The essential four
1. Myvatn Nature Baths — the north's Blue Lagoon, 6,890 ISK, smaller crowds, mineral-blue water, and open until 23:00 in summer. 2. Hverir geothermal field at Namafjall — mud pots, fumaroles, ochre earth, free and 15 minutes off Route 1. 3. Dimmuborgir lava formations — the black castles, easy 2 km loop, and yes Game of Thrones filmed here. 4. Hverfjall crater climb — 20 minutes up the scree, then a rim walk with the whole caldera at your feet.
Five through seven
5. Grjotagja cave — the small hot cave, no bathing (too hot at 45-50°C), but a five-minute stop worth doing. 6. Skutustadagigar pseudocraters on the lake's south shore — flat 2 km walk, good for a windy day. 7. Godafoss on the way in or out — technically not Myvatn but you drive right past. Skip the Krafla power station tour unless you’re an engineer.
Good to know
Questions, answered
How long do I need for Myvatn?
One full day covers the top four comfortably. Two days if you want the baths in the evening and the crater walks unhurried.
Best base for Myvatn?
Reykjahlid village on the north shore has the hotels and the petrol station. Akureyri is 90 minutes west if you prefer a town.
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