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Lake in Iceland
Photo: Hansueli Krapf (User:Simisa), CC BY-SA 2.5 via Wikimedia Commons
Mývatn is a lake near Akureyri in North Iceland. The lake was formed during a massive eruption 2300 years ago. Today the area is best known for the huge numbers of birds that visit in the summer, and for the weird and inspiring volcanic features that surround the lake. The name "Mývatn" is derived from the vast numbers of midges that gather at the lake and are sure to leave an impression on all who visit!
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This 2500-year-old, nearly symmetrical tephra crater rises 463 m high and is 1040 m across. It is accessible via a trail that runs from Reykjahlíð to Dimmuborgir. Access to the bottom of the crater is not permitted in order to prevent erosion - please obey signs and remain on the marked paths.
Dimmuborgir, which means "dark forts" in Icelandic, is an area of volcanic arches, pillars, caves and bridges along the east shore. The black lava formations are the result of a 2000-year-old lava flow, and numerous trails lead through the area. Cracks in the ground here often hide deep and dangerous crevices; stay on the marked trails.
Lofthellir Lava Cave is a 45-min drive away from Lake Myvatn. It is about 370-m long and boasts the greatest natural ice sculptures known in an Icelandic lava cave. You must book a day tour as this is located on private land and off limits to the public.
The shores along the south side of the lake are home to many pseudocraters, formed during volcanic eruptions when lava flowed over wetlands, eventually resulting in steam eruptions and forming these medium-sized craters. There are a series of trails in the town of Skútustaðir that lead through these craters and provide further information about the geology behind these formations.
This 529-m tall peak is accessible from a trailhead along the road, just south of the mountain. The trail runs along generally flat land to the back of the mountain, after which it takes a decidedly vertical turn and leads straight to the summit. The trail is tiring and footing (on loose rock) can be tough - plan about 45 minutes to an hour for the ascent. Views from the top are tremendous, making this a very worthwhile trek.
The area north of Vindbelgjarfjall is a protected nesting area, and access during nesting season is forbidden; do not hike or drive off road to avoid disturbing the many birds present.
A low mountain range about 6 km from Reykjahlið on the way to Egillsstaðir. Next to it - mainly at the bottom of the hill on the further side from Reykjahlið are interesting hot mud pools, solfataras, fumaroles, etc.
The site of a major volcanic eruption known as the Krafla Fires of 1975-1984. The various overlying lavafields give an interesting striped appearance to the area on a larger scale. Some areas of lavafields that are still steaming, and there are solfataras and various lava formations. Nearby (about 500 m) is a large explosion crater called Víti (which is the same name as the similar explosion crater at Askja). It is a fairly large site and worth about half a day to walk around. To find it, set out from Reykjahlið, in the direction of Egillsstaðir and turn left at the signed turn after about 8 km. It is a further 7 km, a little way beyond the geothermal power station.
Something of a "Blue Lagoon lite", the Mývatn Nature Baths was opened in June 2004 and offers mineral-rich geothermal waters drawn from depths of up to 2500 m. Facilities include a reception area and cafeteria, changing rooms and showers, three natural steam baths accommodating up to 50 bathers at a time, and a 5000-m2 geothermal bathing pool maintained at a constant temperature of 38-40ºC.
Take a bath at the Grjótagjá fissure. The water is extremely hot (completely at own risk). The roof has become unstable and visitors are now warned not to enter.
Fuglasafn Sigurgeirs
A collection of birds collected by a local, Sigurgeir Stefánsson, who died in an accident on the lake in 1999. The museum has been built to honor his memory. It houses 300 birds of 180 species as well as some eggs. From the dining hall there is a nice view of the lake.
A cafe and a restaurant with indoor and outdoor places and a very scenic view over Mývatn area.
Just south of town, this unique cafe is in the same building as a working dairy farm - a glass wall separates visitors from the cows. Arrive around 16:00 if you're interested is watching the daily milking.
Dimmuborgir Guesthouse is on the eastern shore of Mývatn. It offers cozy cottages and rooms all year round with a great view over the lake.
Hlíð Travel Service offers nine double rooms, each equipped with bathrooms. There is also a dormitory building, and a campsite, all in the same complex.
A few kilometers south of Lake Mývatn, this guesthouse has houses and is well situated for sight-seeing trips in the surrounding area.
Vogafjós offers cozy accommodation in newly built cottages. Breakfast is eaten at a special cowshed café, where you can watch the cows getting milked and eat local food.
Vogahraun Guesthouse is on the northern shore of Lake Mývatn. It offers Bed & Breakfast, sleeping bag accommodation and a camping site.
Helluhraun 13 guesthouse offers three double rooms with breakfast in a very personal atmosphere.
A family-run hotel just outside of town that includes a restaurant and tour operations. All rooms include private bath, breakfast, and free internet access.
This four-star hotel has 41 rooms with private bath. The hotel also offers a restaurant, conference facilities, and includes buffet breakfast.
This hotel has 37 rooms with private baths, a restaurant and a bar. The northern view over the lake from their common area is incredible during the midnight sun.
Offers 35 rooms, each of which includes private bath, television, and internet access. The restaurant is also highly regarded.
This farmhouse has eleven rooms available.
Uphill from the church. Camping, dormitory accommodation and private cabins.
The easiest and most flexible way to visit the lake is by automobile. There are also numerous buses from Akureyri, Husavik or Egilsstadir.
Read in the guideThere is not much of a public transport system. If you came to Myvatn by bus, walking, biking and hitchhiking are you best options but beware as it can get quite chilly in the winter.
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Akureyri · International · AEY
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