The Ultimate Guide to Lake Myvatn in Iceland
Our travel guide on Lake Myvatn in Iceland includes tips on what to see and do while there, top attractions, best hikes, how to get there, where to stay, or when to go.
Lake Myvatn is a shallow lake set in a unique volcanic landscape in North Iceland along Ring Road.
The lake itself was created approximately 2300 years ago by the consequences of an enormous volcanic eruption.
Most importantly, the fourth-largest lake in Iceland is the heart of a much larger area that offers plenty of things to do and see.
You can expect to find here wetlands, caves, hot pools, volcanoes, geothermal areas, lava fields, ducks, and obviously, the lake itself.
Whether you come here to hike through lava fields, soak in hot pools in summer, try snowmobiling or see the northern lights in winter, Lake Myvatn will not disappoint you.
This travel guide is designed to highlight the most beautiful places in the Lake Myvatn area that are within driving distance from Ring Road.
So without any further ado, here's everything you should know about Lake Myvatn before you go.
Why Visit Lake Myvatn
The volcanic nature of this area created so many unique places throughout the centuries attracting visitors from all over the world.
No wonder Lake Myvatn is one of the most visited places in North Iceland.
There is just so much to see and do year-round that every visitor will find here at least a few places and activities they enjoy.
It is also the true shining star of Diamond Circle, a scenic road that connects some of the best natural attractions in the region.
We definitely want to inspire you to visit Lake Myvatn, but we can't fail to mention that Myvatn is home to midges in summer.
The flying insect can indeed be quite irritating but usually comes in waves.
The situation was good during our trip, especially when exploring places that were a bit farther from the lake.
Still, hope for the best, and be prepared for the worst.
How Much Time Do I Need
Right from the start, we knew there were many interesting places to see in Lake Myvatn. We just weren't sure how much time we should plan to spend in this area.
That's why Lake Myvatn was initially just a stop on our Iceland itinerary.
Once we reached the lake, we decided to be a bit spontaneous here and let the situation unfold.
In one of our earlier posts on how to plan a travel itinerary, we've mentioned it is essential to have a spare day (or two) when on the road.
We usually think of it as a backup solution if something goes wrong or when some activity takes longer than initially planned.
Lake Myvatn was exactly this kind of place.
No, we did not have to take a break from traveling, and nothing went wrong.
The area was simply so beautiful, and we discovered so many incredible places, so we stayed longer than we had initially planned.
So, how much time do you need to see the best places in Lake Myvatn and its close surroundings?
We would say that a full day is a bare minimum for Lake Myvatn.
Two days is quite optimal, especially if you want to stay in Myvatn Nature Baths for more than a couple of hours.
Lake Myvatn is fascinating, and we believe it rightfully deserves your attention and time.
Is Lake Myvatn Worth Visiting?
When planning your trip to Iceland, you might get the impression that the north is far less spectacular than the south.
Places such as Golden Circle near Reykjavik or the entire South Coast are truly magical.
However, North Iceland is full of surprises, and it's one of our favorite places in Iceland.
Lake Myvatn is the tourist hub in this area, and as it offers so many things to do and see, it's definitely worth visiting.
Best Things to Do in Lake Myvatn
Lake Myvatn is very close to the Krafla volcano, and you can feel the volcanic activity results in every corner.
The volcanic activity will accompany you on every step while exploring the area, as most of the top attractions in Lake Myvatn have a volcanic origin.
The first day of our travels in the area was quite sunny, and the area looked very lovely.
However, it rained the next day, and the scenery completely changed. The low-rolling clouds, gray skies, and rain turned this area into a gloomy Mordor-like country.
Walking through an inhospitable setting in such bad weather felt very authentic.
Here's the list of the best things to do in Myvatn.
Lake Myvatn
You can hardly say that you have been to Lake Myvatn without exploring the lake itself. Ring Road (Road 1) and Road 848 go around the lake, but it still feels remarkably secluded.
The curves of this drive gently follow the lake's shape for 36 kilometers and offer some great stops and scenic views.
Several hiking trails in this unique landscape will help you explore the lakeside area thoroughly.
You can even combine some of the paths to create your own hiking itinerary to get the most out of your trip.
Don't forget to check out the local maps, as hiking in Lake Myvatn is one of the best things you can do in the area.
Myvatn Nature Baths
Only a few kilometers from Lake Myvatn, you can find the iconic Myvatn Nature Baths.
These amazing hot pools are often considered the best alternative to the extremely-popular Blue Lagoon near Reykjavik.
Many people believe that Myvatn Nature Baths are the best hot pools in North Iceland.
We can only add that it's a great place where you can relax and unwind for a few hours, which comes especially handy after a long and tiring day on the road.
Do not expect to have this place for yourself, though.
While these pools are definitely less-visited than the Blue Lagoon, Myvatn Baths are still a top attraction in North Iceland.
For many travelers, it's also one of the reasons why they even travel to this region.
Myvatn Baths are not natural, and the pools are human-made. It does not change the fact that visiting this place is definitely worth it.
What can you expect from Myvatn Nature Baths? The hot pools have milky blue water with a pleasant temperature ranging between 36 – 40°C.
The water contains many minerals that have a soothing effect on your skin. You can also find an artificial waterfall that can massage your upper body here.
The steam baths will reduce your tension, relieve sore muscles, and ensure you will leave this place as a new person.
The entrance fee to Myvatn Nature Baths is 5900 ISK.
We traveled around Iceland on a budget, so we were initially quite reluctant to buy the fairly expensive ticket.
Still, we decided to give it a go and later agreed that this experience was worth it.
Even though you can visit Myvatn Nature Baths any time between 12 PM and 11 PM in the peak season, we think it is a good idea to make it the last activity of the day.
Why is that? Because there is nothing more satisfactory than falling asleep in your hotel room while feeling relaxed and without any stress.
Myvatn Nature Baths Ticket
It is better to book a Myvatn Nature Baths Ticket in advance in the peak season as the capacity is limited.
Grjotagja Cave
Iceland is famous for many things, but mainly for breathtaking nature and untouched wilderness.
Not that long ago, it has become even more popular thanks to the Game of Thrones television series.
Many locations in Iceland were used for filming the scenes and eventually acquired almost an iconic status due to the shows' popularity.
One of the famous scenes from Game of Thrones features Grjotagja Cave.
Technically, the iconic love scene between Jon and Ygritte was shot in the studio, but the cave was used as a background in the post-process.
Therefore, it's a must-visit place for every fan of the show out there.
Even though you might not be familiar with the show, this cave is a stunning natural attraction worth visiting.
Grjotagja is a small volcanic cave with an amazing blue-colored hot pool.
Locals used to come here to take a bath not that long time ago, but the volcanic activity raised the water temperature to an intolerable level.
On top of that, it would not be possible to take a bath here because of the number of visitors, so nature took of the problem for us.
As the water temperature is unstable and the cave is heavily visited, it's not allowed to swim in Grjotagja Cave. We believe that's only for good.
Both entrances to the cave are small, so this site is not ready when more visitors arrive at the same time.
We can only ask you to be respectful. You are on a privately owned land, and when the cave is full of people, wait patiently outside.
If there are too many people, or you just want to look around, there is a short path on the right-hand side of the cave, where you can see a really cool crack in the ground.
If you still want to take a dip into a natural hot pool, head out to nearby Stóragjá instead.
Grjótagjá is on Road 860, about 3.5 kilometers west of Myvatn Nature Baths.
Hverfjall Volcano
The conical shape of the Hverfjall Volcano near Lake Myvatn could not be more classic.
What sets this natural attraction apart from the rest of the crowd is the one-kilometer wide and 140 meters deep caldera, one of the largest in the world.
You probably guess right. It's time to put on your hiking boots to enjoy this relatively peaceful scenery from the top and see the crater in its full glory.
Luckily, there is an easily visible trail that will take you to the rim on the north side of the caldera.
The climb to the crater is not hard and will take you fifteen to thirty minutes.
The trail leads uphill all the time, so how long it will take you to get there depends on your pace and weather conditions.
Unsurprisingly, the area can be very windy, and we experienced even rain on our hike.
It is possible to walk around the whole crater, but because the visibility was poor on the day of our visit, we decided to take our talents elsewhere.
The 2.5-kilometer access road to the parking lot is not paved, but a 2WD car should do the job. The parking has plenty of spaces and new facilities such as toilets.
Hverfjall is accessible from Road 848, and it's only six kilometers south of Grjotagja Cave and five kilometers north of Dimmuborgir.
Dimmuborgir Lava Field
Dimmuborgir lava field near Lake Myvatn was yet another place in Iceland we did not know about until the very last moment.
Our trip was spontaneous, and we hadn't had enough time to plan everything.
Fortunately, it doesn't take much time to find the best attractions in Lake Myvatn these days.
And we are glad we had learned about this extraordinary place that was formed approximately 2000 years ago when hot lava flowed over small ponds.
Water in the ponds was suddenly beneath the lava, so it instantly turned into steam that helped create these unusual formations of all shapes and sizes.
Walking on a lava field in Dimmuborgir is one of the most strange experiences when exploring Iceland.
We mean it in the most positive way possible.
Dimmuborgir, also known as Dark Castles, is also closely connected with local legends and myths, as this area is home to many scary trolls.
Moreover, it's believed that this area connects the earth's surface with hell. We couldn't find the entrance, though.
Like Grjotagja Cave, Dimmuborgir was also featured on Game of Thrones.
It's not a secret that Dimmuborgir offers some of the best hikes in Lake Myvatn.
When you reach Dimmuborgir's entrance, there is a large map with many hiking trails.
You can choose the one that suits you the best, but it mostly depends on how much time you have for your trip.
Some of the easier trails are paved and fairly short. We opted for a path that took us across the lava field, so we could see variously shaped formations up close.
Allow yourself anything between thirty minutes and two hours for Dimmuborgir.
Skutustadagigar Pseudocraters
Do you remember how unique geologic formations at the Dimmuborgir lava field were formed?
Now imagine that the flowing lava created another attraction in Lake Myvatn that is nothing like Dimmuborgir.
Although the origin story of Skutustadagigar (Skútustaðagígar) is quite similar, the pressure of steam beneath the ground was way more immense here.
The lava flowed over the wetlands and pools and created giant pressurized steam caps beneath the surface.
When the land couldn't hold the extreme pressure inside, it exploded, and the pseudocraters were formed.
Sure, the process is much more complicated and exciting than our limited knowledge can describe.
Therefore, we want to encourage you to go inside the local Myvatn Visitors Center, where you can read more about how these pseudocraters were formed.
More than two thousand years later, we can admire the unique landscape at Skutustadagigar.
Several hiking trails traverse the area, allowing you to explore this unusual landscape on your own.
Admittedly, the drone photos of Skutustadagigar are even more breathtaking than what you can see from the ground.
The wetlands at Skutustadagigar are also a popular place for birdwatching in Lake Myvatn.
Skutustadagigar is located at the south edge of the lake on Road 848, about 11 kilometers southwest of Dimmuborgir.
The Sigurgeir's Bird Museum
Due to its nature, Lake Myvatn is one of the best places for birdwatching in Iceland.
Therefore, it does not come as a surprise that there is a lovely bird museum at its shores.
What can you expect from this small museum? The museum is nice, modern, and a must-visit place for any bird lover.
The display of the stuffed birds contains all species living and breeding in Iceland and gives you a good background on the local bird scene.
The museum got its name after a local bird collector and is located about 8 kilometers west of Reykjahlid on Road 1.
The entrance fee is 2200 ISK, which is a bit steep in our opinion.
It is actually the only place at Lake Myvatn which is not free, so it is only up to you to decide if you want to spend money here.
Traveling and exploring the best things in Myvatn is otherwise budget-friendly.
If you have binoculars, you can enjoy birdwatching at Lake Myvatn for free.
Hverir Geothermal Area
One of the top things to do in the Lake Myvatn area is to explore the Hverir Geothermal Area.
This fascinating site is only a few hundred meters off the Ring Road, so it's very easy to visit regardless of the season.
What can you expect from Hverir, and why should you go there?
As the name already suggests, it is a geothermal area with many mud pools, steam vents, fumaroles, cracked earth, ground colored by minerals, and bubbling water.
It's also one of those places where you can 'enjoy' the hydrogen sulfide that has a strong odor of rotten eggs.
When walking on a designated path, you can literally feel that the hissing ground beneath you is alive.
Hverir features Mars-like scenery, which is not something most people have in their backyard.
The comparison has a much deeper meaning here. NASA actually used this area in the past as a training center for their astronauts.
By the way, do not go beyond the roped-off areas. The ropes were placed there for a reason.
Walking around this geothermal area will take you approximately thirty minutes at a leisure pace and add another hour for the Namafjall hike.
If you have time to spare, we recommend you hike a 2.5-kilometer Namafjall loop trail.
The path that will take you around Namafjall Mountain offers fantastic views from the top.
After the initial steep but short climb, the hike is pretty easy and allows you to get the most out of this area.
It was definitely our favorite activity at Hverir, and we believe it's well worth the effort.
If you're looking for similar places in Iceland, don't forget to visit Krysuvik on Reykjanes Peninsula or Geysir Geothermal Area on Golden Circle.
Krafla
Many of the top attractions we are mentioning in this article are within the Krafla volcanic system.
Krafla is one of Iceland's most active volcanoes and features many interesting places to see within its greater fissure zone.
There have been dozens of eruptions of Krafla since the first settlement of Iceland, and this mighty power controls the destiny of the north.
Due to its accessibility, we decided to visit Viti Crater, formed in 1724 by an eruption of Krafla.
Even though there are many craters in the area, Viti holds a special place among them.
The crater features a stunning turquoise lake that is especially beautiful on a sunny day.
The short and easy walk at Viti Crater took us approximately fifteen to twenty minutes. However, we only went to the best viewpoint and did not walk around the crater.
On the way to Viti Crater, you'll drive by a geothermal power plant, a testimony to Iceland's attempts to tame the raw power of the geothermal elements for green energy.
It is an exciting experience to drive through a barren land in the middle of nowhere and stumble upon this industrial complex.
The combination of the red-painted simple structures, massive pipes, and lots of smoke make this trip very surreal.
If you have more time, just before you reach the Viti Crater parking lot, you can turn left, and visit the Leirhnjukur, another example of geothermal activity in this area.
Diamond Circle
Same as Reykjavik has its iconic Golden Circle, North Iceland tourism authorities created Diamond Circle to have their top attraction as well.
So what is Diamond Circle? It's a 240-kilometer scenic drive that allows you to see the region's best natural attractions.
You can expect roaring waterfalls, volcanic scenery, coastal drive, impressive cliffs, massive canyons, hot springs, and traditional architecture.
Even though this loop is still not as well-known as the Golden Circle, it's definitely worth visiting.
And thanks to its breathtaking scenery, it's been getting more attention lately, even from international travelers.
We believe that places such as Dettifoss, Myvatn Nature Baths and Lake Myvatn, or Godafoss deserve your full attention.
There are more places to explore further north, such as Husavik, where you can take the whale watching tour, and Asbyrgi Canyon, home to great hiking trails.
Part of the Diamond Circle is on Ring Road, so you will have the opportunity to explore some of its best places anyway.
However, the northern part of the loop is far less popular, and if you want to escape the crowds, this is your chance.
We've created this Diamond Circle self-drive itinerary that will give you a better idea about the best places to see along the way.
Dettifoss
It is impossible to travel around Iceland and not see at least a few waterfalls every day.
And not just any waterfalls. Usually, it is a true gem that will take your breath away.
Same as Seljalandsfoss is the pearl of the South Coast or Dynjandi is the reason to explore Westfjords, Dettifoss was one of the highlights of our trip to North Iceland.
Dettifoss Waterfall is only over an hour's drive from Lake Myvatn, and even though it is located off the Ring Road, it is one of those places you should not miss to visit.
The biggest selling point of Dettifoss is that it's one of the most powerful waterfalls in Europe. It's even more potent than Gullfoss near Reykjavik, so you're in for a treat.
Standing in front of it and listening to the thundering sound of the flowing water is an unforgettable experience.
The spray coming out of the waterfall gets everywhere, and you'll get drenched, especially if you are visiting the west side of Dettifoss.
On the other hand, the mist and spray with a combination of sun guarantee a photogenic rainbow over the waterfall.
We've seen quite many waterfalls in Iceland, and each was beautiful in its own way.
However, Dettifoss Waterfall is for sure very high on the list of the most impressive waterfalls in the Land of Ice and Fire.
Therefore, we can only recommend you include it in your itinerary.
Godafoss
Godafoss Waterfall is a great place to visit on the way from Lake Myvatn to Akureyri, the largest city in North Iceland.
As it's also known as the Waterfall of the Gods and it's located just off the Ring Road, we believe everyone should make a quick stop here.
Godafoss is not a Skogafoss or Glymur. With 12 meters, it won't blow you away by its height.
On the other hand, it is relatively wide, pretty powerful, and, most importantly, a gorgeous and photogenic waterfall.
Same as Dettifoss, it is possible to see Godafoss from two sides.
There is a bridge down the stream that you can use via a nice, well-maintained trail that connects both sides of the waterfall.
You can leave your car at either of the two parking lots, as we believe it's worth it to see Godafoss from both sides.
Allow yourself about an hour to get the most out of this area.
By the way, Godafoss is another stop on the Diamond Circle, and it is a short drive from Akureyri, Lake Myvatn, and Husavik as well.
How to Get Around
Because public transport is not really an option here, and tours do not include all attractions, the best way to get around the Lake Myvatn area is by car.
You do not need a 4WD car to visit places we've mentioned in this blog post, at least during the summer.
The situation will be different in the winter, as most side roads are not plowed as frequently as Ring Road.
All sites are within driving distance, roads are well-maintained in the area, and having a car or campervan allows you to see everything in a short time.
If you're an avid hiker, you could consider spending a full day of hiking in Lake Myvatn.
However, you would need to create a sensible itinerary from the trails in the area.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
How to Get to Lake Myvatn
Regardless of your location, the easiest way to get to Lake Myvatn is by car.
Honestly, we cannot imagine traveling in Iceland without a car as everything is so far away.
Moreover, the top attractions are scattered over the entire area so you will need a car to get from one place to another.
Still, there are a few more options you can choose from if you don't want to drive in Iceland.
Car
Reykjavik is approximately 470 kilometers southwest of Lake Myvatn, and it takes about six to seven hours to get there.
The problem is that you would miss so many opportunities to see places such as Snaefellsnes Peninsula, Westfjords, or Trollaskagi Peninsula in between those two cities.
Therefore, allow yourself at least a few days to fully explore what this journey has to offer.
Egilsstadir is 170 kilometers east of Lake Myvatn, and the journey shouldn't take you more than three hours.
Nonetheless, you might want to explore Diamond Circle first.
Here you can rent a car in advance. Alternatively, read our guide on how to choose a campervan in Iceland.
Public Transport
Even though public transport exists here, it's not convenient enough.
A bus 56 runs from Egilsstadir to Akureyri via Lake Myvatn once a day. It stops at Skútustaðir and Reykjahlíð.
Keep in mind that there is no tourist bus that goes to the Krafla area.
Plane
A small Myvatn Airport can be found about two kilometers north of Reykjahlid.
Myflug Air operates mostly domestic flights to places such as Reykjavik, Akureyri, or Egilsstadir, but they can even arrange some international flights to Greenland, Norway, or Denmark.
They have only a small fleet, and their aircraft usually have six to nine seats.
Tours
If you do not want to rent a car, several travel agencies offer tours to Lake Myvatn.
The tours usually start in Akureyri and include top attractions in Lake Myvatn and Diamond Circle.
Here you can reserve a popular Lake Myvatn Tour from Akureyri that will show you the best of the area and includes even a visit to the famous nature baths.
When is the Best Time to Visit Myvatn
It is possible to visit the Lake Myvatn area all year round.
Unlike some remote areas such as Westfjords or Borgarfjordur Eystri, Lake Myvatn is well accessible even during the winter.
Summer
Hands down, the best time to visit Lake Myvatn is summer.
The mildest weather in Iceland is between June and August, which means that most people travel there during this period.
During the summer, temperatures are higher, and all roads should be open. On top of that, days are really long due to the midnight sun, and you can take advantage of that.
The disadvantage might be the crowds and swarms of midges. We would not be that worried about this problem, though, as they usually come in waves.
Shoulder Season
Lately, we've been traveling in shoulder season as the weather is usually also fairly good, but prices are a bit lower, and you meet fewer tourists on the road.
Spring and autumn might be a good time to visit Lake Myvatn if you don't mind shorter and colder days.
Winter
Winter in Iceland is a challenging time, and unless you want to see the Northern Lights, it's better to come another day.
Snowfall can come as early as October, and driving can be challenging at times.
Still, when you are well-equipped and mentally prepared for the piercing wind and cold, you should be fine. Also, don't forget that the days are way shorter during this period.
Winter closes two roads leading to Dettifoss from the Ring Road, and some of the unpaved side roads might be unpassable as well.
However, you should be able to see the majority of must-visit at Lake Myvatn all year round.
For more information on this topic, read our guide on the best time to visit Iceland here.
What to Pack
Regardless of the season, you will need a good rain jacket to stay dry and a down jacket to keep your body warm for Iceland.
Also, bring rain pants and a rain poncho for Detifoss, Godafoss, and other waterfalls.
The blue pool inside a Grjotagja Cave is very photogenic, so it is a good idea to bring a circular polarizer filter to make the water pop.
Do not forget to pack a swimsuit, as the hot pools such as Myvatn Baths in this area are worth visiting.
Birdwatching is a popular activity to do in Lake Myvatn, so you might want to bring binoculars or a mirrorless camera with great autofocus and a telephoto lens.
If you plan on leaving the paved trail in Dimmuborgir behind, we recommend you wear hiking boots because the rocks are sharp.
Lastly, if you arrive in Lake Myvatn at the beginning of the summer, you might want to bring an insect repellent or even a head net.
During this period, swarms of midges can be seen in Lake Myvatn, and while they don't bite, it's definitely a nuisance.
For more information on this topic, read our guide on what to pack for Iceland.
Where to Stay in Lake Myvatn
As there is so much to see and do, Lake Myvatn is a traditional place where many visitors spend a night before continuing their journey.
Therefore, you can find nice and affordable hotels here.
Budget visitors will have a harder time finding a cheap hostel, but that's a recurring issue as Iceland is an expensive country.
Tourism has been booming in Iceland in the past few years, so you should not wait to make a reservation.
The hotels fill up quickly in Myvatn in peak season, so try to secure a better price.
We've selected the best hotels in Myvatn for every type of budget.
Budget | Vogar Travel Service - There are few actual budget-friendly hotels at Lake Myvatn. This affordable hotel with an excellent location near the lake offers basic accommodation, shared facilities, a large communal kitchen, and free parking.
Mid-range | Icelandair Hotel Myvatn - Situated by Lake Myvatn, this stylish hotel will cater to all your needs. From modern rooms to a lovely restaurant and helpful staff, Icelandair Hotel Myvatn has it all.
Luxury | Fosshotel Myvatn - Fosshotel Myvatn offers an amazing location, modern and clean rooms, an on-site restaurant, free parking, tasty breakfast. Great value for your money.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
