By Monika
8 Best Things to Do Around Lake Mývatn – a Complete Travel Guide.
Lake Mývatn is the 4th largest lake in Iceland and – next to the Diamond Circle – one of the main attractions of Northern Iceland.
There is a sightseeing route around the lake – a 36 km scenic loop filled with viewpoints and amazing natural wonders you can visit.
The beauty of it is greatly underestimated – we spent the whole day exploring this area and felt we could have easily filled another one!
In this guide I’ll give you an easy-to-follow list of the best things to do in this stunning area to make your visit a hassle-free, memorable experience.
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How to get to Lake Mývatn region?
By car:
Driving is the easiest way to explore this gem of Northern Iceland. Here are some driving distances for your reference:
From Akureyri : 1 hr (72 km) to Skútustaðagígar Pseudocraters, following the Ring Road
(the towns of Fossholl and Laugar are on the way, so if you stay there the distance is even smaller)
From Egilsstaðir: 1 hour 50 min (160 km) to Hverir Geothermal Area.
From Reykjahlíð (the town that is the closest to Lake Mývatn): 7 min (6 km) drive to Hverir Geothermal Area.
As you can see, which attraction you start with, and in which direction you’ll be exploring Lake Mývatn area will greatly depend on which part of Iceland you’ll be coming from (you’ll find a map listing all of the main attractions around the lake later in the post).
For driving directions without the tunnel, check the box to “avoid tolls” in the route options.
With a guided tour:
Since Akureyri is the closest major town to Lake Myvatn, most tours depart from there.
- From Akureyri: Lake Mývatn Guided Tour with Lunch – this tour will take you to some of the main attractions of the area and includes lunch and admission to Mývatn Heritage and Nature Museum.
- From Akureyri: Myvatn Lake, Craters, & Waterfall Tour – includes some of the main stops of the lake area and a visit to Goðafoss waterfall.
- Lake Mývatn Classic Tour from Akureyri – this tour will take you to the main sites around the lake and also to Mývatn Nature Baths to relax after a day of sightseeing.
Top attractions to see around Lake Mývatn
The scenic drive around Lake Mývatn is a combination of the Ring Road and rt. 848, with most of the best places to visit located along rt. 848.
Here is a map of the main attractions along this route to help you plan your day:
As you can see from the map, most of the main sites are located along rt. 848, on the eastern part of the lake.
We were coming from Akureyri, and went counterclockwise, starting with Skútustaðagígar.
1. Skútustaðagígar Pseudocraters
Skútustaðagígar is a cluster of small hills – unique formations called pseudocraters, formed not by volcanic activity but by gas explosions when melting hot lava flowed into the lake over 2000 years ago.
From the parking lot with a Visitor Center and restrooms, it’s an easy walk to the trails.
Stop by the information sign with a map before you start to see which way you’d like to explore.
The paths are well marked and will lead you to the top of these unusual structures for some really incredible views.
It’s one of the greener places you’ll see in North Iceland.
Helpful hint: Have your bug nets ready! When we got out of the car in the parking lot of Skútustaðagígar we understood right away why Lake Mývatn is also known as the “Midge Lake” – “lake of the flies”. They were everywhere! Swarming around our heads! We started laughing as it was a pretty comical sight, the four of us trying to not let them into the car, while at the same time swatting them away! Luckily, the further away from the warm car engine we got, the less of a nuisance they were.
How much time do you need at Skútustaðagígar Pseudocraters?
You can spend as much or as little time as you want at Skútustaðagígar.
We climbed up a few of the larger cones. Some of them had benches and viewing platforms.
I read that on a nice day you can see the reflection of the craters in the water – we had a rather cold and cloudy day, so we didn’t get to see that.
The pseudocraters have Lake Mývatn on one side and a smaller Stakhólstjörn Pond on the other. It’s a great place for bird watching.
The loop around the pond takes about 1 hour and the trail to the west of that loop, around the main pseudocraters area, takes about 30 minutes.
Despite the flies and cold weather, we thoroughly enjoyed walking around these unusual craters.
Bonus tip: Even on a cold day, try some ice cream from the small family run farm shop across the street. You can’t miss it – just look for a cute white building with a pink door. It is delicious – homemade, using their own cow milk and recipes. They also have equally delicious coffee which was just what I needed that day… Remember the name – Skútaís Farm!
There is also a gift shop near the farm with some really nice souvenirs.
2. Höfði Park
Continuing counterclockwise, Höfði Park is located only a 7-minute drive (7.5 km) away from Skútustaðagígar.
It’s another green area of North Iceland, a nature reserve made of forested lava fields with many footpaths to walk around the area.
From the trails you can see caves and lava pillars (called “klasar”), the most famous ones standing in the water, about 1.3 miles walk from the gate to Kálfaströnd farm.
We didn’t go into the park, but instead visited very similar lava pillars we spotted before the park entrance, right from the road.
There is a small parking area and a path leading toward the formations.
You can get really close to them and it’s a fun quick stop, so if you’re short on time, like we were, this is a good option to experience these unusual volcanic structures.
3. Dimmuborgir
Dimmuborgir is located only 6 minutes (5 km) from Höfði Park.
It is a lava field with volcanic rock formations taking on dramatic and sometimes unusual shapes. The name means “Dark Castles” or “Dark Fortress”. Some of the structures are large enough to fit a human in their caverns, hence the association with the “castles”.
There are many color-coded walking trails, clearly described on a big sign at the entrance to the area.
The red trail leads to the most famous formation called the “Church” (“Kirkja”), a small cave resembling a church tower – see the picture below. However, there are a few stops along the way worth exploring before you get there.
The first one is called “Hallarflöt” and it’s a fairly large cave to which you have to climb a small rocky hill.
Inside you’ll find a furnished living room with stools, tables and a hammack. It’s a “Cave of Yule Lads”, otherwise known as “13 Santas of Christmas”. It is said that they may be spotted here during Christmastime…
They also (supposedly!) put out a sheepskin for you to sit in this rocky chair, known as the “High Chair” so you can have a nice Christmas photo taken…
The next stop is a stone arch called “Gatklettur”, shaped similarly to the one in Arnarstapi on Snaefelsness Peninsula.
Looking outside through the opening of the arch you can see Hverfjall Crater. You can actually hike to it from Dimmuborgir. It’s a 10 km round trip loop taking on average about 3 hours to complete.
After a bit more walking the trail will take you to “the Church”.
From here you can continue on the red trail and loop back to the parking lot or retrace your steps back to the car. You can also explore other paths in this unreal looking lava field.
We chose to take the same trail back to the parking lot. There is also a nice Visitor’s Center there with a Café, a gift shop and restrooms.
How much time do you need at Dimmuborgir?
Like with most locations around Lake Mývatn area, you can spend as much or as little time at Dimmuborgir as you want (or as you have!).
For walking to and from “the Church” rock and stopping at the other interesting places on the way you’d probably need about 2 hours here. Add extra time if that will be your place for a lunch break at the café.
4. Hverfjall Carter
Hverfjall Crater is the next stop on the list of Lake Mývatn attractions, only a 10-minute drive (5 km) away from Dimmuborgir.
The last part of the drive is on an unpaved gravel road that will take you to the parking lot in front of this massive bare mound, also known as the “Cinder Cone”.
We saw glimpses of it earlier and wondered “are we really going to climb this beast???”. We did! It’s not as tough as it seems, though it is a steady steep walk up a loose gravel trail.
I definitely suggest solid hiking shoes with good soles. Hiking poles may also be helpful. After about 20 minutes, depending on your pace and number of photo stops on the path you will arrive at the top of this black beauty.
You can walk the entire perimeter, which is about 1 km in diameter, or just stay on the right side (going counterclockwise) of the path, as it offers the best views of the area.
And of course, peek (carefully!) inside the 200 meters deep crater! There is no lake inside, but it’s still really cool to see. It feels like you’re on another planet!
It is much easier to go down, but you should still be careful – loose rocks can be slippery.
This hike is not advisable on really windy days, as it’s a very exposed area and it may be unsafe to hike – use good judgement.
How much time do you need at Hverfjall?
If you plan on walking the perimeter of the crater, I would allow 2-3 hours to hike up, walk around and climb down.
If you’re not planning to walk the entire rim trail, about 60 – 90 minutes should be enough to enjoy this otherworldly landscape.
5. Grjótagjá Cave
Next on the route, located only a 12-minute drive (6 km) from Hverfjall Crater, is Grjótagjá Cave – an ancient cave with a geothermal hot spring inside that was once used for bathing.
Gjotagja’s purpose as a bathing pool ended in 1970s, when its water became too hot and unsafe after the Krafla volcanic eruption.
There is a small parking lot and a short trail to the cave. You have to scramble down some rocks to reach the warm cavern and its beautiful crystal blue hot pool. Some more scrambling is required to reach the other side and the exit.
When you come out of the cave, go and see a dramatic rift that runs through the ground near the cave.
It’s a continental rift – you can have one foot in America and the other in Europe!
How much time do you need at Grjótagjá Cave?
You don’t need a lot of time here. I think 45-60 minutes is enough. Grjótagjá Cave is small, but truly mesmerizing…
In the background you can see Mt. Námafjall and steam rising from Hverir Geothermal Area – the next and, I believe, the most popular destination of the Lake Mývatn area. It’s a must see!
6. Hverir Geothermal Area and Mt. Námafjall hike
It is only a 7-minute drive (6.5 km) from Grjótagjá to a huge parking lot for Hverir/Námafjall area. Note – no restrooms!
You can see the edge of the geothermal area just standing by your car if you are lucky to park close enough. Golden yellowish soil stained with all colors of the rainbow around steam vents and bubbling mud pools – unreal landscapes that no amount of prior research can prepare you for!
Note of caution: the sulfur smell here can be A LOT! We’ve been to a few geothermal areas already but here, at Hverir, it’s at a whole new level of intensity! If you’re sensitive to it, you may want to grab something to cover your nose just a little bit to make it bearable.
There are marked paths that you must stick to for your safety and which you should follow to explore the area. You can also hike Mt. Námafjall which is an awesome experience.
Read my detailed guide to Hverir Geothermal Area and Mt. Námafjall hike for helpful information about how to best visit this amazing area + lots of photos and a video to give you a sneak peek before your trip.
How much time do you need at Hverir Geothermal Area?
It really depends what you plan on doing there.
Without hiking Námafjall one hour should be sufficient, however you have to consider the “wow” factor and the number of photo stops you make as you explore.
If you’re including the hike, then you should add another 2 hours to your plan.
7. Mývatn Nature Baths
Mývatn Nature Baths (also called Jarðbödin) are called the “Blue Lagoon of the North”.
It’s a beautiful hot spring lagoon with milky blue alkaline water rich in minerals. It’s also rich in sulfur and the smell of it is stronger here than in other lagoons and spas. So if you’re sensitive you may find it a bit offensive…
But what a perfect place to recharge and relax after a day of exploring, especially if you hike Mt. Námafjall right before, like we did!
The drive to Mývatn Nature Baths from Hverir Geothermal Area only takes 6 minutes (4 km)
8. Krafla Volcanic Area
The name “Krafla” encompasses a vast volcanic area of North Iceland and includes Krafla Power Plant, Viti Volcanic Crater and Leirhnjúkur Lava Field.
Viti Crater
From Mývatn Nature Baths the drive to the Viti crater takes about 15 minutes (13 km).
The name Viti means “hell” and is connected to the way the crater was formed back in 1724 – in a massive explosion that lasted 5 years and got the name of “Mývatn Fires”
Note: There are two Viti craters in Iceland. The other one is located in Askja, in Icelandic Highlands, so make sure you have the correct location when putting that name in your navigation system.
To get to the Viti Crater of the Lake Mývatn area, you’ll drive slightly uphill on rt. 1, passing by the Krafla power plant and a funny lone standing shower head that I wish I took a picture of, but we drove by it and there wasn’t a good place to turn around. So here is a stock photo of it so that you know what to be on the lookout for!
It actually has its own Google Maps location, so you can put it in your GPS as “Krafla Shower” to avoid driving by it like we did.
Once you get to the parking lot for the crater, you just walk up a small hill to the top, where you can get a good look at the crystal blue lake at the bottom of the caldera.
It’s also possible to hike around the rim of the crater. We haven’t done it; however, I’ve read that it takes about 1 hour to complete the loop. Exercise caution – it can be muddy and windy!
Leirhnjúkur Lava Field
Leirhnjúkur Lava Field parking is very close to Viti Crater parking. When you drive back down from the crater, the parking area is only 3 minutes away.
Full disclosure – we packed so many things into the schedule for one day that we simply ran out of time and stamina to visit Leirhnjúkur and walk the trails of the lava field but here is what I know about it:
This is a one-of-a-kind lava field that is still steaming from the 1970s volcanic eruptions in the Krafla area. There are clearly marked hiking/walking paths that you MUST stay on or you’ll be risking melting your shoes (!!!).
The trails form a short loop, which takes about 1 hour to complete, and a long loop, requiring about 2 hours to finish. It is said that the latter offers more interesting geological features. As you may have already guessed, I’ll be adding Leirhnjúkur Lava Field to the “must-see list” for my next trip to Iceland.
How much time do you need at Krafla Volcanic Area?
If you’re just visiting the Viti Crater 30 minutes is enough to enjoy the views from the top of the rim.
If you’re planning to walk the rim trail, add another hour – depending on weather conditions and your pace.
For Leirhnjúkur Lava Field you’ll need 1-2 hours, depending on how much walking you’ll do.
Best time of the year to visit Lake Mývatn area
Most Lake Mývatn attractions that are accessible via paved roads and are open year-round, as these roads are usually very well maintained.
However, North Iceland does get a lot of snow, so it’s important to always check the weather forecast and the road conditions.
Sites accessible by unpaved gravel roads are typically closed in winter months. For example, Hverfjall crater parking lot may not be available – you may have to park closer to the paved road and hike from there. Dettifoss east side may not be possible to visit either.
Be careful with attractions like Grjótagjá Cave, as the rocks at its entrance may be covered in ice and unsafe to walk on. The amount of daylight should also be taken into consideration while planning your day.
Where to stay in Lake Mývatn area?
For a unique overnight stay nearby check out Möðrudalur – the highest inhabited farm in Iceland and a truly magical place!
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About Monika
An avid traveler and a passionate trip planner, mildly obsessed with being organized and prepared 🙂
Well aware of how precious travel time is, I’m here to share my experience and help you get the most out of your vacation time.
“Taking the hassle out of trip planning”