Lake Mývatn is an exquisite Lake with many small islands in the north of Iceland. It is the country’s fourth-largest lake. It is one of the most unique natural attractions in the country because of its peace, volcanism, and birdlife.

Mývatn is so stunning that it served as a site in the Game of Thrones franchise. The lake was used to depict the lands North of the Wall, specifically, Mance Raider’s Wildling camp. They make the film in mid-winter.

Mývatn sits in an extremely active geothermal area, giving it unique and exquisite geology. After all, it is near sites such as Krafla caldera, which features the notorious Víti volcano. The name ‘Víti’ translates to ‘hell’.

Various islands are thus pseudocraters, created by steam explosions as magma rose underneath pockets of water. Others are bizarre basalt columns, going up vertically from the surface, created by rapid cooling after an eruption.

The high amount of geothermal activity underneath Mývatn reflects the opportunity for having a bath in naturally heated waters. The Mývatn Nature Baths are the ideal place for bathing as they are lovely establishments with outstanding views, serene waters, and an affordable entry fee.

How to Get to Mývatn?

• From Akureyri: It is a 1-hour drive from Akureyri. 
• From Reykjavik: There are 2 ways to get to Myvatn from Reykjavik. You can go by car which takes 6-7 hours. The other option is to fly to Myvatn which takes 1-2 hours.

When is the Best Time to visit Mývatn?

The ideal time to visit Myvatn Lake is from July through October. The average temperature during the day is around  13C while at night is around  5C. December is the coldest month with an average temperature of around 1C during the day and -5C at night.

Top Attractions in Lake Mývatn

• Dettifoss Waterfall

It is one of the most stunning waterfalls in Iceland. It is unique due to its tremendous power. It is one of the most famous stops when visiting Lake Mývatn. You can access the waterfall from both sides of the river through the 2 leading roads. It is around a 2-hour visit.

• Myvatn Nature Baths

They are the most famous geothermal pools in Iceland. They feature fantastic scenery. You can soak in the blue warm water while enjoying the stunning panorama. There is a cafe that opens every day until 10 pm. This is the perfect place to unwind. 

• Askja

It is one of the most impressive attractions in Iceland. You can get to Askja by booking a 4×4 tour. Tours are available from mid-June through September. In the middle of the crater, you can experience the sapphire-blue lake Oskjuvatn.

Where to Stay in Lake Mývatn?

• Hlíd Cottages

It is one of the top-rated accommodations which is located in Hraunbrún, 660 Myvatn, Iceland. The Hlíd Cottages offers free public parking and free wifi. It features a lake view, landmark view, mountain view, and garden view. It also features a picnic area, outdoor furniture, an outdoor dining table and more. 

Tour about local culture, walking tours, mini golf, horse riding, and golf course are all available at an additional charge. The Hlíd Cottages also feature a hot spring bath at an additional charge. You can also go cycling and hiking.

The Hlíd Cottages has various cottages for travellers to choose from. Most cottages feature a private kitchen, ensuite bathroom, free wifi, balcony, terrace, coffee machine, refrigerator, electric kettle, kitchenware, BBQ, patio, toaster, stovetop, oven, cleaning products and more.

• Hlíd Huts

It is one of the top-rated accommodations which is located in Hraunbrún, 660 Myvatn, Iceland. It offers free private parking without reservation and free wifi. It also features a landmark view, mountain view and lake view. There are also BBQ facilities, a picnic area, outdoor furniture and more.

Horse riding, golf course, laundry, open-air bath, and hot spring bath are available at an additional charge. Hlíd Huts also features 24-hour security, luggage storage, family rooms, non-smoking rooms, security alarm, smoke alarms, fire extinguishers and more. 

Hlíd Huts has one-bedroom chalets for travellers. They feature a patio, BBQ, terrace, toilet paper towels, shared toilet, private entrance, seating area, hand sanitiser, heating, linen and more.

• Vogahraun 4

It is one of the top-rated accommodations which is located in Vogahraun 4, 660 Myvatn, Iceland. This guest house offers free private parking and free wifi. It features a terrace, garden, family rooms, tour desk, a restaurant, smoke alarm, key card access and more. 

The guest house features a twin room with a private bathroom. The room features an electric kettle, refrigerator, clothes rack, desk, shower, toilet paper, towels, toilet, socket near the bed, linen, heating and more. 

• Eldá Guesthouse

It is one of the top-rated accommodations which is located in Helluhraun 9, 660 Myvatn, Iceland. The guest house offers free public parking and free wifi. It features various amenities including, daily housekeeping, a shared lounge or tv area, laundry, 24-hour security and more.

There are various activities available including, bike tours, walking tours, horse riding, cycling, hiking, a golf course, and a fitness centre. It also features an outdoor dining area, outdoor furniture, a picnic area, BBQ facilities, a landmark view, a garden view and more. 

The guesthouse has various room types for travellers to choose from. Most rooms feature free wifi, a private kitchen, patio, terrace, refrigerator, microwave, electric kettle, kitchenware, toaster, oven, dining table, cleaning products, desk, hairdryer and more.

Best Restaurants in Lake Mývatn

Vogafjós Farm Resort:

• Located in Vogafjos Vegur, Lake Myvatn 660 Iceland.
• Serves European and Scandinavian cuisines
• Features vegetarian-friendly, vegan options, and gluten-free options.
• Offers breakfast, lunch, dinner, brunch, and late night.
• Accepts credit cards. 
• Offers free wifi.
• Features outdoor seating, parking, highchairs, and table service.
• Serves alcohol.
• Opens Wednesday to Sunday from 12 pm to 8:30 pm and  Monday and Tuesday from 4 pm to 8:30 pm.

Kaffi Borgir:

• Located in Dimmuborgir, Lake Myvatn 660 Iceland.
• Serves cafe, European, Soups, and Scandinavian cuisines.
• Features vegetarian-friendly, vegan options, and gluten-free options.
• Offers drinks, lunch, and dinner. 
• Serves wine and beer.
• Features outdoor seating, parking, highchairs, and table service.
• Opens from 10 am to 5 pm daily.

Daddi´s pizza:

• Located in Vogar, Lake Myvatn 660 Iceland.
• Serves pizza and fast food.
• Features vegetarian-friendly and vegan options.
• Offers lunch, dinner, and late night.
• Serves alcohol.
• Accepts credit cards. 
• Features outdoor seating, parking, and take-out.
• Offers free wifi.
• Opens every day from 12 pm to 10 pm.

Gamli Bistro:

• Located in Reynihlid next to Hotel Reynihild, Lake Myvatn 660 Iceland.
• Serves bar, European, and Scandinavian cuisines.
• Features vegetarian-friendly meals.
• Offers lunch, dinner and brunch.
• Features outdoor seating, parking, highchairs, and table service.
• Offers free wifi.
• Accepts credit cards. 
• Serves alcohol.
• Features full bar.
• Open every day from 12 Pm to 9:30 am.

Eldey Restaurant:

• Located in Vid Olnbogaas, Lake Myvatn 660 Iceland.
• Serves Fusion, European, and Scandinavian.
• Offers breakfast, dinner and drinks.
• Accepts American Express, Mastercard, and Visa.
• Features outdoor seating, parking, highchairs, and table service.
• Offers free wifi.
• Serves alcohol.
• Features full bar.
• Opens every day from 6 pm to 9 pm.

Mývatn Birdlife

The midge is almost completely missing from Mývatn. Although many are happy due to the lack of the thick clouds of blackflies that are commonly known in the region, RÚV declares that the population collapse, and this will impact local birdlife. Normally, there are almost 100,000 hatchlings around Mývatn. However, in 2022, there are just less than 1,000. 

Midges are an essential food source for birds around the lake. So, there are almost no chicks. Ducks don’t lay anymore and leave their nests.  Have abandoned their eggs, and left them behind in the nests. 

Conclusion

Lake Mývatn is a special lake located in the north of Iceland. There are various fabulous attractions to explore. It also features amazing restaurants that serve different cuisines. There are a lot of guesthouses to stay in. However, birdlife is negatively affected by the lack of midges.