Iceland is famous for its hot springs. These hot springs result from thousands of years of volcanic activity heating up our underground water supply. And while some of our hot springs can still be enjoyed in their original form out in “the wild”, many others are used in our geothermal pools. One of our most popular geothermal pool resorts is the Myvatn Natural Baths.
Whether as a day outing or a relaxing break on a road trip around the island, the Myvatn Nature Baths are not to be missed. We tell you everything you need to know about this incredible place and how to prepare for your visit.
What Makes the Myvatn Baths So Special?
The Myvatn Hot Springs are a collection of geothermal pools in a resort type of setting, offering visitors a variety of other facilities and amenities. At Myvatn, these include changing rooms, a swim-up bar, steam baths, and a café.
Due to the fact that all these added amenities and facilities need to be maintained, geothermal pools will usually charge an admission fee. The natural hot spring that feeds the Myvatn Natural Baths comes from 2500 meters below the ground.
Where are the Myvatn Baths in Iceland?
As the name may have already suggested, the Myvatn Nature Baths lies next to Lake Myvatn, about 13.5 kilometers (+/- 20-minute drive) from the town of Myvatn in the northeastern part of the island. The nearest big city is Akureyri (referred to as the capital city of the north), which sits 105 kilometers from the Myvatn Hot Springs and will take you about an hour and 15 minutes to drive.
So, while some will make the Myvatn Natural Baths a day outing from either Myvatn or Akureyri, others prefer making it a stop along their road trip since the baths are located so conveniently close to one of our most popular road trip routes here on the island: the Diamond Circle.
How to Get to the Myvatn Natural Baths
You can visit the Myvatn Baths in the following ways:
By Booking a Spot on a Guided Tour
We have many local tour operators and guides who can take you to the Myvatn Natural Baths. You’lll find that some already have the baths as part of existing tour packages (whether day trips or as part of their multi-day holiday packages). Other times, one can arrange a customised private tour with them.
By Taking the Bus
If you get on the No. 56 Bus running between Akureyri and Egilstadir, you can get off at its Reykjahlid stop. From there, you can just have a leisurely hike with the beautiful Icelandic nature surrounding you (the Myvatn Natural Baths will only be 4 kilometers away from Reykjahlid).
By Driving Yourself
This is, of course, our preferred method of travel here on the island since you can truly immerse yourself in the Icelandic landscape and always stay at the helm of your time and itinerary. Driving to the Myvatn Nature Baths is simple when coming from Akureyri:
Get on the Ring Road.
Drive about 90 kilometers west.
Turn off onto Pjodvegur and follow the signs to the Myvatn Natural Baths’ parking lot.
How Much is the Entrance Fee to the Myvatn Nature Baths?
It is roughly $50 for adults, $25 for teenagers between 13 and 15, and for children under the age of 12, visiting the Myvatn Hot Springs is free of charge. The disabled, pensioners, and students who can show a valid student card will also be entitled to a discounted rate of $32 per person. Please note that this entrance fee only allows you to use the facilities and does not include any food, drinks, or rentals such as swimwear, towels, or bathrobes.
When is the Myvatn Nature Baths Open?
The Myvatn Hot Springs are open all year round, but operating hours differ between our peak season and our “down” season, so please do phone ahead if you’re uncertain. The “down season” usually sees the baths open to the public between 12:00 and 22:00, 7 days a week, while the summertime adds on a couple of extra hours to enjoy the pools, with it being open from 10:00 to 23:00.
Other Things to Do Near the Myvatn Natural Baths
If you would like to explore a few other interesting sights and exciting activities in the area while there, you can consider adding the following to your trip itinerary:
Grjotagja Hot Spring Cave (most famously known for its steamy love scene between Jon Snow and Ygritte on the series Game of Thrones).
Krafla Volcano.
Hverir Geothermal Area.
Lake Myvatn (except for its beauty, this is a favorite spot among avid birdwatchers due to the variety of bird species that can be found there).
Godafoss Waterfall.
Dimmuborgir Lava Field.
Where to Stay Near the Myvatn Natural Baths
If you would like to turn this into an official stop along your road trip, or just don’t feel like driving back from your day outing, you will find plenty of accommodation options in the area for a good night’s rest.
You can choose something a bit more luxurious, such as the Fosshotel Myvatn. Or you can go for comfort without the hefty pricetag in the form of Centrum Guesthouse. Of course, the most affordable option that’ll get you as close to the action as possible will be the Myvatn Campground.
The Myvatn Natural Baths: A Local Helping Hand is Always Close By
Icelanders are known for their friendly and helpful nature toward visitors, so you’ll always find a local willing to lend a helping hand during your trip around the island. At Travel to Iceland, we are dedicated to helping you plan the trip of a lifetime and answering all your burning questions before you even land at Keflavik Airport.
So, if you’ve got an upcoming trip to the island or have always had Iceland on your travel bucket list and would like to know more about interesting places such as the Myvatn Natural Baths, tours that visit these destinations, or how to put together a killer Iceland trip itinerary, we here at Travel to Iceland are just waiting for you to chat with us. With a wealth of local information and established partnerships here on the island, we’ll ensure you have the Icelandic trip of your dreams!
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