Lake Myvatn

Lake Myvatn, in the volcanic north of Iceland, is a shallow lake ringed by an astonishing concentration of geological wonders: pseudo-craters, twisted lava pillars, bubbling mud pots, steaming fumaroles and lava fields, plus the Myvatn Nature Baths, a quieter northern answer to the Blue Lagoon. It is also a haven for waterfowl in summer.

Background

Mývatn lies near the Krafla volcano and was formed by a large basaltic lava eruption 2300 years ago. The lake covers 37 square kilometres but is only about 2.5 metres deep on average and 4.5 metres at most, at an elevation of 288 metres. Its name means lake of midges, after the swarms of summer. The outflowing river Laxá is known for brown trout and Atlantic salmon, and the lake, the river and the wetlands form a protected area of 4,400 km2, a Ramsar site since 2 December 1977. A marathon has circled the lake every summer since 2000.

Source: Wikipedia, "Mývatn"

What's there

• The pseudo-craters and lava pillars - the volcanic formations of Skutustadir and Dimmuborgir.
• Namafjall and the mud pots - the steaming, bubbling geothermal field.
• Myvatn Nature Baths - the milky-blue geothermal bathing lagoon.
• Grjotagja cave - the geothermal cave, seen in Game of Thrones.

When to go

Summer for the birdlife, long light and full access; the geothermal features are dramatic year-round but winter roads in the north are harder. Summer also brings the midges the lake is named for.

Practical notes

The lake's name means midge lake, and in summer clouds of harmless midges can be genuinely annoying, so a head net helps. It is far in the north, a long drive or a domestic flight to Akureyri. The geothermal areas have dangerous hot ground, so keep to paths.

Nearby

Godafoss waterfall and Dettifoss are within reach; Akureyri, the northern capital, is nearby.

Key facts