Exploring the Volcanic Wonders of Iceland's Myvatn Region

A Day of Discovery in the Myvatn Region

The Myvatn region had been calling to me for so long, and today, Jean-Pierre and I finally answered. As a translator, I spend so much time with words, but sometimes you need to step away from the books and immerse yourself in the world. And what a world it is here! Iceland's raw, untamed beauty is a stark contrast to the manicured landscapes I grew up with in Massachusetts, but it’s a welcome change. Today was all about soaking in the views, exploring unique geological formations, and letting the geothermal waters wash away the travel stress.


Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Vogafjós Farm Resort. I'd heard so much about their farm-to-table approach, and it didn't disappoint. The Vogafjós Restaurant was inaugurated in 1999. The cozy atmosphere, combined with the promise of fresh, local ingredients, was the perfect way to start our Icelandic adventure. It’s a “Farm to Table” restaurant, and their ambition is to serve local products of the finest quality. I opted for their homemade mozzarella with tomatoes and basil oil, while Jean-Pierre went for the cured ewe fillet. Sipping my coffee, I watched the cows being milked through the window – a truly unique dining experience.


>Sometimes, the most profound experiences are found in the simplest of moments, like sharing a meal with loved ones amidst the beauty of nature.


With our bellies full and our spirits high, we set off to our first stop: the Lake Mývatn View Point. The drive itself was breathtaking, with the landscape unfolding before us like a movie scene. When we reached the viewpoint, I was speechless. The panoramic vista of Lake Mývatn, with its islands and surrounding volcanic formations, was simply stunning. The sparkling blue waters of Lake Mývatn are surrounded by lush greenery and unique volcanic formations. I tried to capture the moment with my camera, but no photo could truly do it justice. Jean-Pierre, ever the pragmatist, pulled out his map and started pointing out the various landmarks, but I was content just to soak it all in. We spent a good half hour there, simply breathing in the fresh air and marveling at the view.


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

Next on our itinerary were the Skútustadagrig pseudo craters. These aren't your typical volcanic craters; they were formed by gas explosions when hot lava flowed over cool, wet surfaces about 2,300 years ago. As we walked along the marked paths, I couldn't help but feel like we were walking on another planet. The formations are enveloped with low vegetation. The pseudo craters are a part of a Natural Conservation Area which was founded in 1973 in order to protect the appearance of the beautiful craters. The area is also a hub for a myriad of species. Waterfowl and other species of water bird are popularly spotted here. I was particularly fascinated by the story of their formation – a testament to the powerful forces that have shaped this island. We took the shorter, circular route, which took us about 30 minutes to hike around. The large forms are covered in grass, and sometimes sheep can be seen grazing around. It’s amazing to think that such a seemingly peaceful landscape was born out of such violent geological activity.


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

After all that exploring, it was time for some serious relaxation. We made our way to the Mývatn Nature Baths. From May 1st to September 30th, the lagoon is open from 12:00 to 22:00. I’d heard so much about these baths, often touted as the North's answer to the Blue Lagoon, and I was eager to experience them for myself. The water, rich in minerals and geothermal microorganisms, is said to have therapeutic properties. As I sank into the warm, milky blue water, I could feel my muscles start to relax. The steam rising from the fissure deep in the Earth’s surface created an otherworldly atmosphere. Jean-Pierre, who usually shies away from spas, even admitted that it was incredibly soothing. We spent a couple of hours soaking, chatting, and simply enjoying the moment. There’s even a swim-up bar ! It was the perfect way to end a day of exploration.


Experience the serene geothermal waters of Mývatn Nature Baths, where relaxation meets the stunning landscapes of Northern Iceland.

Before heading back to our guesthouse, we stopped by the Handicrafts Market in Reykjahlíð. I wanted to find a little something to remind me of our time in Myvatn. The market had a variety of local crafts and artworks. I ended up buying a beautiful hand-knitted wool sweater, perfect for the chilly Icelandic evenings. Jean-Pierre, of course, bought a practical woolen hat.


Explore the Handicrafts Market in Reykjahlíð for authentic Icelandic sweaters and unique artisanal crafts, perfect for memorable souvenirs.

For dinner, we decided to try Gamli Bærinn, a restaurant known for its traditional Icelandic cuisine. Gamli Bærinn is as close as it gets to a country Tavern. I opted for the arctic char, while Jean-Pierre, ever the carnivore, went for the Gamli Burger. The portions were generous, and the food was hearty and delicious. It was the perfect way to end a perfect day.


Experience authentic Icelandic cuisine at Gamli Bærinn in Reykjahlíð – savor traditional dishes like lamb soup amidst stunning landscapes.

As I sit here writing this, my body is tired but my soul is full. Myvatn has exceeded all my expectations. It’s a place of stark beauty, raw power, and unexpected tranquility. I’m so grateful to be sharing this experience with Jean-Pierre, and I can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings. We plan to explore the Dimmuborgir Lava Field, Grjotagja, and Hverir. Tomorrow, we are planning on having breakfast at Kvika Kaffi, lunch at Fish and Chips Lake Mývatn, and dinner at Daddi's Pizza. And perhaps, if we have time, we’ll even stop by Jaja Ding Dong Húsavík for a drink. It’s going to be another incredible day!