Lake Myvatn is a beautiful region to discover in winter. There are fewer attractions in winter, but there are still some wonderful places to discover.
See our selection of the best attractions on Lake Myvatn in winter and our tips for exploring it.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Content
What to do on Lake Myvatn in winter: access + map
The Lake Myvatn area remains easily accessible in winter. The main road is cleared quickly after snowstorms.
Here’s a map to help you find your way around the main attractions:
- Akureyri to Myvatn = 1h10 drive
- Reykjavik to Myvatn = 6h drive
- Egilsstadir to Myvatn = 2h15 drive
There’s a road that goes all the way around the lake, giving you access to the attractions.
Normally, the roads are cleared quickly enough for access. But during snowstorms, roads may be closed at the last minute – always check the status of roads on Umferdin.
1. Dimmuborgir
Why visit?
At Dimmuborgir, the snow-covered lava formations create a magical landscape, especially if the sky is white too! Although some of the trails are difficult, the main area remains accessible.
Scientists believe that around 2,300 years ago, a lava tube formed above a lake. It trapped the water in a reservoir around 10 m deep.
As the lava began to cool, the reservoir was released, leaving only the shapes created by the steam.
We loved the black-and-white landscape, where you can let your imagination run wild.
Practical advice
- Allow 45min to 1h to explore and enjoy the most accessible part.
- Bring crampons
- Restaurant closed in the dead of winter
- Free access
Find out more in our dedicated article.
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2. Hverir
Why visit?
Hverir is a geothermal zone that remains easily accessible in winter. It offers a unique, otherworldly landscape, even in cold weather. You’ll be amazed by the contrast between the bubbling mud pools, steam vents and sulfur deposits and the perfect white of the snow.
Practical advice
- Allow 30min to 1h
- Pay parking
- No installations
- Respect the marked trails to avoid melting your shoes!
Find out more in our dedicated article.
3. Skutustadir
Why visit?
Skutustadir is an area of Lake Myvatn with several pseudo-craters. Only part of the trail is accessible in winter, but the calm, frozen landscapes seem quite surreal.
Make no mistake, these are not real volcanic craters!
The theory is that these pseudo-craters were formed around 2,300 years ago, by steam explosions as hot lava flows over wet sediments or frozen ground. It’s a fairly rare phenomenon, and experts believe it also occurs on Mars.
In any case, we enjoyed climbing up one of them to admire the scenery.
Practical advice
- Allow 1 hour
- Wear crampons to walk safely on the trail
- Restaurant at the hotel across the road
- Free access
Find out more in our dedicated article.
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On Route 1, no 4WD required, off Route 1, it depends on your plans.
4. Myvatn Nature Baths
Why visit?
Visiting Myvatn’s natural baths in winter is a unique and enchanting experience.
The contrast between the steaming geothermal waters and the surrounding snow-covered landscape creates a magical, relaxing atmosphere.
It’s true that cooler air temperatures make hot water even more attractive. And the steam rising from the surface adds to the atmosphere! It’s ideal at the end of a long day exploring and walking in the snow.
More tips in our dedicated article.
Practical advice
- Allow at least 1 hour
- 1km detour from Route 1
- Easy to access
- Building restoration
5. Spend the night around Lake Myvatn
We also recommend spending at least one night at Lake Myvatn. This is one of our favorite spots in Iceland. We love the atmosphere, the otherworldly landscapes and the peace and quiet compared to southern Iceland.
We recommend..:
- Fosshotel Myvatn, modern with beautiful lake views – see photos and availability
- Salt – Hotel Myvatn right next to the pseudocraters – see photos and availability
- Mývatn – Berjaya Iceland Hotels, modern, classic and well located with large windows – see photos and availability
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Our independent picks for the accommodation of your dreams:
- Where to stay in Iceland (coming soon)
- Where to sleep in Reykjavik (coming soon)
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- Where to sleep on the South Coast (coming soon)
- Where to sleep on the Golden Circle (coming soon)
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6. Admire Hverfjall
Why visit?
As you drive around Lake Myvan, you can’t miss the immense Hverfjall crater.
Scientists estimate it to be between 2800 and 2900 years old. It’s one of the largest of its kind, with a diameter of 1km and a depth of 140m. We love the way it looks streaked in winter between basalt gravel and snow-covered areas.
Practical advice
- observe it from Route 1 or from the Dimmuborgir access road.
- it’s also possible to go hiking. We did it in summer. In winter, you need the right equipment to do it!
7. The shores of Lake Myvatn in winter and its lava pillars
As you drive around Lake Myvatn, you’ll enjoy many vistas.
The lake covers an area of around 37km2: 9.5km long and 6.5km wide.
Its average depth is 2.5m.
In winter, there are far fewer birds than in summer…
Don’t miss the lava pillars in the water on the eastern side. They look like trolls out of Icelandic legends!
The lake doesn’t freeze in winter.
8. Dettifoss in winter – limited access
Dettifoss is one of Iceland’s most powerful and impressive waterfalls.
Unfortunately, the access roads on either side of the canyon are difficult to access in winter.
The main road 864 leading directly to Dettifoss from the east is usually closed from January to the end of May due to heavy snow and dangerous driving conditions.
Alternative route 862 from the west may remain open, but it is not cleared of snow or ice and requires a 4×4 vehicle.
Super Jeep tours are available on certain days to see Dettifoss. They have the necessary equipment. See availability
9. Skutustadakirkja Church
Why visit?
Just opposite Skutustadir, don’t miss the little church on the hill. Its shape is typical of churches in Iceland: a simple form with a tower, wooden construction and a distinctive color.
It is 10.90m long and 6.22m wide.
Its square, two-part tower is topped by a trapezoidal, smooth-iron roof.
We found the place absolutely charming!
Practical advice
- Opposite Skutustadir
- Small hill to climb
- Close to Hotel Sel
10. Snow activities around Myvatn
Of course, you can also enjoy experiences that can only be enjoyed in winter when the landscape is covered in snow!
Here are some suggestions:
- Dog sledding excursion – see details and availability
- Snowmobile excursion – see details and availability
- Snowshoe hikes – see details and availability
Frequently asked questions
Can you see the Northern Lights in Myvatn?
Yes, Myvatn is an excellent location for viewing the northern lights. The region’s remote location and minimal light pollution create ideal conditions for aurora watching, just a short distance from your hotel!
How cold is it in Myvatn in winter?
Winter temperatures in Myvatn can be quite cold. Visitors should be prepared for freezing temperatures and dress accordingly. However, exact temperatures may vary.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO iceland IN WINTER
- Best of
Iceland’s winter landscapes
Best things to do in Iceland in winter
The most beautiful waterfalls
Ice caves
Best excursions from Reykjavik
- Practical advice
Getting around (coming soon)
How to rent a car in Iceland
Winter driving tips
Where to stay in Iceland in winter
Itineraries: 3 days – 4 days – 5 days – 1 week – 10 days (to come)
- The must-dos
Reykjavik in winter
Golden Circle in winter
South coast in winter
Snaefellsnes in winter
Silver Circle in winter (coming soon)
Lake Myvatn in winter
Eastern Fjords in winter
Seljalandsfoss in winter
Jokulsarlon in winter
