Event Details
The Jólasveinar Bath at Earth Lagoon Mývatn
Once a year, Iceland's 13 Yule Lads leave their cave in Dimmuborgir and head to Earth Lagoon Mývatn for their annual bath. On 6 December 2026 at 4:00 PM, visitors can join these mischievous characters from Icelandic Christmas folklore for a soak in the mineral-rich geothermal waters of the freshly rebuilt lagoon. This is a one-of-a-kind event that exists nowhere else on Earth.
Highlights
- Once-a-year bath with Iceland's 13 Yule Lads in a geothermal lagoon
- Bath begins on 6 December 2026 at 4:00 PM
- Meet the Yule Lads at Dimmuborgir from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM on the same day
- Christmas market at Skjólbrekka on 6 and 7 December (12:00 PM to 5:00 PM)
- Brand-new Earth Lagoon facility reopened in July 2026 after full renovation
- Yule Lads in Dimmuborgir daily from 6 to 23 December
Who Are the Yule Lads?
Iceland does not have one Santa Claus. Instead, it has 13 Yule Lads (Jólasveinar). They are the sons of the trolls Grýla and Leppalúði, who live in the lava caves of Dimmuborgir near Lake Mývatn. Each of the 13 has a distinct personality and nickname. In the 13 nights before Christmas, they descend from the mountains one by one. Well-behaved children find a small gift in the shoe left on their windowsill; naughty children find a rotten potato. Some of the Yule Lads love their annual bath while others loathe the water, which makes for a wonderfully entertaining show for visitors watching from the lagoon.
Earth Lagoon Mývatn
Known since 2004 as Mývatn Nature Baths and renamed Earth Lagoon Mývatn in 2025, this geothermal spa is one of the finest natural baths in northern Iceland. After a complete rebuild, the brand-new facility reopened in July 2026. The lagoon was expanded by around 35 % and now accommodates up to 580 bathers at once. Water temperatures range from 36 to 40 degrees Celsius and the water contains a unique blend of minerals, silicates and geothermal microorganisms said to benefit skin and muscles. The new complex also features two hot tubs, a rock steam room and a bistro serving local North Icelandic ingredients.
Tickets
Tickets for the Yule Lads Bath event are sold exclusively in advance at yulelads.is. Guests aged 6 and over pay 2,200 ISK (approx. €14) for the event; general Earth Lagoon admission starts at 7,900 ISK (approx. €55) for the Earth Essential package, which includes access to the lagoon, hot tub, steam bath and private showers. Tickets sell out quickly every year; booking as early as possible is strongly recommended. Annual cardholders should contact Earth Lagoon directly by phone (464-4411) or email ([email protected]).
Visitor Tips
- Book tickets as early as possible; capacity is very limited and sells out every year.
- Wear dark-coloured swimwear as the minerals in the water may discolour light fabrics.
- Combine the day: meet the Yule Lads at Dimmuborgir in the morning (11:00 AM to 1:00 PM), visit the Christmas market at Skjólbrekka at noon, then head to the bath at 4:00 PM.
- Driving from Akureyri takes approximately 1 hour along Ring Road (Route 1).
- Driving from Egilsstaðir takes approximately 2 hours.
- December roads around Mývatn are frequently icy; a suitable vehicle with winter tyres is essential.
- Book accommodation in Reykjahlíð or Skútustaðir several months in advance.
