Lake Mývatn

Why I recommend it

Mývatn is not just one attraction. It is an entire landscape worth exploring. Around the lake you get an incredible mix of volcanic scenery: the Skútustaðagígar pseudocraters, the huge Hverfjall crater, lava formations around Dimmuborgir, geothermal areas and quiet lakeside trails. The scenery changes constantly, which is why I would give this area much more time than just a quick drive around the lake. And then there is the folklore. Dimmuborgir is said to be home to the Icelandic Yule Lads, and the bizarre lava formations make it very easy to understand why stories about trolls, elves and hidden people became attached to this landscape. One of the best-known formations is Kirkjan, “The Church”, a huge natural lava arch that looks almost built rather than formed.

What to do

There are loads of hiking options around Mývatn, so I would definitely include at least one walk. For an easy option. (and one of the best), walk the Skútustaðagígar pseudocraters. The main loop takes about an hour, with a shorter 20–30 minute route available as well. They look like small volcanic craters, but were actually created by steam explosions when lava flowed over wetlands. One of the many strange geological features that make Mývatn feel almost otherworldly. For something a little more dramatic, hike Hverfjall. The climb to the rim is short but steep, and once you are up there you can walk the roughly 3.3 km crater rim for panoramic views over Mývatn and the surrounding lava fields. And if you want a proper hike, the route from Reykjahlíð via Grjótagjá and Hverfjall to Dimmuborgir is around 14 km one way and takes roughly 3–4 hours. It links together several of the area’s best volcanic sights in one walk.

Good to know

Do not think of Lake Mývatn as one single stop. The interesting places are spread around the lake, so it works much better as a half-day or full-day area to explore. Weather can also change quickly, and the volcanic terrain can be rough even on shorter walks, so proper shoes and layers are a good idea. And one very literal good-to-know: the name Mývatn means “Midge Lake.” In summer, the insects can be very noticeable around parts of the water, so be prepared for that.