 12 enter free
Fewer Crowds Than Blue Lagoon
Typically less crowded than the Blue Lagoon, especially outside July-August. Walk-ins often possible in shoulder seasons
Northern Lights Soaking
October through March offers excellent aurora borealis viewing from the warm lagoon. The dark skies of North Iceland are ideal for the lights
Getting There
Located along Route 848, approximately 6 km east of Reykjahlíð village on the eastern shore of Lake Mývatn. The nearest town is Reykjahlíð (6 km). From Akureyri, drive 100 km east along Route 1 (approximately 1 hour). From Reykjavík, the drive is 480 km via Route 1 (5-6 hours). Free on-site parking available. No 4WD required -- the route is paved year-round. The Mývatn area airport at Reykjahlíð has limited seasonal connections. Combine with Hverir geothermal area (5 km), Dimmuborgir lava formations (3 km), and Krafla volcano (15 km).
Best Time to Visit
Year-round. October through March: the lagoon is one of the best northern lights viewing spots in Iceland -- soak in warm water while watching the aurora overhead in the dark North Iceland sky. December through January: darkest months with the most dramatic aurora conditions but coldest air temperatures (-5 to -15°C). June through August: midnight sun means extended hours and long evening soaking. The Mývatn midges (the lake's namesake) peak in June-July but rarely reach the baths. April through May and September: excellent shoulder season with fewer crowds, moderate weather, and often walk-in availability.
Pricing
Adult admission is approximately 5,500 ISK (~$40 USD). Children under 12 enter free. Online booking is recommended during peak season (July-August) but walk-ins are usually possible at other times. The facility is currently undergoing expansion as part of the Earth Lagoon rebrand (October 2025) -- check the official website for the latest hours and pricing.
Planning help
Mývatn Nature Baths FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.