Mývatn: Nature's Contrasts in the North

May 2025

Myvatn North Iceland - Jean-Baptiste Farineau

Few places in Iceland capture the island's extremes quite like Mývatn. Here, fire and ice don't just coexist — they shape the landscape together. Nestled in the heart of North Iceland, this volcanic region is a patchwork of raw geothermal energy, tranquil lakeshores, and lush birdlife. It's a place where the Earth breathes, bubbles, steams — and somehow manages to feel peaceful all the same.

The name Mývatn means "Lake of the Midges," a nod to the swarms of tiny flies that emerge in the summer. While the midges might make some travelers raise an eyebrow, they're essential to the ecosystem — feeding the vast flocks of birds that make this area one of Europe's most important spots for avian life.

The Landscape Tells a Story

Driving into the Mývatn region feels like entering another world. You pass through ancient lava fields twisted into surreal shapes, with moss-covered boulders and craters rising from the earth like sculptures left behind by giants. At Dimmuborgir, a maze of collapsed lava tubes and eerie rock formations, local folklore speaks of trolls turning to stone at sunrise — and it's not hard to see why.

Nearby, Hverir offers a more volatile experience. This geothermal field hisses and bubbles with mud pots and fumaroles, painting the air with the sharp scent of sulfur. The ground is streaked with reds, yellows, and greys — a stark reminder that Iceland is alive under your feet.

Myvatn North Iceland - Thomas H. Mitchell 500px

Myvatn North Iceland Dimmuborgir - Sasha64f

Water, Light, and Stillness

In contrast to the region's fiery underbelly, Lake Mývatn itself is serene. Its shallow waters are dotted with small islands, and in summer, they come alive with nesting birds. Ducks, loons, and rare species like the Barrow's goldeneye are not unusual to be seen. For birdwatchers and photographers, it's a quiet paradise.

The area is particularly magical in late spring and early autumn when the light hangs low and long over the horizon. The sunsets over the lake are among the most beautiful in the country — all soft pastels and shimmering reflections.

Soaking It In

After hiking or exploring, there's no better way to unwind than to soak in the Mývatn Nature Baths. Often referred to as the North's answer to the Blue Lagoon, these geothermal pools offer warm, mineral-rich waters with panoramic views over the lava fields. There's something grounding about resting in warm water with the scent of sulfur in the air and snow on the mountaintops.

A Destination With Depth

Mývatn isn't just a stop on the way north—it's a destination in its own right. The area offers something quietly powerful with its blend of geology, ecology, and folklore. It asks you to look more closely, linger a little longer, and appreciate the balance between chaos and calm.

At Key to Iceland, we believe in slowing down, choosing the less-traveled path, and connecting with places that speak to something deeper. Mývatn is one such place.

Whether you're tracing lava fields, soaking in geothermal water, or watching birds skim the lake's surface, Mývatn has a way of staying with you — long after the road carries you on.