Mývatn baths open expanded facilities after four-year build

The Mývatn Nature Baths have opened expanded facilities after more than four years of construction, with around 200,000 visitors expected annually, mostly foreign tourists, mbl.is reports.

The new 4,000-square-metre building, which includes changing rooms and a restaurant, opened in early July. The bathing lagoon has also been substantially enlarged and now covers 3,000 square metres. The project was designed to fit the landscape and surrounding environment, the baths said.

“The water in the lagoon has a magical colour, which is part of the powerful experience we want this place to offer,” said Sigurbjörn Reynir Björgvinsson, the baths’ head of hospitality and training.

Managing director Guðmundur Þór Birgisson said the aim was to create modern, welcoming and high-quality facilities while preserving the character of the place and its connection to the landscape. Soil from the site was used in edges, roofing, interior and exterior cladding, and flooring. Where possible, the building was shaped to follow lava walls and natural forms.

New features include a bar in the lagoon and a steam room designed as a kind of steam cave. Guests can also choose between three admission options, named Kjarni, Kvika and Kyrrð, offering different levels of service and comfort. The facilities include massages and other wellness services.

A single visit costs 7,900 Icelandic krónur. Guðmundur said the baths were monitoring government plans to raise value-added tax on the service from 11 percent to 24 percent, warning that a change could affect operations and make seasonal fluctuations in visitor numbers more pronounced.

The Mývatn Nature Baths opened in 2004. Sigurbjörn said bathing culture in the Mývatn area has deep roots, dating back centuries.