*Mývatn Nature Baths was closed on January 1, 2026 for a significant rebuild, to be reopened in the spring of 2026 under the name Earth Lagoon. Check the official website for updates.
Geothermal bathing is one of the most memorable experiences you can have in Iceland. While natural hot springs are scattered across the country, two paid geothermal spas dominate almost every itinerary: Mývatn Nature Baths in North Iceland and the Blue Lagoon near Reykjavík.
At first glance, comparing Mývatn Nature Baths vs Blue Lagoon seems simple. Both offer mineral-rich geothermal water, outdoor lagoons, and dramatic volcanic surroundings. In reality, choosing between them is rarely about which one is “better” in absolute terms. It is about where you are already traveling, how much time you have, and what kind of atmosphere you actually enjoy.
At Hertz Iceland, this is one of the most common questions we hear. Because we help travelers plan self-drive trips every day, we also hear what people loved, what disappointed them, and what they would do differently next time. This guide combines practical details, local insight, and recurring traveler feedback to help you choose the option that genuinely fits your trip.
- Related readings: Iceland Attraction Guides; Things to do in Iceland
Table of Contents
Myvatn Nature Baths vs. Blue Lagoon
- Location and Accessibility
- Natural Setting and Surroundings
- Facilities and Amenities
- Crowd and Atmosphere
- Surrounding Activities and Attractions
- Cost and Ticket Options
Myvatn Nature Baths vs. Blue Lagoon: Location and Accessibility
The single biggest mistake travelers make when comparing these two baths is treating them as interchangeable. They are not.
Mývatn Nature Baths are located in North Iceland, near Lake Mývatn, roughly 480 km (298 miles) from Reykjavík. In good conditions, the drive takes around six hours. Because of this, most visitors do not visit Mývatn as a standalone stop. Instead, it naturally fits into a longer itinerary that includes Akureyri, the Diamond Circle, or a full Ring Road trip.
In winter, this matters even more. From October to early May, road conditions in the north can change quickly, and a 4×4 vehicle is strongly recommended. Visiting Mývatn is absolutely worth it, but it needs to be planned intentionally.
The Blue Lagoon sits on the Reykjanes Peninsula, about 20 minutes from Keflavík International Airport and roughly 45 minutes from Reykjavík. Its location is the reason it is the most visited geothermal spa in Iceland. Many travelers stop there straight after landing or just before flying home. It is easy to reach year-round with a standard car, although winter driving still requires care.
One traveler summed this up perfectly when comparing the two: choosing between the Blue Lagoon and Mývatn without considering geography is like choosing whether to visit Buckingham Palace or Edinburgh Castle. Both are impressive, but they are not close to each other, and the “better” choice depends entirely on where you already are.
Comparison Table: Location and Accessibility
| Myvatn Nature Baths | Blue Lagoon |
| ▷ Located in North Iceland, close to Akureyri ▷ 480 kilometres (298 miles) from Reykjavik ▷ Accessible year-round ▷ Best with a 4WD car during winter (between October and May) | ▷ Located close to Iceland airport (KEF) ▷ 50 kilometres (31 miles) from Reykjavik ▷ Accessible year-round with a standard car |
Myvatn Nature Baths vs. Blue Lagoon: Natural Setting and Surroundings
Both baths are visually striking, but the feeling they create is very different.
Mývatn Nature Baths feel open and remote. The lagoon is set within a raw volcanic landscape, with views over Lake Mývatn and surrounding lava formations. Many travelers describe the experience as quieter and more grounded in nature. There is less visual clutter, fewer buildings, and a greater sense of space. This is one of the most common reasons people say they preferred Mývatn after visiting both.
The Blue Lagoon is immediately dramatic. The milky blue water against black lava rock is iconic for a reason, and in cold weather, the rising steam is genuinely spectacular. At the same time, the experience feels more curated. Walkways, spa facilities, and structured experiences are central to the design. Some travelers love this. Others describe it as impressive but overly produced.
Comparison Table: Natural Setting and Surroundings
| Myvatn Nature Baths | Blue Lagoon |
| ▷ Striking blue-colored water ▷ More isolated than the Blue Lagoon ▷ Surrounded by Lake Myvatn ▷ Volcanic landscapes | ▷ Captivating blue-colored water ▷ Surrounded by black lava rocks ▷ Contain minerals and silica in the water |
Myvatn Nature Baths vs. Blue Lagoon: Facilities and Amenities
This is where the two experiences clearly diverge. Mývatn Nature Baths cover around 5,000 square metres. The main lagoon is kept at approximately 36–40°C (97–104°F) and has a gravel and sand bottom. Facilities include the main bathing area, steam baths, a swim-up bar, and Café Kvika, which serves light meals, wine, and beer. Lockers and showers are included, while extras such as towels and bathrobes are optional. The focus here is simple. You come to soak, enjoy the surroundings, and move on.
The Blue Lagoon is significantly larger, covering roughly 8,700 square metres, and operates much more like a full spa resort. Entry packages typically include a towel, a drink, and a silica mud mask. On-site amenities include saunas, steam rooms, in-water massages, multiple restaurants, a retail shop, and accommodation. There are also premium and retreat-level experiences for those looking for a luxury spa day.
Many travelers feel they get more inclusions for their money at the Blue Lagoon. Others feel the extras are unnecessary if all they want is a peaceful soak.
Comparison Table: Facilities and Amenities
| Myvatn Nature Baths | Blue Lagoon |
| ▷ Smaller in size than the Blue Lagoon ▷ Main bathing area sits around 36-40°C ▷ Café Kvika with indoor and outdoor seats ▷ Locker and changing room facilities | ▷ 8,700 square meters in size ▷ Water temperature sitting around 37-39°C ▷ Has a mask bar, sauna, steam room, swim-up bar, and in-water massage and spa services ▷ Four dining options ▷ Swim-up bar ▷ Well-equipped lockers and changing room |
Myvatn Nature Baths vs. Blue Lagoon: Crowd and Atmosphere
Both hot springs are incredibly popular among visitors to Iceland, but they have different atmospheres and receive different volumes of traffic.
Myvatn Nature Baths
Myvatn Nature Baths tends to have smaller crowds due to its remote location compared to Blue Lagoon. This creates a more serene and peaceful ambiance and makes it an ideal choice for travelers seeking a tranquil and immersive experience in nature. Whether you’re looking for a solo retreat or a romantic getaway, Myvatn Nature Baths provides the perfect setting to unwind without the hustle and bustle of larger crowds.
Blue Lagoon
In contrast, the Blue Lagoon’s popularity often leads to larger crowds. The lively and bustling atmosphere here is perfect for those who enjoy socializing and meeting fellow travelers. It’s a great place to start conversations, share travel stories, and make new friends while enjoying the therapeutic waters.
The Blue Lagoon’s vibrant ambiance can be particularly appealing if you’re looking for a more energetic and social experience during your visit rather than a peaceful one. Although, with all the spa amenities on-site, you can still get your fix of relaxation.
Comparison Table: Crowd and Atmosphere
| Myvatn Nature Baths | Blue Lagoon |
| ▷ have smaller crowds due to its remote location compared to Blue Lagoon ▷creates a more serene and peaceful ambiance | ▷ Popularity often leads to larger crowds ▷lively and bustling atmosphere |
Myvatn Nature Baths vs. Blue Lagoon: Surrounding Activities and Attractions
It’s unlikely that you’re traveling all the way to Iceland just to experience the hot springs. With so many amazing natural wonders to see in the country, knowing the activities and attractions that surround each hot spring can help you plan your itinerary more effectively.
Myvatn Nature Baths
Myvatn Nature Baths are located in North Iceland, where there are tons of other things to see and do. If you drive the Iceland Diamond Circle, you’ll pass right by the baths and can also visit Goðafoss waterfall, the town of Húsavík, Dettifoss Waterfall, and the Ásbyrgi canyon. Husavik is known as the whale-watching capital of Iceland, so use your trip as an opportunity to spot one of the 12 species of whales that inhabit the waters there.
Dimmuborgir is a lava field nearby that has excellent hiking opportunities and don’t miss Hverfjall, the volcanic crater with panoramic views from the rim.
Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon is perfectly situated to combine with a number of other attractions along the Route 1 Ring Road. You can easily visit Reykjavik and enjoy all the restaurants serving local Icelandic food and the cultural attractions. You can also head south to explore the huge range of highlights in South Iceland, including Iceland waterfalls, glaciers, and the iconic black sand beach.
You can also easily combine Blue Lagoon with the Golden Circle, which only takes a day to drive and takes you past Thingvellir National Park and The Geysir Geothermal Area. Because of its strategic location, there are many activities and natural attractions close by to the Blue Lagoon.
Comparison Table: Surrounding Activities and Attractions
| Myvatn Nature Baths | Blue Lagoon |
| Close to these route/attractions: ▷Diamond Circle ▷Myvatn Lake ▷Hverfjall volcano ▷Ásbyrgi canyon ▷Dimmuborgir lava field ▷Goðafoss waterfall | Close to these route/attractions: ▷Golden Circle ▷Reykjavik ▷Iceland South coast |
Myvatn Nature Baths vs. Blue Lagoon: Cost and Ticket Options
Both the Myvatn Nature Bath and Blue Lagoon require tickets for entry and have different pricing tiers.
Myvatn Nature Baths
At Myvatn Nature Baths, you’ll find a range of pricing options.
- Adults – 6,490 ISK
- Children (under 15 years) – Free with an adult
- Senior: 4,290 ISK
Price updated 2023 Sep, Please refer to their official site for updated information
You can also book the premium experience for 9,490 ISK, which gives you entrance to the baths, a free drink, and a bathrobe and towel. There are also yearly memberships available for purchase. Myvatn Nature Baths has online booking options, allowing you to secure your spot in advance. You can also just pay on-site, but you might have to wait for a time slot if they are full when you arrive.
Blue Lagoon
Blue Lagoon has different tickets and packages available.
- Adults – Basic tickets start from 8,900 ISK but vary based on date and timeslot
- Children (under 14 years) – Free with an adult
- Senior: No senior ticket
Price updated 2023 Sep, Please refer to their official site for updated information
Blue Lagoon offers tons of different packages. Starting at 16,990 ISK, you can get a premium ticket, which includes a towel, silica mud mask, the use of a bathrobe, a drink of your choice, an algae mask, and finally, a table reservation with sparkling wine at LAVA Restaurant (if dining). You can also book spa packages at Retreat Spa.
Online booking is available and highly recommended, especially during the peak summer season, as Blue Lagoon becomes booked out quickly.
Comparison Table: Cost and Ticket Options
| Myvatn Nature Baths | Blue Lagoon |
| Adults : 6,490 ISK Children (under 15 years) :Free with an adult Senior: 4,290 ISK premium experience for 9,490 ISK | Adults – Basic tickets start from 8,900 ISK Children (under 14 years) – Free with an adult Senior: No senior ticket premium ticket: Starting at 16,990 ISK |
Where can you go instead of the Blue Lagoon?
If your main concern with the Blue Lagoon is crowds or a commercial feel, there are several alternatives depending on your route:
- GeoSea – Often mentioned as a favorite for its ocean views, especially if you’re already doing the Diamond Circle.
- Vök Baths – A strong choice in East Iceland, particularly popular with travelers who’ve already experienced multiple geothermal baths.
- Forest Lagoon – Ideal if you’re staying in Akureyri or exploring North Iceland.
Repeat visitors to Iceland are far more likely to choose one of these alternatives over the Blue Lagoon.
Myvatn Nature Baths vs. Blue Lagoon – Which One Suits You Best?
In the end, choosing between Myvatn Nature Baths and the Blue Lagoon depends on your preferences and travel plans. Each destination offers a unique experience, and they are not mutually exclusive. If you have the time during your Icelandic adventure, why not consider visiting both? Whichever you choose, you’re in for an unforgettable geothermal soak in the stunning landscapes of Iceland.
In order to enjoy any of Iceland’s hot springs or other attractions it’s essential to rent a car. While there are some tours available that can take you out to both Myvath Nature Baths or Blue Lagoon, a rental car gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace and create a custom itinerary for your trip. Always make sure to book your rental car with Hertz Iceland online, and in advance, to ensure you get the best option for your group.
