If you’ve got North Iceland mapped out on your itinerary, chances are you’re visiting Mývatn!
This is one of those places that completely wins people over. 🧡
Mývatn lake is one of the largest lakes in Iceland, and the Mývatn geothermal area has such interesting and diverse landscapes. It almost looks like it’s from another planet.
You’ll find volcanic craters, fuming geothermal mud pits, and so many cool things to see and do in the area!
If you’re spending any time in North Iceland, then Mývatn is an absolute must on your trip.
Let’s get into it!
Lake Mývatn Geothermal Area Location
Mývatn is located in North East Iceland. It’s right along on the Ring Road and part of the Diamond Circle route, too. You really have no reason to miss it!
The Akureyri to Mývatn route takes about an hour, while the little village of Reykjahlid (Reykjahlíð) is a 10-minute drive to Lake Mývatn.
If you’re wondering, the Diamond Circle is a 160-mile route and kind of like the North’s version of the Golden Circle.
Reykjavík to Mývatn
When you drive directly from Reykjavík on Route 1 (The Ring Road), it’s around 287 miles (462 km) to Mývatn.
Quick note: The name can be tricky to say, so it helps to know the pronunciation, especially if you need to stop and ask for directions! It’s pronounced Mee-vah-tn, with the emphasis on the first syllable.
Check out this video for more pronunciation tips. 👇
Seasonal Considerations & Weather in Mývatn, Iceland
North Iceland tends to be colder than the south, and you can definitely feel that in Mývatn.
Mývatn temperatures: Summer averages range from 43°F (6°C) and 55°F (13°C) and winter from 32°F (0°C) to 16°F (-9°C).
Mývatn in summer: Longer days and milder conditions make it easier to explore. That said… there’s one thing you need to know about: midges! They’re infamous in the Mývatnarea and can be quite irritating. A simple head net can make a huge difference in saving your sanity!
Mývatn in winter: This is a popular area, but you will enjoy fewer crowds in winter as opposed to the busy summer months. The lava fields and landscapes take on a unique look when they’re covered in snow. It’s a different experience when it’s colder, but no less impressive!
Packing for Iceland can feel a bit overwhelming at first. Like figuring out layers, what to bring, and what the weather will feel like.
Luckily, my 👉 Ultimate Iceland Packing Guide lays it all out for you.
It includes a simple layering cheat sheet, done-for-you packing lists, links to recommended items, plus monthly weather averages and insider tips you’ll want to know before you go.
Download your FREE PDF below. 👇
Mývatn Visitor Center
If you’re looking for local information while you’re in the area, Mývatnsstofa is the name of the visitor’s center in Reykjahlíð. A newer center was built close to the Skutustadagigar (Skútustaðagígar) pseudo-craters, called Gígur.
It’s open year-round, and the staff is super helpful. You can pop in and get information about nature, hikes, and activities close by.
Mývatn Hotels & Guesthouses
You’ll want at least two days to properly explore this area, so staying overnight is a good idea. Thankfully, there are some great options around Mývatn.
Fosshotel Mývatn: If you’re after something a bit more stylish, this is a beautiful place to stay. It overlooks Lake Mývatn and has that classic Icelandic design (wood, clean lines, and big windows that let in loads of natural light).
It’s also worth mentioning that Fosshotel is one of the first hotel chains in Iceland to be fully sustainability-certified. So you can feel good about staying here!
👉 Make a booking: Fosshotel Mývatn
Sel-Hotel Mývatn:This one’s in a really good spot, right by the Skútustaðagígar pseudo-craters. Another bonus is that breakfast is included, which I always recommend when booking Iceland accommodation. If you love craft beer, you’ll be happy to know that they have their own craft brewery next door. So, beer tastings are definitely an option!
👉 Make a booking: Sel-Hotel Mývatn
Eldá Guesthouse, Mývatn: If you’re looking for something a bit more budget-friendly, this is a good option. It’s part of the Hlíð Mývatn accommodation group, where you can choose between a hostel, hotel, guesthouse, or even camping.
The guesthouse itself is in Reykjahlíð, with bright, comfortable rooms, and it’s close to the local supermarket, which is always handy if you want to stock up on supplies.
👉 Make a booking: Eldá Guesthouse
Camping in Lake Mývatn
Are you keen to experience this area a little more up close and personal? Then camping around the lake is a great Mývatn accommodation option.
Views like these are hard to beat!
You wake up right there, steam rising in the distance and birds skimming across the water. It’s the kind of peacefulness you won’t find in a hotel, and it’s such a unique way to experience Mývatn.
One of the main spots is Hlíð Camping, located on the north shore. It’s open year-round, you don’t need to book in advance, and there is electricity… no freezing cold showers here!
One way you can make your camping experience a lot more comfortable is by renting a camper van.
Happy Campers is one of the most popular options. They’ve got reliable vans, and everything set up to make your trip easy. We camped with a toddler, and it was such an awesome experience and way more comfortable than we expected!
If camping sounds like your cup of tea, I highly recommend them.
Use the code CODE: IWV10 when you book with Happy Campers for 10% off your total rental price!
Lake Mývatn Restaurants
While many of the hotels in the area have their own restaurants, there are also a few really great local spots worth trying while you’re here.
Vogafjós Farm Resort Restaurant: Also known as the Vogafjós Cowshed Cafe, this is a true farm-to-table experience. Most of what they serve comes straight from their own farm, so you can expect things like lamb, beef, cheese, and traditional Geysir bread.
If you’re wondering what Geysir bread is, it’s bread that’s baked using geothermal heat from the ground. This area is the perfect place to try it!
At the restaurant, there’s a glass wall where you can watch the cows while you eat. How cool is that?! They also have a guesthouse on-site if you want to extend your stay.
Daddi’s Pizza: Goodness knows that sometimes all you need is a great pizza! This cozy little pizza spot also serves up vegan and gluten-free options. I’ve tried pizza here and it doesn’t disappoint. I’ve got my eye on the Lúdent pizza for next time. It’s got toppings like local lamb, garlic-butter mushrooms, béarnaise sauce, and black pepper. Yum!
Top Mývatn Attractions & Surrounding Area
Here are a few spots you don’t want to miss when exploring Mývatn.
1. Skutustadagigar (Skútustaðagígar Pseudo-Craters)
You’ll find these pseudo-craters in the south side of Lake Mývatn, and they’re part of a protected conservation area.
What makes them so fascinating is how they were formed. Usually, craters are formed by a volcano, and they’re connected to a magma chamber. But these pseudo-craters were formed when thinly flowing lava flowed over the wetlands, causing steam explosions.
It’s such a lovely area to walk around, and also a great spot for birdwatching.
There are a couple of easy walking trails in the area, which are great for the whole family. You’ll get great views of the lake – just remember to stay on the marked path.
2. Dimmuborgir
What makes Dimmuborgir so impressive is that it’s one of the largest lava fields in Iceland.
The name means “Dark City” and the formations are incredibly interesting. It’s easy to see why this place is tied to so many folk stories.
Some lava caves are set up with props, as if trolls or elves really live here. Sometimes, in the winter, you might come across people dressed up in character as the Yule Lads. It really adds such a fun twist to the experience!
There are also a few walking trails to choose from, ranging from 20 minutes to 2 hours.
3. Hverfjall
This huge explosion crater is one of the largest of its kind on the planet!
The dusty circular crater is 460 feet / 140 meters deep and 0.6 miles / 1km in diameter, and they say it’s about 2900 years old.
If you want to walk around the rim of Hverfjall crater, it’ll take about an hour, though you don’t need to walk the whole rim to experience the grandeur of it all.
Pro tip: There is paid parking here, so make sure you download the Parka app to pay. If you want to find out more about parking in Iceland, how to pay, and how the zones work, this blog post breaks it all down:
➡️ READ: Parking in Iceland: The Simple Guide to Paying, Parking and Avoiding Fines
4. Grjótagjá Cave
You might recognise this cave as one of the Game of Thrones filming locations. It’s where Jon and Ygritte share a famous scene.
The water looks so clear and inviting. You might just want to jump in, BUT swimming here is prohibited because of the temperature of the water.
That said, you can still capture some stunning photos!
There is A LOT to see in this area, and it can feel like trying to fit an entire buffet on a single plate!
Which is why I created my 👉 Iceland Itineraries.
If you prefer a clear daily plan with where to go, driving times, and even backup routes in case the weather acts up, it’s all here.
I’ve also included a digital map with pinned locations to make finding these amazing locations even easier!
So, if you’re tired of analysis paralysis and just want to know when and where you should go, this is a fantastic option for you.
Just pick your season and route, and I’ve already figured out the rest.
5. Mývatn Nature Baths / Earth Lagoon Mývatn
Ah, Icelandic hot spring culture at its finest!
The Mývatn hot spring spa is often nicknamed the ‘Blue Lagoon of the North.’ The milky-blue waters and lava rocks give it that Blue Lagoon feel, but it’s more affordable and a lot less touristy.
You’ll notice though, that there are a lot of different names associated with this hot spring, so let’s clarify them shall we?
Mývatn Nature Baths/Mývatn Hot Springs: This is the common name for it.
Earth Lagoon Mývatn: It was rebranded in 2025, and this is the current name.
Jarðböðin við Mývatn / (Jardbodin Nature Baths): If you come across this name, don’t panic! It’s just the Icelandic name. (Jarðböðin is the name for nature baths in Icelandic). 😊
Facilities here include the lagoon, cafe, swim up bar, and steam baths. However, there are a few exciting new facilities expected from 2026.
If it’s your first time visiting a geothermal spa, I’d suggest brushing up on Icelandic pool etiquette and what’s expected here in Iceland. 👇
➡️ READ: Showering In Iceland | Do I Have To Get Naked?
Mývatn Nature Baths Tickets
Tickets to the nature baths start at 7900 ISK for adults.
Mývatn Nature Baths Opening Hours
They open daily from 12:00 A.M. to 10:00 P.M.
Pro tip: If you plan on going to the Mývatn spa, it’s a good idea to book in advance to secure a spot.
Interested in more Blue Lagoon alternatives around the country? Don’t miss this. 👇
➡️ READ: Top 10 Blue Lagoon Alternatives: Hot Springs, Pools, and Spas That Are Just as Breathtaking
6. Hverir
Sometimes this area is referred to as Hverarönd or Námaskarð. When you visit, you can expect bubbling mud pots and steam vents. The colors here are really beautiful with hues of orange and blue.
Hverir can get quite busy, so it’s worth timing your visit if you can. I recommend early morning or late afternoons, not only for the crowds, but also for better photos. The mid-afternoon light can be really harsh.
And a little heads up: There’s a strong smell of rotten eggs, so before you give your companion a disapproving side-eye, just know that it’s because of the sulfur! 😉
7. Akureyri
You can’t go to North Iceland and not visit Akureyri!
It’s as charming as any Icelandic town with a buzzing and colorful downtown.
You’ll find some great restaurants and cafes like Kaffi Ilmur. And did you know that they even have heart-shaped stoplights here?!
Yep…it’s just as adorable as it sounds. 🥰
Find out more about this stunning town below. 👇
➡️ READ: How to Explore Akureyri, Iceland: Enjoy Must-See Gems, Fun Activities & More
Mývatn Tours & Things to Do
I’m sure you can already see there’s plenty to do in this area, and this list is just scratching the surface.
If you’re thinking about joining a tour or wondering what else you can do, here are a few more ideas for things to do in Mývatn, Iceland.
1. Mývatn Snowmobile Tour
This is probably one of the best ways to experience the Mývatn winter landscapes.
You’ll be shown how to safely drive a snowmobile before experiencing the incredible snowy scenery around Lake Mývatn.
Just so you know, this is a sightseeing tour, so don’t expect to be racing across the ice with this one! You’ll be driving at a safe, controlled speed the whole time.
➡️ TAKE A TOUR: Lake Mývatn 1-Hour Snowmobile Safari
2. Waterfalls, Volcanoes & Craters
The tour starts at Goðafoss Waterfall, one of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls. After starting your day off with a bang, you’ll then move on to see the lava fields.
And if you’re visiting over summer, you’ll see the Krafla volcano and Víti Crater with its milky blue water. You can actually swim in those geothermal waters, so bring your swimsuit.
➡️ TAKE A TOUR: Private Lake Mývatn Tour
3. Birdwatching + Sigurgeir´s Bird Museum
Lake Mývatn is an excellent place for birdwatching. If you enjoy a lot of quiet time in nature, you’ll love it here.
There are loads of duck species that nest here, along with plenty of other birds.
Visiting a museum in Iceland is a great activity for families, and just nearby you’ll find the Sigurgeir’s Bird Museum.
It’s a small but interesting stop that showcases Iceland’s birdlife, including eggs and different bird species found around the country.
If you’re an avid bird watcher visiting this area, don’t forget your binoculars!
4. Cycling on a Fat Bike
Looking for a bit of adventure? Exploring Mývatn on a fat bike is a completely different way to see it!
You’ll experience fantastic views but heads up: This isn’t your casual Sunday bike ride!
It can get a bit rough in some places, and you might even need to carry your bike at times. But if you’re up for a challenge, this would be an amazing tour to try!
➡️ TAKE A TOUR: Fat Bike Mountain Challenge
5. Mývatn Northern Lights Viewing
This area is one of the best places in North Iceland to see the Aurora.
It’s far from city lights, making it easier to view them when the skies are clear.
Find out more about how to catch the Northern Lights here. 👇
➡️ READ: How To See The Northern Lights In Iceland: Best Viewing Spots, When To Go And MORE
Mývatn: Iceland Map & Guide
If your Iceland itinerary is tight, Mývatn can feel a little overwhelming.
There’s so much to see… and not always enough time to fit it all in.
And that usually leads to one of two things: trying to cram everything in, or missing the spots you would’ve loved.
Neither of which feels great.
That’s exactly why I put together my 👉 Iceland Travel Map & Guide.
The guide will save you hours of research because I’ve already included the must-see highlights AND hidden gems you likely wouldn’t find on your own. It’s incredibly detailed and broken down according to region.
The digital map is a favorite among travellers and incredibly easy to use. You can even filter pins to find exactly what you’re looking for, whether it’s gas stations, grocery stores, or main attractions like hot springs and waterfalls. It’s all there!
It’s basically there to help you figure out what’s worth your time, and give you tools to help you plan a flexible itinerary so you can travel with confidence.
Can’t wait to see you here! 👏
Happy Planning!
