Mývatn

About Mývatn

Mývatn is a shallow lake in North Iceland, about an hour's drive east of Akureyri, and the centre of one of the country's most active volcanic areas. At 37 square kilometres it is Iceland's fourth largest lake, and its surface is dotted with around 50 small islets and skerries. The name means 'midge lake', after the swarms of tiny flies that hatch here in summer.

The lake is so shallow that sunlight reaches the bottom across its whole area, which feeds huge numbers of midge larvae and, in turn, birds and fish. In summer more species of duck gather on and around Mývatn than anywhere else in the world, which makes it a major birdwatching site. The lake and its surroundings are a legally protected conservation area and are listed as a wetland of international importance.

Most visitors use the lake as a base for the sights around its shores. Skútustaðagígar, the pseudocraters on the southern shore, have marked paths and are good for birdwatching. On the eastern side are the lava formations of Dimmuborgir, the tephra crater Hverfjall and the cave Grjótagjá, while a short drive east brings you to the steaming Námaskarð geothermal area, the Krafla volcanic area and the Mývatn Nature Baths. Goðafoss lies to the west on the road from Akureyri.

Summer, from June to August, brings the most birdlife and daylight, but also the midges; most are non-biting, though blackflies can bite, and a head net makes walks far more pleasant on calm days. Winter visits trade the flies for snow, frozen lava landscapes and a chance of northern lights. The Ring Road (Route 1) runs past the lake, so it is reachable all year, though check road conditions in winter. Swimming in the lake is not an option; bathe at the Nature Baths instead.