Lake Myvatn
Lake Myvatn
4.5
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
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Top ways to experience Lake Myvatn
The area
Best nearby
Restaurants
8 within 5 kms
Attractions
10 within 10 kms
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,122 reviews
Excellent
656
Very good
347
Average
99
Poor
18
Terrible
2
Susan E
Philadelphia, PA1,080 contributions
Aug 2022
Lake Myvatn has a lot of varied vistas as you travel around it. We didn’t encounter any bigger parking lots so you just have to hope for the best in terms of parking at some places. The lake has the largest varieties of duck species in world. If you're going to spend any time there buy a bug netted hat as the midgies are terrible
Written 24 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dan j
Port Coquitlam, Canada809 contributions
Jun 2023
Lake Myvatn is very large and picturesque with many unique volcanic features in the lake. It takes quite a while to drive around and there are many viewing spots for great photos. We rented a car in Akureyri and it took ~1 hour to drive there on the way to Dettifoss and Selfoss.
Written 14 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jonahNJ
Pennington, NJ11,793 contributions
Aug 2022 • Couples
During our four days in Mývatn my wife and I treated to excellent views of Lake Mývatn from our hotel. The blue, sunny skies provided an amazing background for this iconic volcanic lake along with the surrounding mountains. Even the insects were drawn to the lake! But that did not diminish our enjoyment of this beautiful body of water. When exploring areas around this lake, it might be advisable to use a head neck to deflect the insects. At the very least, remember to use your insect repellent!
Written 21 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jonas Gunnarsson
Stockholm, Sweden677 contributions
Aug 2022
A very beautiful place, which takes a full day to explore. You could easily stay for two or three days and keep busy.
Allegedly the lake with the highest concentration of ducks in the world, and as a result, it is great for birdwatching. Höfdi, Skutustadir and Laxa are good places for spotting birds, where the last one is for the beautiful harlequin duck.
Interesting lava formations and caves as well as geothermal sights can be found all around the area. If the weather cooperates, which it did for us, it is fantastic.
Allegedly the lake with the highest concentration of ducks in the world, and as a result, it is great for birdwatching. Höfdi, Skutustadir and Laxa are good places for spotting birds, where the last one is for the beautiful harlequin duck.
Interesting lava formations and caves as well as geothermal sights can be found all around the area. If the weather cooperates, which it did for us, it is fantastic.
Written 8 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dennis E
Alphen aan den Rijn, The Netherlands234 contributions
May 2022 • Couples
The lake itself isn't that special on its own, but it has lots of great places around it that are actually must see places when in Northern Iceland if you ask me. Think of Dimmuborgir, Krafla, Hverir, etc. Around the lake itself are some nice hiking routes and some great places for bird watching. The sound of the common Snape was everywhere when we were there, which was pretty cool to us. Also, some nice places to eat and some great hotels in the area. Great for about 3 nights and days.
Written 29 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paul H
12 contributions
Oct 2021
We were not sure what to expect from this venue but it did not disappoint. Drive the southern part of the ring (Rt 848). We had a gorgeous sunny day in mid-October, but plan on overcast. When you leave Rt. 1 from the west and begin 848, look for an "i" information sign and a large uphill pullout on the left. This is the amazing pseudocraters. Farther along, there are several nice pullouts with views of the lake. Fall colors in October were beautiful. We stopped at Dimmumborgir (sign on right side of road), which is weird lava formations. Well worth it. The Hverfjall crater, just up 848 is stunning. We did not climb it. Too old for that. Lunch at the Icelandair Hotel Myvatn was fantastic. We stayed at the hotel a night, and it was excellent. Also consider the Bird Museum along Rt. 1 on the Rt. 1 side of the lake. Winding paved road off Rt. 1 leads you there. An excellent photo venue, and the museum (open 2-4 in winter, longer in summer) is small but superb. Good video screen in lobby. From the eastern side of the lake, you can return to Rt. 1. Drive up the hill and take the pullout for a great photo of the lake. You also pass the Nature Baths, a geothermal area (Hverir), and the intersection to see the crater lake at Krafla. We did not have time for those but should be considered if you haven't yet been to Blue Lagoon baths, Seltun geothermal, or Kerid crater lake in south Iceland. Baths and Hverir are 10 minutes from the lake. Krafla, which is a longer drive off Rt. 1.
Written 20 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
gardener46
Columbus, OH81 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
The lake is a very large volcanic lake, many birds and other animals. Lots of midges; our guide gave us net head covers which helped tremendously. Beautiful scenery and many volcanic features. A shop with refreshments and restrooms. A hotel is available for those who want to stay.
Written 8 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Eddie T
Northallerton, UK199 contributions
May 2022
This area has lots to offer and we spent the day wandering around exploring, but you could easily spend longer. We visited Krafla, Hverir, Hverfjall and Lava field Dimmuborgir all of which are extraordinary. If you are travelling the ring road all these are easily accessible and shouldn’t be missed.
Written 11 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SakeSake
Nottingham, UK462 contributions
Sept 2014 • Friends
Knew very little about it before coming....thank god we didn't miss it!!
Soooo much here to see and loads of it is self guided and free...
Pseudo craters, Namaflall, lava jungle, lava colums, climbing the volcano ,,,even petting the cows and eating at vogafloss, geothermal pools, watching life on the lake. Loft heller ice cave......the big ticket though without hesitation was the Northern lights we saw! Omg!!!!!!!!!!!!! Totally off the scale,,,,,,,my absolutely best experience in 17 days in Iceland and all totally free and outside our cabin!
Soon glad we visited here and it's only and hour from Dettifoss and selfoss! Need I say anymore???
Definite recco! Tip:Need a good 2 days (3 as weather can stunt plans which is what it did to us)
Hope this is useful?
Soooo much here to see and loads of it is self guided and free...
Pseudo craters, Namaflall, lava jungle, lava colums, climbing the volcano ,,,even petting the cows and eating at vogafloss, geothermal pools, watching life on the lake. Loft heller ice cave......the big ticket though without hesitation was the Northern lights we saw! Omg!!!!!!!!!!!!! Totally off the scale,,,,,,,my absolutely best experience in 17 days in Iceland and all totally free and outside our cabin!
Soon glad we visited here and it's only and hour from Dettifoss and selfoss! Need I say anymore???
Definite recco! Tip:Need a good 2 days (3 as weather can stunt plans which is what it did to us)
Hope this is useful?
Written 14 September 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CaptainInertia
6 contributions
Jun 2013 • Couples
You cannot conceive of the number of bugs that will be swarming around your head until you get out of your car in Myvatn. Our advice is to immediately go into the grocery store near the information center and buy yourself a mosquito net to go over your head. We bought some for about $11/each. You look pretty silly but it allows you to enjoy the sights without constantly swatting. They are designed just for your head and include an adjustable neck strap. Those who enjoy roughing it, I admire your stoicism about the bugs, but for us, these made a big difference.
Written 22 June 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ciao, saremo in Islanda a luglio. Vorremmo dedicare una mezza giornata al Lago Myvatn, tenendo presente che non vorremmo fare trekking difficili, quali sono le cose da non perdere (solo strade asfaltate)? Grazie molte per le Vs. risposte.
Written 7 May 2019
Hi there , how long will you suggest to stay at Lake Myvatn? Thanks all
Written 22 February 2019
We spent half a day in the area, but you could easily spend a day or more depending on what you want to do. I would recommend at least half a day if you plan to visit the Nature Baths.
Written 25 February 2019
I'm not good at edges (cliffs etc) but OK with heights otherwise. Will this be an issue at Lake Myvatn?
Written 17 August 2017
I'm not good at edges (cliffs etc) but OK with heights otherwise. Will this be an issue at Lake Myvatn?
Written 17 August 2017
You will not have any problems here with heights.
Written 28 August 2017
do we need to buy tickets ahead to access the bath or can we just buy tickets on ?
thanks
anna
Written 7 September 2016
Hi! On your trip to Lake Myvatn in the winter did you do a self-drive or a tour? We are thinking of going next March and do a self-drive. Do you have any tips for winter holiday there? Thanks in advance.
Written 28 October 2015
We went in September - great time of year to self drive around Iceland. Myvatn area worth the drive for geothermal site seeing. Plan and book at least 6 months in advance and allow more than 1 week if you want to explore areas off the ring road. Loved Iceland!!
Written 2 November 2015
Hello! We are planning a visit to Iceland and want to avoid the midges. Is march a good time o visit then? Did you have a 4 wheel drive or is an ordinary car ok then?
How cold does it get in March?
It would be great if you could answer my questions!
Thanks!
Best wishes
Anette
Written 13 September 2015
We went the first week of this past June and the midges were not really an issue for us. We rented a front-wheel drive camper van to travel around the ring road and found it more than adequate for most of our exploration. However, you will be in northern Iceland in March, so 4x4 may be more of a necessity at that time. As others have mentioned, be sure to plan your days carefully as there won't be much daylight during the winter season. Good luck and safe travels! Iceland is a wonderful place!
Written 14 September 2015
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