The Magic of Myvatn

Straddling an active volcanic zone, a sense of excitement is always present at Myvatn. There have been no eruptions since 1984, but under the thin crust of the earth, things are still stirring. Everywhere you look in this spectacular place there is steam billowing from the ground, which is harnessed, to generate electricity and even used to make the region’s local speciality – hot spring-baked bread. This is a surreal landscape, peppered with abundant hot springs, hissing steam vents and sizzling mud pools, producing a range of geothermal oddities that will surprise and enchant.

Two small villages and a handful of farms thrive along the shores of Lake Myvatn, backed by an uninhabited wilderness of mountain ranges, lava fields, desert sands and distant icecaps. Getting out and about to explore this huge adventure playground is easy, especially when you do it the Icelandic way using superjeeps. As well as seeing a whole host of unusual sights, there is also a wealth of activities on offer like hiking, whale watching and horse riding, as well as special winter activities - you can even swim in the Nature Baths. Geothermally heated by nearby Krafla volcanic activity, a dip in these warm waters or a spell in a natural steam bath should not be missed!

Many visitors during the autumn and winter months find Myvatn a profoundly relaxing and romantic place of retreat from today’s hectic lifestyle. Come in September or October for autumnal colours and some fantastic light conditions, of particular interest to photographers. Myvatn in winter can also be stunning and February through to April are generally the best months for sampling more snowy pursuits, some especially designed for the young and young at heart - although snow cannot be guaranteed. And throughout the winter season, with little artificial light around, displays of the northern lights can be spectacular. To read more about Myvatn please click here.