- Located at Jarðbaðshólar, directly beside Ring Road 1 in north Iceland
- Geothermal water is alkaline with low bacteria, heated naturally from underground
- Steam cave uses 100% natural steam flowing through vents in the wall
- Free entrance for children 5 years and younger with an adult
Location and Access from the Ring Road
Earth Lagoon Mývatn is located at Jarðbaðshólar, 660 Mývatn, situated right by Road no. 1, Iceland's ring road. Driving clockwise on Ring Road, Earth Lagoon is about 1 hour from Akureyri and 2 hours from Egilsstaðir. The location makes it a natural stop when circling the island.
Hours are Monday to Sunday 12:00 to 22:00, though hours may vary seasonally. Check current schedules before you travel.
Many visitors combine the baths with Akureyri tours covering the north. The Ring Road connection also links to Iceland multi day tours that circle the entire country.
Mývatn Nature Baths and Lake Mývatn Tours
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The baths offer geothermal water drawn from depths of up to 2,500 meters. The water composition is alkaline with low bacteria.
Steam flows directly through vents in the wall of the steam cave, 100% natural and heated by geothermal energy. The temperature of the steam bath depends on weather conditions.
Free entrance for children 5 years and younger accompanied by an adult. Swimsuit and towel rental are available at the facility.
- Convenient Ring Road location between Akureyri (1 hour) and Egilsstaðir (2 hours)
- Natural steam cave heated by geothermal energy from underground vents
- Alkaline water composition with low bacterial content
- Lake Mývatn area nearby with breeding duck species
- Free trail maps available at reception for exploring the surroundings
- Steam bath temperature varies with weather conditions, not climate-controlled
- Hours may vary seasonally from the standard 12:00 to 22:00 schedule
- New facility opening summer 2026 may affect current operations
Lake Mývatn Area and Nature Reserve
Mývatn is a shallow lake situated in an area of active volcanism in the north of Iceland, near Krafla volcano. The lake was created by a large basaltic lava eruption 2,300 years ago. The lake has an average depth of 2.5 metres and a maximum depth of 4.5 metres.
The river Laxá, the lake Mývatn and the surrounding wetlands are protected as a nature reserve which occupies 4,400 km2. Fifteen species of ducks breed at the site, the largest such number in Europe. Most of the ducks are migratory, arriving in late April to early May from north-western Europe.
Bird populations have been monitored annually since 1975 by the Mývatn Research Station. The Mývatn area features a tundra climate, bordering on a subarctic climate. Summers are typically cool with crisp nights while winters are very long and cold.
A group of pseudocraters at Skútustaðir on the south shore of the lake is protected as a natural monument. The lake was formerly mined for diatomite, but this ceased in 2004.
Compare prices, reviews and free-cancellation options before you book.
Check availability →Comparing North Iceland Geothermal Baths
| Feature | Mývatn Nature Baths | Forest Lagoon | Blue Lagoon |
|---|---|---|---|
| Region | Lake Mývatn, north Iceland | Akureyri area | Reykjanes, southwest |
| Ring Road access | Right by Road no. 1 | Near Akureyri | Near Reykjavík |
| Water depth | Up to 2,500 m source | Geothermal source | Geothermal source |
| Steam feature | Natural cave with vents | Yes | Yes |
| Surroundings | Volcanic lake, duck species | Forest setting | Lava field |
The Forest Lagoon sits closer to Akureyri, while Blue Lagoon Iceland serves travellers in the southwest.
For other geothermal options across Iceland, see the full Iceland hot springs guide.
Volcanic History and the Mývatnseldar Eruptions
The Mývatnseldar eruptions occurred in 1724 to 1729 which commenced with an explosion that formed the crater lake Víti. This volcanic activity shaped the geothermal features visitors experience today.
Mývatn is situated in an area of active volcanism. Geothermal energy from underground heats the water and steam at the baths without mechanical intervention.
Travellers interested in volcanic landscapes can explore Iceland volcano tour options across the country. The Lava Show Reykjavík demonstrates how molten rock behaves at close range.
Planning a Visit and Exploring the Surroundings
Free trail maps are available at reception. Dress in layers for the tundra climate, which brings crisp nights even in summer.
The new Earth Lagoon Mývatn facility is scheduled to open in the summer of 2026. Current visitors should confirm operational details before travelling.
The baths work well with day trips from Reykjavik that include flights to Akureyri. They also suit longer Iceland self drive tours around the Ring Road. Book early in peak season for accommodation near the lake.
Compare prices, reviews and free-cancellation options before you book.
Check availability →Winter and Evening Bathing Conditions
Winters are very long and cold in the Mývatn area. The geothermal water remains warm year-round, but steam bath temperature varies with outdoor weather.
Evening and sunset bathing is possible within the 12:00 to 22:00 opening window. Natural light conditions change dramatically between summer's midnight sun and winter's short days.
Winter visitors seeking aurora activity can review the northern lights forecast Iceland guide. The best time to see northern lights in Iceland page covers planning before a trip north.
Earth Lagoon Mývatn offers convenient Ring Road access to geothermal bathing in north Iceland. Water is drawn from 2,500 metres underground and a natural steam cave completes the experience. The trade-off is variable steam temperature and seasonal hour changes. The benefit is proximity to a protected nature reserve with breeding duck species.
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Where are the Mývatn Nature Baths located?
Earth Lagoon Mývatn is located at Jarðbaðshólar, 660 Mývatn. It is situated right by Road no. 1, Iceland's ring road. Driving clockwise, it is about 1 hour from Akureyri and 2 hours from Egilsstaðir.
How deep is the geothermal water source?
The baths offer geothermal water drawn from depths of up to 2,500 meters. The water composition is alkaline with low bacteria.
What are the opening hours for Mývatn Nature Baths?
Hours are Monday to Sunday 12:00 to 22:00, though hours may vary seasonally. Check current schedules before you go.
Is there a steam cave at the nature baths?
Yes, steam flows directly through vents in the wall of the steam cave. It is 100% natural and heated by geothermal energy. The temperature of the steam bath depends on weather conditions.
How many duck species breed at Lake Mývatn?
Fifteen species of ducks breed at the site, the largest such number in Europe. Most of the ducks are migratory, arriving in late April to early May from north-western Europe.
