Let me show you the top things to do in Lake Myvatn, which happens to be my favorite region in Iceland. Sure it does not have the fjords or icebergs of South Iceland, but I loved the atmosphere of post-apocalypse and the connection with Earth. There are many activities that can be done, and this selection is based on my own taste and other will disagree, but here it goes.
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#5 - HVERFJALL
What is Hverfjall...
Easily spotted around Lake Myvatn, Hverfjall is a circular explosion crater about 140 metres deep and 1km in diameter which makes it one of the largest of its kind in the world. It is completely bare and can be climbed and circled.
Why I loved it...
This one of the bigger preserved craters I have ever seen. It makes you realise the power of volcanic eruptions. Plus the views of the area are quite nice.
Discover Hverfjall with more photos, info and some planning tips on my dedicated article
#4 - GEOTHERMAL AREA of HVERIR
What is Hverir..
Hverir is a geothermal area with at the foothill of Namafjall which features mud springs, steam vents, cracked mud and fumaroles.
Why I loved it...
Some people who visisted yellowstone or Wai-o-tapu are disapointed by Hverir. Personnally I really enjoyed the sharped contrast with the mountains and the atmosphere of being on another planet due to the bare surrounding landscape.
Discover Hverir with more photos, info and some planning tips on my dedicated article
#3 - PSEUDO-CRATERS
What are the pseudo-craters...
Skútustadagígar is where the famous pseudocraters can be found on lake Myvatn. They were formed as lava entered a large lake trapping its wet sediment underneath. Later eruptions formed the craters
Why I loved it...
Simply because they have beautiful shapes, round and smooth. And with some luck you can get some nice reflections on the lake, a magical moment
Discover the pseudo-craters with more photos, info and some planning tips on my dedicated article
#2 - DIMMUBORGIR
What is Dimmuborgir...
There are many lava fields in Iceland, but none of them are like Dimmuborgir. The formations are intricate and have triggered the creation of many stories with elves, trolls and other mystical creatures.
Why I loved it...
This is a place where you can let you imagination free and spend hours imaginiing shapes in those rocks. The pillars are impressive. And if you travel in September, you wil enjoy like me the autumn colors of the surrounding bushes.
Discover Dimmuborgir with more photos, info and some planning tips on my dedicated article
#1 - STEAMING LAVA OF LEIRHNJUKUR
What is Leirhnjukur...
Leirhnjukur is a geothermal area partly composed of a lava field that is still steaming 30 years after the last volcanic event. It also includes a rhyolite hill that rises 50 meters above the surrounding lava field.
Why I loved it...
I think this choice will be the most contestes. Yes this geothermal area is not the most colorful or the biggest but I really loved walking in the steaming lava, feeling all alone as if the only survivor after an apocalypse. Such a special experience!
Discover Leirhnjúkur with more photos, info and some planning tips on my dedicated article
Other activities include the Nature Bath, the Viti crater, the cave Grotagja, the park of Hodfi and many waterfalls a bit further away.The Iceland 24 website actually list 20 things to do around Myvatn and I have not done all of them... I will have to go back 🙂
Want to see more of Iceland's beauty?
Discover more things to do and places to see in Iceland in my online Iceland Destination Guide.
What do you think, will you visit all 5?
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Your site has been very helpful as we plan our return trip to Iceland this year. Thank You
Thank you William for taking the time to leave me this comment. I am very happy you found it helpful.