Mývatn Nature Baths — Attraction in Iceland

I would call this a typical Icelandic Hot Pool. Water is warmest where you enter and cooler furthest away. There are benches along the furthest pool as well as some raised rocks in the middle of the furthest pond. As the water clarity is at most 1 foot deep, be careful not to smack a leg or toe on underwater obstacles. Never rush around in these pools as my baby toe will attest.

Where you enter I also found it very slippery. I wore my glasses in and rinsed in cold water after with no problems. I also took my iPhone in with a small dry bag. No problems there either. Apparently this pool does not have silica in the water however there is a faint odour of sulphur.

This is not a pool to swim in but rather just soak and relax after a day touring around.

Like everything in Iceland, the cost to get in will make you cough as most people only spend a hour or so there.

You can order drinks and food however it is cold out most times so sitting and resting outside the pool is not practical nor is there lounge chairs. It looked like lifeguards deliver drinks as part of their job function. I feel they encourage turnover if you are not spending on booze.

Shower change area is small. There are some private change booths as you need to get naked and wash before putting on a swim suit to enter the pool. The floor is also a bit slippery, so walk with care and don’t run.

There are lockers that use provided token slugs. Put one in and turn the key to lock. Open the lock and the slug falls out into a catch and you can retrieve and repeat to lock again. They supply shampoo, conditioner and shower gel in the showers. Towels are extra to rent.

We were also asked to take shoes off before entering the change rooms. Likely from the rock dust, mud and sand accumulated on the days hiking shoes.

Anyways. I would chock back the sticker shock and go soak my tied body there again. I recommend this place.

A...

“Cheaper Than the Blue Lagoon, Hotter Than Your Shower – and Yes, You’ll Be Naked”

Looking for that classic Icelandic spa experience without maxing out your credit card at the Blue Lagoon? Mývatn Nature Baths is your geothermal jackpot. It’s warm, it’s steamy, it’s scenic — and best of all, it’s way cheaper. Think of it as the Blue Lagoon’s low-key northern cousin who doesn’t care about your Instagram followers.

The water? Perfect. The views? Stunning. The price? Reasonable enough that you can still afford gas station hot dogs and maybe even a souvenir puffin magnet.

But let’s talk about what you really need to know: you must shower naked before entering. Not “awkwardly wrapped in a towel” naked — actual, full, uncovered nudity. It’s Icelandic spa law. And before you ask: yes, people will be walking around in various states of undress. No one cares. They’ve seen it all. It’s Europe. Get over it.

If the thought of communal nudity terrifies you, consider it a free crash course in body neutrality and cultural humility. It’s hygienic, it’s respectful, and honestly, after a few minutes, you’ll wonder why you ever cared. Just embrace the experience — and maybe don’t make awkward eye contact.

The staff are friendly, plenty of parking, the facilities are clean, and for what you pay, you’re getting top-tier geothermal bliss without the designer price tag.

TL;DR: Clean water, cheap entry, quality vibes. Just be ready to drop your drawers and your dignity — and respect the culture while you're at it.

Would absolutely return. Preferably with fewer insecurities and...

I visited Mývatn Nature Baths with my family, I was extremely disappointed and uncomfortable with the complete lack of modesty in the shared facilities (way more than Blue Lagoon)

There were men walking around completely naked in the changing and shower areas, with no attempt to cover themselves, even with children present, including mine. This is not just a cultural difference; it’s a matter of basic respect and awareness, especially in a place that openly welcomes families and tourists from all over the world.

After our visit, the booking manager kindly reached out and explained that Icelandic bathing culture embraces nudity. While I respect local traditions, I strongly believe that when operating a destination that attracts international tourists, there should be clear notices in advance to prepare visitors for what to expect. Many cultures, mine included, do not embrace public nudity, especially around children. It’s not about judgment, it’s about providing options and respecting global norms.

This part of the experience left us feeling disappointed and exposed, and it’s something all families should be aware of before they go.

Comparing our experience here to our visit to the Blue Lagoon, they offered better service, cleaner facilities, and a more organized experience overall. That said, Mývatn Nature Baths is much more affordable. If you’re looking to try just one lagoon during your visit to Iceland, I would recommend the Blue...