No way around it. I was going to get cold. Very cold.

I’d have to made a mad dash in low 50-degree temperatures, still wet from the dressing room shower to that glorious warm lagoon outside. Chilling for sure. But well worth it.

Since opening in 2004, Myvatn Nature Baths has proven to be a comforting experience for travelers and residents. When I saw the shore excursion listed on the Ocean Diamond’s itinerary, I knew this would be my choice.

Other options in Akureyri were a super jeep ride, cave exploration, Diamond Circle tour and local food. Even without the chance to bask in the lagoon, I would have picked Lake Myvatn purely on the Iceland ProCruises description:

“A schizophrenic landscape where it’s said that ‘heaven and hell’ clash. One side of the lake is characterized by the rugged remnants of volcanic activity, while on the other you find fertile plains with lush greenery and a varied bird life.”

How fascinating does that sound? Sure hooked me.

Leaving the Ocean Diamond about 8 a.m., we picked up bag lunches for the eight-hour tour and were reminded to take one of the ship’s plush towels on our way to the waiting buses. Iceland ProCruises does try to think of everything.

On our way back from the day’s activities, an expedition leader was waiting at the bus to take our damp towels and put them in a big plastic bag to return to the ship, instead of our having to carry them. Little things mean a lot and Iceland ProCruises does seem to go out of its way to take care of big and small details.

Although the Myvatn Nature Baths facility is new, the idea of bathing in the site’s geothermal hot springs certainly isn’t. Historic relics and folk tales have recalled that the early Vikings valued the springs. The steam hole used for steam bathing was blessed by the good bishop Gudmundur during the 13^th century.

The most famous hot springs spot in Iceland, of course, is the Blue Lagoon. Located close to Reykjavík and Iceland’s main airport, the Blue Lagoon is gorgeous and easily accessed. But it is also often crowded, over commercialized and costs twice as much as Myvatn Nature Baths. Both are well worth visiting but I’m happy to be spending today at Myvatn Nature Baths.

The large dressing room has showers, bathrooms and free lockers to store our belongings. With storm clouds scuttling overhead, the eerily milky blue lagoon seemed otherworldly. The lagoon itself has secluded areas and little benches where bathers can sit and relax in the waters.

The geothermal water is drawn from the depths of the earth and contains a unique blend of minerals, silicates and geothermal microorganisms. The water is free of pollutants and chemicals and is said to be good for the skin and health.

A natural steam room is a pleasant place to remove stress from the body and soul. The site also has a hot tub and a colder water lagoon. I stayed in the warm one.

Story and Photo by Jackie Sheckler Finch