Mývatn Lake

Mývatn Lake stretches across northeastern Iceland, roughly 100 km east of Akureyri. Formed by volcanic eruptions around 2,300 years ago, this shallow lake is surrounded by lava fields, craters and hot springs. Its exceptional ornithological wealth—notably diving ducks—makes it a natural site of distinction for geologists and nature enthusiasts alike.

Practical information at a glance

• Access: Route 1 (Ring Road) then Route 848 around the lake; main village of Reykjahlíð on the north shore.
• Suggested duration: 1 to 2 days to explore the lake and its surrounding volcanic areas.
• Clothing: Waterproof and windproof clothing essential; in summer, protection against midges recommended.
• Accessibility: Some trails around the lake are accessible, but volcanic terrain remains irregular across most sites.

What you'll see

The lake covers roughly 37 km² with a maximum depth of 4 metres. Its shores shelter pseudocraters (Skútustaðagígar), tortuous lava formations (Dimmuborgir), mud cones and geothermal springs. In summer, dozens of duck species nest here, including the Barrow's goldeneye, rare in Europe.

History and context

The lake owes its name to swarms of midges (mý in Icelandic) that hover over it in summer. These insects form the food base for the lake's birds and fish. Eruptions from the Krafla volcano, its last series occurring in the 1970s–1984, shaped the present landscape. Vikings settled in the region from the 9th century onward, drawn by the fertility of volcanic soil.

Highlights of your visit

Dimmuborgir

This solidified lava field forms a labyrinth of columns and natural arches. Marked trails of varying lengths allow exploration without getting lost. Evening light accentuates the contrasts of dark rock.

Skútustaðagígar pseudocraters

These hollow cones, formed when molten lava covered wet areas, dot the lake's south shore. A short circular trail allows you to tour them in under an hour.

Hverfjall

This near-perfect tephra crater rises to about 420 metres elevation. The ascent takes roughly 30 minutes and offers a panoramic view across the entire lake and surrounding lava fields.

Mývatn Nature Baths

These open-air geothermal baths, fed by mineral-rich waters, offer a less-crowded alternative to the Blue Lagoon. The water is naturally warm and the view of volcanic landscape is unobstructed.

Námaskarð geothermal area (Hverir)

A few kilometres east of the lake, this plateau of fumaroles, bubbling mud pools and yellow sulphur deposits offers a striking spectacle. The sulphur smell is strong; marked trails must be followed strictly.

Photography tips

The midnight sun in summer bathes the lake in golden light ideal for photographing reflections on water and pseudocraters. At Dimmuborgir, favour early morning hours to avoid crowds. In winter, the northern lights sometimes reflect in the lake—a tripod is essential. At Hverir, frame wide to include vapour plumes and the ochre hues of the soil.

Location and access

Mývatn sits on Route 1, roughly 100 km east of Akureyri. A rental car remains the most convenient option. Long-distance buses link Akureyri to Reykjahlíð during summer season. The village of Reykjahlíð offers accommodation, restaurants and petrol stations. Sites around the lake are connected by Route 848, passable in a standard vehicle.

Nearby attractions

• Krafla Volcano — Active volcanic caldera with the Víti crater lake and recent lava fields, roughly twenty kilometres north of the lake.
• Dettifoss — One of Europe's most powerful waterfalls, accessible in roughly one hour's drive from Mývatn.
• Ásbyrgi — Horseshoe canyon with steep walls, gateway to Vatnajökull National Park from the north side.
• Akureyri — Iceland's second-largest city, convenient starting point for reaching Mývatn, with shops and air connections to Reykjavik.