The inhabitants of the Mývatn region have been enjoying healthy bathing in the hot geothermal springs ever since Iceland was settled by the Vikings. There is heat in the earth, hot springs sizzle in the fissures all around and nowhere else in Iceland does such pure steam rise from the earth, free from sulphur vapours or any other pollution.
Many historic remains and folk tales tell us about shelters built to use the steam in this area for bathing. In 1940, a new shelter was built above a steam hole already blessed by the good bishop Gudmundur as early as the 13th century which has been used for steam bathing (also called dry bathing) for centuries.
Around 1950 a bathing hut was built at Jardbadsholar, which was used until around 1970 and always greatly enjoyed by travellers.
In the year 1996, Pétur Snæbjörnsson and Jóhann Fridrik Kristjánsson decided to revive this bathing tradition by building a steam bath in the spirit of former times, thus preserving both the culture and history of the Mývatn region. South of Jardbadsholar, a steam bathing hut was built, which became immediately popular among health seekers and as a meeting point for locals. Thus, the idea of creating perfect bathing facilities, which would revolutionize tourist services in this area continued to grow.
In 1998 a stakeholder company, Badfélag Mývatnssveitar PLC., was founded, the original idea put into action and on June 30, 2004, the first guests enjoyed the new and magnificent facilities at the “Mývatn Nature Baths”.
Currently, there are around 80 stakeholders with the Icelandic state holding a majority. After the Silicium Factory at Lake Mývatn was privatized, the government decided to reinvest a part of the profits to create new job opportunities in the area. Other investors, such as the National Bureau for Construction, the Eyfidingar Cooperative and the National Energy Company, soon followed. Further stakeholders include both companies and local individuals. The National Energy Company also supports the project by providing dialysate water from their heat exchange system at the power plant in Bjarnarflagi.
Creating harmony between man-made constructions and the unique nature of the area, protecting the environment and using environmentally-friendly products have always been our priorities.
It is particularly important to us that the members of our staff are familiar with the surroundings and can provide all necessary information on the area.