Lake Myvatn
A shallow volcanic lake in the north ringed by craters, lava pillars, bubbling mud and steaming nature baths - a geothermal wonderland.
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Illustrative image - a scene in the spirit of the place, not a photograph of it. Real photos are below.
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.
What you actually see
- 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.
Honest expectations
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.
What to pack for Lake Myvatn
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.
