When traveling the Diamond Circle, you must visit Lake Myvatn in Iceland. The lake’s geological area presents craters, lava formations, hikes that range from easy to difficult, and stunning views. Circling the lake can be done in a little less than 4 hours, so we opted to make this a day trip from Akureyri rather than combining it with the rest of the Diamond Circle. However, it could all be seen in a day if you’re trying to just check sights off your list.
Skutustadagigar
When coming from the west, the first geological formation that you arrive to is Skutustadagigar pseudo craters. Pseudo craters are formed from steam explosions and are therefore not real craters because lava has not erupted from within. Lava runs over wet ground or water, causing the ground to cave in. As a result, steam is trapped and eventually erupts creating these mini pseudo craters.
Walking around the main area is about 1.5km and takes about 30 minutes to see at a leisurely pace. However, if you are in a rush, this area can easily be seen in about 10 minutes.
Stropar
Originally not on our list of stops, Stropar popped out of nowhere. I mean slamming the breaks nowhere. We hopped out of the car on a small pullout to see a beautiful rock formation with a smaller jut-out of the lake behind it. A small walk of about 250 meters leads you right to the lakes edge.
Dimmuborgir
Slightly further up the road lies the entrance to Dimmuborgir, a maze of towering lava forms that continues for many kilometers. Thousands of years ago during volcanic eruptions, lava spread over water which created vents. The immense power of the steam and lava spewed it outward and upward, creating these pillars and lava cliffs.
According to Icelandic folklore, if you keep your eyes peeled you may even see the Yule Lads who reside in the lava field. I guess the Lads were in hiding the day I visited. Too many tourists!
Hverfjall Crater
Traveling around Lake Myvatn in Iceland, you will be able to see Hverfjall Crater in the background. This crater shows the remnants of a volcanic explosion from around 2,500 years ago. It’s about 1km in diameter and can be hiked up and around. The hike up is on a steep path that takes about 15 minutes to reach the top. As I came down with a cold this day, we opted not to continue the hike around as it’s still an uphill climb once you reach the rim. If the cold hadn’t caused my body to feel like I had already walked and then fallen off the rim, I definitely would have walked around the rim to see the vantage points of the lake and crater change.
Myvatn Nature Baths
From the hike up the crater to the Myvatn Nature Baths, you’ll pass Grjotagja, a cave filled with water that people used to bathe in. Since one of the latest volcanic eruptions, the water has become too hot. Instead, people visit it to see it as a filming sight of a “Game of Thrones” episode. These are dedicated people because I hit my head several times trying to maneuver this cave.
To end your adventures around the lake, you can choose to relax in the bright blue Myvatn Nature Baths. These baths are a less touristy (somewhat) and less pricey option than the Blue Lagoon near Reykjavik. Because this bath is right beside a volcano, the sulfur levels among other minerals are slightly higher which have proven health benefits. Maybe the smell is worth it!
An adult ticket costs around $40 during the summer and less during winter months.