Family Adventure in Iceland's Myvatn Region

Day 1: A Volcanic Welcome: Discovering the Wonders of Lake Mývatn

First day in Iceland's Myvatn Region: Exploring stunning landscapes, pseudo craters, and savoring local flavors with family. A perfect start!

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First Impressions of Mývatn: A Land of Fire and Water



After months of planning and dreaming, our family adventure in Iceland's Mývatn Region has officially begun! The anticipation was palpable as we touched down and picked up our rental car, ready to explore this unique corner of the world. The drive itself was a scenic appetizer, offering glimpses of the raw, untamed beauty that Iceland is famous for. Today was all about settling in and soaking up the initial impressions of this fascinating place.



Our first stop was the famed Lake Mývatn View Point. Even though it's May, the air had a crisp coolness that reminded me of winters back in Berlin, but the landscape was something else entirely. The panoramic view of Lake Mývatn was breathtaking. The vast expanse of water, dotted with numerous small islands, was framed by distant mountains still capped with snow. Greta was already snapping away with her camera, capturing the serene beauty of the scene. Leila, ever the explorer, was busy pointing out different birds, her binoculars glued to her eyes. This was exactly the kind of immersive experience we had hoped for.

Discover the breathtaking beauty of Lake Mývatn View Point, a stunning natural attraction in Iceland known for its unique landscapes and diverse wildlife.
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Lake Mývatn View Point, a stunning natural attraction in Iceland known for its unique landscapes and diverse wildlife.

Sometimes, the most unforgettable journeys begin with the simplest of views.




Next on our list were the Skútustaðagígar pseudo craters. I had read about these unique formations, but seeing them in person was a completely different experience. These aren't your typical volcanic craters; they were formed by gas explosions when hot lava flowed over wetlands thousands of years ago. Walking around the rim of these bowl-shaped craters, I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe at the forces of nature that had shaped this landscape. Leila was particularly fascinated, asking endless questions about how the craters were formed and if there were any monsters living inside. I tried my best to explain the science behind it all, but I think she was more interested in the monster theory. Greta, meanwhile, was engrossed in spotting different bird species, her binoculars proving invaluable in identifying the various waterfowl that call this area home.

Explore the stunning Skútastaðagígar pseudo craters, a geological wonder near Lake Mývatn, rich in natural beauty and wildlife.
Explore the stunning Skútastaðagígar pseudo craters, a geological wonder near Lake Mývatn, rich in natural beauty and wildlife.

For breakfast, we indulged in the highly-recommended Vogafjós Farm Resort. What a delightful way to start our Icelandic culinary journey! The resort itself is charming, with cozy wooden cabins and stunning views of the lake. But the real highlight was the breakfast. They had a continental breakfast, and it was all sourced directly from the farm. I sampled their homemade cheese, while Leila couldn't get enough of the freshly baked bread. Greta was thrilled to find vegetarian options. Plus, you can watch the cows being milked while you eat! It was an experience that perfectly blended delicious food with a unique glimpse into Icelandic farm life. The warm floors in our cabin were also a welcome treat, especially with the cooler temperatures outside.

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

For lunch, we stopped at Bistro Sel & Pizza. It had a calm atmosphere. The bistro is part of the Sel Hotel Myvatn. I opted for a traditional Icelandic lamb soup, while Greta chose a vegetarian pizza. Leila, of course, went for a classic cheese pizza. The food was delicious, and the atmosphere was relaxed and inviting. We even tried some of the local Mývatn öl beer, brewed right there! I had the Geysir bread IPA, which uses geysir bread to make the beer sweeter. It was a unique and surprisingly tasty brew.

Discover Bistro Sel & Pizza in Mývatn - where delicious flavors meet stunning landscapes.
Discover Bistro Sel & Pizza in Mývatn - where delicious flavors meet stunning landscapes.

Before dinner, we popped into Kaffi Sel and Mývatn öl brewery. It was fun to see their brewing equipment! It started brewing beer in 2022. I got a can to take with me.

Experience the flavors of Iceland at Kaffi Sel and Mývatn Öl Brewery, where local brews and homemade delights meet stunning natural beauty.
Experience the flavors of Iceland at Kaffi Sel and Mývatn Öl Brewery, where local brews and homemade delights meet stunning natural beauty.

As evening approached, we decided to try Daddi's Pizza for dinner. After a day of exploring, a good pizza sounded perfect. This family-run pizzeria has a great reputation, and it certainly lived up to it. The pizzas are made with fresh, local ingredients, and you can taste the difference. I chose the smoked trout pizza, a local specialty, while Greta went for a vegan option. Leila, predictably, stuck with pepperoni. The pizza was delicious, and the atmosphere was cozy and welcoming. It's a great spot to relax and refuel after a day of sightseeing.

Experience the best pizza in Mývatn at Daddi's Pizza—where quality ingredients meet Icelandic hospitality.
Experience the best pizza in Mývatn at Daddi's Pizza—where quality ingredients meet Icelandic hospitality.

Today was also about reconnecting as a family and simply enjoying each other's company amidst the stunning scenery. We laughed, we learned, and we created memories that I know we'll cherish for years to come. It was a reminder of why we embarked on this adventure in the first place: to experience the world together and strengthen our bonds as a family.



As I sit here writing this, with a belly full of pizza and a heart full of joy, I can't help but feel grateful for this incredible opportunity. Iceland has already exceeded my expectations, and I know that the days ahead will be filled with even more adventure and wonder. Tomorrow, we plan to explore Grjótagjá and the Námafjall Hverir Viewpoint. I can't wait to see what new landscapes and experiences await us. Until then, good night from the magical Mývatn Region!


Go to day 2 Geothermal Wonders and Hidden Depths: Exploring Myvatn's Secrets
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Family Adventure in Iceland's Myvatn Region

Embark on a family adventure exploring Iceland's Myvatn Region, a land of stunning landscapes, geothermal wonders, and cultural richness.

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Meet this Featured Explorer

Kai Lee
  • Occupation icon Occupation: Freelance Marketing Consultant
  • Country icon Country: Germany
  • Age icon Age: 38

Aloha, world! I'm Kai Lee, a 38-year-old travel blogger originally from Hilo, Hawaii, now based in Berlin with my amazing wife, Greta, and our daughter, Leila. After years of soaking up the island vibes, I traded my surfboard for a laptop and embarked on a journey to explore the globe. As a freelance marketing consultant, I have the flexibility to blend work with my passion for travel, documenting our family's adventures on my blog, Evendo. I'm all about sustainable tourism, cultural exchange, and creating meaningful experiences while leaving a positive impact on the planet. Join us as we discover hidden gems, share travel tips, and celebrate the beauty of our diverse world.

Interests:
  • Sustainability
  • Cultural exchange
  • History
  • Ocean conservation
  • Photography
More about Kai Lee

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Explore locations from this diary

  • Lake Mývatn View Point

    Discover the breathtaking beauty of Lake Mývatn View Point, a stunning natural attraction in Iceland known for its unique landscapes and diverse wildlife.

  • Skútustadagrig pseudo craters

    Explore the stunning Skútustaðagígar pseudo craters, a geological wonder near Lake Mývatn, rich in natural beauty and wildlife.

  • Vogafjós Farm Resort

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

  • Bistro Sel & Pizza

    Discover Bistro Sel & Pizza in Mývatn - where delicious flavors meet stunning landscapes.

  • Daddi's Pizza

    Experience the best pizza in Mývatn at Daddi's Pizza—where quality ingredients meet Icelandic hospitality.

  • Kaffi Sel and Mývatn öl brewery

    Experience the flavors of Iceland at Kaffi Sel and Mývatn Öl Brewery, where local brews and homemade delights meet stunning natural beauty.

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