The Skutustadir pseudo-craters (also known as Skutustadagigar) on Lake Myvatn offer you the chance to admire a rare phenomenon that scientists believe also occurs on Mars. Even in winter, you can discover part of this unique place.
Here are some useful tips to help you prepare for your visit and have a wonderful time!
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
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Is Skutustadir worth a visit in winter? Our opinion:
Skutustadir is worth a visit for its unique pseudo-craters and views over Lake Myvatn. 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! We’ll tell you more later. Its name is also Skutustadagigar.
This is one of the must-see places around Lake Myvatn.
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How to get to Skutustadir in winter: access and map
Where is Skutustadir in Iceland?
- Northern Iceland, around Lake Myvatn
- Driving time from Akureyri: 1h10
- Driving time from Reykjahlid: 15min
- Driving time from Egilsstadir: 2h05
- Here is a map to help you find your way:
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On Route 1, no 4WD required, off Route 1, it depends on your plans.
How to get there? Winter access road
In winter, Route 1 to Lake Myvatn is usually quickly cleared. But there are fewer cars than in the south, so the ground layer melts less.
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.
No access road, the site is right off the main road.
Parking
Easy parking along the main road, opposite Hotel Sel.
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- Best 5-star hotels (coming soon)
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Useful tips: duration, schedules, difficulties…
Best time to visit, opening hours and prices
Skutustadir is free to use.
It’s sparsely populated in winter, so all day long it’s a good attraction to visit.
Length of visit and main difficulties
Only the first quarter of the loop is clear at trail level, up to the ascent of Geitagja crater (west of the trail).
After that, the lakeside path is closed. Even if you see signs, don’t venture out, as you won’t see the difference between the path and the lake. You don’t want to fall in!
Be careful, with snow and ice on the ground, it can be slippery. We recommend you always carry cleats with you to add to your shoes. See our article on winter packing (coming soon)
We wore our cleats on this visit.
Allow 30min to 1h depending on your fascination for the place.
Catering, Toilets and Facilities
Opposite the parking lot, on the other side of the street, you’ll find a hotel and guest houses.
The Se hotel has a restaurant where you can also enjoy a hot drink.
You can also choose to stay overnight – see prices, photos and availability.
UNFORGETTABLE ACTIVITIES IN winter
- Visit an ice cave
- Glacier hiking
- Whale watching (from Reykjavik, Husavik or Akureyri)
Skutustadagigar: a series of pseudo-craters – geology
The theory is that these pseudo-craters were formed around 2,300 years ago during the eruption of Ludentaborgir and Threngslaborgir.
They would be created by vapour explosions when hot lava flows over wet sediments or frozen ground.
This is a fairly rare phenomenon, and is thought to occur on Mars too.
The formation of the Myvatn pseudocraters is a fascinating process that took place in several stages.
- the lava flowed over a vast pre-existing lake (before Mytvan)
- it trapped wet sediment beneath its surface
- the contact caused steam eruptions, creating a granular platform
- Over time, holes form, water diminishes and cones develop.
At Skutustadir, pseudocraters are found all around a closed-off part of the lake: Stakholstjorn.
An open trail
The trailhead to one of the most beautiful craters, clear in winter.
Impossible to catch. But don’t go down to lake level: as you can see, it’s all white, and it’s hard to spot the edge.
All along this trail, you’ll enjoy magnificent views of the snow-covered lake, the pseudo-craters and the surrounding mountains. Fascinating!
Frozen landscapes
In winter, Skutustadir is transformed into a monochromatic wonderland. We loved this striking black-and-white experience.
The snow-covered pseudo-craters create a striking contrast with the dark volcanic formations. The pseudo-craters are loaded with snow and stand out partially on the horizon.
Skutustadir’s winter atmosphere is characterized by a deep sense of tranquillity. The summer hum of insects and birds is replaced by a hushed silence. And we interrupt this silence only by the crunch of snow beneath our feet.
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Geitagja Tower of One
At the end of the path, you can climb one of these pseudo-craters. There’s a staircase that’s clear of snow.
Make sure you have your crampons on, as it can be slippery.
You can then walk along part of the crater rim to an observation platform with benches.
It looks like a real crater, and it’s hard to imagine that it isn’t…
Views of the lake and Hverfjall
From the summit of the crater and from the path, you can enjoy a beautiful foreground view of Lake Myvatn, the frozen Stakholstjorn pond and other pseudo-craters.
The lakeside half-cratère appears blacker than the rest. This is because its slope is steeper and holds less snow.
In the background, you can see the magnificent Hverfjall crater (a real crater this time).
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.
Church: Skutustadakirkja
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.
Other nearby attractions
You can combine your visit to Lake Myvatn with these nearby attractions:
- Dimmuborgir, an impressive lava field (5 min drive)
- Hverir, fascinating geothermal zone (15 min drive)
- Myvatn Nature Baths (15 min drive) – article to come
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
