Mývatn is a volcanic reserve in northeastern Iceland, where some stunning geothermal topographical features can be seen. Lake Mývatn is a shallow lake in the center of the area that is home to numerous bird species. The lake was formed by a basaltic lava eruption around 300 BC. There is a huge icecap not far from Mývatn, which shelters the area from heavy rains and causes it to experience one of the most pleasant climates in Iceland.

The area is dominated by volcanic landforms, such as ava pillars and rootless vents (pseudocraters). The effluent Laxá River is excellent for fishing for brown trout and Atlantic salmon. The area is excellent for hiking and Mývatn is a good place to stay if you want to visit the Pjóogarour Jökulsárgljúfur National Park, the Kverkfjöll ice caves, the Askja caldera, or the Hverfell crater. Mývatn is 300 km northeast of Reykjavík.

Mývatn ©Ulrich Knoll

Aurora Borealis on Lake Mývatn ©Martin Brechtl

The town of Mývatn ©Freysteinn G. Jonsson