19 Best Sights in Mývatn Region, North Iceland

Southwest of Hverfjall is this mesmerizing lava field known as Dimmuborgir, or "Dark Castles," a labyrinth of tall and twisted formations where you can choose between short and longer signposted routes through the eerie yet enchanting landscape. The best views are available in September when the fiery reds and oranges of the dwarf birch trees contrast brilliantly with the jagged black peaks, crags, and crevices within. It's also fun to visit during the holiday season when the Icelandic Yule Lads take up residence in Dimmuborgir's many hiding spots.

North Iceland’s landmark waterfall dazzles with its symmetrical torrents, cascading thunderously into an impressive canyon cut through a 7,000-year-old lava field. Conveniently located just off the main road, Goðafoss (Waterfall of the Gods) is renowned not only for its beauty, but also for the Saga Age legend that gave it its name. As the story goes, in 1000 AD, Þorgeir of Ljósavatn decided that Iceland would peacefully adopt Christianity and cast the pagan idols into the falls.

An aqueous gem amid mountains and lava fields, Lake Mývatn is fed by cold springs in the lake bottom and warm springs in the northeastern corner. The shallow lake—it's 37 square km (14 square miles) yet averages only 8 feet deep—teems with birds and insects, including the swarming midges for which the lake is named. These tiny flies are essential in the bird food chain.

Waterfowl migrate long distances to breed at Mývatn: 115 species of bird have been spotted in the area, including 28 duck species. Indeed, the lake has Europe's greatest variety of nesting ducks, including some—the harlequin duck and Barrow's goldeneye—found nowhere else in Europe. Dozens of other kinds of waders, upland birds, and birds of prey also nest here. Be sure to stay on established trails and pathways, as nests can be anywhere. During summer you might find a head net useful to protect yourself against the huge midge swarms.

This masterpiece of nature was discovered by a farmer who was out looking for his sheep. He crawled through a small opening inside a cave to discover an underground realm of peculiar ice sculptures. Tours to Lofthellir are operated directly from Mývatn with Geo Travel (ISK 29,900). Getting to Lofthellir involves a very bouncy 45-minute drive on a rugged track southeast of Hverfjall, followed by a 25-minute walk across a ropey lava field. And, yes, just like the farmer, you will have to crawl through a small opening to get to this frozen treasure.

The north’s answer to the Blue Lagoon, the Mývatn Nature Baths contain a unique blend of minerals, silicates, and geothermal micro-organisms. Much paler (and less green) than its southern counterpart, this nature bath has lovely views over the lake that are especially enchanting at sunset. It’s a warm and wonderful place to relax, and if it gets too hot you can order an in-bath glass of cold beer.

Mývatn, with its feast of midges, is a paradise for birds and well known for its abundance of waterfowl. At Sigurgeir's Bird Museum, located in an impressive turf-topped circular building by the lake, an exhibition of the country's most extensive private collection of taxidermy birds is on display, featuring specimens of nearly every species known to breed in Iceland.

Providing plenty of leafy respite from the vast treeless expanses of Iceland, the Vaglaskógur forest off Route 836 in Fnjóskadalur is one of the few original birch forests surviving Iceland’s “Little Ice Age” and the settlers’ needs for building materials and fuel. Trees here cover 300 hectares of land and are unusually tall, ranging from 5 to 10 meters. Listening to "Vor í Vaglaskógi" by rock band Kaleo is a must when visiting this ancient national treasure.

As you drive east from Reykjahlíð toward the Krafla Geothermal Area, you’ll encounter a striking turquoise lake, blemished by industrial pipes and bright yellow and red warning signs. As inviting as it may seem, the steaming blue water here is strictly not for bathing. The site is a small geothermal station providing power for the local region and water for the nearby Jarðböðin Nature Baths.

Proceed along the eastern shore of Lake Mývatn to this 1,300-foot-high ash cone, several hundred feet from the road. Two paths lead to the top. The outer walls of this volcanic crater are steep, but the ascent is easy. The walk around the top of the crater is about 1.8 miles.

Next to the Námaskarð Mountain Ridge, on the eastern side of the Ring Road, are the bubbling, gray-mud sulfur springs of Hverir, boiling like a witch's cauldron in the strange red-and-yellow valleys. Hike around this fascinating area, but remember to step carefully. Though the sulfurous vapors smell like rotten eggs, the fumes are generally harmless.

Among the mysterious arches, gates, and caves of Dimmuborgir, the best known is the Kirkja (church), resembling a Gothic chapel (it's marked by a sign, lest you miss it). Don't wander off the paths, as Dimmuborgir is a highly fragile environment.

Not to be confused with the mountain of the same name, this volcano’s rise to blazing fame arrived with the dramatic Krafla Fires episode (1975–1984), when huge curtains of lava spewed from a system of fissures inside its huge caldera. The volcano is part of the Greater Krafla Volcanic System, and its caldera, located at the center, has a sizable 10-km (6-mile) wide ring that is difficult to see from the ground. Located within the caldera is the Krafla Geothermal Area, home to the bubbling mud fields of Hverir and the Mývatn Nature Baths. There is also a power station on Route 863 where you can learn about how geothermal energy is cleverly converted into electricity.

A surreal mix of still-smoldering lava fields, bubbling solfataras (volcanic craters emitting sulfurous gas), and steam vents can be seen at Leirhnjúkur, which sits on top of a vast magma chamber, with some parts as close as 3 km (1.9 miles) to the surface. From the car park, a circular footpath leads around the area with sensational views over the impressive volcanic landscapes. The terrain outside of the marked trail is hazardous, especially in the high-temperature regions, so don't be tempted to wander off. Good walking boots are essential.

On the south side of Lake Mývatn (easily accessible on foot), there is a cluster of beautifully formed pseudocraters situated close to Skútustaðir. Not real volcanic craters, they are the result of violent steam explosions created when hot lava flows into a body of water, a rare phenomenon outside of Iceland.

The marked trail to the cairn-topped summit of Mount Windbag—an appropriately named 529 meter (1,735 feet) peak—takes around 30 minutes to hike and zigzags through thickets of heather and up steep scree slopes. The wind warning is in the title, so dress appropriately and wear decent walking boots, as the scree slopes are slippery. For the sweeping views of the lake and craters from the top, it’s well worth the time and effort. Access is via a gravel parking lot off Route 1.

Its name means “hell” in Icelandic, but this crater lake with its brilliant turquoise pool looks more like heaven. The ancient belief that volcanoes were the gateways to the netherworld of eternal damnation inspired the name of this beauty and, confusingly, another crater lake of the same name in Askja. A path from the car park leads around the rim.