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A starkly beautiful lake hemmed in by volcanic formations, flooded calderas and bubbling, sulfurous mud pools, Lake Mývatn is a highlight of a trip to Iceland’s northeast. This huge spring-fed body of water was created by volcanic activity 4,000 years ago and sits on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, the meeting point of two divergent tectonic plates.
The landscape here was forcefully shaped by its extreme geological position. It’s markedly different to the rest of the country in its sculptural lava formations, fumaroles, volcanic craters and island-like pseudocraters, which dot the birdlife-filled lake.
The most obvious geothermal activity is at Hverir, just east of the northern boundaries of the lake, where the lunar landscape is pitted with bubbling mud pots, steaming vents and fumaroles. Mineral deposits streak across the ocher flats and roped walkways show you where it’s safe to cross the geothermal field. For panoramic views of the area, take the marked half-hour trail up the Námafjall ridge.
North of Mývatn, you’ll find more geothermal activity at the Leirhnjúkur crater, part of the Krafla volcanic system. The lava fields here are still steaming, and the craters are filled with water of varying powdery hues. The ground is burning hot in places, but marked paths will show you the way. Nearby, the smaller Víti crater is filled with powdery blue water, an arresting sight in the surrounding ocher landscape. On warmer days you can wild swim here.
Heading south along the eastern edge of the lake, you come to the Mývatn Nature Baths, a low-key thermal bathing place that’s far less commercial than the better-known Blue Lagoon. There’s a simple café and basic changing rooms, but a visit here is all about lounging in the mineral-rich geothermal waters and admiring the surrounding landscape.
South of the baths, the lava field at Dimmuborgir is awash with weird formations created when a lava pool formed over a marshy area, causing the water below to boil. Steam rose through the lava, creating hollow pillars that remain today.
Marked walks lead through the strange structures and give you sweeping views of Hverfjall, a massive volcanic crater. A further track leads up to the summit, from where you can see into the crater and get a bird’s-eye view of the surrounding landscape.
At Skútustaðagígar at Lake Mývatn’s southern end, you can see rings of raised earth formed when lava flowed into the lake, causing the water below to boil and rise to the surface in giant bubbles that dimpled the lava. These pseudocraters fleck the water and the lake shore, while the pond at nearby Stakhólstjörn attracts large numbers of waterbirds.
Lake Mývatn is a haven for birdlife, and the best place to see the birds up close is on the western side of the lake. You can rent telescopes and hides from Sigurgeir’s Bird Museum, which is set in a modern lakeside building with a traditional turf roof. The museum has an impressive collection of specimens from around the world, as well as all Icelandic breeding birds bar one.
During the summer, you can also take a tour into the interior to visit the remote Askja caldera. Massive in size, it stretches more than 50 sq km (19 sq miles) and has the cerulean lake Öskjuvatn at its heart.
The massive forces that created the unusual landscape here attracted the attention of NASA in the 1960s. The dry, remote region became a test and training ground for their Apollo astronauts preparing for lunar missions.
Best time to visit Lake Mývatn
Lake Mývatn makes a good year-round destination, its otherworldly landscape offering varying attractions through the seasons. In summer, the spluttering mud pots, lava fields and volcanic craters teem with birdlife. Come winter, the frozen landscape is punctuated by steaming geothermal pools and fumaroles.
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Suggested itineraries featuring Lake Mývatn
Our itineraries will give you suggestions for what is possible when you travel in Lake Mývatn, and they showcase routes we know work particularly well. Treat them as inspiration, because your trip will be created uniquely by one of our specialists.
Places near Lake Mývatn
- Dettifoss 23 miles away
- Akureyri 32 miles away
- North Iceland 55 miles away
- Troll Peninsula 66 miles away
- Vatnajökull National Park 77 miles away
- Eastfjords 79 miles away
- Jökulsárlón 111 miles away
- Langjökull 113 miles away
- South Iceland 122 miles away
- Golden Circle 137 miles away
- West Iceland 154 miles away
- South Coast 163 miles away
- Flatey 171 miles away
- Reykjavík 177 miles away
- Westman Islands 180 miles away
- Snæfellsnes Peninsula 183 miles away
- Blue Lagoon 200 miles away
- Southwest Iceland 202 miles away
Photos of Lake Mývatn
Our expert guides to exploring Lake Mývatn
Written by our specialists from their own experiences of visiting Lake Mývatn, these guides will help you make the most of your time there. We share both our practical recommendations and the best ways to appreciate Lake Mývatn at its best.
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Highlights of Iceland: volcanoes, glaciers, whales and waterfalls Highlights of Iceland: volcanoes, glaciers, whales and waterfalls
Highlights of Iceland: volcanoes, glaciers, whales and waterfalls
Iceland is shaped by fire, ice and folklore. Whether you’re a summer or winter visitor, you’ll find lots to experience here, from whale watching to hiking through ice caves and even bathing in beer. Iceland specialist Katy shares her highlights.
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Accommodation choices for Lake Mývatn
We've selected a range of accommodation options for when you visit Lake Mývatn. Our choices usually come recommended for their character, facilities and service or location. Our specialists always aim to suggest properties that match your preferences.
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Berjaya Mývatn Hotel
Lake Mývatn
Ideas for experiencing Lake Mývatn
Our specialists seek out authentic ways to get to know the places that could feature in your trip. These activities reflect some of the experiences they've most enjoyed while visiting Lake Mývatn, and which use the best local guides.
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Hike & bath Lake Mývatn Hike & bath Lake Mývatn
Hike & bath Lake Mývatn
Explore the dramatic volcanic landscapes of northern Iceland on this half-day walking tour around Lake Mývatn. Take in underground pools and sweeping views of age-old craters before finishing at the Mývatn Nature Baths for a relaxing soak.
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