Brazil
Argentina
Bolivia
Chile
Colombia
Ecuador
Guyana
French Guiana
Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
Paraguay
Peru
Suriname
Uruguay
Venezuela
Germany
Austria
Belgium
Croatia
Denmark
Spain
Finland
France
Greece
the Netherlands
Hungary
Ireland
Italy
Luxembourg
Norway
Poland
Portugal
the United Kingdom
the Czech Republic
Sweden
Switzerland
Turkey
the United States
Mexico
the Dominican Republic
South Africa
Australia
Fiji
Lake · Reykjahlíð, Northeastern Region
Mývatn
A volcanic-landscape lake, with bird areas, islets and pseudocraters in the surroundings.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Mývatn
Mývatn occupies a volcanic-origin depression in the Northeast. The lake is related to lava fields, islets and vegetated shores. Traveling the area shows how water and eruptions shaped different forms within a relatively short distance.
In the Skútustaðir sector, pseudocraters help interpret the contact between lava and water. Waterbirds commonly use the lake, with higher activity from May to August depending on species and habitat. Observation should take that variation into account, without relying on encountering a specific animal.
The road circuit can be divided into walking stops, with Reykjahlíð as a base. Don’t try to treat the whole surroundings as a single viewpoint. Reserve a day for the different sectors and put the nearby lava and geothermal fields in another stage, depending on the length of stay.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
One day to drive around sectors of the lake and walk at the stops.
Best time
May to August usually has higher waterbird activity, depending on species and sector.
How to get there
By the roads around Mývatn, using Reykjahlíð as a base.
Tip
Include the Skútustaðir pseudocraters to compare lava and water relief.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Mývatn
How much time to allow for Mývatn?
One day to drive around the lake sectors and walk at the stops.
How to organize access to Mývatn?
Via the roads around Mývatn, based in Reykjahlíð.
What to consider when visiting Mývatn?
Include the Skútustaðir pseudocraters to compare lava and water relief.