Let me show you the top things to do in Myvatn Iceland… my favorite region!
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.
Below is my guide with my selection of the best attractions not to be missed around Lake Myvatn Iceland.
Before my tips + photos, here are my favorites for Iceland:
My favorite platform to rent a car in Iceland: DiscoverCars
The unmissable boat tour: Whale Watching
Fun activity: Swimming in Silfra Fissure
My favorite places to stay:
- Reykjavik: see best rated hotels – e.g. Vintage Boutique Hotel
- Lake Myvatn: see best rated hotels – e.g. Hotel Laxa
- Vik area: see best rated hotels – e.g. Hotel Vik i Myrdal
Best things to do in Myvatn Iceland – Map
About Lake Myvatn & the Top Things to do
The area around Myvatn was my favorite in Iceland. I love all the geological features and the impression to be on another planet or to be a survivor in a post-apocalyptic world.
It is located in north Iceland, along road 1:
- Akureyri to Myvatn = 1h10 drive
- Reykjavik to Myvatn = 6h drive
- Egilsstadir to Myvatn = 2h15 drive
Below you will find my 5 favorite places to see around the lake and in the nearby area (but there are so many more amazing places to see! You can find them in my eBook)
Lake Myvatn Iceland Map
And you can find the complete map with all the amazing things to do in Myvatn in my eBook:
Plan your dream trip in Iceland thanks to my guide
- 8 maps to easily plan your itinerary
- 100+ pre-selected locations
- GPS coordinates direct to the carparks
- Tips to make the most of your time
- 130+ original photos to help you choose
If you are traveling in Winter, check out my article about Myvatn under the snow.
#5 – Hverfjall crater
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
Need to rent a car in Iceland?
My tips:
- Compare prices on my favorite platform: Discovercars.com – one of the best rated comparison sites!
- Prefer a compact car for the narrow streets in villages
- Consider their full coverage option – it for peace of mind!
- Book early to have a large choice of vehicles!
#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 of Skutustagagigar
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
Where to stay in Iceland?
My favorites:
- Reykjavik, capital city: see best rated accommodations – or my article on where to stay
- Selfoss, between Golden Circle and South Coast: see best rated accommodations
- Vik, near waterfalls and glaciers: see best rated accommodations
- Höfn, gateway to the East fjords: see best rated accommodations
- Egilsstadir, between fjords and North Iceland: see best rated accommodations
- Reykjahlid, for the wonders of Lake Myvatn: see best rated accommodations
- Akureyri, capital of the North: see best rated accommodations
- Grundarfjordur, on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula: see best rated accommodations
#2 – Lava field of 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 imagining shapes in those rocks. The pillars are impressive. And if you travel in September, you will 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
I don’t drink coffee 
But I also like other drinks and sweets!
Do you like the free content you find on my blog? All my tips and practical information, without intrusive advertising…
Where to stay near Lake Myvatn Iceland?
I strongly recommend staying 2 or 3 days in the region to have time to really discover it.
See my entire article about where to stay around Lake Myvatn and North iceland.
I personally stayed at the Dimmuborgir Guesthouse by Lake Myvatn. One of my favorite accommodations in Iceland. I love how close it is to the lake and all the lava rocks around. So peaceful!
But you can find other great accommodations in the area – check out your options here
Want to see more of the best Iceland has to offer?
- All my favorite things to do in North Iceland – read article
- Tips to plan your Iceland road trip – read article
- Tips to rent a car in Iceland – read article
- Tips to drive around Iceland – read article
- Itinerary suggestions – read article
- 45 Most beautiful landscapes in Iceland in pictures – read article
- The best stops on the Ring Road – read article
- The best locations off the beaten path around Iceland – read article
- 21 Most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland – read article
- 5 best Lava Fields in Iceland – read article
- The 10 best lava caves in Iceland – read article
- The 5 most beautiful black sand beaches in Iceland – read article
- The Golden Circle – read article
- The Snaefellsnes peninsula – read article
Planning a trip to Iceland?
Check out my travel guide to help you plan:
Plan your dream trip in Iceland thanks to my guide
- 8 maps to easily plan your itinerary
- 100+ pre-selected locations
- GPS coordinates direct to the carparks
- Tips to make the most of your time
- 130+ original photos to help you choose
And keep track of your own trip!
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What do you think, will you visit all 5?
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.