If you want an alternative to visiting the popular Blue Lagoon, here are some tips for visiting Myvatn Nature Baths. Exploring the geothermal baths in Iceland is very high up on most Iceland itineraries and this one should be no exception.
Throughout the snowy landscape of Iceland, there are many geothermically heated pools. These come from a large amount of volcanic activity all across the nation. The water is heated from deep beneath the earth and rises to the surface creating warm bodies of water that meet icy landscapes.
Visiting the Myvatn Nature Baths is a perfect way to unwind and relax after a day full of driving. Here is everything you need to know before soaking in the Myvatn Nature Baths.
What Are The Myvatn Nature Baths and Why Are They Blue?
The Myvatn Nature Baths are near the edge of the Myvatn Lakes in Iceland. While the baths themselves are man-made, the geothermic activity that heats them is all-natural.
These baths are 54,000 square feet and range in temperature from 30 to 40 degrees celsius (86 – 104 degrees Fahrenheit). Typically, the deeper and more central parts of the baths are cooler, but there are some small patches of cooler water sprinkled throughout.
As you take in the breathtaking scenery surrounding the baths, you will be soaking up some of the best minerals for your body and mind. The Myvatn Nature Baths are mineral-rich, just like their big sister, the Blue Lagoon. These two hot springs share the same minerals that make the water so breathtakingly blue.
In particular, the silica in the water reflects in such a way that it appears a stunning bright blue. It is actually said that the water at the Myvatn Nature Baths is some of the bluest of all the hot springs in Iceland!
Where Are The Myvatn Nature Baths Located?
The Myvatn Nature baths sit just outside the small town of Reykjahlíð in North Iceland and are surrounded by the picturesque Myvatn Lakes.
These hot springs are located about 5 hours from Reykjavík. However, if you are worried they are too far off the beaten path, don’t be. The Myvatn Baths in Iceland are just off Ring Road!
So, while you are journeying through this beautiful landscape, you might as well cool off or heat up in these naturally heated baths! They are just East of the Grjotagja rift and not far from Namafjall mountain.
The location of the Myvatn Baths adds to the overall experience. They are further away from the most populated tourist areas of Iceland. This makes them feel much more secluded, and they draw less of a crowd than the Blue Lagoon, which is located just outside Reykjavík.
Prices of the Myvatn Nature Baths
Depending on the season, tickets for adults can range between 4,000 ISK to 3,500 ISK, which translates to $32 USD or $28 USD. Teens range from 1,500 ISK to 1,000 ISK about $12 USD to $9 USD. During the summer, the prices are higher than they are in the winter months.
All year round, children under the age of 12 are granted free entry to the baths! The Myvatn Baths also honor discounts for seniors, students, and people with disabilities.
If you want to guarantee your spot or avoid lines at entry, you can purchase your tickets online!
Showering before visiting
Before entering the soothing waters of the Myvatn Baths, every visitor is required to shower. Unfortunately, the facilities do not provide towels, slippers, or robes, so it’s best to plan ahead and bring your own if you happen to forget; not a problem! There are robes and towels available to rent at the facilities.
Once you enter, you will place your belongings in one of the coin-operated lockers and proceed to the showers. The lockers are actually free; there are coins provided at each locker.
All guests are required to shower without a swimsuit. However, if you feel uncomfortable, there are a few showers that have curtains so you can have your privacy.
The facilities provide soap, shampoo, and conditioner in the showers for every guest, so no need to provide your own!
Once you are showered, you can dress in your swimsuit and enjoy the entirety of the facility.
Are children allowed at myvatn nature baths?
The Myvatn Nature Baths are inclusive for all ages! There are no age restrictions, and all children under the age of 12 receive free entry.
What is the temperature of myvatn nature baths
As we stated earlier, the waters reach a balmy 30 – 40 degrees celsius. So as soon as you hit the water, you instantly relax and start to soak up those healing minerals.
Sitting around the edges of the baths is where you are going to find the warmest waters. The water towards the center gets just a bit cooler, but it’s not cold by any means.
In fact, the heat that keeps these pools so satisfyingly warm is generated nearly 2,500 meters below ground. The surrounding volcanic activity constantly heats the earth, in turn keeping the baths hot all year long.
At the Myvatn Nature Baths, the water never gets extremely deep. The deepest part of the baths is just around 1.3 meters deep.
Facilities at myvatn baths
T.he facilities at the Myvatn Baths are not quite as luxurious as other hot springs in Iceland, but that’s not to say they don’t have any amenities.
These nature baths have a steam room built right over the water that you can enjoy at any time!
You can also relax in and around the warm waters in the multiple sitting areas that overlook the vast landscape. Take in some of the most magnificent sites in the world while you sip on a glass of wine or a beer!
Avoid Getting your Hair Wet at All Cost
While it may seem tempting, fully submerging and warming yourself from head to toe may not be the best idea at the Myvatn Nature Baths.
Do you remember all those naturally occurring minerals mentioned earlier? Well, some of those minerals can have a big impact on your hair.
If fully submerged, your hair can become dried out and even have a residue that takes multiple washes to restore it to its normal texture.
If you’re worried about getting hit by a rogue splash, however, there is a precaution you can take to try to preserve your hair.
Loading your hair with an extra layer of conditioner before entering the baths can save it from becoming dry if it comes in contact with the water. But, of course, hydration is great for your hair anyway!
Whether you decide to lather in extra conditioner or not, wearing your hair in a bun or high ponytail will save your hair if the worst were to happen!
Dining at the Myvatn Nature Baths
Soaking up the sun and the hot water all day can work up an appetite. At the Myvatn Baths, you can step away from the water and admire it from a distance while you grab a bite to eat.
Located looking over the baths and expansive landscape is the restaurant Kvika. At Kvika, the family can enjoy various foods, including sandwiches, salads, and pastries! They also offer a variety of teas, juices, and beer and wine.
Kvika is reasonably priced, and the food is relatively light, so it’s perfect for an afternoon lunch while enjoying the water or on your way out before your drive!
Myvatn Nature Baths vs The Blue Lagoon
One of the nicknames for the Myvatn Nature Baths is the Blue Lagoon of the North. These two geothermically heated baths are constantly being compared, so here are some key differences that are important to note.
Size
The Blue Lagoon can be seen as the big sister of the Myvatn Baths. While the Myvatn Baths sit at nearly 54,00 square feet, the Blue Lagoon almost doubles is at just over 93,000 square feet.
When it comes to water temperature, both locations are comparable. The Blue Lagoon is reported to be slightly cooler, but it’s not a notable difference.
Amenities
When it comes to luxury and amenities, the Blue Lagoon has a lot to offer. You can receive free silica mud masks and massages. They also offer steam rooms for guests. The blue lagoon also has more dining options which include the cafeteria and an upscale restaurant.
At the Myvatn Nature Baths, there is also a steam room. However, they do not have massages and silica masks.
Location
The Blue Lagoon is also conveniently located just outside Reykjavík, making it an easily accessible attraction for those staying in the city and those just passing through. There are an abundance of hotels and restaurants in the surrounding area.
When visiting the Myvatn Nature Baths, you will be just outside the small town of Reykjahlíð and nestled near the Myvatn Lakes. The scenery is gorgeous, and since the Myvan Nature Baths sit slightly off the beaten path, they are a quieter getaway. However, they lack the convenience of the Blue Lagoon, so there won’t be options of hotels to rest at nearby.
Prices
With luxury and convenience comes a higher ticket price. For example, the Blue Lagoon starts at $53 USD for adults to enter, while the Myvatn Baths start at $35 USD.
The Myvatn Baths are more affordable, especially for those traveling with families or larger parties!
Both make for a fantastic getaway from the stress of traveling; it just depends on if you want the added amenities or not.
If you’re going to be traversing ring road anyway, why not visit both?
Now that you know everything the Myvatn Baths have to offer, it’s time to book your tickets and enjoy the Blue Lagoon of the North! If you are looking for relaxation without the crowds, then this is the place for you.
It’s the perfect place to pull off from your long drive take in some of the awe-inspiring views Iceland has to offer.
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