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.
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).
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.
Mývatn Nature Baths (& lunchtime)
Mývatn Nature Baths is a traditional and tastefully designed complex offering a completely natural experience you can enjoy with your day admission ticket.
The 2 steam baths are built on top of a geothermal area and the sulfur steam rises through holes in the floor. The water of the Mývatn Nature Baths is drawn from a borehole that goes 2,500 meters into the ground.
The water has a high concentration of minerals and is well-suited for bathing.
Before or after bathing, you can enjoy a light meal and drinks (not included) at Café Kvika in a beautiful setting with views of the stunning natural surroundings.
