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Myvatn Lake photo By Justraveling.com

Top 10 Remarkable Facts about Myvatn Lake

Myvatn is a volcanic lake in Northern Iceland. The lake is believed to be formed about 2300 years ago by a huge lava fissure eruption when a series of volcanic craters erupted at a range of 12km when a river was blocked by the sudden creation of a large lava field.

The lake covers an area of 37km² with a length of 9.5km and a width of 6.5km. The deepest part of the lake is 4.5m with an average depth of about 2.5m all around. It is the 4th largest lake in Iceland after lake Thorisvatn, lake Thingvallavatnand lake Logurinn.

The lake got its name from the insects that live in the water. The lake is a great area with a selection of attractions and activities to explore and is one of the highlights of the Diamond Circle.

1. Active Geothermal Region

Lake Myvatn is formed at the crater of a volcano rupture with several volcano islands in the lake. The incredible active geothermal gives it unique and beautiful geology.

The site is close to places such as Krafla caldera, which contains the notorious Viti volcano (hell). Many of the islands here are pseudocraters, formed by steam explosions as magma rose beneath pockets of water and many are bizarre basalt columns, raising vertically from the surface, formed by rapid cooling after the eruption.

2. Myvatn Lake has Hot Springs

Myvatn Lake photo By Justraveling.com

Grjotagja hot spring is another popular tourist attraction and became world famous after one of its famous shots was featured in the movie of Game of Thrones which took place in the hot springs cave.

The high amount of geothermal activity beneath Myvatn presents the opportunity for bathing in naturally heated waters. This is best done at the Myvatn Nature Baths, a beautiful establishment with serene waters, and incredible views at a reasonable cost.

3.  Natural Tourist Attractions

Myvatn area is known for endless attractions and activities. The variety in the landscape in this part of Iceland is magnificent. There are volcanic craters, geothermal areas, hot springs, and many more.

The Dimmuborgir lava formations are popular attractions for the lake Myvatn. Volcanic caves and rocks formed and collapsed lava tube that was shaped after an old lava lake.

4.  Animals and Plants Around Lake Myvatn

Aview to lake Myvatn Iceland Photo By Michal Klajban

Myvatn is home to more duck species than anywhere else in the world, with thirteen nesting species and many more visiting. Most common and popular is the harlequin duck referred to as the white-eyed diver after its unique white markings.

Myvatn’s surrounding vegetation and plentiful food make it the best place for voles, mice, and rats that have spread all over Iceland’s only naturalized mammal, the Arctic Fox.

The most interesting plant life at Myvatn exists just beneath the surface of the relatively shallow water. Marimo algae are ‘moss balls’, bizarre spheres of fluffy green algae that are founding very few other places around the world such as Japan.

5.  Myvatn Nature Baths

They are naturally heated by geothermal activities beneath mineral-rich waters. The water comes from the borehole in Bjarnarflag, with an average temperature of 130°C which is then mixed with cool water to an average temperature of 36°C.

Myvatn lake has a fantastic natural spring in a cave but unfortunately, it’s too warm for swimming but one is allowed to go there and see it. Myvatn nature baths are the North’s answer to the Blue Lagoon which is more of a spa.

One is allowed to stay in the bath for up to 2 hours depending on the time and the day of the visit. The water is about 1.3 meters deep with a bit of sulfur smell, but the water is so soft as to almost feel slimy.

6.  Lake Myvatn Experience Tundra Climate

Aview to lake Myvatn Iceland Photo By Michal Klajban

The lake had annual average precipitation of 1258mm and an annual average temperature is 7°C. The warmest month is July with an average temperature of 7°C and the coldest month is January with a 1°C temperature range.

Summerise typically cool with crisp nights while winters are very long and cold but not severely cold. During the summer visitors must be prepared for clouds of nasty little Midges that can appear from nowhere.

When they appear they come such amount the locals call it “the age of the wolf”. They are scary and intimidating as it sounds, but they only stay for a short time and then disappear.

8.  Lake Myvatn is Within Diamond Circle

The diamond circle is a popular tourist route in North Iceland. It connects to various tourist attractions including lake Myvatn. The circle is a summer visit only as the roads to Dettifoss are not cleared of snow very often.

Those sites are Godafoss waterfall known as the waterfall of the Gods. Mt. Namafjall and the boiling mud pools. Jokulsargljufur canyon -Dettifoss waterfall. Hafragilsfoss waterfall, Hljodaklettar-Echo Rocks. Asbyrgi-the Shelter of the Gods, Tjornes and the muffins, and lastly Husavik-the Whale Watching Capital of Iceland.

9.  Lake Myvatn is Marked a World Heritage Conservation by UNESCO

Myvatn Lake photo By Justraveling.com

The Myvatn area has unique geological and biological conservation values. Precipitation is trapped by the porous volcanic bedrock and moves beneath the surface until it reappears in a series of springs that supply the system of rivers and lakes.

The lake is situated 278m above sea level and contains more than 50 islands. The landscape around the lake and in many of the islands is dominated by perfectly shaped pseudo craters, formed by steam explosions as hot lava flowed into the lake many years ago.

The name Myvatn is derived from the vast numbers of midges(aquatic insects) that merge from the lake, forming impressive mating swarms on its shores.

Myvatn and Laxa have one of the world’s richest populations of breeding aquatic birds. All 115 species of birds have been recorded in the area, including 28 species of ducks. 15 species of ducks breed in the area regularly.

10.  Lake myvatn has an Underground Inflow of Water

The lake has a unique water inlet.  Almost all the Myvatn water supply comes from underground artesian springs.

Rarely any surface water is encountered in the area since is covered by young and porous lava fields and transected by faults. The inflow of water and its chemical composition is, therefore,very stable.