A volcanic lake on the Diamond Circle route, known for its unique 'rootless cone' pseudocraters, rich birdlife, and geothermal surroundings.
Story & Legend
Mývatn ('Midge Lake') is named after the clouds of tiny flies that hatch here in summer – don't worry, they don't bite, but they are annoying! This area is the filming location for 'Game of Thrones' (Beyond the Wall). NASA used this landscape to train the Apollo astronauts for moon landings because the geology is so similar to the lunar surface.
Geology & Science
The lake sits on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge and is a hotbed of activity. It features Pseudocraters (Skútustaðagígar) formed by steam explosions when lava flowed over wet marshland. The area also includes Dimmuborgir ('Dark Cities'), a maze of twisted lava towers formed by a drained lava lake.
Safety
In summer, a head net is highly recommended to keep the midges out of your eyes/mouth. Stay on marked paths in Dimmuborgir to avoid getting lost in the lava maze. The water in the lake is shallow and nutrient-rich, attracting thousands of ducks.
Photo Tip
The pseudocraters at Skútustaðir are best photographed at sunrise or sunset when the low light emphasizes their crater shape. Dimmuborgir's lava formations make for spooky, dramatic silhouettes. The Hverfjall explosion crater offers a massive black cone backdrop.
Insider Tip
Drive the lake counter-clockwise starting from Reykjahlíð to hit the major spots (Skútustaðagígar, Höfði) before the big tour buses arrive from Akureyri.
Best Time to Visit
September. The autumn colors are stunning, the Northern Lights begin to appear, and most importantly, the summer midges have died off.
What to Bring
A head net is absolutely essential if visiting between June and August. The name Mývatn literally translates to 'Midge Lake'.
