Visiting Myvatn Nature Baths

By: February 26, 2018

Myvatn Nature Baths

The water supplies for the lagoon run straight from the National Power Company´s bore hole in Bjarnarflag. The water has a temperature of about 130°C when it arrives to the huge basin beside the lagoon itself forming an impressive, man-made hot spring. Altogether, the lagoon and the basin contain around 3.5 million litres of water with a temperature of 36 – 40°C.

INFORMATION:

  • Web Site: Myvatn Nature Baths
  • Price Per Person: $40 + $8 for single towel (We brought our own)
  • Reservations: No reservations required
  • Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi is available for customers
  • Drinks & Beverages: You would have to open a tab at the front desk while checking-in and get a bracelet. At the pool a waiter will come to take your order and deliver the drink to you.

BEST TIME TO VISIT:

  • Perhaps the most picturesque time to visit is during sunset. Unfortunately we have arrived when the last traces of sunset were disappearing at 8pm. A lot of people were leaving at that time too. You do not have to make a reservation to visit this place. We paid $40 per person and brought our own towels. You can also rent robes and towels for $8. At the front desk you’re also able to pre-purchase your drinks and you will be given appropriate bracelets. At the pool a waiter will come to take your order and deliver the drink to you.
  • Myvatn baths are quite large with plenty of soaking space for everyone. So at no point did it feel overcrowded. The temperature fluctuates depending on where you stand, so if you get too hot you can go into a cooler pool, and then there is a tub with 41°C heated water. It most definitely smells like a proper hot spring filled with sulfur and in my opinion this is as natural as it’s going to get.
  • The two steam baths are built straight on top of a geothermal area and the sulfur-free steam rises up through holes in the floor. Typically the temperature is around 50°C and the humidity is close to 100%.
  • The lagoon itself is a man-made construction, its bottom is covered by sand and gravel. The characteristics of the water are unique in many ways. It contains a large amount of minerals like alkaline and well suited for bathing. Due to its chemical composition, undesired bacteria and vegetation do not thrive in the lagoon making chloride or any other disinfectant redundant.
  • Geothermal water in Iceland usually contains some sulfur. In this area the strength of the chemical is greater than others. Therefore is should be avoided to take jewelry from brass or silver into the water, they become black and can be damaged. Sulphur, however, is considered to have a positive effect on asthma and other respiratory diseases. Many of the trace elements in the water are considered to have a good effect on reducing and preventing the development of skin problems.