Brad and I roadtripped Iceland for a full month, and visited the entiireeee country.
And in that time, we visited A LOT of geothermal pools and hot springs, both paid entry ones, and free ones.
We actually did over 30, so I’m fully equipped to guide you on any hot springs in Iceland!
Two of the geothermal pools we visited were Myvatn Nature Baths, located in the north of the country, and the Blue Lagoon which is located in the south of Iceland.
I’ve actually been to the Blue Lagoon twice!
Both these hot springs are excellent, but one is definitely more famous than the other: The Blue Lagoon.
But in this guide, I’m going to take you through both thermal pools, and help you decide which one is better.
If you can do both, YOU SHOULD!
But sometimes time, and budget constraints may not allow that.
So hopefully this guide can help you make a better decision.
Let’s go!
The Mývatn Nature Baths are like the North Icelandic cousin of the Blue Lagoon—just as gorgeous, but with fewer crowds and a more laid-back vibe.
Located in the volcanic wonderland of Lake Mývatn, these geothermal pools offer a surreal soak with breathtaking views of lava fields and rolling hills.
The water here is naturally rich in minerals like silica and sulfur, which are great for your skin.
Temperatures hover around 36–40°C (97–104°F), making it the perfect spot to unwind, especially after exploring the region’s volcanic craters, hot springs, and lava formations.
The Myvatn area in general is one of my favorite places in all of Iceland, so I suggest you spend the day exploring the area, then head to the nature baths in time for sunset.
Remember, sunset times will vary in the time of year. Iceland has both the ability to be light all day, and dark all day, depending on when you visit!
The Blue Lagoon is Iceland’s superstar spa—the one you’ve probably seen all over Instagram.
It’s a massive, milky-blue geothermal pool nestled in a lava field on the Reykjanes Peninsula, just a short drive from Reykjavik and Keflavík Airport.
If you’re flying in or out, it’s the perfect pit stop to start or end your Icelandic adventure in pure relaxation.
The water here is packed with silica, algae, and minerals, which give it that iconic blue-white glow and make it amazing for your skin.
Locals and tourists alike swear by the silica mud masks, which you can slather on for a mini spa treatment while floating in the warm (37–40°C / 98–104°F) water.
Unlike the more low-key Mývatn Nature Baths, the Blue Lagoon is a full-on luxury experience, complete with swim-up bars, a world-class spa, in-water massages, and fine dining at its Lava and Moss restaurants.
There's even a private lagoon experience if you want VIP treatment.
It is a great place to try and catch the Northern Lights.
Blue lagoon is bigger hands down. The Blue Lagoon is much more of a resort style hot spring, whereas Myvatn has a smaller, more local feel.
In terms of pricing, the Blue Lagoon is more expensive, but it offers more for its money, and there are more different packages on offer than the Myvatn Nature Baths.
Mývatn Nature Baths:
These rentals are not included in the standard admission and can be added based on personal preference.
Blue Lagoon:
I personally think the Blue Lagoon is better value. I’ve only ever done their comfort package, but the fact it includes your mud mask, towel and an alcohol drink is a really good deal, and it’s only slightly more expensive than Myvatn.
Myvatn Nature Baths is one of the very few “paid” geothermal pools in Iceland that does not work on a keyless/cardless system.
All the other hot springs nowadays, give you a wrist band that you tap to gain entrance and then tap to make any purchases on site, such as drinks, then when you leave you pay on exit.
Myvatn Nature Baths actually give you a locker key on a sort of hair tie thing, and you can either pre order drinks before you enter, or pay via card, watch or phone at the bar.
They ARE currently doing renovations with a new building opening in 2026, so that system may change when that opens. You can let me know ;)
Both hot springs have swim up bars, but Myvatn only has one.
In terms of changing facilities, Myvatn has a much smaller changing area than the Blue Lagoon. It’s a small room, and there are two private showers (with curtains), and there is typically a queue for them, because not all foreign travellers are comfortable showering naked next to strangers..
If you haven't been to a thermal bath in Iceland yet, then you won’t know that you’re pretty much required to shower naked before you enter.
The Icelandic people, and honestly, a lot of Europeans, don’t have any problems with this. And you’ll see a lot of naked bodies.
The Blue Lagoon on the other hand, is MUCH bigger, and has many many private showers, with doors on them, and a lot of changing rooms, complete with hair dryers.
I much prefer the set up of the changing rooms and showering facilities in the Blue Lagoon than the Myvatn Nature Baths.
They win hands down.
For both locations, you won’t need to bring your own hair conditioner, shampoo or shower gel, it’s all provided for you.
Mývatn Nature Baths:
These hours are subject to change, so it's advisable to check their official website for the most current information.
Blue Lagoon:
Please note that guests are kindly requested to exit the water 30 minutes before closing time.
Both attractions operate year-round, but their hours adjust seasonally.
It's always a good idea to verify current opening times before planning your visit.
Okay, SO, now I’ve compared all the main components of the two, the real question still is…which is better?
From my own experience and humble opinion, I prefer the Blue Lagoon.
It’s actually hard to say that, because I did really enjoy the Myvatn Nature Baths, and I think the Myvatn area is one of the best areas to visit in all of Iceland, BUT, if I could only visit one of them, then I would opt for the Blue Lagoon. It’s bigger, it offers more, it’s extremely beautiful, and there is a reason why it’s such a famous location.
I hope this article has helped shape your decision!
Let me know in the comments if you’ve been to either, and which you prefer!
Love,
Cazzy
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