Mývatn
Travellers wanting to combine geothermal bathing under the aurora with Iceland's most dramatic volcanic scenery
About Mývatn
Lake Mývatn is Iceland's most geologically dramatic landscape — a shallow volcanic lake surrounded by pseudocraters, lava pillars, lava fields, and steaming hot springs that create an almost Martian environment. The Mývatn Nature Baths, a geothermally heated outdoor pool, offer one of the world's great aurora-viewing experiences: soaking in 36–40°C mineral-rich water while the northern lights ripple overhead on clear winter nights. The lake itself freezes partially in winter, reflecting aurora in extraordinary ways. Nearby Hverfjall, a perfect 170m tephra crater, provides a dramatic high viewpoint for aurora photography. The Dimmuborgir lava formations — twisted rock pillars that look like a subterranean castle — are ethereal in snow and darkness. In summer, Mývatn hosts Europe's largest concentration of breeding duck species. The region sits in Iceland's arid interior, away from coastal cloud systems, making clear-sky nights more frequent than the south or west coasts. An exceptional combination of geothermal relaxation and dramatic aurora photography.
Best Time to Visit
Monthly Weather & Aurora
| Month | Avg Temp | Dark Hours | Aurora Chance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan★ Best | -5°C | 16h | High |
| Feb★ Best | -4°C | 12h | High |
| Mar★ Best | -1°C | 8h | Med |
| Apr | +3°C | 3h | Low |
| May | +7°C | Midnight sun | — |
| Jun | +10°C | Midnight sun | — |
| Jul | +13°C | Midnight sun | — |
| Aug | +12°C | Midnight sun | — |
| Sep | +7°C | 5h | Med |
| Oct★ Best | +2°C | 10h | High |
| Nov★ Best | -2°C | 14h | High |
| Dec★ Best | -4°C | 16h | High |
Activities
Getting There
Drive from Akureyri (1h east via Route 1 and Route 848) or fly to Akureyri (AEY) from Reykjavik. Car rental essential. Bus service from Akureyri in summer; limited in winter. 4WD recommended in winter conditions.
Accommodation Highlights
- ✓Lakeview guesthouses
- ✓Farm hotels
- ✓Nature baths hotel
Location
Budget Estimator
Based on avg $140/day in Mývatn. Includes accommodation, food, local transport & one guided tour. Flights not included.
Quick Info
🏨Where to Stay(10)
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Birkilauf Nature Lodge
Postbox 4011, Birkiland 15, 660 Mývatn, Iceland
hotel
Fosshotel Mývatn
Grímsstaðir, 660 Skútustaðahreppur, Iceland
hotel
Vogafjós Farm Resort
Vogar, 660 Myvatn, Iceland
restaurant
Skútustaðir farmers guesthouse
660 Skútustaðahreppur, Iceland
guest house
Sel-Hotel Myvatn
Skútustaðir 2, 660 Mývatn, Iceland
hotelLaxá Hótel
Olnbogaás, 660 Mývatn, Iceland
hotelHótel Húsafell
Stórarjóður, 320, Iceland
hotelMývatn - Berjaya Iceland Hotels
Reynihlid, 660 Mývatn, Iceland
hotelMyvatn aska modern cabin
Flugvallarvegur Mývatnssveit, 660, Iceland
lodgingEldá Guesthouse
Helluhraun 9, 660 Reykjahlíð, Iceland
guest house🍽️Where to Eat(8)
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Vogafjós Farm Resort
Vogar, 660 Myvatn, Iceland
restaurant
Fosshotel Mývatn
Grímsstaðir, 660 Skútustaðahreppur, Iceland
hotel
Eldey Restaurant
Olnbogaási 660 Mývatn, 660 Mývatn, Iceland
restaurant
Sel-Hotel Myvatn
Skútustaðir 2, 660 Mývatn, Iceland
hotel
Laxá Hótel
Olnbogaás, 660 Mývatn, Iceland
hotelBistro Sel & Pizza
Mývatn 660, 660 Skútustaðahreppur, Iceland
restaurantMylla Restaurant
Reykjahlid, 660 Myvatn, Iceland
restaurantKvika Kaffi
J5J3+926, 660 Reykjahlíð, Iceland
restaurant🎯Things to Do(2)
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Nearby Destinations
Húsavík
Wildlife lovers wanting whale watching in combination with excellent aurora viewing
Akureyri
Iceland returnees and aurora chasers who want higher latitude and fewer crowds than Reykjavik
Egilsstaðir
Independent travellers exploring the Ring Road who want authentic Iceland beyond the tourist trail
Vík í Mýrdal
Landscape photographers wanting volcanic drama and ice caves alongside aurora opportunities
Related Destinations
Akureyri
Iceland returnees and aurora chasers who want higher latitude and fewer crowds than Reykjavik
Húsavík
Wildlife lovers wanting whale watching in combination with excellent aurora viewing
Egilsstaðir
Independent travellers exploring the Ring Road who want authentic Iceland beyond the tourist trail