Mývatn Nature Baths, Now Earth Lagoon Mývatn: Visitor Guide (2027)

The Mývatn Nature Baths (Jarðböðin) have been rebuilt and renamed Earth Lagoon Mývatn. The lagoon reopened in July 2026 with a new building, a bigger lagoon, a swim-in steam cave and new ticket types, from about ISK 7,900. It is in the same place, just east of Lake Mývatn on the Ring Road, with the same milky-blue water at 36–40°C. Here is what changed, what it costs and how to plan your visit.

Are the Mývatn Nature Baths still open?

Yes, but under a new name. The rebrand to Earth Lagoon Mývatn was announced in October 2025. The old baths stayed open until the end of 2025 and then closed while the new building was finished. The rebuilt lagoon reopened on 9 July 2026, after a short soft-opening period. Many signs, maps and locals still call it Jarðböðin or the Nature Baths.

The address and phone number have not changed: Jarðbaðshólar, 660 Mývatn. If your map app shows the old name, it will still take you to the right place.

What is new at Earth Lagoon Mývatn?

The rebuild added a new building of just under 4,000 m², set into the slope with local stone, and a much larger lagoon. The bathing area grew by about 35%, and the lagoon now holds about 580 guests at once.

• A swim-in steam cave: a rock steam room you reach through the water, at about 45°C and full humidity.
• New lagoon sections: a passage shaped around a tuff pillar and lava-rock walls leads to a larger, more open part of the lagoon.
• A waterfall, two hot tubs and a new lagoon bar.
• Walk-in changing rooms: you step straight from the changing area into the water.
• A bistro and café: local food, with outdoor seating in summer.

How much does Earth Lagoon Mývatn cost?

Entry starts from about ISK 7,900 in 2026 for the basic ticket. Prices vary by time of day and how busy it is, and peak summer slots cost more.

Children aged 5 and under go free with an adult. Swimsuit rental costs about ISK 1,100 and towel rental about ISK 1,200. Book ahead in summer, and check the cancellation terms when you do.

What are the opening hours?

From 1 September 2026 the lagoon is open daily from 12:00 to 22:00, and you must be out of the water by 21:40. Summer hours are longer, with bathing until about 22:40. Hours change by season and around holidays, so check the official site before you drive.

Late visits are a good idea in winter. On clear, dark nights from September to April you have a chance of seeing the northern lights over the lagoon, away from city lights.

What is the water like?

The water comes from the Bjarnaflag borehole, about 2,500 m deep, at about 130°C and is cooled to 36–40°C. It is fresh water, alkaline and rich in sulphur and minerals, which gives it its cloudy blue colour. No chlorine is added. The lagoon is about 1.2 m deep on average, so most adults can stand everywhere.

Like any Icelandic pool, you must shower without your swimsuit before getting in; our swimming pool rules guide explains how.

How do you get to Earth Lagoon Mývatn?

The lagoon sits just off Route 1, the Ring Road, on the east side of Lake Mývatn, near the village of Reykjahlíð. It is about an hour's drive east of Akureyri and about two hours west of Egilsstaðir. From Reykjavík it is around six hours by car, so most visitors stop on a Ring Road trip or fly to Akureyri.

It works well at the end of a day's driving from the east, after Stuðlagil canyon or Hengifoss. See our Ring Road guide for the full route.

Is Earth Lagoon Mývatn better than the Blue Lagoon?

It is cheaper, quieter and set in wider open landscape, but it is far from Reykjavík. The Blue Lagoon is more polished and easier to reach from the airport. If your route passes Mývatn, the northern lagoon is the better value.

For a full head-to-head of the southern lagoons, read Blue Lagoon vs Sky Lagoon.

Can you visit Earth Lagoon Mývatn with children?

Yes. All ages are welcome at the main lagoon, and children aged 5 and under go free with a paying adult. The lagoon averages about 1.2 m deep, with a maximum of about 1.3 m, so small children need to be held or wear arm bands. Watch them closely near the hot tubs and the steam cave, which are much hotter than the lagoon. The Earth Exclusive area is for adults aged 20 and over.

What should you bring?

Bring a swimsuit and a towel to avoid rental fees, though both can be rented at the desk. Take a warm hat for winter evenings, when the air can be well below freezing while the water stays at 36–40°C. Lock your phone away in the changing room, and do not take photos there. If you plan to eat afterwards, the Signature ticket includes a bistro discount and a drink, which can make it better value than the basic ticket.

What else is there to see near the lagoon?

The Mývatn area is full of volcanic sights, many within a short drive of the lagoon. Hverfjall's huge tephra crater, the Krafla volcanic area and the lava formations around the lake are all close by. The lake itself is famous for its ducks in summer.

Do not try to bathe in Grjótagjá, the hot-water cave a few minutes away. The water there has been too hot and unpredictable since the Krafla eruptions of 1975–1984, and the owners ask visitors only to look.

For more hot water in the north, the Forest Lagoon near Akureyri and GeoSea's sea baths in Húsavík are each about an hour away. Our North Iceland guide covers the region, and our hot springs in Iceland map shows all 19 pools.

Tip: book an evening slot after a day of sightseeing around the lake. You avoid the midday tour groups and finish the day warm.

Facts checked October 2026. Earth Lagoon Mývatn reopened in July 2026 and its hours, prices and ticket types may still change; check earthlagoon.is before you go. Prices vary by time slot and season.