Lake Mývatn is packed with geological features and located along the Ring Road. So it’s no wonder that it’s a popular tourist destination. This region in Northern Iceland has a rich volcanic past so present day travellers come from around the world and from all over Iceland – it’s actually one of the few places in Iceland we visited that had equal number of Icelandic and international tourists.
The Mývatn area is centered around a large but shallow lake by the same name. While swimming in this lake is not an option, you will find other things to do in Mývatn. From soaking in geothermal pools, to wandering mud pots, to bird watching and hiking, there is something fun for you to do in Mývatn. Keep reading to see if this area is the next great spot for you. At the end of the post, we’ve also put together a 1, 2 and 3 day itinerary for the area.
Should you Visit Mývatn?
If you’re driving around the Ring Road or visiting Northern Iceland, you definitely SHOULD visit Mývatn. It’s right on the Ring Road and has a ton of attractions all packed into one area. It also has the highest concentration of geological neatness (technical term) that we’ve seen in our travels. While we love Yellowstone and the volcanic activity happening there, Mývatn has the same features in a much smaller geographic area.
Should Mývatn be your main destination in Iceland, probably not. While Mývatn has tons of things to do, you can find similar features in southern Iceland closer to Reykjavík. So while Mývatn is definitely impressive, unless you have at least a few days to dedicate to Northern Iceland, it isn’t worth the journey in our opinion.
When To Visit Mývatn
Mývatn is actually a top destination year round. Several vendors in the area cater to Northern Lights tours in the winter along with winter activities like snow shoeing, cross country skiing and snowmobiling.
However, most visitors come in the summer months as the hiking trails in the area are well groomed and well marked. The one and only downside of visiting Lake Mývatn in the summer is the flies. Little tiny black flies that are on suicide missions flying straight into your eyeballs. Don’t worry we have a stylish plan to prevent this in the packing section below.
Getting There and Around
Mývatn is located in Northern Iceland. The Lake is right along Route 1, the Ring Road. Most people visit Mývatn via a Ring Road trip. However, There is also a small airport in Akureyri. You could fly into this airport to save some drive time. However, you will still need to rent a car.
You can easily get around the Mývatn area in the summer in a regular vehicle and everything mentioned in this post is accessible with a compact car. However, there are some gravel roads in the area and some do prefer to have a 4WD vehicle for these rougher roads but it is not necessary.
Things To Do Near Mývatn
Mývatn Nature Baths
Time: 2 hours | Cost: 59,00 ISK
The Blue Lagoon’s Northern cousin, the Mývatn Nature Baths are nestled on a hill above the lake. The beautiful infinity pools overlook the entire area. Where the Blue Lagoon has the “spa” experience, these baths have the views! Plus with all the hiking you’re likely to do in the area, this is a great way to end your day.
Hverir
Time: 45 minutes | Cost: FREE
Hverir Geothermal Area is a mass of geothermal features, like hot springs, steam vents and mud pots. And unlike Yellowstone, you just wander the fields with little or no guidance. There are ropes that you are not supposed to cross but those are surprisingly close to the features. We were blown away by the trust in the general public that this place has. So wander on your own here but make sure to keep an eye on the little ones.
This place is seriously beautiful. Even the dirt here is pretty with the many colors. However, it is SO smelly. It’s nestled between a few hills so the sulfur from the springs seems to hang in the area. Just be mentally prepared for the smell and possibly have a plan so you can be a efficient visitor so you don’t have to stay long.
Krafla Geothermal Area
Time: 1 hour | Cost: FREE
On your way north on 863, you pass the Krafla power plant. It’s pretty cool to see a geothermal power plant up close as a majority of the power you’ll be using in Iceland comes from geothermal features like the ones you’ll see in Mývatn.
At the end of the road lies the Víti crater. This is a less impressive crater than Hverfjall, however the BLUE lake in the crater is impressive. You can walk around the crater or just stop at the parking area to spot the beautiful waters.
Additionally, on the other side of the road is Leirhnjúkur. A short but steep hike with take you around additional hot springs and craters.
Hverfjall
Time: 1 hour | Cost: FREE
You’ll like see Hverfjall long before you see Lake Mývatn as the conical shape peaking out of otherwise flat lands will draw your eye. A short and not well maintained dirt road will take you to the parking lot for Hverfjall volcanic crater. Here you will find a hiking map and public toilets. From the parking lot you’ll complete a short and steep hike to the top of the crater. At the top of the crater you can hike al the way around the volcanic crater.
Grjótagjá
Time: 15 minutes | Cost: FREE
This small cave is filled with beautiful blue-green geothermal waters. And it used to be a popular bathing place. However, in recent years, people have left trash in the pool and the volcanic activities have made the water temperature unstable, so bathing here is no longer allowed. However, you can tuck yourself into the cave, check out the water and scramble around on the roof of the cave.
I’ll also point out that this is on private land. The landowners are kind enough to let us see this cool cave. Be kind back and don’t litter, bathe or otherwise be a general butthole.
Dimmuborgir Lava Field
Time: 1-2 hours | Cost: FREE
The Dimmuborgir Lava fields were some of the coolest geological formations that we saw in Iceland. These Lava fields were formed when lava spread over an underground lake. Steam vented out via the strange tower like formations you now see and the rest of the field collapsed when the lake disappeared. So now these lava fields are marked by spindle-like towers and winding paths. There are even trolls that live in Dimmuborgir in the winter. You can visit their caves year round.
The walking paths at Dimmuborgir are well marked and well groomed. There also are paved path and handicap accessible paths here. This is one of the most accessible activities in Iceland that we visited.
Skútusta∂agígar Lava Field
Time: 1 hour | Cost: FREE
Similar yet so different to the Dimmuborgir lava field, Skútusta∂agígar lava fields also formed over water. However, the steam didn’t vent itself, instead it exploded. So this area is peppered with what looks like many small volcanic craters – pseudo craters. However, when walking up close, it’s hard to get a good view. But this area is still worth a stop as you can do some serious bird watching here. Lake Mývatn is one of the top destinations in Iceland for bird watching and the trail here will get you close to the lake where migrating birds stop.
Dettifoss
Time: 2-3 hours | Cost: FREE
Dettifoss is the most powerful waterfall in Iceland. And as Iceland really trusts you to get close to dangerous natural attractions, you really get to feel this power. This was one of our favorite waterfalls in Iceland so it is a definite must-see in the area.
Go∂afoss
Time: 1 hour | Cost: FREE
Go∂afoss is a beautiful split waterfall located just a short distance from Lake Mývatn. This waterfall is easy to get to and packs a big viewing punch. While this waterfall isn’t tall, it is wide. So wide that they made viewing platforms on both sides. We think it is definitely worth the walk to see it from both sides.
How Long To Stay In the Mývatn Area?
We think that you need one full day to explore everything around Lake Mývatn.
There are also some amazing waterfalls near the Lake and the Diamond Circle drive farther north also loops it’s way through Lake Mývatn. So if you want to take an extra day or two, you’ll find things to do.
More than 3 days in the area is unnecessary unless you are planning on doing some serious hiking, which is very popular in the area.
1, 2, and 3 Day Lake Mývatn Itineraries
One Day – Circling Lake Mývatn
The first stop of the day is the Krafla Lava Fields. Here, you can walk around a volcanic crater with beautiful blue water bubbling up in it.
Next, stop at the Hverir geothermal area. Here, you’ll find boiling mud pots, steaming hot springs and beautiful geothermal pools. Be warned, it stinks here. The smell of sulphur is very strong, especially on a calm day. However, the trails here are nice and easy. Consider hiking up the trails to the top of Mt. Namafjall for some amazing views of the Mývatn area.
Take Route 860 to get to the Grjótagjá. This cave enclosed hot spring used to be a place to bathe. However, due to littering and vandalism it is now just a viewing area of a cave enclosed hot spring.
Next, hike to the top of Hverfjall to see the impressive volcanic crater. You can also walk around the outer edge of the crater. The path to get to the top is very steep but well groomed.
Next, head to the Dimmuborgir Lava fields. The trails through these lava fields were some of the best kept and most accessible trails in all of Iceland. Enjoy an hour or so wandering the lave fields. Have you picnic lunch here.
Continue driving all the way around Lake Mývatn. The west side of the lake has few stops but the drive is still beautiful. Consider stopping at Skútaís for after lunch ice cream.
One the west side of the lake we stopped at several viewpoints to look for birds. Lake Mývatn is a popular resting spot for migrating birds.
Explore the shops in downtown Mývatn before going to dinner.
For dinner in Mývatn, we highly recommend the Vogafjós Farm Resort. This was Scott’s favorite meal in all of Iceland. They serve farm to table ingredients prepared in traditional Icelandic ways.
Two Days – Waterfalls
Complete the day one itinerary above.
Drive to Go∂afoss in the morning. Visit both sides of the falls via the short walking paths.
Backtrack through Mývatn an onward to the Dettifoss turnoff. This will either be the east side of the falls (Route 864) or the west side of the falls (route 862).
Whichever side you choose, make sure to see Dettifoss, Selfoss and Hafragilfoss, three of the most impressive waterfalls in Iceland. Make sure to pack a lunch as you’ll likely be on the road or at Dettifoss during lunchtime.
Next, head back towards Lake Mývatn to visit the Mývatn Nature Baths. These thermal pools are similar to the Blue Lagoon, however the views from the pool are really amazing! They overlook Lake Mývatn.
Spend another night in the Lake Mývatn area.
Three Days – Diamond Circle
Complete days 1 and 2 above. Make sure to visit the East side of Dettifoss on day 2. Then begin your journey around the Diamond Circle, the route in Northern Iceland that includes several tourist destinations, including Lake Mývatn.
Leave the Lake Mývatn area by traveling north on route 87 until you reach Húsavík. In Húsavík go on a whale watching tour in the morning. See if you can get a whale watching tour that will give you a chance to see puffins as well!
Circle up through Tjörnes and back down to Dettifoss on the west side of the falls. On the way to the falls, stop at Ásbyrgi and Hljó∂aklettar, both unique natural formations on the road to Dettifoss. Stop again to see the different perspective of Dettifoss from the other side of the river.
Head back to Lake Mývatn for your final night.
Where To Stay Near Lake Mývatn
There is so much to do in the area staying close to Lake Mývatn will allow you to be centrally located and limit the amount of driving you’ll need to do. There are several guest houses located around the Lake with the highest concentrations on the east side.
What To Budget
We’ve listed the prices for each attraction above. Additionally, you’ll want to budget between $25-50 USD/person/meal if you are planning on eating out. There is a small grocery store here if you’d like to eat in to save money.
This is also a relatively expensive area for accommodations compared with other Icelandic areas – that’s what happens when places get popular. So you’ll likely spend upwards of $300 USD/night. We were hard pressed to find any “budget” accommodations in the area. However, there are campsites so if you have the equipment with you, that would be a budget option. Additionally, accommodations here book up early in the summer months so make sure to book months in advance.
You can save money by staying west of Lake Mývatn. However, what you save in money you will spend in time driving.
What to Pack for Mývatn In Summer
The black flies in the Lake Mývatn area can be horrible. Lake Mývatn literally means Midge Lake, midges are tiny black flies. We packed head nets and wore them when hiking Mount Hverfjall, which is where the flies were the worse for us. While we know these are clearly the height of fashion, we were still surprised with how many people gave us envious looks as we passed. The bug spray we wore didn’t seem to work at all.
While you can’t actually swim in Lake Mývatn, you’ll want to pack a swimsuit if you’re visiting the Mývatn Nature Baths. You’ll also want to pack a quick dry towel or you’ll have to pay to rent one there.
As this is a major bird watching area, if you enjoy that (and we do) make sure to pack your binoculars as those pesky birds like to float far away from the walking paths that you’ll be on.
Also, it seemed to rain on and off the entire time we were in Mývatn. Make sure to pack a light rain jacket, even in summer, as rains seemed to be unpredictable.
We hope that this post has helped you to plan your own vacation to the Mývatn area in Northern Iceland. It was a small area with a ton to do and we loved it. If you have any comments or questions about Mývatn please leave them below and we’ll be happy to help.
