Who Myvatn suits
Myvatn suits Ring Road drivers on their fourth or fifth night, geology enthusiasts (Dimmuborgir lava labyrinth, Hverfjall crater, Krafla caldera and Namafjall's sulphur springs are all within 20 minutes), and anyone who wants to soak at Myvatn Nature Baths — cheaper than the Blue Lagoon, less crowded, and with better lake views. Godafoss is 40 minutes west and Dettifoss 90 minutes northeast, so a two-night base here covers a lot of the north.
It doesn’t suit anyone with allergies to insects in June-August — 'myvatn' literally means 'midge lake', and while the midges don’t bite, they can swarm on still days. Also skip if you want a town: Reykjahlid is a scattering of hotels and a Vogar co-op, not a village with restaurants and shops.
Cost and what's walkable
Mid-range doubles run 25,000-38,000 ISK. Hotel Laxa, Fosshotel Myvatn, and Sel-Hotel Myvatn are the main options, all near the lake. Guesthouses and farm stays run 18,000-25,000.
Walkable depends on which hotel: from Reykjahlid, the church, a co-op, and Vogafjos cowshed cafe (great local dairy) are within reach. Skutustadagigar's pseudo-craters have marked trails around the southern lake. Dimmuborgir, Hverfjall and the Nature Baths are all short drives.
Good to know
Questions, answered
Are the Myvatn Nature Baths worth it over the Blue Lagoon?
For most people, yes. Admission is around 6,900 ISK in 2026 (about half the Blue Lagoon), the crowds are smaller, and the view over the lake is arguably better. The water feels slightly different — hotter and less silica-heavy.
Are the midges really that bad?
On still, warm days in June and July, yes. They swarm around your face but don’t bite. A head net (sold at Vogar co-op) fixes it in five seconds. Windy days are fine.
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