Blue Lagoon Alternative – Mývatn Nature Baths And Other Hot Springs

First thing’s first, this isn’t a negative post about the Blue Lagoon. I’m a big supporter of people having travel experiences that make them happy and I believe this is different from person to person. If you want to go to the Blue Lagoon, you absolutely should. However, if you think it’s not your scene, then today’s post is for you. Here you’ll find a Blue Lagoon alternative that’s just as blue, just as epic, and half the cost, as well as some other swimming alternatives.

Blue Lagoon Alternative – Mývatn Nature Baths And Other Hot Springs

Here's a Blue Lagoon alternative that provides the same epic, blue thermal pool experience but for half the cost and a guide to other wild swimming options.

Disclaimer

There are affiliate links included in this post. This means at no extra cost to you, I earn a commission if you book through the link.

The basics

Location: Mývatn

Cost: Peak season (May – Sep) – $42.50USD, off-peak season – $36USD

Hours: Peak season 9am – midnight, off-peak season 12pm – 10pm

How to book: Book your ticket online

What to bring:

blue lagoon alternative

Is the Blue Lagoon worth it?

It’s really a matter of personal preference.

The Blue Lagoon is one of the iconic and most visited tourist attractions in Iceland. It didn’t get to the level of popularity it has by being average. The luxury spa comes with a price tag though.

There are different entrance fees depending on which time of day you visit. The cheapest ticket is $55USD which is usually the last slot before closing, while a visit in the peak time will set you back about $95USD.

I have no issue spending money when I am traveling, but I have to get value for the money I am parting with.

It’s probably a fun place to go, but for me, I can’t bring myself to spend $100 to go for a swim in a country that’s so filled with geothermal pools and hot springs.

Why I preferred Mývatn Nature Baths

During my campervan trip around Iceland, I came across the Mývatn Nature Baths. These were located in north Iceland and were just as beautiful, just as blue, but half the price.

It is away from south Iceland which is the most crowded tourist area, and it’s not as famous, so the crowds are not as intense.

For me, it struck a balance of getting a unique, touristy experience as well as value for money.

When is the Blue Lagoon the better option?

I think it’d be worth visiting the Blue Lagoon if you will be staying in Reykjavik or south Iceland for your trip.

For example, if you only have a short time to visit and will be staying in south Iceland, then it’s your best bet for a touristy blue lagoon experience because Mývatn Nature Baths will be too far away to visit.

I also think the Blue Lagoon would be great to visit before or after your flight because it’s only 20 minutes from the airport. If you have a long travel day and want to relax before the trip, then this would be a great option.

What to expect at Mývatn Nature Baths

Soaking in the thermal pools at Mývatn Nature Baths while watching the sunset with snow falling around me was one of the most magical experiences I had while driving the ring road.

After you check-in, you’ll head to the change room. There are lockers for your belongings, and, as with all pools in Iceland, you will need to shower before you swim.

Once you are ready, you’ll walk outside to the outdoor lagoons and soak in the blue water. It’s a big swimming area with a couple of pools to choose from as well as steam baths.

If you purchase a drinks ticket when you check-in, then you will be able to order drinks from the roaming stewards while you stay in the water.

blue lagoon alternative

Other Blue Lagoon alternatives in Iceland

Here are some other Blue Lagoon alternatives.

While these are similar in the sense that they are outdoor swimming areas, they don’t have that mesmerizing blue color that the Blue Lagoon and Mývatn Nature Baths do.

Local geothermal pools in Iceland

There are local geothermal pools located all over Iceland. These are not ‘Instagrammable’ and you won’t be able to take a camera with you, which reminds me of the quote “if you couldn’t take a camera, would you still travel?”

However, if you want to have an authentic, local experience then I highly recommend visiting the local pools.

They only cost around $10USD and you can soak in outdoor pools of different temperatures.

Here is my full guide on the local pools in Iceland and pool etiquette.

Outdoor hot springs

If you prefer wild outdoor swimming, you could visit an outdoor hot spring.

Hrunalaug is an outdoor pool located about 90 minutes from Reykjavik. There is a fee of $10USD cash to swim here because it is on private property.

Reykjadalur Hot Spring is about 30 minutes from Reykjavik and involves a hike to get there. Once there, you can swim in the warm river water.

Landbrotalaug Hot Pot is a small pond about 90 minutes from Reykjavik. It’s only a small spot so try to visit in the morning, evening if you can.

Seljavallalaug

Seljavallalaug is another free outdoor pool with a short hike to get there.

It has mixed reviews and seems to have suffered at the hands of too many visitors and not enough structure in place to deal with them.

Secret Lagoon

If you want to have a touristy experience but the Blue Lagoon is outside your budget, the Secret Lagoon is a good alternative.

It is located about 90 minutes from Reykjavik and costs $24USD to visit.

Camping with a geothermal pool

I wrote about this in my ring road itinerary, but this campground was pure magic because of the outdoor geothermal pools on site.

Soaking in these after the day exploring was pure magic and you cannot beat the serenity of the location.

 

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Final thoughts

At the end of the day, a successful travel experience is doing the things you want to experience during your adventures.

If you love the Blue Lagoon, that’s awesome. If you prefer other places, then visit them.

There’s no wrong answer!

But I do hope this has been able to at least give you some alternative options if you had been thinking the Blue Lagoon isn’t your scene (or in your budget).

blue lagoon alternative

For more information:

Visit the Myvatn Nature Baths website

Other guides to help you plan a visit to Iceland

If you plan to drive the ring road in Iceland, I hope you’ll be able to experience a relaxing visit to this Blue Lagoon alternative.

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