Lake Mývatn

Just an 45 minutes drive from Húsavík lies Lake Mývatn, one of Iceland’s most captivating natural areas. Formed by volcanic activity thousands of years ago, the region is known for its otherworldly landscapes, rich birdlife, and soothing geothermal energy.
Around the lake you’ll find a variety of attractions, from the striking pseudocraters at Skútustaðir to the surreal lava formations of Dimmuborgir, said to be home to elves and trolls in local folklore. Adventurers can explore the Hverir geothermal area at Námaskarð Pass, where bubbling mud pots and steaming vents create a scene straight out of another planet. Nearby Grjótagjá, a small lava cave with a hidden hot spring, is another popular stop — and a filming location for Game of Thrones.
Whether you come for hiking, birdwatching, bathing, or simply to marvel at the volcanic scenery, Lake Mývatn is a destination that captures the very essence of Icelandic nature.

Getting there

There are three routes to Lake Mývatn from Húsavík. Taking the road south from Húsavík, the quickest option is to turn left on road 87. However, this route has sometimes no service in winter soc heck the road conditions at road.is before you take off. When you reach the junction in front of the lake, turn left to get to the center, where there is a tourist information office and supermarket.
The second option is road 85 until short before Laugar and then stay straight on road nr. 1.
The third option is to take the scenic route from Húsavík to Lake Mývatn through the Þeistareykir geothermal area, where steaming vents and colorful lava fields create a truly lunar landscape.
At most of the stops around the lake there are small circuits from 30 minutes to 1 hour to enjoy the surroundings, but traveling around in a car it´s easy to feel a little distanced from the natural environment. So, we highly recommend taking advantage of some of the other methods of travel. There is a range of lengthier hiking trails, but you can also hire bikes and horses.

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