Myvatn Hot Springs: Soak at Earth Lagoon Mývatn in Iceland

Earth Lagoon Mývatn, located in North Iceland, offers an unforgettable geothermal soaking experience. Known as the “Blue Lagoon of the North,” this iconic hot spring is fueled by geothermal energy from the Bjarnaflag borehole, keeping the water a perfect 36–40°C (97–104°F). 

With a rating of 4.5 out of 5, visitors rave about the clean, mineral-rich waters and the chance to relax under the Northern Lights in winter. The lagoon’s serene setting, combined with its dramatic lava cave steam bath, makes it a must-visit destination. 

For more details on Iceland’s hot springs, explore our Hot Springs in Iceland guide, and check out other extraordinary bathing spots on SoakDestinations.

What Are the Myvatn Hot Springs? Quick Overview

Earth Lagoon Mývatn Directions & Map

Earth Lagoon Mývatn Photos: A Visual Preview

Important Information About Myvatn Hot Springs

What Are Earth Lagoon Mývatn Hours?

Earth Lagoon Mývatn is open seven days a week. Summer hours run from 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM, while winter hours run from 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Always confirm current times at earthlagoon.is before visiting, as hours may vary seasonally.

How Do I Get Earth Lagoon Mývatn Tickets?

All tickets must be booked in advance through the official website at earthlagoon.is. Advance booking is strongly recommended in summer when the lagoon fills up quickly. Free cancellation and rescheduling are both available up to 24 hours before your visit date.

Is Myvatn Hot Springs Free?

The Myvatn Hot Springs at Earth Lagoon are not free — tickets must be purchased online in advance. Children aged 12 and under are admitted free of charge. Locker use is included in the entrance price, and towel rentals are available at an additional cost from reception.

Earth Lagoon Mývatn Closed — Renovation Update

Earth Lagoon Mývatn temporarily closed on January 1st, 2026, for major renovations with a new facility expected to reopen in spring 2026. The new building promises an upgraded guest experience across all facilities. Always check earthlagoon.is for the latest status before planning your visit.

Earth Lagoon Mývatn Reviews: What Visitors Are Saying

Earth Lagoon Mývatn holds an impressive 4.5 out of 5 stars based on over a thousand Google and TripAdvisor reviews. Guests consistently praise the clean mineral-rich waters, the dramatic lava cave steam bath, and the warm, helpful on-site staff. The swim-up bar and the opportunity to soak under the Northern Lights in winter are among the most frequently celebrated highlights.

Myvatn Hot Spring Cave: The Grjótagjá Experience

One of the most fascinating attractions near the Myvatn Hot Springs is the legendary Grjótagjá lava cave, located just a few kilometres east of Reykjahlíð along gravel road 860. 

This extraordinary volcanic cave shelters a vivid blue geothermal hot spring inside jagged lava rock chambers and gained worldwide fame as the filming location for a romantic scene in HBO’s Game of Thrones, Season 3, Episode 4, featuring Jon Snow and Ygritte. 

The cave is free to visit, though bathing is strictly prohibited due to water temperatures of 43–46°C and the unpredictable geothermal activity of the Krafla volcanic system.

Myvatn Hot Springs Weather & Temperature Yearly

Situated just 105 km south of the Arctic Circle, the Mývatn area experiences a subarctic climate with dramatic seasonal variation that makes it a compelling destination year-round. Geothermal activity in the region moderates temperatures slightly, and each season brings its own distinct character to a visit at the Myvatn Hot Springs.

Things to Do and Nearby Attractions Near the Myvatn Hot Springs

The Mývatn region is one of Iceland’s most geologically and ecologically diverse areas, with world-class natural attractions within easy reach of the lagoon.

• Dimmuborgir Lava Formations: A dramatic field of twisted lava towers and folklore-rich arches just minutes from Earth Lagoon, with excellent marked walking trails for all fitness levels.
• Námafjall Hverir Geothermal Area: Free to visit directly across the Ring Road, featuring vivid sulphur-stained earth, boiling mud pots, and steaming fumaroles for extraordinary close-up photography.
• Hverfjall Tephra Cone Crater: One of the world’s largest tephra craters at 1,000 metres in diameter, rewarding hikers at the rim with sweeping panoramic views across the entire Mývatn landscape.
• Goðafoss Waterfall: The iconic “Waterfall of the Gods” about 50 km west of Mývatn, historically significant and one of Iceland’s most photographed and celebrated natural landmarks.
• Dettifoss Waterfall: Europe’s most powerful waterfall by volume, located roughly 90 minutes northeast of Mývatn inside Vatnajökull National Park and a highlight of the Diamond Circle route.
• Sigurgeir’s Bird Museum: A charming lakeside museum celebrating the extraordinary birdlife around Lake Mývatn, which hosts one of the highest concentrations of breeding duck species in the world.

Tips for Visiting Myvatn Hot Springs

A little preparation ensures the most enjoyable and respectful visit to this unique North Icelandic geothermal retreat.

• Book tickets in advance: Earth Lagoon requires online pre-booking; summer weekends fill up quickly and walk-ins are rarely accepted without a prior confirmed reservation.
• Check the reopening date: The lagoon is under renovation in early 2026; verify the latest reopen status at earthlagoon.is before confirming any travel dates or connecting itinerary bookings.
• Remove silver and copper jewellery: High sulphur levels cause rapid tarnishing and discolouration of metals; store all jewellery safely in the complimentary lockers provided at reception.
• Shower before entering: Mandatory pre-soak showering is a core part of Icelandic bathing culture; soap, shampoo, and conditioner are all provided free of charge in the spacious changing rooms.
• Protect your hair: Apply a generous coat of conditioner before entering and keep hair tied up; mineral-rich geothermal water can leave hair feeling noticeably dry, stiff, and difficult to manage.
• Arrive early or late: Visiting at opening time or during the final evening hours avoids peak crowds, especially in summer when midday sessions at the lagoon reach maximum occupancy.

What to Bring When Visiting the Myvatn Hot Springs

Packing the right essentials makes for a smooth and comfortable experience at this remote North Icelandic geothermal retreat.

• Swimsuit and towel: A swimsuit is always required; bring your own towel or rent one on-site, with bathrobes also available to hire at an additional fee from reception.
• Reusable water bottle: Soaking in geothermal heat is dehydrating; staying consistently well hydrated throughout the visit is essential, especially during longer sessions in the warm mineral water.
• Warm layers for after: Temperatures at Mývatn can be cool even in summer evenings; a dry warm jacket and change of clothes are essential for immediately after leaving the lagoon.
• Waterproof bag or pouch: A practical way to keep your phone, passport, and other valuables dry safely during the changing room and poolside portions of your visit.
• Camera or phone: The volcanic landscape, milky blue lagoon, and billowing geothermal steam are extraordinary in every season and absolutely worth capturing on camera throughout your visit.

Where to Eat and Stay Near the Myvatn Hot Springs

After a restorative soak at the Myvatn Hot Springs, Reykjahlíð and the surrounding Lake Mývatn area offer a welcoming range of dining and accommodation options to suit every type of traveller.

• 🔵 Blue markers represent recommended restaurants near the Myvatn Hot Springs. 
• 🔴 Red markers represent recommended hotels near the Myvatn Hot Springs.

Restaurants

• Vogafjós Farm Restaurant: A celebrated farm-to-table institution on the eastern lakeshore, serving smoked trout, local mozzarella, and rye bread famously baked in nearby hot springs.
• Gamli Bærinn Bistro: A relaxed pub-style bistro beside Berjaya Mývatn Hotel, offering warm hearty meals in a cosy tavern atmosphere from early morning through to late evening.
• Kaffi Kvika at Earth Lagoon: The on-site café with swim-up bar service offering food and drinks; the most convenient dining option directly before or after your geothermal soak.
• Fosshotel Mývatn Restaurant: A stylish contemporary restaurant with panoramic lake views, serving Nordic cuisine crafted from fresh local ingredients sourced from North Iceland’s farmers and fishermen.
• Dimmuborgir Restaurant: A casual family-friendly dining spot near the famous lava formations, offering Icelandic comfort food in a welcoming atmosphere ideal for groups and touring travellers.

Hotels

• Fosshotel Mývatn: A modern eco-friendly hotel with 92 rooms, grass-roofed design, sweeping lake views, and an acclaimed on-site Nordic restaurant close to all major attractions.
• Hotel Laxa: A peaceful countryside hotel with 80 rooms, panoramic lake views, a locally sourced restaurant, and a popular aurora wake-up service for winter visitors chasing the Northern Lights.
• Berjaya Mývatn Hotel: A 59-room certified Green Hotel with a welcoming neighbourhood atmosphere, a cosy fireplace bar, and an on-site restaurant inspired by Mývatn’s volcanic natural environment.
• Sel-Hotel Mývatn: A family-run lakeside hotel offering comfortable rooms, a well-regarded local restaurant, and a great location close to hiking trails and top geothermal attractions nearby.
• Vogafjós Farm Resort: A charming lakeshore farm guesthouse offering cosy rooms, authentic local meals, and the unique experience of watching Icelandic cows in the on-site cowshed.

Final Thoughts

Myvatn Hot Springs — now Earth Lagoon Mývatn represent one of the finest geothermal bathing experiences in all of Iceland. From the milky blue mineral waters and dramatic lava cave steam bath to sweeping volcanic views and the chance to soak under the Northern Lights, every detail here is genuinely extraordinary. 

Whether stopping for a few hours on a Ring Road journey or building a full itinerary around North Iceland, the Myvatn Hot Springs will reward you with memories that last a lifetime. Plan early, check the renovation status, book in advance, and prepare for an unforgettable Icelandic experience.

FAQs

Q. Are the Myvatn Hot Springs worth visiting? 

The Myvatn Hot Springs are absolutely worth visiting for anyone travelling through North Iceland. The naturally heated mineral waters, volcanic scenery, lava cave steam bath, and the complete absence of artificial chemicals make this one of Iceland’s most authentic geothermal experiences.

Q. Is the Earth Lagoon Mývatn free? 

No. Admission must be purchased in advance at earthlagoon.is. Children aged 12 and under are admitted free, locker use is included, and towel and robe rentals are available at an additional cost from reception.

Q. Is the Myvatn Hot Spring cave open to the public? 

Grjótagjá cave is free to visit but bathing is strictly prohibited due to high and unpredictable water temperatures. Visitors can descend into the cave to view the vivid blue geothermal spring and take photographs.

Q. When is Earth Lagoon Mývatn closed? 

Earth Lagoon Mývatn closed on January 1st, 2026, for major renovations and is expected to reopen in spring 2026. Always verify the latest status at earthlagoon.is before planning your visit to the Myvatn Hot Springs.

Q. Which nearby town is closest to the Myvatn Hot Springs? 

Reykjahlíð is the closest village, approximately 2–4 kilometres from Earth Lagoon. Akureyri, the capital of North Iceland, is roughly 105 kilometres away and offers the broadest range of restaurants, hotels, and services.