Mývatn is a beautiful lake with many small islands located in the north of Iceland, about 80 km east of the country’s second largest city, Akureyri. The lake has an area of 36.5 square kilometers, making it the fourth largest body of water on the island. The long, complicated and extremely intense geological history of the region has created numerous rock formations here that are unique in the world. The volcanic landscape, picturesque surroundings, tranquility and bird-watching opportunities make this place one of the most interesting natural attractions on the island.
The very name ‘myvatn’ means a lake of flies, and indeed – flies and mosquitoes are plentiful in this area in summer. But the crowds of tourists, of course, do not come here for the flies, but because, as a result of its unusual history, Myvatn gathers on its shores a wealth of very interesting, sometimes completely unique tourist attractions of geological origin. In the area we also have great conditions for bird watching, fishing or even meeting Arctic foxes.
The lake is located on Highway 1 itself, with Road 848 leading around it.
Attractions around Lake Myvatn
The shores of the lake are dotted with the strangest rock formations of volcanic origin. Among the most important of these are:
- Skutustadagigar – unique pseudocraters
- Hofdi and Gud Fingur – picturesque shore of Lake Myvatn
- Dimmuborgir – lava field called Black Fortress
- Hverfjall – a volcano unlike any other
- Grjotagja and Storagja – rock fissures filled with hot water
- Eldhraun lava field
- hot springs Namafjall Hverir
In the immediate area, though not necessarily related to the lake itself, you’ll also find the following:
- Krater Krafla and the Leirhnjukur lava field and the Kröflustöð power plant, which uses the volcano’s energy;
- Hot pool and spa complex – Myvatn Nature Baths (Jarðböðin við Mývatn);
Numerous cafes, restaurants, guesthouses and campsites are also located along the shores of the lake.
The local center of civilization is the town of Reykjahlíd providing stores, gas stations, car repair stores, etc.
See also our separate article on the geological history of the Myvatn area
