Mývatn

Mývatn is a lake near Akureyri in North Iceland. The lake was formed during a massive eruption 2300 years ago. Today the area is best known for the huge numbers of birds that visit in the summer, and for the weird and inspiring volcanic features that surround the lake. The name "Mývatn" is derived from the vast numbers of midges that gather at the lake and are sure to leave an impression on all who visit!

Cities
There are two small towns on the shores of Mývatn:


 * is a town of about 300 on the northeastern shore of the lake.
 * is on the southern shore of the lake. It is smaller than Reykjahlíð but offers most basic services that visitors will need.

History
Mývatn was formed after a massive eruption 2300 years ago, and it remains geothermally active today. The lake is located along the western side of the volcanic zone which bisects Iceland and is an extension of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. The features of the landscape are quite new in geologic times, with most of the land shaped by activity occurring since the last Ice Age.

The inhabitants of the surrounding area, called Mývatnssveit, are approx. 450 but many more live there in the summer to serve tourists. Lately there has been a movement among the local entrepreneurs to increase tourism in the winter so now some hotels are open during the winter and tours are offered, including go-carting on ice, ice-bowling, and jeep rides over snowy terrain.

Landscape
During the last Ice Age much of the Mývatn was covered by glaciers. Eruptions below the ice led to the formation of some of the area's mountains. Major volcanic events since that time have occurred 3800 years ago, 2500 years ago, 2300 years ago, and during a series of eruptions lasting from 1724 until 1729. Eruptions of the Krafla volcano from 1975 until 1984 produced fresh lava flows in the area. This volcanic activity is seen today in the relatively shallow lake, the many pseudocraters that surround it, and the fantastic lava formations and craters in the area.

Flora and fauna
Due to the number of wetlands surrounding the lake there are an exceptional number of waterbirds, and the area is recognized as one of the premier bird-watching sites in the world. Over 115 species of birds have been sighted at the lake, including thirteen species of ducks that nest in the lake area. Most nesting birds arrive in late April or early May. The most abundant species is the tufted duck, followed by the greater scaup and wigeon. Other commonly sighted species include the Barrow's goldeneye, red-breasted merganser, gadwall, mallard, common scoter, long-tailed duck and teal. Harlequin ducks and the Barrow's goldeneye breed nowhere else in Europe. Other birds likely to be seen at the lake include the tufted (Slavonian) grebe, red-necked phalarope, common loon (great northern diver), red-throated diver and whooper swan.

One of the reasons why so many birds congregate in the lake area is due to the massive number of aquatic insects - visitors are advised to bring mosquito netting with them to avoid the often-bloodthirsty hordes of black flies that can be found here.

Climate
In general the area's weather is less severe than what is found elsewhere in Iceland. The average temperature in January is -0.2&deg;C, and in July the average reaches 10.2&deg;C. The area is also one of the sunniest in Iceland, and annual precipitation is only 0.4m.

Get in
The easiest and most flexible way to visit the lake is by automobile. There are also numerous buses from Akureyri, Husavik or Egilsstadir. For those looking for more of an adventure, visiting by bicycle entails a 90-km pedal from Akureyri.

Get around
There is not much of a public transport system. If you came to Myvatn by bus, walking, biking and hitchhiking are you best options but beware as it can get quite chilly in the winter. The road around the lake is approximately 36 km, so biking is a good option. There are some local trips available at Skútustaðir, Vogar and Reykjahlíð (ask store clerks or information centers for details).

See
There are a vast number of sights for visitors around the lake. The following listing includes major points along the Ring Road, listed in clockwise order starting from Reykjahlíð, followed by those sites that are located off of the Ring Road.



Do

 * Observe northern lights: the area round lake Mývatn is a great place for observing aurorae between September and March. Local hotels (e.g., Sel - Hótel Mývatn in Skútustaðir) and tour operators offer guided tours and aurora hunts. A very special experience is observing aurora while having a soak in a geothermal bath.
 * Play golf at Reykjahlið's 9-hole course.
 * In the summer the locals in Reykjahlið often play football in the evening and usually welcome more people. Alcohol is often involved.
 * Aerial tour over the lake: by Myflug at Reykjahlið airport.
 * Take the hour long walk along the pseudo-craters. It offers a nice view of Mývatn as well as the surrounding mountains.
 * In the summer the locals in Reykjahlið often play football in the evening and usually welcome more people. Alcohol is often involved.
 * Aerial tour over the lake: by Myflug at Reykjahlið airport.
 * Take the hour long walk along the pseudo-craters. It offers a nice view of Mývatn as well as the surrounding mountains.

Buy
Gas, groceries, souvenirs and other supplies can be purchased in the towns of Reykjahlíð (next to the N1 station) and Skútustaðir (at Sel - Hótel Mývatn).

Eat
The Mývatn area is known for hverabrauð, a delicious, one-of-a-kind molasses bread that is slow-baked for 24 hours underground by natural geothermal heat. This bread is sold around the lake area. In addition, the local smoked trout, which is famous in Iceland for its taste, can be bought in most of the shops. Restaurants and grocery stores can be found in the two main towns.



Drink
Bars, cafes, and other options can be found in the area's two main towns.

Sleep
There are numerous accommodation options around Lake Mývatn, most of which can be found in the towns of Reykjahlíð and Skútustaðir. They range from good quality hotels to small guesthouses.

Stay safe
Like most places in Iceland visitors should always watch the weather and exercise caution around thermal areas. Weather changes quickly, and the onset of fog, high wind, or a severe storm can turn the best day into a survival situation. Similarly, thermal pools are often boiling hot and should be approached with caution, and the areas around thermal features are often unstable so all warnings and barriers should be observed.

Crime is not an issue in the Mývatn area, but sensible precautions should still be taken.

Go next

 * Bus trips from Akureyri and Egilsstaðir go by Myvatn. There are also bus trips to/from Húsavík from Reykjahlíð.