A rebuilt lagoon in the Mývatn lava landscape

Earth Lagoon Mývatn is the current name of Mývatn Nature Baths, a staffed geothermal bathing complex above Lake Mývatn.

The expanded facility opened in July 2026. Its reception, changing rooms and bathing areas sit among volcanic rock at Jarðbaðshólar. Visitors come for warm water and open views, with indoor facilities for changing and shelter.

The new buildings were designed by Basalt Architects around rock uncovered during construction. Exposed lava continues through the interior, while the lagoon meets the building and surrounding terrain. This setting gives the spa a distinct connection to the Mývatn landscape.

Completed project

Photo guide

Earth Lagoon Mývatn in photos

The bath is most useful when it changes the pace of a Mývatn day.

Two bathers in the blue geothermal water at Earth Lagoon Mývatn beside dark volcanic rocks.

The bath is most useful when it changes the pace of a Mývatn day.

Geothermal water and the swim-in steam cave

The operator describes bathing water at 36–40°C and a steam cave supplied by natural geothermal vents.

Water comes from the Bjarnaflag borehole and is cooled before entering the bathing areas. The operator describes it as alkaline and sulfur-rich, without added chlorine. Silver and copper can discolor in the water, so leave jewelry in your locker.

Steam enters the cave through openings in the rock. Its temperature can vary with conditions. Take breaks when you need them and follow instructions at each bathing area; the presence of geothermal water does not make every hot spring suitable for bathing.

Natural rock remains visible inside the rebuilt bathing complex.
Exposed red-brown rock beside concrete walls and a light well inside Earth Lagoon Mývatn.

Natural rock remains visible inside the rebuilt bathing complex.

Handrails and steps lead from the sheltered building into the lagoon; confirm accessible entry arrangements separately.
Steps descending through the new Earth Lagoon Mývatn building toward the outdoor geothermal lagoon.

Handrails and steps lead from the sheltered building into the lagoon; confirm accessible entry arrangements separately.

Water and steam

Lava, daylight and the new buildings

The rebuild added more than changing rooms: geology shapes the route through the building and into the water.

Rock surfaces, dark canopies and glass create a contrast between enclosed spaces and the open lagoon. Some interior passages retain the uneven texture of natural lava, while the reception and restaurant face the bathing landscape.

The protected lava cave found during construction is part of the project’s geological story. It should not be confused with a public cave walk or an additional attraction included in lagoon admission.

The lagoon extends beside the new building and preserved rock formations.
Dark canopy, glass wall and blue lagoon water beside exposed rock at Earth Lagoon Mývatn.

The lagoon extends beside the new building and preserved rock formations.

Daylight falls across rock retained within the building.
Preserved lava wall inside the new Earth Lagoon Mývatn building with daylight falling across the rock.

Daylight falls across rock retained within the building.

Changing rooms, children and accessible entry

Choose admission with the changing arrangements in mind, then check the current price and hours directly with Earth Lagoon.

Changing arrangements to compare
Admission typePractical difference
Earth EssentialShared changing rooms with private showers.
Earth SignatureLava changing rooms with communal showers.
Earth ExclusivePrivate changing facilities and separate bathing spaces; the operator applies a minimum age of 20.

The FAQ welcomes children in the general facilities. Check supervision and admission details for your group. Shower before entering the lagoon; lockers and washing products are provided.

The operator offers a wheelchair for the journey from showers to lagoon. Contact staff ahead of time to confirm assistance and the most suitable changing space.

The FAQ’s typical visit is about 90 minutes in total. Allow more time if you want a meal or a slower bathing visit. Walk-in entry depends on locker availability, so confirm your date when the lagoon is an important part of the day.

A bather rests beside the lagoon’s dark volcanic rocks.
Bather relaxing in blue geothermal water between dark lava rocks at Earth Lagoon Mývatn.

A bather rests beside the lagoon’s dark volcanic rocks.

Visitor facilities

Nearby lava landscapes and bathing alternatives

Earth Lagoon is easiest to combine with a day around Lake Mývatn.

Hverir has steaming ground and mud pools for viewing. Grjótagjá, Hverfjall and Dimmuborgir offer cave, crater and lava-formation stops. Use the Lake Mývatn guide to choose the places that interest you.

For a different setting, Forest Lagoon is near Akureyri and GeoSea overlooks the sea at Húsavík. Earth Lagoon suits travelers already spending time around Mývatn.

The indoor spaces look directly onto the geothermal bathing landscape.
Lagoon water and steam beyond a glass wall inside Earth Lagoon Mývatn.

The indoor spaces look directly onto the geothermal bathing landscape.

The outdoor water and lava setting remain central to a Mývatn visit.
Two bathers in blue lagoon water beside dark volcanic rocks at Earth Lagoon Mývatn.

The outdoor water and lava setting remain central to a Mývatn visit.

By ThorPublished Updated