Family Adventure in Iceland's Myvatn Region

A Day of Discovery in Myvatn

Today was all about diving deeper into what makes the Myvatn region so special – its blend of history, culture, and incredible natural beauty. Greta, Leila, and I set out with a plan to explore some of the local gems, and what a day it turned out to be! From stepping back in time at an old turf house to marveling at Iceland's diverse birdlife, every moment was filled with wonder. And of course, we made sure to sample some of the local culinary delights along the way.

Our day started with a hearty breakfast at Kvika Kaffi. The cozy atmosphere was just what we needed to fuel up for the day's adventures. I opted for the traditional Geyser bread with smoked Arctic char, a local specialty that I've quickly grown to love. Greta enjoyed a freshly made sandwich, while Leila devoured a cinnamon roll. With our bellies full and spirits high, we set off to Grenjaðarstaður - the Old Turfhouse, eager to explore the old turf house.


Explore Grenjaðarstaður in Húsavík – a historical museum showcasing traditional Icelandic turf houses and rich cultural heritage.

Stepping Back in Time at Grenjaðarstaður

As we approached Grenjaðarstaður, the landscape itself seemed to whisper tales of centuries past. The turf house rose gently from the earth, blending seamlessly with the surrounding fields. It felt like stepping into a living postcard.

The history of Grenjaðarstaður is fascinating. It was once a prosperous vicarage, and the oldest parts of the turf house date back to 1865. Walking through the rooms, I couldn't help but imagine what life must have been like for the families who lived here, braving the harsh Icelandic winters within these very walls. The house is unique, insulated with lava rocks and paneled with driftwood, showcasing the ingenuity of Icelandic architecture. Greta, with her passion for history, was absolutely in her element, eagerly reading every informational plaque and sharing historical tidbits with Leila and me.

Leila, always curious, peppered us with questions about everything she saw, from the old farming tools to the traditional Icelandic clothing. It was wonderful to see her so engaged, connecting with the past in such a tangible way. We explored the functional Lutheran church built in 1865 and saw a rune-stone dating back to the Middle Ages in the cemetery.

History is not the past but a map of the past, drawn from a particular point of view.

After immersing ourselves in the history of Grenjaðarstaður, we stopped by the renovated barn, which now houses the museum's reception, restrooms, and a charming little café. We browsed the locally made handicrafts and picked up a few small souvenirs to remind us of our visit. I even found a beautifully carved wooden bird that I knew would look perfect on my desk back in Berlin.

A Pizza Pit Stop

By lunchtime, our stomachs were starting to rumble again. We decided to head to Daddi's Pizza in Reykjahlíð. This family-run pizza place is known for its delicious pies and friendly atmosphere. Plus, I had heard they sometimes use local ingredients, which piqued my interest.

We ordered a large pizza with a variety of toppings, including, of course, some smoked trout. The pizza was fantastic, and Leila especially loved it. Daddi's has a cute little diner with a view of the volcanic crater. We sat outside on the covered deck, enjoying the scenery as we devoured our pizza.

Discovering Iceland's Feathered Friends

With our appetites satisfied, we made our way to Sigurgeir's Bird Museum. Now, I'll admit, I'm not usually one for museums, but this one was different. Sigurgeir Stefánsson, the museum's founder, was a passionate bird and egg collector, and his collection is truly remarkable.


Discover the avian wonders of Iceland at Sigurgeir's Bird Museum, featuring a rich collection of native bird species in a stunning natural setting.

The museum houses specimens of nearly all the Icelandic breeding birds. What struck me most was the sheer diversity of birdlife in Iceland. I had no idea there were so many different species! The museum is set up in a way that’s interactive and engaging. Leila had a blast pressing buttons to illuminate the different birds and learning about their habitats.

I found it incredibly helpful to compare the sizes of the birds, something you can't really appreciate in a guidebook. The museum also has a collection of bird eggs. I found myself engrossed in learning about the migratory patterns and behaviors of these amazing creatures.

One of the highlights of the museum is the birdwatching hides located nearby. We spent some time in one of these hides, observing the birds in their natural habitat. It was so peaceful and serene, watching them flit about in the wetlands. I even managed to spot a few species that I had never seen before. I made a mental note to bring my binoculars tomorrow for better bird watching.

A Stop at the Local Shop

Before heading back to our accommodation, we made a quick stop at Krambúðin Reykjahlíð. This local grocery store is a gem, offering everything from fresh produce to Icelandic delicacies. We needed to pick up a few essentials, like sunscreen (which I embarrassingly forgot to pack!) and some snacks for the road.


Explore the best of local flavors and essentials at Krambúðin Reykjahlíð, your go-to grocery store in the heart of Iceland.

I always enjoy visiting local shops like Krambúðin because it gives you a glimpse into the daily life of the locals. We picked up some Skyr, a traditional Icelandic yogurt, and some dried fish, which I'm determined to acquire a taste for.

Dinner at Mylla Restaurant

For dinner, we decided to try Mylla Restaurant, located in the Berjaya Mývatn Hotel. The restaurant has a modern and inviting atmosphere, and I had heard good things about their menu. We started with the tomato soup and homemade pâté. For our main courses, Greta ordered the Arctic char, while I opted for the hot spring lamb. Leila, of course, chose the baked cod. The food was delicious, and the service was excellent. It was the perfect way to end a day of exploration and discovery.


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

As we sat there, enjoying our meal, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the opportunity to experience this incredible region with my family. Myvatn has a way of captivating you with its unique blend of natural beauty and cultural richness. Each day brings new adventures and discoveries, and I can't wait to see what tomorrow holds.

Tomorrow, we plan to explore Stóragjá and Hverir. I've heard Stóragjá is a fascinating rift cave with geothermal water, and Hverir is a geothermal area with bubbling mud pools and steaming vents. It sounds like another day of adventure awaits!

Before heading to bed, I took a moment to reflect on the day. As a freelance marketing consultant, I often find myself caught up in the hustle and bustle of work. But these trips with my family are a reminder of what truly matters – connecting with loved ones, exploring new places, and creating lasting memories. And as a travel blogger, I feel incredibly fortunate to be able to share these experiences with all of you. Until tomorrow, bless up!