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Lake Myvatn
Things to Do in Lake Myvatn
Lake Myvatn
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Lake Myvatn

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See all things to do
Lake Myvatn
4.5
1,108
#5 of 22 things to do in Lake Myvatn
Bodies of Water
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12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
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More than 3 hours
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Top ways to experience Lake Myvatn
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The area
Best nearby
Restaurants
6 within 3 miles
Vogafjós Farm Resort
1,415
2.7 mi$$ - $$$ • European • Scandinavian • Vegetarian Friendly
Kaffi Borgir
248
2.7 mi$$ - $$$ • Cafe • European • Soups
Gigur Restaurant
39
2.5 mi$$ - $$$ • Vegetarian Friendly
Daddi´s pizza
417
2.8 mi$$ - $$$ • Quick Bites • Pizza • Fast Food
Sel Hotel Myvatn
69
2.6 mi$$ - $$$ • Bar • Pizza • European
Skútaís - Farm Ice Cream
11
2.7 mi$ • Italian
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Attractions
9 within 6 miles
Skútustaðagígar
201
0.2 miGeologic Formations
Dimmuborgir Lava Formations
587
2.7 miGeologic Formations
Myvatn Nature Baths (Jardbodin vid Myvatn)
2,734
Hot Springs & Geysers
Lofthellir Lava Cave
137
Caverns & Caves
Grjotagja Cave
589
Caverns & Caves
Sigurgeirs Bird Museum
77
2.3 miSpeciality Museums
Kálfaströnd
5
2.3 miBodies of Water • Hiking Trails
Myvatn Visitor Center
31
Visitor Centers
Grenjadarstadir
7
Points of Interest & Landmarks
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,108 reviews
Excellent
649
Very good
342
Average
98
Poor
17
Terrible
2
NomadicTraveller7
Fuerteventura10,068 contributions
A number of different Tier 2 and Tier 3 sights
Overall, although there are a number of attractions, we were a bit disappointed in Myvatn. Most of the attractions were not primary ones like Dettifoss, but Tier 2 or 3 ones. Also, perhaps because it was very cool there were few of the birds that guidebooks say that Myvatn is renowned for. Thankfully, there were even less of the famed flies. We went round the lake via the moderately interesting Dimmoborgir lava rock formations. We had a nice walk around Hofdi, a wooded peninsula with birch and spruce trees. We continued to Skutustadir for the psuedocraters. We parked by some psuedocraters by the main road, and this was enough in the rain. One of the more spectacular attractions was Hverir, a large field of solfataras – evil-smelling belching mud pools and screaming steam vents and this was well worth visiting Myvatn for. We then visited Viti crater with its 300-metre-wide aquamarine crater lake. You can walk all the way round the rim, as many people were doing, but this is not necessary as the first viewpoint gives you a very good view and idea of the size. For some reason, we missed what may have been a highlight – the Krafla lava fields. This may have been because we had already done a lot and/or we had not read up enough about how to get there, or we forgot the details. The flooded, steaming fissure, Grotaga, is worth visiting. Our final activity was over an hour at Jarbodin Nature Baths, which I have said in the detailed review was disappointing.
Written October 2, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
j3t2dresq
San Francisco, CA24 contributions
Bring a face/head netting for your Lake Myvatn adventure. You won’t regret it.
Couples
Lake Myvatn and it’s surrounding areas are beautiful except for the millions of midges or black flies that swarm you when you get out of your car. These things for the most part don’t sting (supposedly they do bite) but what they are is annoying and just ruin the hike or activity you’re about to embark on. Tips to mitigate: pick/bring with you a mosquito face/head netting or if you forget to pack/bring one, head to the only grocery store in Lake Myvatn where you can purchase one (price was about 1500isk). Not sure if repellents will work as I did not try or have any at hand. But having the face/head netting worked like a charm. Best money I spent.

Trust me, you’ll want one of these.
Written August 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Dennis E
Alphen aan den Rijn, The Netherlands154 contributions
Highlight of our trip.
Couples
The lake itself isn't that special on its own, but it has lots of great places around it that are actually must see places when in Northern Iceland if you ask me. Think of Dimmuborgir, Krafla, Hverir, etc. Around the lake itself are some nice hiking routes and some great places for bird watching. The sound of the common Snape was everywhere when we were there, which was pretty cool to us. Also, some nice places to eat and some great hotels in the area. Great for about 3 nights and days.
Written June 29, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Malgorzata
11,263 contributions
Beautiful
Lake Myvatn is the country's fourth largest natural lake. Almost 9.5 km long and 6.5 km wide, the volcanic Lake Myvatn area covers an area of 37 square km. The lake's surroundings show great variety in landscapes and amazing geological formations. This area is extremely volcanic. Unlike anything in Iceland , the Lake Myvatn area isn’t a place with trees and glaciers, it’s truly the remnants of geothermal activity and volcanic eruption. The place is stunning with magical atmosphere.
Written March 31, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Paul H
12 contributions
Amazing
We were not sure what to expect from this venue but it did not disappoint. Drive the southern part of the ring (Rt 848). We had a gorgeous sunny day in mid-October, but plan on overcast. When you leave Rt. 1 from the west and begin 848, look for an "i" information sign and a large uphill pullout on the left. This is the amazing pseudocraters. Farther along, there are several nice pullouts with views of the lake. Fall colors in October were beautiful. We stopped at Dimmumborgir (sign on right side of road), which is weird lava formations. Well worth it. The Hverfjall crater, just up 848 is stunning. We did not climb it. Too old for that. Lunch at the Icelandair Hotel Myvatn was fantastic. We stayed at the hotel a night, and it was excellent. Also consider the Bird Museum along Rt. 1 on the Rt. 1 side of the lake. Winding paved road off Rt. 1 leads you there. An excellent photo venue, and the museum (open 2-4 in winter, longer in summer) is small but superb. Good video screen in lobby. From the eastern side of the lake, you can return to Rt. 1. Drive up the hill and take the pullout for a great photo of the lake. You also pass the Nature Baths, a geothermal area (Hverir), and the intersection to see the crater lake at Krafla. We did not have time for those but should be considered if you haven't yet been to Blue Lagoon baths, Seltun geothermal, or Kerid crater lake in south Iceland. Baths and Hverir are 10 minutes from the lake. Krafla, which is a longer drive off Rt. 1.
Written October 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Eddie T
Northallerton, UK171 contributions
Wonderful Area
This area has lots to offer and we spent the day wandering around exploring, but you could easily spend longer. We visited Krafla, Hverir, Hverfjall and Lava field Dimmuborgir all of which are extraordinary. If you are travelling the ring road all these are easily accessible and shouldn’t be missed.
Written June 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
SakeSake
Nottingham, UK500 contributions
Thank goodness we didn't miss Myvatn....well worth visiting
Friends
Knew very little about it before coming....thank god we didn't miss it!!
Soooo much here to see and loads of it is self guided and free...
Pseudo craters, Namaflall, lava jungle, lava colums, climbing the volcano ,,,even petting the cows and eating at vogafloss, geothermal pools, watching life on the lake. Loft heller ice cave......the big ticket though without hesitation was the Northern lights we saw! Omg!!!!!!!!!!!!! Totally off the scale,,,,,,,my absolutely best experience in 17 days in Iceland and all totally free and outside our cabin!

Soon glad we visited here and it's only and hour from Dettifoss and selfoss! Need I say anymore???

Definite recco! Tip:Need a good 2 days (3 as weather can stunt plans which is what it did to us)
Hope this is useful?
Written September 14, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
CaptainInertia
6 contributions
Overrun by tiny bugs - buy a mosquito net for your head
Couples
You cannot conceive of the number of bugs that will be swarming around your head until you get out of your car in Myvatn. Our advice is to immediately go into the grocery store near the information center and buy yourself a mosquito net to go over your head. We bought some for about $11/each. You look pretty silly but it allows you to enjoy the sights without constantly swatting. They are designed just for your head and include an adjustable neck strap. Those who enjoy roughing it, I admire your stoicism about the bugs, but for us, these made a big difference.
Written June 22, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
OilRover
Houston, TX706 contributions
Iceland's answer to Yellowstone National Park
Couples
We spent a whole day in the Myvatn area, and it was hardly enough to see it all. Our favorite places were:
1. Lake Myvatn - spooky and calm on this day
2. Dimmuborgir - a Fairyland of volcanic spires
3. Hverfell - an easily accessible cinder cone volcano
4. Grjotagja - a multi-colored, sulfurous hydrothermal springs area
5. Lake Viti - a deep blue crater lake on the slopes of Krafla volcano
Get to Myvatn early, before the tourist buses, for a more enjoyable experience
Written July 30, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Live2travel_10
Melbourne, Australia67 contributions
Too many tourists, too many midges!
Couples
We adored the landscapes around Myvatn but found the lake itself a bit too touristy and with two many midges. I had a fly net but its almost impossible to take any photos without black spots all across them from the midges (yes it really is that bad!) i'd also advise choosing your accommodation away from the lake (like we did) as that is where they are at there thickest in Summer!
Written July 5, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Lake Myvatn - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

Frequently Asked Questions about Lake Myvatn
Lake Myvatn is open:
  • Sun - Sat 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Buy tickets in advance on Tripadvisor. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund.
We recommend booking Lake Myvatn tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 11 Lake Myvatn tours on Tripadvisor