Family Adventure in Iceland's Myvatn Region

Finding Peace Amidst Volcanic Echoes

Today was a day of quiet exploration and natural wonders around Lake Myvatn. Leaving behind the geothermal buzz of previous days, we sought out a different kind of Icelandic beauty – one that whispered rather than shouted. It was a day of serene landscapes, peculiar formations, and gentle encounters with nature, reminding me why I fell in love with this island in the first place.



Our morning began with a hearty breakfast at Kvika Kaffi. Located within the Myvatn Nature Baths complex, the cafe offered a cozy start to the day. I opted for the traditional geyser bread with smoked arctic char, while Greta chose a vegan sandwich. Leila, predictably, went for a cinnamon bun. The cafe was bright and welcoming, with large windows offering views of the surrounding landscape. It was a perfect way to fuel up before our day's adventures. It reminded me a little of the cafes I used to frequent back in Hilo, though those, of course, came with a healthy dose of Hawaiian sunshine and the scent of plumeria.



First on our itinerary was Kalfastrond, a scenic spot known for its unique lava formations. As we drove, the landscape transformed into a bizarre, almost lunar setting. Upon arriving at Kalfastrond, we were immediately struck by the tranquility of the area. The bizarre lava formations stretched out before us, creating an otherworldly landscape. It felt like stepping onto another planet. We spent a good hour wandering through the formations, marveling at the intricate shapes and textures sculpted by centuries of volcanic activity. The air was crisp and clean, and the silence was broken only by the occasional call of a bird. I tried to explain to Leila how the lava had cooled and hardened into these strange shapes, but she was more interested in climbing on them, pretending they were castles and dragons. Greta, ever the historian, was fascinated by the geology of the area. I managed to snap a few photos, hoping to capture the unique beauty of this place.


Discover the breathtaking beauty of Kalfastrond, a scenic spot in Iceland offering stunning landscapes and serene nature experiences.

Sometimes, the most profound experiences are found in the quietest corners of the world.

After Kalfastrond, we drove to Skútustaðir, an area famous for its pseudocraters. These formations, also known as rootless cones, were created by steam explosions when hot lava flowed over wetlands thousands of years ago. The Skútustaðir area has more than 50 of these geological wonders. As we approached, the landscape was dotted with these peculiar mounds, rising gently from the surrounding fields. We parked the car and set out on one of the well-maintained walking paths that wind through the area. The paths were easy to navigate, even for Leila, and offered panoramic views of Lake Myvatn and the surrounding volcanic landscape.


Explore the breathtaking beauty of Skútustaðir, where unique geological formations meet serene wetlands in Iceland's stunning landscapes.

Leila was particularly fascinated by the pseudocraters, running around them and shouting with glee. Greta and I took our time, reading the informational signs and learning about the geological processes that had created these unique formations. We even spotted several species of birds, including ducks and other waterfowl. Skútustaðir is known for its rich birdlife, and it was a treat to see them in their natural habitat. The whole area felt serene and peaceful, a perfect place to connect with nature and appreciate the wonders of the Icelandic landscape. According to local legends, trolls created the landscape. Trolls turning into stone is a much more captivating explanation for a 7-year-old, so that is what I told Leila.


For lunch, we stopped at Mylla Restaurant. Located at the Berjaya Myvatn Hotel, it is a modern restaurant with a focus on local ingredients. The restaurant has a warm and inviting atmosphere. I ordered the Arctic char, while Greta chose a vegetarian dish. Leila, surprisingly, opted for the lamb soup. The food was delicious, and the service was excellent. It was a welcome break after a morning of exploring. I was able to get a taste of the local cuisine, which is something I always appreciate when traveling. Greta enjoyed the modern, charming atmosphere.


Discover authentic Icelandic flavors at Mylla Restaurant in stunning Myvatn—where local ingredients meet breathtaking views.

In the late afternoon, after our adventures, we decided to unwind. While R5 Micro Bar was on the list, it was located in Akureyri. Since Akureyri was almost an hour away, we decided to relax at our accommodation instead. I enjoyed a quiet evening with Greta and Leila, sharing stories and reflecting on our experiences. It was a perfect way to end a day of exploration and discovery. I am looking forward to tomorrow, our last day in the Myvatn Region. We are planning to visit The Fly Lands and Selfoss before heading back to Reykjavik. I am hoping to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights one last time, and maybe even try some ice cream from Skútaís.



For dinner, we decided to try Vogafjós Farm Resort. The resort has a cozy guesthouse, restaurant, and boutique. The restaurant is located next to a cowshed. We were able to watch the cows being milked while enjoying our meal. I ordered the lamb shanks, while Greta chose the mozzarella salad. Leila, of course, wanted a beef burger. The food was delicious, and the atmosphere was unique. It was a truly Icelandic experience. The resort is a family-run guesthouse built in 2005. The resort is located in a beautiful area surrounded by lava rocks and birch trees. The Vogafjós Farm Resort is open all year round. The rooms are designed to let guests feel relaxed. Vogafjós offers a traditional Icelandic breakfast, where you can even taste the fresh warm milk directly from the cows. It was the perfect way to celebrate our last night in the Myvatn Region. After dinner, we took a short walk around the property, enjoying the peaceful surroundings and the stunning views of Lake Myvatn. The air was crisp and cool, and the stars were shining brightly overhead.


Experience authentic Icelandic hospitality at Vogafjós Farm Resort with fresh farm-to-table cuisine near beautiful Lake Mývatn.

Before heading to bed, I checked my camera and journal, making sure I had captured all the details of the day. As I drifted off to sleep, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the opportunity to experience the natural beauty of Iceland with my family. It was a day of quiet moments and simple pleasures, a reminder that sometimes the best adventures are the ones that unfold at a slower pace. Tomorrow marks the end of our time in the Myvatn Region, and while I am sad to leave, I am excited for what the rest of our Icelandic adventure holds.