Ultimate Guide of the best things to do at Lake Mývatn
Here in this post, I will continue to write about Iceland and its beauty (here you can find all the articles).
This time, I will focus on what to see and do at Lake Mývatn, which I consider one of the most beautiful spots on the entire island.
My husband and I lived there for a while due to work, and during the summer months, we had the chance to explore it extensively.
In this post, I will share the best experiences in Lake Lake Mývatn and surroundings.
Lake Mývatn | Hverfjall | Dimmuborgir | Grjótagjá | Stóragjá | Höfði | Skútustaðagígar | Krafla | Víti | Leirhnjúkur | Hverir | Mývatn Nature Baths | Where to Eat ? | Map With All Sites | Conclusions
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LAKE MÝVATN
Let’s start with the area’s name: Lake Mývatn, an incredible and crystal-clear lake located in the northeast of the island. It’s the fourth-largest lake in Iceland by size and is considered one of the best places for birdwatching, especially in summer.
The scenery around this lake will take your breath away, as it lies in one of the most seismically active regions of the country, creating unique and unparalleled natural wonders over time.
The name Mývatn means “mosquito lake” in Icelandic, as in summer, it is full of these tiny, sometimes unbearable, creatures. If you’re visiting during the summer, it’s a good idea to bring (or buy there) a face net.
P.S.: These mosquitoes don’t bite, but due to their sheer number, they can be quite annoying.
Download our new travel sticker below and let the adventure begin!
HVERFJALL
Probably the most visited attraction in the area of Lake Myvath is Hverfjall, a volcanic crater with a walkable diameter of over 1 km, making it the largest (or one of the largest) craters by diameter.
It’s worth mentioning that its size is impossible to miss, as it can be seen from quite a distance. It’s undoubtedly the number one highlight among things to see and do at Lake Mývatn.
In addition to admiring the lake’s entire landscape during the hour-long hike around the crater, you’ll get to witness how powerfully the natural features of the lake have been reshaped (it feels like being on Mars).
Our Tip: Wise is a great card when you are travelling to a country with a different currency than yours like in Iceland . We use this online bank during our trips and we never had problems, even in remote places around the world.
DIMMUBORGIR
Next to Hverfjall, you’ll find Dimmuborgir, known locally as the “Dark Castle“, another recommended place to see in Lake Mývatn. These unique lava formations are the perfect spot for a walk and to admire the volcanic panorama.
GRJÓTAGJÁ
Another popular attraction and thing to see near Lake Mývatn is Grjótagjá, a small lava cave that was, until recently, used by both tourists and locals for bathing.
Currently, bathing is prohibited as the water temperature has risen and now reaches 50 °C (122 °F).
However, it’s still worth visiting to admire the intensely blue hues of the water inside and the cracks that have formed around it, or rather just above the cave.
STÓRAGJÁ
Stóragjá is another cave you can find near the Mývatn lake, just a few steps from the village of Reykhahlíð. Although it’s less famous than Grjótagjá, this cave has nothing to envy the other.
What makes it attractive is the path leading to it, which passes through a small natural canyon. Initially, the water in this cave wasn’t as hot, and you could bathe in it.
However, it’s better to read the signs at the entrance or ask a local, as the temperature could change suddenly due to the area’s high seismic activity.
HÖFÐI
Often overlooked by tourists rushing, in my opinion, this peninsula on Lake Mývatn deserves a walk for the spectacular landscapes it offers.
It ranks in my top 5 places to visit in Iceland, and I’ve also included it in another article (which I invite you to read here) about hidden gems to visit on the island of ice and fire.
The landscapes formed by the volcanic rocks and the lake, along with the tranquility within the park, will make you feel like you’re in a magical place. It’s a park that can be visited almost year-round.
However, in winter, when there is a lot of snow, it may be closed.
SKÚTUSTAÐAGÍGAR
Another attraction located on the southern part of Mývatn Lake is these pseudo-volcanic craters, formed over 2300 years ago, offering stunning views no matter the season you decide to visit.
They are not considered 100% volcanic craters because their concave shape was created more by the pressure of wet soil in contact with lava than by the direct eruption of lava from below the surface.
Nonetheless, the walk between the various craters is beautiful, as you’re right by the lake, and the view is outstanding. Additionally, in summer, you’ll spot many species of birds, adding extra charm to this attraction.
KRAFLA
Due to its size and a fault zone that stretches over 90 km, Krafla is one of the most famous places in all of Iceland, and it should be on your list of places to see in the Lake Mývatn area.
It’s an active caldera that, over time, has experienced 29 eruptions (the last one in 1984).
It’s filled with natural phenomena to see and admire. Some of Krafla’s main attractions are located just a few kilometers from Lake Mývatn, making it an ideal place to witness all the natural wonders this beautiful land has to offer.
Below are some attractions in the Krafla area near Lake Mývatn that you can visit.
VÍTI
Among all the wonders Krafla has created over time, Víti, in my opinion, is the most beautiful and scenic. Víti is a stunning crater.
Its name, in Icelandic, means “hell,” as it was once believed that the lava came directly from there.
It’s one of the two most famous Víti craters in Iceland (along with the one in Askja), and although it has a relatively small diameter (around 300 meters), what makes it attractive and worth visiting is the perpetually blue water that remains in the crater.
I took tons of pictures here because the crater is super scenic and beautiful.
LEIRHNJÚKUR
Not far from the Víti crater, you’ll find another spectacular attraction to visit near the Lake Mývatn: Leirhnjúkur.
It’s an impressive field of steaming lava, with several hiking trails that will take you through volcanic rocks.
I assure you, the landscape is stunning; it feels like you’ve landed on another planet. It’s definitely a perfect place for taking spectacular photos and enjoying memorable hikes.
HVERIR
Near Lake Mývatn, there’s another attraction worth visiting: Hverir, a geothermal area with fumaroles and bubbling mud pools, interesting to see if you haven’t experienced the geysers in the south of the island.
The sulfuric area is definitely another must-see due to its landscape and extraordinary beauty. Hverir, in addition to being close to Lake Mývatn, is located right on Route 1 (also known as the Ring Road), which circles the entire island, and because of its location, many tourists decide to stop there.
Unfortunately, the nearest (private) parking lot is considered one of the most expensive in Iceland (the owner must be quite greedy), and many people, after seeing the price, decide not to stop.
I advise you to visit it, and if you’re on a tight budget, you could always park on the hill in the few available natural parking spots (between the lake and the site) and walk from there.
MÝVATN NATURE BATHS
Who could say no to a nice hot bath after all these walks I just mentioned?
At this last point, I have the solution. Not far from Lake Mývatn, you can find the Mývatn Nature Baths, incredible geothermal baths that, in addition to relaxing all your muscles, will treat you to spectacular views.
We were members and frequented these baths very often. I assure you, they are the best medicine for fatigue or stress.
Furthermore, at these baths, you can enjoy typical Icelandic food or, if you prefer, have a drink in the water itself, as there’s a bar directly in one of the pools.
The cold beer and warm sulfurous water are something I loved when I felt stressed or needed to think.
In 2025, the renovation of these baths should be completed, making them even larger and more spectacular, so I hope you enjoy them.
Where to Eat Around Lake Mývatn?
Here are some of my recommendations around Lake Mývatn for a delicious meal after visiting its natural wonders.
- Vogafjós Restaurant: A restaurant/farm with homemade products and one of the best burgers in Iceland.
- Fish and Chips Lake Mývatn: A perfect spot for those who don’t have much time and want something tasty, quick, and not too expensive (keeping in mind that you’re in Iceland).
- Gamli Bærinn: A restaurant that only opens during the summer season, offering traditional Icelandic food and other dishes.
- Mylla Restaurant: A near-gastronomic restaurant within the Berjaya Hotel, with a short menu but interesting dishes.
- Sel Hotel Mývatn: A hotel with a restaurant, café, and its own craft beer production. A perfect spot for a snack and a good beer if you’re in the southern part of Lake Mývatn.
- Mývatn Nature Baths: As I mentioned earlier, these natural baths offer some typical dishes and sandwiches at a reasonable price.
- Skútaís – Farm Ice Cream: artisanal ice cream parlour that uses mostly local produce and milk from their farm. If you are here in summer, don’t miss it!
Map With All Sites
Conclusions– consejos para viajar a marruecos
As you can see in this post, there are plenty of things to see and do at Lake Mývatn. While many people decide to spend little time here, in my opinion, it deserves many more days to truly appreciate everything this beautiful place and its surroundings have to offer.
So, tell me,
Did you enjoy this post?
Do you think I should add anything else or did you spot any mistakes?
Feel free to reach out to me for anything. Both Simone (Bruco) and I will be happy to answer you as soon as possible.
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Best regards and a hug from me and the Fun Food Travelling team. See you on the next extraordinary adventure!
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