Earth Lagoon
Earth Lagoon, formerly known as Myvatn Nature Baths, is a set of mineral-rich geothermal pools and steam baths set in a volcanic lava field near Lake Myvatn in North Iceland. The milky-blue water is heated to 36 to 40 degrees Celsius by geothermal energy drawn from 2,500 metres underground, and the baths are widely considered the northern equivalent of the Blue Lagoon, at a more accessible price point and with a far more dramatic natural setting.
North Iceland's Geothermal Spa in a Lava Field, Just Below the Arctic Circle
Earth Lagoon, formerly known as Myvatn Nature Baths, opened in 2004 and was rebranded in October 2025 as part of an ongoing expansion. The water is drawn from a borehole at the nearby Bjarnarflag geothermal plant and is rich in silica, sulphur, and alkaline minerals, giving it the distinctive milky-blue colour. Silica is considered beneficial for skin conditions including eczema and psoriasis, and sulphur for respiratory problems. The main lagoon runs between 36 and 40 degrees Celsius, with warmer and cooler pockets across the pool. Two steam baths heated by natural geothermal vents sit at close to 50 degrees with near-complete humidity, one with views over the Myvatn landscape and one inside a stone and lava cave.
The setting is one of the most striking of any spa in Iceland. The pools sit in a lava field east of Lake Myvatn, surrounded by volcanic landscape, steaming geothermal vents, and the craters and pseudo-craters that define the area. In summer the midnight sun creates extraordinary light conditions through the evening hours. In winter, soaking in the warm water while watching the northern lights overhead is one of the more memorable experiences available in North Iceland. Earth Lagoon is considerably more affordable than the Blue Lagoon and typically less crowded, particularly in the shoulder months of April, May, and September. Booking ahead is recommended in July and August.
The lagoon is located on Route 848, about 6 kilometres east of Reykjahlíd village and right off the Ring Road, making it easy to incorporate into a broader Myvatn day that also takes in the Hverir geothermal area, Dimmuborgir lava formations, Krafla volcano, and the Viti crater. From Akureyri the drive takes around an hour. From Reykjavik it is approximately five to six hours. Check earthlagoon.is for current opening hours and admission prices.
