Exploring Iceland's Myvatn Region: A Journey with Friends

A Fond Farewell to Mývatn

As our incredible journey through the Mývatn Region draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on the past eight days filled with awe-inspiring landscapes, unique geothermal experiences, and the warmth of Icelandic hospitality. Today was all about soaking in the last moments, understanding the region's scientific significance, and grabbing a few last-minute souvenirs. It’s hard to believe our adventure is nearing its end, but the memories we’ve made will undoubtedly last a lifetime.

Our final day began with a hearty breakfast at Kvika Kaffi. The cafe is located at the Myvatn Nature Baths, and I was excited to try their geyser bread with smoked arctic char. I opted for the traditional geyser bread with smoked arctic char. The unique, slightly sweet bread paired perfectly with the smoky, savory fish. Priya went for the soup of the day, a creamy tomato that she raved about. Aarav, of course, chose a cinnamon roll, which disappeared in record time. Sipping my coffee, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the experiences we've had here. I made a mental note to try baking geyser bread when I get back home to Toronto, a little taste of Iceland to share with friends and family.


Experience authentic Icelandic flavors at Kvika Kaffi in Reykjahlíð, where comfort meets tradition in every bite.

With our bellies full, we set out to explore the Mývatn Research Station. It was fascinating to learn about the ongoing studies of the region's unique ecosystem. The station is dedicated to studying the diverse wildlife, particularly birds, and the intricate relationships within the local environment. We spoke with one of the researchers who explained the importance of the lake’s prolific freshwater seaweed growth and its impact on the aquatic life. I was particularly intrigued by the research on the Arctic char, which thrive in these waters. It's inspiring to see the dedication and passion of the scientists working to understand and preserve this incredible natural environment.


Explore the unique ecosystems and geological wonders at Mývatn Research Station, a key hub for scientific research in Iceland's breathtaking landscapes.

The journey may end, but the memories and lessons learned will forever remain etched in our hearts.

After our visit to the research station, we decided to explore the area around Mývatn a bit more. The Mývatn area is famous for its beautiful and unworldly landscapes. We drove along the scenic loop, stopping at various viewpoints to take in the stunning vistas. The contrasting landscapes, from the serene lake to the rugged lava fields, never ceased to amaze me. We reminisced about our adventures of the past week – hiking up to the Hverfjall crater, exploring the Dimmuborgir lava formations, and soaking in the Mývatn Nature Baths. Each experience has left an indelible mark on our hearts. I thought back to our time in Toronto, and how different this landscape was to the parks and green spaces I am used to.

Lunchtime rolled around, and we headed to Fish and Chips Lake Mývatn. This family-owned takeaway spot is known for its fresh, high-quality seafood. We ordered a round of fish and chips, eager to taste the local flavors one last time. The fish was incredibly fresh, sourced from one of Iceland’s top fishing vessels, and the chips were perfectly crispy. Priya and I shared a portion while Aarav devoured his own. As we ate, we chatted with the friendly owner, who shared stories about life in Mývatn and the importance of sustainable fishing practices. It was a simple meal, but the quality and care that went into it made it truly special. I was also impressed to hear that they use Olitalia oil from Italy, which is free of palm oil.


Experience the authentic taste of Iceland at Fish and Chips Lake Mývatn – where fresh ingredients meet breathtaking views.

With the afternoon sun casting long shadows, we made our way to Krambúðin Reykjahlíð. I wanted to pick up a few Icelandic treats to bring back home. The store had a great selection of local products, from traditional snacks to unique ingredients. I grabbed some Skyr, dried fish, and a few bars of Omnom chocolate. Aarav, of course, insisted on getting some Icelandic candy. As we browsed, I couldn't help but notice the reasonable prices, especially considering that Iceland is generally an expensive country. It was a nice opportunity to support a local business and bring a piece of Iceland back to Canada.


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

For our final dinner in Mývatn, we decided on Daddi's Pizza. After a week of exploring, sometimes you just crave a good pizza. Daddi's is a family-run pizzeria known for its hand-tossed pizzas and wide variety of toppings. We ordered a large pizza with smoked trout, cream cheese, and pine nuts – a local specialty that came highly recommended. The pizza was delicious, and the view of the Hverfjall volcano from the restaurant added to the experience. Aarav was thrilled with his pepperoni pizza, and Priya and I enjoyed the unique Icelandic flavors. It was the perfect way to end our culinary journey in Mývatn. I also noticed that they offer vegan cheese, which is a great option for those who don’t eat dairy.


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

As the day wound down, we packed our bags, reminiscing about the incredible experiences we've had in the Mývatn Region. From the geothermal wonders to the breathtaking landscapes, this corner of Iceland has captured our hearts. I'm so grateful for the opportunity to have shared this adventure with Priya and Aarav, creating memories that we'll cherish forever. As an immigration consultant, I often tell people about the importance of embracing new cultures and experiences, and this trip has been a perfect example of that. I am already looking forward to cooking some Mauritian food when I return to Toronto.

Tomorrow, we begin our journey back home, filled with stories to tell and photographs to share. While I'm excited to return to Toronto, a part of me will always remain in the Mývatn Region, a place of unparalleled beauty and wonder. The memories of Iceland will stay with me forever.

Looking Ahead

As this leg of our journey concludes, I’m filled with anticipation for future adventures. There are so many more corners of the world to explore, cultures to embrace, and memories to create. The Mývatn Region has been an extraordinary chapter in our travelogue, and I can’t wait to see what the next destination holds.

Until next time, happy travels!

Safe travels, everyone!

Louis