Lake Mývatn

Mývatn area is an astonishing geological area, known for its unique and beautiful volcanic landscape, approximately one hour’s drive from Akureyri. The name refers to the lake in the area which is called Mývatn. The name of the lake comes from the midges found in and by the lake (Icelandic mý ("midge") and vatn ("lake"); "the lake of midges".

Mývatn is great for birdwatching, it has more species of duck than anywhere else in the world, with thirteen nesting species and many more visiting. Most popular amongst these is the harlequin duck.

Some of the most popular places in the area are Dimmuborgir lava field, which is also the home to the thirteen ‘Santas’ of Iceland, the Yule Lads that can be visited in December. Hverfjall explotion crater, Grjótagjá cave with the hot geothermal river (note that the water temperature is not monitored so please restrain from taking a dip, Skútustadagígar pseudo-craters and the Víti crater above Kralfa PowerStation, Námaskarð Pass with the fascinating bubbling mud poles also referred to as the Devils kitchen and finally the Nature baths.

During winter we advise visitors to check the website of the The Icelandic Road Administration to see the condition of the road as well as the weather prognoses for the area by the Iceland Met Office before setting out for an adventure of the day.