How far is Lake Mývatn from Akureyri?

Roughly 90 km, around one hour by car, with Goðafoss on the way.

Can I visit Mývatn as a day trip from Reykjavík?

It is a very long drive, roughly 6 to 7 hours each way, so most visitors combine it with an overnight stay in the north.

What does Mývatn mean?

It means “midge lake”, named after the small flies that appear around the water in summer.

Can I swim in Grjótagjá cave?

No. Bathing there is not permitted, and the water temperature can change.

Is Mývatn worth visiting in winter?

Yes, for snowy landscapes and a chance of northern lights, which can never be guaranteed. Daylight is short and roads can be affected by weather.

Places to visit

Lake Mývatn: Craters, Nature Baths and Volcanic Landscapes

Drive Reykjavik team · 5 min read · August 2026

Lake Mývatn is one of the most distinctive places in North Iceland. The shallow lake sits in an active volcanic area, so within a few kilometres you can walk beside craters, stand in clouds of steam, wander through twisted lava formations and soak in warm, mineral-rich water. It is about an hour from Akureyri, which makes it an easy highlight of any trip to the north.

The name means “midge lake”, and in summer the small flies that give it that name can be noticeable near the water. They are harmless, but a head net or a bit of patience helps on calm days.

Getting to Mývatn

The lake is roughly 90 km from Akureyri, around an hour's drive, and you pass Goðafoss waterfall on the way. From Reykjavík it is a very long drive of around 6 to 7 hours, so most visitors reach it as part of a trip around the north rather than a day trip from the capital. If you are starting from Akureyri, see our Akureyri travel guide.

Distances are approximate. Always check road conditions and the weather, particularly between October and April when snow and ice are possible.

Aerial view of Lake Mývatn with green pseudocraters and small islands in the water — Grassy craters and small islands dot the shallow waters of Mývatn.Photo: Rino Adamo / Pexels

The main stops around the lake

A loop around the lake takes a few hours, with short walks at each stop. The classic list includes:

Skútustaðagígar pseudocraters: grass-covered craters beside the lake, formed when lava met water. An easy path leads around the rims.
Dimmuborgir: a field of strange lava pillars and caves with marked walking trails of different lengths.
Hverfjall crater: a huge, almost perfectly round tephra crater with a path to the rim and wide views.
Grjótagjá cave: a lava cave with a hot spring inside. Bathing there is not permitted.
Hverir (Námafjall): a landscape of bubbling mud pots and steaming vents beside orange ground, with a strong sulphur smell.

Steam rising from a geothermal field with orange ground under a partly cloudy sky — Steam and colour at a geothermal field such as Hverir.Photo: Miriam Espacio / Pexels

Hverir is the most photogenic stop for many people, but it also demands the most care. The ground is hot, the paths are marked for a reason and the smell of sulphur is strong, so keep your visit short if it bothers you. Dimmuborgir, by contrast, is a gentle place to walk, with paths of different lengths that suit most fitness levels.

If you are short on time, a sensible shortlist is Hverir, Dimmuborgir and the Skútustaðagígar pseudocraters, which gives you steam, lava and craters in about half a day.

Soaking at the Mývatn Nature Baths

The Mývatn Nature Baths are a geothermal spa in the area, with warm, milky-blue water, often compared with the Blue Lagoon in the south but usually quieter. You can book ahead, and it is a pleasant end to a day of walking. Check current opening hours and prices with the baths before you plan around them.

Aerial view of the large round Hverfjall crater with a path along its rim — Hverfjall is a huge crater that you can walk to and around.Photo: Miles Iwes / Pexels

Beyond the lake: Goðafoss and Dettifoss

Goðafoss is easy to combine with Mývatn because it is beside the Ring Road, and it is a wide, impressive waterfall in every season. Dettifoss, a very powerful waterfall in the north-east, is further away, roughly an hour from the lake, and access can vary with the season, so check current conditions first.

The area around the lake is also a rich place for birdlife, especially in spring and summer, when many species nest on the lake and the surrounding wetlands. Binoculars are handy if you are interested, and the nature reserve areas have rules to protect nesting birds, so follow the signs.

How long to spend

Allow half a day for the main stops and a full day if you want hikes, the baths and Goðafoss. Many visitors base themselves in Akureyri or in a village near the lake. In winter, daylight is shorter, so choose fewer stops and keep an eye on the forecast. Our guide to Iceland in winter explains the conditions.

If you are also planning the south, see our South Coast day trip guide for the other classic route.

Getting there with a private driver

Between Akureyri and Mývatn there is no need to deal with a rental car in snow or wind. A private ride with a local driver lets you stop at each place, and you never have to look for parking while others wait. See our private transfers, and message us on WhatsApp at +354 777 3949 for a quote for a route in the north.

Fixed price per car, not per person
Economy (Tesla) for 1 to 4 passengers, Van (Mercedes Vito) for 5 to 7, minibus for 8 to 16 on request
20% deposit online, the rest to the driver by card or cash
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before pick-up

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