Hot springs and geothermal pools are some of the top-visited attractions in Iceland. The country is known for its mineral-rich water, heated naturally by geothermal activity. It’s even said to have healing properties. While natural hot springs can be found dotted all around Iceland, there are many man-made geothermal Icelandic spa in Iceland that are more accessible to tourists.
While you’ll have many options to choose from, the Myvatn Nature Baths and Blue Lagoon are two of the most popular options in the country. In this article, we will compare Myvatn Nature Baths vs. Blue Lagoon, including their facilities, amenities, atmosphere, cost, and surrounding attractions. With this information, you can choose the best option to add to your Iceland itinerary or maybe visit both!
- Related readings: Best Iceland attraction guides; Things to do in Iceland recommendation
Table of content
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
If you’re trying to plan your Iceland self-drive trip, understanding where the hot springs are located and how to get there is an important part of choosing which to visit.
Myvatn Nature Baths
Myvatn Nature Baths are located within the serene landscapes of North Iceland and provide a total escape into nature. The proximity to the picturesque Lake Myvatn adds to the charm, and visitors can enjoy stunning views over the serene waters.
The baths are approximately 480 kilometers (298 miles) from Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland. The journey takes around 6 hours of driving, so it’s best to stay overnight in Akureyri (only one hour west of the baths) or combine this activity with other attractions on an extended road trip. The Diamond Circle route actually travels directly through this area.
While it’s possible to reach Myvatn Nature Baths year-round, it’s important to note that during the winter months (from October to early May), Iceland’s weather can be unpredictable. Snow and ice are common, and road conditions may require a 4X4 vehicle for safety. The baths are open every day of the year (excluding January 1st).
Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon is conveniently situated on the Reykjanes Peninsula, close to the airport – Keflavik International Airport. Because it is so easy to access, it’s the most visited hot spring in the entire country. Many people visit it either on their way to or from KEF airport, as it’s only about 20 minutes away and only 23 kilometers (around 14 miles).
From Reykjavik, the Blue Lagoon is a mere 50 kilometers (31 miles) from Reykjavik, with a driving time of approximately 45 minutes. Being so close to the capital makes the Blue Lagoon an attractive option for those with limited time.
Unlike Myvath Nature Baths, the Blue Lagoon is accessible year-round with a standard car. That said, we still recommend a 4X4 vehicle during the winter. You can also take a tour to the Blue Lagoon from Reykjavik, but you will be limited in terms of the time you can spend there. The Blue Lagoon is open every day of the year, with some varied hours over the holiday period.
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
The Myvatn Nature Bath and Blue Lagoon offer beautiful outdoor settings to enjoy, but they have very different surroundings that are worth knowing about.
Myvatn Nature Baths
The striking blue-colored geothermal water of Myvath Nature Baths is created from the rich mineral content of the water, which also provides therapeutic benefits for those taking a dip. One of the significant advantages of the Myvatn Nature Baths is the breathtaking views.
It’s more isolated than the Blue Lagoon and surrounded by Lake Myvath and the volcanic landscapes of North Iceland. Visitors get the chance to relax in the thermal baths while enjoying the geological features and formations created by volcanic activity in the past.
Blue Lagoon
Similarly, the Blue Lagoon also offers the opportunity to relax in geothermal water amidst a lava field. The waters of the lagoon are renowned for their captivating blue color and the black lava rocks around it provide a unique visual contrast.
The minerals and silica in the water are believed to have beneficial effects on the skin, making a soak in the lagoon just as rejuvenating as it is visually stunning. The bottom of the Blue Lagoon is silica mud, so you can scoop some up and rub it on your skin for added healing impact.
Comparison Table: Natural Setting and Surroundings
| Myvatn Nature Baths | Blue Lagoon |
| ▷ Striking blue-colored water ▷more isolated than the Blue Lagoon ▷ Surrounded by Lake Myvath ▷ volcanic landscapes | ▷Captivating blue color water ▷Surrounded by black lava rocks ▷contain minerals and silica in the water |
Myvatn Nature Baths vs. Blue Lagoon: Facilities and Amenities
The facilities at the two locations vary by size and the amenities available. Let’s look at what you can expect from each.
Myvatn Nature Baths
Myvatn Nature Baths is smaller in size than the Blue Lagoon at 5,000 square meters (54,000 sq ft.). But just because it’s smaller doesn’t mean it’s not worth the visit. The water in the main bathing area sits around 36-40°C (97-104°F), and the bottom is made from gravel and sand. There’s also a swim-up bar, sauna, and steam baths on-site to unwind and detoxify.
For food, visitors can find Café Kvika, with both indoor and outdoor seating. They serve standard cafe fare, including sandwiches, soup, pastries, and their famous geyser bread, cooked via the heat from the hot spring. The cafe also serves wine and beer.
There are locker and changing room facilities at the baths where you can rent a towel, take a shower, and store your belongings. The locker is included in the price of your entrance fee.
Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon has been operating since 1999, so it’s no surprise their facilities are top-notch. The main lagoon is 8,700 square meters (94,000 sq ft), with the water temperature sitting around 37-39°C (99-102°F). The Blue Lagoon has a mask bar, sauna, steam room, swim-up bar, and in-water massage and spa services.
They also offer float therapy and even have a skincare line. The Retreat Spa on-site offers a Scandinavian spa experience, with a private lagoon, subterranean relaxation spaces, and treatments like facials, manicures, hot stone massage, and more.
For dining options, you’ll find four options at Blue Lagoon: Lava Restaurant, Blue Café, Spa Restaurant, and Moss Restaurant. There is even accommodation available right on-site. To take some of the healing power home with you, you can visit the boutique and skincare shop to purchase from their range of skincare products infused with minerals from the lagoon.
As with Myvatn Nature Baths, Blue Lagoon provides well-equipped locker and changing room facilities.
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 in Bar ▷ well-equipped locker 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 |
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.
