{"id":4632,"date":"2026-05-27T10:33:53","date_gmt":"2026-05-27T08:33:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/iceland-lovers.com\/pseudocrateres-skutustadir-myvatn\/"},"modified":"2026-05-27T11:03:20","modified_gmt":"2026-05-27T09:03:20","slug":"pseudo-craters-skutustadir-myvatn","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/iceland-lovers.com\/en\/pseudo-craters-skutustadir-myvatn\/","title":{"rendered":"Pseudocraters of Skutustadir (Myvatn): visit + photos"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

On the shores of Lake Myvatn in northern Iceland, the pseudo-craters of Skutustadir form one of the most unusual landscapes you’ll ever see in this country. We were struck by the geometric precision of these cones scattered around the Stakholstjorn basin. <\/p>\n\n

In this article, you’ll find our photos and tips for making the most of your visit to Skutustadir’s pseudo-craters.<\/p>\n\n

\"Skutustadir<\/figure>\n\n

This opinion is completely independent<\/strong>, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.<\/p>\n\n

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Content<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/span>Why visit Skutustadir’s pseudo-craters<\/span><\/h2>\n\n

Are Skutustadir’s pseudo-craters worth a visit? Our opinion:<\/h3>\n\n

Yes, Skutustadir’s pseudo-craters are well worth a visit. This site is one of the most remarkable geological landscapes on Lake Myvatn, and by extension in the whole of Iceland. These rare formations, also documented on Mars, will give you a unique perspective on the power of volcanic phenomena.<\/p>\n\n

\"Skutustadir<\/figure>\n\n

The walk around the Stakholstjorn basin is accessible, varied and offers successive views of the lake. It’s one of the most beautiful natural sites on Lake Myvatn<\/a> and a must-see on any tour of northern Iceland.<\/p>\n\n

Our favorite moments<\/h3>\n\n

We particularly enjoyed climbing the first pseudo-crater accessible at the start of the trail: the view from the edge of the cone over Lake Myvatn and the surrounding hills is breathtaking. The morning light, playing on the reflections of the water in the Stakholstjorn basin, is a spectacle in itself. The path along the pond also offers a wide variety of views, from vegetated cones to calm waters and an open horizon overlooking the lake. We were there in September, so the grass has already turned orange.<\/p>\n\n

\"pond<\/figure>\n\n

About the name<\/h3>\n\n

The site is known by two Icelandic names. Skutustadir (Sk\u00fatusta\u00f0ir in Icelandic) refers to the place in the broadest sense: the historic farmhouse and surrounding area, named after an ancient local hero, Viga-Skuta. Skutustadagigar (Sk\u00fatusta\u00f0ag\u00edgar) is the precise geological term: it refers specifically to the group of pseudo-craters, the suffix g\u00edgar<\/em> meaning “craters” in Icelandic. In practice, the two names are often used interchangeably to designate the same site.<\/p>\n\n

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WHERE TO STAY IN myvatn<\/span><\/h5>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Fosshotel Myvatn<\/strong>, with beautiful lake viewsSee top-rated accommodations<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Salt – Hotel Myvatn<\/strong>, near the pseudo-cratersSee top-rated accommodations<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dimmuborgir Guesthouse, <\/strong><\/strong>by the lakeSee top-rated accommodations<\/a> <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\"Dimmuborgur<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

See our selection: Where to stay on Lake Myvatn<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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See all available accommodation >><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n

<\/span>How to get to Skutustadigar: access and map<\/span><\/h2>\n\n

Where is Skutustadir?<\/h3>\n\n