Exploring Mývatn Lake
Mývatn is a shallow eutrophic lake in an area of active volcanism in northern Iceland, not far from Krafla volcano. The lake and its surrounding wetlands have a vibrant fauna of waterbirds, especially ducks. The lake was created by a large basaltic lava eruption 2300 years ago, and the surrounding landscape is dominated by volcanic landforms, including lava pillars and rootless vents (pseudocraters). The effluent river Laxá is known for its rich fishing for Brown Trout and Atlantic Salmon.
The name of the lake (Icelandic mý ("midge") and vatn ("lake"); the lake of midges) comes from the enormous numbers of midges to be found there in the summer.
The name Mývatn is sometimes used not only for the lake but also for the whole surrounding inhabited area. The River Laxá, Lake Mývatn, and the surrounding wetlands are protected as a nature reserve (the Mývatn-Laxá Nature Conservation Area).
Dimmuborgir Lava Field
The Dimmuborgir (meaning dark cities, forts, or castles) Lava Field, located in the heart of the Mývatn Geothermal Area, is about 100 kilometers east of Akureyri.
The Dimmuborgir area, as the name suggests, is an unusually shaped lava field consisting of peculiar volcanic caves and rock formations. These dramatic structures are a favorite stop for tourists.
This natural phenomenon dates back some 2300 years to a massive eruption in a nearby crater. The lava seems to have flowed over a small lake that once existed; water below the lava was trapped and boiled, and the steam rose, forming lava pillars from drainpipes up to several meters in diameter. As the lava continued flowing toward the lower ground in the Mývatn Lake area, the top crust collapsed, leaving behind hollow pillars of solidified lava. The lake must have been at least 10 meters deep, as estimated by the tallest structures still standing.
Hverir Geothermal Area
Hverir, also known as Hverarond or Namafjall, is a geothermal area in northeastern Iceland near Lake Myvatn. This otherworldly landscape is characterized by bubbling mud pits, steaming fumaroles, and vibrant yellow sulfur deposits.
The otherworldly nature of the landscape immediately strikes visitors to Hverir. The ground is cracked and barren, emitting a pungent smell of sulfur that fills the air. The bubbling mud pits and hissing fumaroles create a surreal atmosphere as you step onto another planet.
One of the most striking features of Hverir is the bright yellow sulfur deposits that can be seen clinging to the rocky ground. These colorful formations add a pop of color to the otherwise desolate landscape and starkly contrast the surrounding black volcanic rocks.
Hverir is also home to several hot springs heated by the geothermal activity beneath the surface. Visitors can see steam rising from these pools of water, creating a hypnotic and almost mystical effect.
Visiting Hverir is a truly unique experience that offers a glimpse into the raw power of nature.
Dettifoss Waterfall
Dettifoss Waterfall, located in Jökulsárgljúfur Canyon, is south of Ásbyrgi Canyon in Northeast Iceland.
Seeing Dettifoss Waterfall, Europe’s most powerful cascade of water rushing over the falls, is an overwhelming experience. From the car park, there is an 800-meter path to the falls, an easy hike for most people.
Dettifoss Waterfall is in the Jökulsá á Fjöllum River that originates in Vatnajökull Glacier, the world’s largest glacier outside the Arctic. It runs through the Jökulsárgljúfur Canyon, thought to be carved out by several megafloods lasting only a few days, each separated by thousands of years. In 1973, the whole canyon was declared a national park, from its origins to its estuary. In 2008, it became a part of the newly established Vatnajökull National Park.
Dettifoss is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Iceland, offering a unique and unforgettable natural experience showcasing the raw power and beauty of the Icelandic landscape
Ásbyrgi Canyon
Ásbyrgi Canyon is regarded by many as the most beautiful place in Iceland.
This horseshoe-shaped canyon, measuring approximately 3.5 kilometers in length and up to 1 kilometer in width, is believed to have been formed by a catastrophic glacial flood caused by a volcanic eruption thousands of years ago.
Folklore says that Ásbyrgi was formed when Sleipnir, Norse God Óðinn's eight-footed horse, put his hoof on the ground. Ásbyrgi, meaning the Shelter of Gods, is almost perfectly hoof-shaped.
The canyon is surrounded by cliffs up to 100 meters high, creating a unique and mesmerizing landscape. In the canyon's center lies a lush green oasis, starkly contrasting the rugged and rocky terrain surrounding it.
One of the most spectacular features of Asbyrgi Canyon is the towering rock formations known as the "Church Floor" and the "Pillars of the Gods." These natural formations result from volcanic activity and erosion over millions of years, creating a dramatic and otherworldly atmosphere.
Visitors to Asbyrgi Canyon can explore the network of hiking trails that wind through the canyon, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The canyon is also home to diverse wildlife, including reindeer, Arctic foxes, and various bird species, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and wildlife photographers.
Húsavík Town (& lunchtime)
Húsavík is a town in Norðurþing municipality on the north coast of Iceland, on the shores of Skjálfandi Bay. It has 2,237 inhabitants. The town's most famous landmark is the wooden church Húsavíkurkirkja, built in 1907.
Income is derived from tourism, fishing, retail, and small industry. Until recently, Húsavík was the export harbor for silica extracted from nearby Lake Mývatn.
According to the Landnámabók ("Book of Settlement"), Húsavík was the first place in Iceland to be settled by a Norse man. The Swedish Viking Garðar Svavarsson stayed there for one winter around 870 A.D. When he left the island in the spring of 870, after a winter's stay, he left behind a man named Nattfari and two slaves, a man and a woman, and they established a farm here. The town's name means "bay of houses," probably referring to Garðar's homestead, which may have been the only house in Iceland.
Húsavík is Iceland's capital of whale watching, sighted on over 95% of trips during the summer.
Goðafoss Waterfall
The picturesque Goðafoss is 12 meters high and 30 meters wide. The waterfall is located in the mighty Skjálfandafljót River, which originates in the Vatnajökull Glacier.
Goðafoss means “Waterfall of the Gods,” getting its name from The Book of Icelanders, a tale in one of the old Icelandic manuscripts about Þorgeir, the law speaker, who made Christianity the official religion in Iceland in 1000 AD. After he had converted to the new religion and upon his arrival home, he threw his old statues of the Norse gods of his former religion into the waterfall, hence the name Goðafoss.
Akureyri Town
Akureyri is located at the bottom of Eyjafjörður Fjord in the heart of North Iceland. Known as the “Capital of the North,” it is the largest town outside the Capital Area. Sheltered by prominent mountains and located by the so-called “Pond,” as the innermost part of Eyjafjörður Fjord is called, many Icelanders regard Akureyri as the most beautiful town in Iceland.
Because the summer temperature in Akureyri is usually favorable, it is a trendy tourist destination among Icelanders. However, it often gets a lot of snow during the winter, but since Akureyri is the center for winter sports in Iceland, it’s welcomed. Only 5 km from the town center is Hlíðarfjall Mountain, a prime skiing area with excellent facilities.
Akureyri is the center of commerce and services in the region, and there are many attractions in the surrounding area, including historical sites, museums, a botanical garden, and natural wonders.
