Mývatn

#20 among destinations in Iceland

Lake

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Facts and practical information

Mývatn is a shallow lake situated in an area of active volcanism in the north of Iceland, not far from Krafla volcano. It has a high amount of biological activity. The lake and the surrounding wetlands provides a habitat for a number of waterbirds, especially ducks. The lake was created by a large basaltic lava eruption 2300 years ago, and the surrounding landscape is dominated by volcanic landforms, including lava pillars and rootless vents. The effluent river Laxá is known for its rich fishing for brown trout and Atlantic salmon. ()

Alternative names: Area: 14.29 mi²Maximum depth: 15 ftElevation: 919 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 65°36'12"N, 16°55'25"W

Location

HálshreppurIceland

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Day trips

Mývatn – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Hverfjall, Grjótagjá, Hike and Bike - Iceland, Grjótagjá.

1.4 miE
Nature, Natural attraction, Volcano
Hverfjall
37 min walk • Hverfjall, Iceland, is a stunning example of the raw and captivating power of nature. This impressive tephra explosion crater, which looms over the landscape at a height of 420 meters, was formed during a volcanic eruption approximately 2,500 years ago.
2.2 miNE
Nature, Natural attraction, Cave
Grjótagjá
58 min walk • Grjótagjá is a small lava cave near lake Mývatn in Iceland. It has a thermal spring inside. In early 18th century the outlaw Jón Markússon lived there and used the cave for bathing. Until the 1970s Grjótagjá was a popular bathing site.
2.9 miN
65°38'41"N • 16°54'51"W
Hike and Bike - Iceland, Reykjahlíð
74 min walk • Bike tours, Hiking and camping tours, Gear rental
1.9 miNE
Nature, Natural attraction, Cave
Grjótagjá, Reykjahlíð
50 min walk • Grjótagjá is a small lava cave near lake Mývatn in Iceland. It has a thermal spring inside. In early 18th century the outlaw Jón Markússon lived there and used the cave for bathing. Until the 1970s Grjótagjá was a popular bathing site.
3.9 miNE
Nature, Mountain
Námafjall
99 min walk • The mountain and the environment is a high -temperature area that runs through a fissure that extends north from Öxarfjordur through the Krafla volcano and south for Hverafell. The geothermal heat is maintained by magma deposits...
4.1 miSW
Locality
Skútustaðir
104 min walk • One of the main attractions in Skútustaðir is the nearby Lake Mývatn, a serene body of water surrounded by lush vegetation and volcanic landscapes. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll along the shores of the lake, or embark on a boat tour to explore its tranquil...
4.4 miW
Nature, Natural attraction, Mountain
Vindbelgjarfjall
112 min walk • Wind bellows are 529 m high conical pebbles in the Mývatn area. North from the mountain goes a lower ranking called Buski. To the east of the mountain, the southern names are Skútahellir and Skutskrid, but folktales say that there...