Myvatn Nature Baths vs Blue Lagoon: Which Is The Best Geothermal Pool In Iceland?

If you’re planning a trip to Iceland, chances are you’ve come across both Mývatn Nature Baths and the Blue Lagoon. These two geothermal pools in Iceland offer relaxing hot water, beautiful scenery, and a chance to experience Iceland’s volcanic power up close—but they’re very different in vibe, price, and location.

Here’s what you need to know to decide which one’s worth your time (and money)!

In this article:

• Easy chart to compare Mývatn Nature Baths vs Blue Lagoon
• Differences in cost, vibe, location and amenities
• How to decide between Mývatn Nature Baths and Blue Lagoon

Quick Comparison Of Myvatn Nature Baths vs Blue Lagoon

There’s a few big differences between Mývatn Nature Baths vs Blue Lagoon – primarily their locations, the cost (Blue Lagoon has seen some large price increases in recent years), and what amenities or add-on’s are available.

In general, I would say Mývatn Nature Baths is “low key” and Blue Lagoon is “luxury”. Mývatn Nature Baths is “local” and Blue Lagoon is “resort”.

Let’s dig into the specifics so you can decide between Mývatn Nature Baths vs Blue Lagoon on your Iceland trip!

Myvatn Nature Baths vs Blue Lagoon: Location

The location of Mývatn Nature Baths vs Blue Lagoon is probably the biggest difference that will impact your decision.

Blue Lagoon Location

Blue Lagoon is about 20 minutes from Keflavík Airport and 40 minutes from Reykjavík. Most people visit right after landing or before flying home.

It can be super convenient to book tickets for Blue Lagoon right after you land (especially because most flights from the US are night flights). It’s a nice way to relax, plus you’ll get access to the Blue Lagoon locker rooms with private showers which is a great way to refresh for a day of exploring.

On my trip to Iceland we opted to visit before our departure flight because we had been camping the night before, and access to showers before a redeye flight sounded like a fantastic option.

There are a few attractions near Blue Lagoon, too.

Like Bridge Between Continents (what it’s called as well as what it is!) – a footbridge across the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates and Fagradalsfjall volcano hike, where you can literally hike to a volcano that erupted as recently as 2023.

In addition to all of this, Blue Lagoon is very easy to get to year-round.

The roads in this area of Iceland don’t require a 4×4 vehicle, so any rental car will do. You also have an option to take a transfer shuttle from Keflavik airport or Reykjavik to the Blue Lagoon.

Mývatn Nature Baths Location

Mývatn Nature Baths is in North Iceland, close to Lake Mývatn, and approximately 1 hour from Akureyri.

It’s a great stop if you’re road-tripping around the Ring Road and want a more laid-back soak surrounded by lava fields.

There are several things to do near Mývatn Nature Baths.

Grjótagjá is an ancient lava cave with a geothermal spring. While you can’t get in the water here, it’s still a fun stop to see the cave.

Dettifoss and Goðafoss waterfalls are also near Mývatn Nature Baths – about 40 minutes away by car.

Mývatn Nature Baths may be more difficult to reach between October and May when the roads become more difficult to drive. During the winter you may need a 4×4 vehicle to safely navigate this part of Iceland.

NOTE: Check out this article if you want more information on F-Roads in Iceland and whether you need a 4×4 vehicle for your trip.

Myvatn Nature Baths vs Blue Lagoon: Vibes

If you’re going for vibes, the experiences at Mývatn Nature Baths and Blue Lagoon can be very different.

Blue Lagoon is a popular (crowded) tourist attraction that caters to luxury spa seekers.

Mývatn Nature Baths is quite different and offers a no-frills experience that’s closer to a true local Icelandic experience.

Blue Lagoon Experience

Blue Lagoon is sleek, polished, and feels like a high-end spa. The water is milky blue from the silica, and it’s known for being skin-softening.

It gets crowded, especially in summer. I recommend booking a time-slot earlier in the day to avoid the crowds. While they have timed-entry, there is no limit for how long you can stay, so as the day progresses the pools have more people in them.

Everything at Blue Lagoon is high-tech, and they’ve got the process down to a science—online reservations, digital wristbands, and swim-up bars.

The wristbands allow you to buy drinks and extra mud masks while you soak – no wallet needed.

The Blue Lagoon locker rooms are large, super clean, and have many private showers (with complimentary shampoo, conditioner and body wash).

You’ll also find hair dryers to use. Even the Blue Lagoon lockers are high tech – just scan your wrist band and they unlock.

Mývatn Nature Baths Experience

Mývatn Nature Baths is smaller and more low-key than Blue Lagoon. The vibe is closer to your local hot spring than a resort.

Additionally, there’s a slight sulfur smell (think hard-boiled eggs), but the water is warm and soothing.

While soaking, you’ll get beautiful views of the surrounding lava fields and sometimes even catch the Northern Lights in winter!

The locker rooms are smaller, with less tech. While you do get a wristband, it won’t unlock the lockers and it doesn’t automatically charge you for drinks – you have to stop at reception to take care of the bill.

There are two private showers in the Mývatn Nature Baths locker rooms, so there is sometimes a line to use them.

While the facilities are not as “high end”, the experience is still very enjoyable. If you’re looking for a good soak and don’t care about the amenities Mývatn Nature Baths is a great choice!

Myvatn Nature Baths vs Blue Lagoon: Cost

Cost is another big distinguisher between Mývatn Nature Baths vs Blue Lagoon. Myvatn Nature Baths is significantly more affordable, but doesn’t include the same comforts as the Blue Lagoon packages.

Blue Lagoon Cost

Blue Lagoon prices start around $95 USD for the basic (comfort) package, but prices increase $20-$30 per person during the popular summer months.

Additionally, Blue Lagoon offers packages to choose from: Comfort, Premium and Retreat Spa.

It’s 100% essential to book Blue Lagoon entrance in advance. They are consistently sold out for day-of tickets.

If you’re visiting Iceland in June, July or August I recommend booking your tickets several weeks ahead.

Mývatn Nature Baths Cost

Mývatn Nature Baths is more affordable, around $58 USD. While you usually don’t need to book super far in advance, if you’re visiting between June and August I recommend making reservations sooner rather than later.

Unlike the Blue Lagoon, Mývatn Nature Baths only offers one package option. For $58 you’ll get access to the lagoon, steam bath, changing room and on-site cafe.

Shampoo, conditioner and body wash is available in the changing rooms, and sourced from a local small business.

While basic items like a towel and robe are not included in the package price, like they are with Blue Lagoon packages, you can still rent them if needed.

Mývatn Nature Baths Extras For Rent:
Towel: $9 | Robe: $15 | Swimwear: $8

Mývatn Nature Baths Discount Tickets:
Teenagers (13-15): $28 | Disabled, Students & Seniors: $38 | Children under 12: Free

Myvatn Nature Baths vs Blue Lagoon: Booking Flexibility

While both Mývatn Nature Baths and Blue Lagoon operate on a timed-entry system to manage crowds, there is a small difference in the flexibility of your timed-ticket.

Blue Lagoon

When you book your Blue Lagoon experience, you’ll be required to select a specific time. You can enter the lagoon for up to 1 hour after your ticket time. For example, a 2 pm ticket allows access from 2:00 – 3:00.

Once you’ve entered Blue Lagoon you can stay for as long as you’d like. Most people visit for 90 minutes to 2 hours.

Blue Lagoon is open daily, year-round. During the summer (June 1 – August 20) they are open from 7:00 am to midnight.

During the rest of the year they are open from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm.

NOTE: The only exceptions are Christmas Eve (8:00 am to 4:00 pm) and New Years Eve (8:00 am to 6:00 pm.)

Myvatn Nature Baths

Myvatn Nature Baths also require you to book a ticket for a specific time.

Unlike Blue Lagoon, Mývatn Nature Baths requests that you enter the lagoon within 30 minutes of your ticket time. For example, if your ticket is for 2:00 pm you can enter between 2:00-2:30 pm.

Once you’ve entered Mývatn Nature Baths you may stay as long as you’d like.

Mývatn Nature Baths is open daily, year-round (except New Years Day). In the summer, from May through September, they are open 10:00 am to 11:00 pm.

During the winter (October through April) they are open noon to 10:00 pm.

NOTE: On Christmas Eve, Christmas and New Years Eve they are open from noon to 4:00 pm, and on New Years Day they are closed.

Myvatn Nature Baths vs Blue Lagoon: Pools

The water in both Myvatn Nature Baths and Blue Lagoon is warm and relaxing, but there are a few differences in their size, layout and water composition.

Blue Lagoon Water

Water in Blue Lagoon hovers between 98-104°F year-round. This lagoon is huge though, around 93,650 square feet which makes it almost twice as large as Mývatn Nature Baths.

There are multiple swim-up bars in the lagoon where you can get drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) or mud masks.

Because your wristband can be used for payment, you don’t need to carry a wallet or phone with you.

One of the nicest things I enjoyed about Blue Lagoon is how many alcoves are built into it, so it’s easy to find a quiet area to relax without being surrounded by strangers.

There are also plenty of benches along the perimeter so you don’t have to stand around awkwardly.

At its deepest point, Blue Lagoon is just over 5 ½ feet.

Mývatn Nature Baths Water

Mývatn Nature Baths is a very similar temperature to Blue Lagoon; 97-104°F year-round. At only 54,000 square feet the pool is almost half the size of Blue Lagoon… but they also have far fewer visitors, so it doesn’t make it more crowded.

One noticeable difference at Mývatn Nature Baths is the sulfur smell, which is produced naturally from the surrounding areas. While Blue Lagoon does have a faint odor, it’s definitely not as strong as the smell at Mývatn Nature Baths.

As a smaller hot spring, there are fewer private alcoves and seating available. There’s also only one swim-up bar.

At its deepest, Mývatn Nature Baths is just under 4 ½ feet deep.

NOTE: Mývatn Nature Baths is currently undergoing renovations, so there’s some construction on-site until they complete their upgrades in 2026.

Myvatn Nature Baths vs Blue Lagoon: Amenities

If you’re looking for a spa or full resort experience, there are a lot of things that Blue Lagoon offers that aren’t available at Mývatn Nature Baths.

Blue Lagoon has two on-site hotels. The Retreat is a high-end luxury hotel with unlimited access to the Lagoon and Retreat Spa. Silica Hotel is a boutique hotel with a private bathing lagoon.

If you book a stay at either of the Blue Lagoon hotels your access to the lagoon is included!

Blue Lagoon also offers amenities like in-water massages, float therapy (something I’ve always wanted to try!), sound healing, guided meditation, yoga, facials and more.

There are also multiple restaurants located at Blue Lagoon, including Moss – a Michelin-starred restaurant!

Which One Should You Choose? Mývatn Nature Baths Or Blue Lagoon

Go with Blue Lagoon if:

• You want a luxurious spa experience
• You’re short on time and staying near Reykjavík or the airport
• You don’t mind crowds and want to visit the “famous” one

Book Blue Lagoon Here

Choose Mývatn Nature Baths if:

• You’re road-tripping through North Iceland
• You want fewer people and more relaxed vibes
• You’d rather save money and still enjoy natural geothermal water

Book Myvatn Nature Baths Here

Tips For Your Dip

There’s a few things I learned on my recent trip to Iceland that helped me out a lot!

✅ Remove your jewelry before you get into a geothermal pool.

Yes, even your belly button piercing! Sulfur and other minerals in the water can tarnish or damage some metals (like silver or copper) and turn it black.

Plus, it’s really hard to find anything in the water because it’s so milky, so you’re more likely to lose something.

✅ Get your hair wet first.

Especially if you’re prone to dry or tangly hair, the geothermal pools can be extremely damaging to hair.

Getting it wet first, or even using a leave-in conditioner will help create a barrier so the minerals in the water aren’t as damaging.

✅ Shower Naked Before You Get In The Pool

This one is more of a mandate and less of a tip. Most of the pools do not use chemicals, as the natural ecosystems are self-cleaning and don’t require things like chlorine.

Proper hygiene is extremely important to help maintain this balance. Icelandic etiquette is very strict on showering naked before entering geothermal pools, and in Icelandic culture communal showering isn’t as taboo as it is in other places, like the US.

If you’re not comfortable stripping down in front of strangers, you’ll be able to use private showers at both Blue Lagoon and Myvatn Nature Baths. At some of the less toursity geothermal pools you’ll far less likely to find private showering areas, though.

✅ Rinse Your Swimsuit Out Immediately After Exiting

You’ll probably want to do this either way, but I recommend washing your swimsuit as thoroughly as possible right when you get out of the pool. The sulfur smell tends to linger, and it can make the rest of your packed luggage have an odor.

TIP: I always travel with a dry bag. They’re great for many things, like throwing your wet swimsuit in, keeping muddy boots from dirtying other items in your suitcase, and for protecting electrical items on waterfall hikes with lots of mist!