What to see, what to do, where to stay, where to eat!
www.visitmyvatn.is Tag your photos #myvatn
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WELCOME TO MÝVATN The Mývatn region offers a unique natural environment. With large contrasts and short distances you can experience the best that Iceland has to offer. Here, volcanic eruptions have played a crucial role in the formation of the landscape and the natural features are stunning. A lot of visitors come to Mývatn to witness the Northern Lights, a natural light display in the sky caused by charged particles fed by solar wind into the atmosphere in Arctic and Antarctic regions. Northern Lights can be seen in the Mývatn region during the hours of darkness from late August until the end of March, when the sky is clear and the solar activity is enough. Another well-known natural wonder of northern latitudes is the midnight sun, which has attracted people to the Arctic regions for years. The polar day lasts from the end of May until the middle of July. This is the season when day and night blur into one and the air fills with endless birdsong.
April
May
June
July
15
18
22
19
August
September
October November Decem
16 13 9 6 4 Hours of daylight Northern Li
January February March
%
4
7
10
84%
82%
89%
April
May
86%
60%
15
18
June
July
76%
76%
22
19
THE NORTHERN LIGHTS CAPITAL OF ICELAND The remote location of Mývatn makes it the perfect place to witness the Northern Lights. The rural area around the beautiful lake has very little artificial light pollution so the Northern lights can be seen even clearer. The lava landscape and natural features make the region perfect for photographing both day and night. The climate is dry as the region is further away from the coast, therefore the sky is often clear, which is the most important thing to see the lights. Even though the night offers the northen lights, the days are fascinating as well. The winter landscape is stunning and different winter activies on offer. At the end of the day it’s amazing to rest in the warm teothermal lagoon at the Mývatn Naturebaths. All around the lake you find a vide variety of accommodation, restaurants and tour operators. We recommend our visitors to stay at least 3-5 days for the optimal chance to see the Northern Lights.
ights
y
9
% Your chances when staying 4 nights*
August
September
October November December
16
13
9
6
4
86%
60%
76%
76%
*Research by Sel Hotel 2011-2018
MÝV
IS SURROU
WONDERS O
VATN
UNDED BY
OF NATURE
Dettifoss the most
powerful waterfall of Europe
Lake Myvatn
contrasts of amazing geological and natural wonders
Hverfjall / Hverfell a huge tephra crater overloooking Mývatn
Höfði
a rocky promontory and unique lava formations
Skútustaðir Pseudocrators tiny fake volcanos
Dimmuborgir
the dark castels are rock formation masterpieces
Grjótagjá
a small lava cave and hot spring
WHAT TO SEE
Lofthellir Ice Cave
an ice cave within a volcano
Hverir
boiling mud pots and steaming steam vents
Krafla Lava Fields
steaming lava field from 1984 eruption
Askja Caldera
experience the raw lunar landscape deep in the highlands of Iceland
Goรฐafoss
a waterfall of the Gods
Aldeyjarfoss
the most beautiful waterfall in Skjรกlfandafljรณt river
WHAT TO SEE
Mývatn Nature Baths
1
Since the Mývatn Nature Baths opened in 2004, it has proven to be one of the region's highlights for travelers. Based on a centuries old tradition, the tastefully designed complex offers bathers a complete natural experience. Begin with a relaxing dip in clouds of steam rising up from fissures deep in the earth’s surface and end with a luxurious bath in a pool of geothermal water drawn from depths of up to 2500 meters. Containing a unique blend of minerals, silicates and geothermal micro-organisms, the warm soothing waters of Mývatn Nature Baths benefit both skin and spirit alike.
Welcome to the Mývatn Nature Baths!
WHAT
The spa is open all year round
The well-being of our guests is our top priority.
Spoil yourself! Summertime (15 May - 30 September): 09:00 – 24:00 Entry no later than 23:30. Wintertime (1 October - 14 May): 12:00 – 22:00 Entry no later than 21:30. Jardböðin við Mývatn / Myvatn Nature Baths Jarðbaðshólar, 660 Mývatn Tel. +354 464 4411 info@jardbodin.is
Remember to book online! www.mnb.is
TO DO
Mýflug Air
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North East Iceland is a geographical wonder! Volcanoes meet glaciers at the tectonic boundaries of Europe and America and from above it all becomes visible. Located at Reykjahlíð Airport, Mýflug Air has provided stunning aerial views of Lake Mývatn, Vatnajökull glacier, Dettifoss waterfall, Askja caldera, Krafla volcano and many more for over 30 years. It is truly a unique experience to get the big picture of these magnificent landscapes from above. We provides trips north of the arctic circle to Grímsey island, where you can enjoy the spectacular birdlife and receive a certificate confirming your trip over the Arctic Circle.
WHAT
Do it your way! Not in the mood for driving - no problem! We will charter you a plane and pilots to fly you anywhere in Iceland at competitive rates.
For booking call us at +354 464 4400 or email us at myflug@myflug.is Please visit our website for a selection of tours‌
www.myflug.is
TO DO
NORTH
ERN L
IGHTS
BIRDIN
G TOU
Geo Travel
RS
ICE CA VE TO
URS
SNOW
MOBIL
ING
ASKJA
SUPER
JEEP
LUXUR Y SER VICE
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Geo Travel is a small family run adventure tour operator in the Mývatn area. We offer an all year service of a variety of day tours both Sheduled and Private: Super Jeep tours, Snowmobiling experiences, Caving tours, bird guiding & hiking tours. Geo Travel’s focus is on small groups so we can offer personal service and give our guests the flexibility to stop wherever they want on the way to take photos and enjoy the landscape. The goal of our tours is to give our guests a unique experience and at the same time have a positive impact on the local community and support nature conservation work in the area. If you want a personal tour with a small group of people guided by experienced local guides, you choose Geo Travel. Find your adventure on www.geotravel.is or call us at +354 464 4442 Instagram: @Geotravel.is
WHAT TO DO
ASKJA
VÍTI
LAVA F
HERÐU
ORMA TIONS
BREIÐ
Mývatn Tours
DREKA
GIL
JÖKUL
SÁ
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Mývatn Tours is a family running company, created in 1980 by Jón Árni Sigfússon due to curiosity about the highlands and especially around mountain Dyngjufjöll where Askja lies. Gísli Rafn Jónsson took over the company after his father, Jón Árni, retired. Today, we offer tours every day from the end of June until the first week of September, depending on when the road opens and closes. We look forward to every summer and we do our best to provide good tours to Askja. BOOK YOUR TOUR NOW! Tel. (+354) 464 1920 myvatntours@gmail.com
www.askjatours.is
WHAT TO DO
WINTE
R TOU
Snow Dogs
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SUMM
ER TO
URS
VISIT O
UR FA
RM
5
We are Snow Dogs! A group of 25 Siberian Husky sled dogs that love to play. We live in our open kennel with our Icelandic local family in Heiði farm close to Lake Mývatn. Come and experience how much we love to pull a sled, on snow in the Winter and on our special off road wheel-carts in Summer. You are always welcome to come and visit us at our kennel, give us belly rubs, meet our pups and learn about dog sledding. Time can vary depending on the dogs, people, weather and trail conditions. On average, the 2 hour tour is out for about 45-60 minutes on the trail and covers about 7-8 km. We recommend to sleep here in Lake Mývatn area the night before your dog sledding tour. Book your tour on www.snowdogs.is
WHAT TO DO
VISIT U
S
SEE O
UR SH
The Icelandic Yule Lads
OW
LEARN
OUR S
TORY
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In Iceland we do not have one Santa Claus... We have 13 Yule Lads. They are sons of Grýla and Leppalúði, vicious trolls that live in Dimmuborgir, by Mývatn. 13 days prior to Christmas, they start coming down from the mountains, one each night. Children in Iceland place their best shoe on their windowsill before going to bed and each night a lttle gift is left in it form the Yule Lad that comes down from the mountains that night. If the child has been misbehaving or is late to bed, there might be a raw potato left instead. Visiting them in Dimmuborgir in December and joining them for their annual bath in the Myvatn Nature Baths is truly an unforgettable experience for children as well as adults. Check the calender of events at www.yulelads.is
WHAT TO DO
QUALIT
Y HAN
WOOL
EN SW
DICRA
FT
Dyngjan Gallery
EATER
S
LOCAL
ARTW
ORK
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At Dyngjan you can buy quality handicrafts made by local people at reasonable prices. Our specialty is a wide range of Icelandic woolen sweaters in different colors, styles and sizes in addition to local delicacies like smoked Trout from lake Myvatn and freshly baked Geysir bread. Here you find the ideal gift to bring home to someone special or to buy yourself a present. You deserve it! Open every day June 1st-August 31st. We can also open upon request throughout the year, call us at
Tel + 354 464 2003
in advance and we are happy to open up our market for you.
WHAT TO DO
BIRD E
XHIBIT
LOCAL
CAFÉ
BIRD W ATCHIN
G
Bird museum & Café
8 Birding center & cultural exhibition The Bird museum provides a great inside into the local culture and history of Lake Mývatn. Lake Mývatn Nature reserve is known to have the most variety of nesting ducks on planet earth and one of a few all year birding location due to the geothermal water melting the winter ice. The bird museum itself is a collection of all Icelandic domestic and migratory birds and a great way to get an overview of Icelandic birdlife, located in one of Iceland’s best birding spot.
The “Boat House” exhibition provides a window into the rich history of how the people of Lake Mývatn area have troughout the centuries lived in unity with the local nature. Café where you can enjoy the view over Lake Mývatn. -Birding hides are for rent in Mývatn Nature reserve. Tel +354 464 4477 fuglasafn@fuglasafn.is
www.fuglasafn.is
WHAT TO DO WHERE TO EAT
2 Course Dinner Special
every evening 18:30 - 21:00 From: May 15 - August 25 ISK 3.500 pr. person
Kaffi Borgir & Mývatn Market Located at the entrance of Dimmuborgir are Kaffi Borgir (Restaurant) and Mývatn Market (Souvenir shop). Kaffi Borgir is a small family business where the whole family participates in the day to day business along with other great staff members. They serve lamb- and goat meat that they produce themselves on their farm. The beef on the menu is from their neighbors at a local farm. They also have a good selection of smaller dishes and pastries.
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The family bakes their own Geysir bread (Bread in a bucket) in the hot ground in Bjarnaflag. The souvenir shop has a great selection of souvenirs and gifts and local handmade crafts. Foreign visitors enjoy a benefit of tax-free shopping. We look forward to see you! Tel + 354 464 1144 info@visitdimmuborgir.is
www.visitdimmuborgir.is
WHAT TO DO WHERE TO EAT
Vogafjós Farm Resort
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The resort is located on the east coast of lake Mývatn. It consists of a cosy family owned guesthouse, a restaurant in a cowshed and a small boutique with unique local products. The guesthouse is located in a beautiful area, surrounded by lava rocks and birch trees. It is the perfect location for northern lights scouting which can easily be seen from outside the rooms in good conditions. Vogafjós Restaurant is located beside our cowshed. We are a “Farm to Table” restaurant and our ambition is to serve local products of the finest quality. We mainly use our farm’s own products such as beef and lamb, homemade cheeses, smoked artic char and
WHAT TO DO
WHERE T
homemade cakes and bread. We also have our homemade Geysir rye bread which is baked in our underground bakery. While enjoying your meal you can experience the great view of lake Mývatn or watch through a glass window. Guests are also allowed to go inside the cowshed to pet the calves and try the fresh milk. The cows are milked two times per day, at 7:30 am and at 17:30 pm. Vogafjós Farm Resort is open all year round. Winter packages are available. Tel: +354 4643800 vogafjos@vogafjos.is More info at www.vogafjosfarmresort.is
TO STAY
WHERE TO EAT
Vogar Travel Service
11 Guesthouse - Camping - Pizzeria & Bar We are a family run company, where you will find the owners either making pizza, clean the rooms, build a new building or a new road. Our company was established in 1992 and we have many years of experience in hospitality. We started our company with just few rooms but now we have 28 rooms (78 beds) in total, camping area and a pizzeria as well. ​ addi´s Pizza was founded in 2009. D We serve mouth-watering pizza, made of fresh, quality ingredients. We use local products as much as we are able to, and the rest is carefully chosen from elsewhere. The ingredients are treated with respect, which results in our pizza being especially delicious.
WHERE TO STAY
You can have a pizza for take-away or you can also sit inside our restaurant, or outside on our patio with a magnificent view over the lava fields and mountains. www.daddispizza.com
Taxi - Mývatn Region
We offer our Taxi Service from June 1st - August 31st, in the Lake Mývatn Region. We can take you around the lake for different attractions or places and it is also possible to order a Taxi for attractions in the vicinity. Just give us a call! info@vogahraun.is
Tel: +354 464 4399 www.vogartravelservice.com
WHERE TO EAT
Icelandair Hotel Mývatn *** Welcome to Icelandair Hotel Mývatn, a 59 room hotel, rebuilt on a solid foundation, where you get to be you in a relaxed and simple environment. Kick-off your shoes and get comfortable after a long day of natural beauty and experiences. Indulge yourself at our Mylla Restaurant and rest well for a new day of adventure. The hotel’s design is innovative, emphasizing simplicity, fun objects, and different spaces. Gamli Bærinn, a friendly tavern that serves up quality pub-style meals all
WHERE TO STAY
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day, ranging from something from the bbq to pizzas to sandwiches, along with salads not to forget the delicious desserts and cakes. Of course, you will also find the famous hot spring bread with smoked trout and Kjötsúpa (Icelandic lamb soup) on the menu. In the evening Gamli Bærinn becomes a local hang-out. Come on in and join us for a meal and drink. Direct phone: +354 5942000 myvatn@icehotels.is www.icelandairhotels.is
WHERE TO EAT
Fosshótel Mývatn ***
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Fosshotel Mývatn offers 92 rooms in wonderful surroundings north of Lake Mývatn. The hotel is designed by award-winning architectures and features almost exclusively low-environmental impact materials. The building is a low-rise, clad with larch wood and grass roof which makes it in perfect harmony with the surrounding nature. At Fosshotel Mývatn, we offer Icelandic cuisine at its best where you can also enjoy a spectacular view over Lake Myvatn and the area around. Fosshotel Mývatn’s restaurant is truly one of North Iceland’s hidden gems. Tel. +354 453 0000 E-mail: myvatn@fosshotel.is
www.islandshotel.is
WHERE TO STAY
WHERE TO EAT
Sel Hótel Mývatn ***
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Sel - Hótel Mývatn is the ideal base to experience the wonders of Mývatn and its surroundings. The hotel is perfectly located at the southern shore of the lake. The Skútustaðagígar pseudocraters are just a minute walk away and can be seen from the restaurant window. The view both to north and south is magnificent. The hotel is well equipped to accommodate all kinds of recreational and professional groups, meetings and smaller conferences in our conference room.
WHERE TO STAY
The hotel’s fine facilities, plus all the attractions around the lake, ensure a great group experience.
Kaffi Sel & Souvenir
is located right next to the hotel. Here you can relax and enjoy local specialities with a beautiful view of the pseudocraters. We have been serving travelers coffee and refreshments for more than 40 years. Tel: +354 464 4164 E-mail: myvatn@myvatn.is
www.myvatn.is
WHERE TO EAT
Hótel Laxá ***
15
Hótel Laxá is a luxurious, 3 star hotel that opened summer 2014 and features beautifully decorated rooms and excellent facilities in a prime location by Lake Mývatn. From the hotel, you can enjoy unique views of the lake and be surrounded by mountains. During winter, the dark and unpolluted sky is perfect for chasing the Northern Lights. In our elegant restaurant, Eldey Restaurant, you can enjoy a delicious meal built around Iceland’s delicacies and Mývatn’s uniqueness and admire the beautiful view over Lake Mývatn, river Laxá and mountain Vindbelgur. +354 464 1900 hotellaxa@hotellaxa.is
www.hotellaxa.is
WHERE TO STAY
WHERE TO EAT
Stรถng Guesthouse
16
Welcome to our family farm, Guesthouse Stรถng. We are located 5km from Route 1, in peaceful and quiet surroundings that offer stunning views of the Myvatn region. We have accommodation in newly built rooms with private facilities, rooms with shared facilities and cottages. Our restaurant is open during summer from 18:00-22:45 and the kitchen is open until 21.30. We also offer an outdoor Jacuzzis for you to enjoy the peacefulness, beautiful surroundings and perhaps the northern lights during winter! Tel.+354 464 4252 stongmy@stong.is
www.stong.is
WHERE TO STAY
WHERE TO EAT
Hlíð Travel Service
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Hlíð Travel Service is conveniently located on the north shore of Lake Mývatn, with only 5 minutes walk from the tourist info, supermarket and bus stop and a fantastic view over the lake and the lava field. Hlíð offers good facilities for tents and trailers including electricity, warm showers, laundry service and a cooking tent for guests. Hlíð provides different types of accommodation: Bed & Breakfast, Guesthouse dormitories, Private huts and summer houses. Hlíð has their own bike rental and offer detailed maps with hiking and bike routes from their service center. Hlíð ferðaþjónusta, Hraunbrún, 660 Mývatn Tel: + 354 464 4103 Booking: info@myvatnaccommodation.is
www. myvatnaccommodation.is
WHERE TO STAY
Dimmuborgir Guesthouse
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The family-run Dimmuborgir Guesthouse at Lake Mývatn offers accommodation in cosy cottages and double rooms all the year round. It is located on the scenic banks of Lake Mývatn offering amazing scenery. Comfortable cottages and rooms, cooking facilities for all our guest, playground for kids, nice walks along the lake, uncountable voices of birds, freshly smoked trout – all this gives you good recreation and energy. The location of the guesthouse is fantastic for photographing the Northern lights in amazing scenery, highlighted by the pond in front of the main guesthouse. Geiteyjarströnd 1, 660 Mývatn +354 464-4210 dimmuborgir@emax.is
https://dimmuborgir.is/
WHERE TO STAY
Skútustaðir Farmhouse
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Skútustaðir Farmhouse offers comfortable accommodation in single, double and family rooms both en-suite or with shared facilities. Guests have access to a simple, clean kitchen and a bright cozy living room. They also provide a cottage with two double rooms and a sleeping loft. At breakfast, local specialties and homemade goodies are served from their own farm. Guests are also welcome to join them at the cowshed and the sheep house. In the wintertime, Aurora Borealis can be seen around the farmhouse on clear nights. Pseudocraters surround the farmhouse. Tel. +354-4644212 info@skutustadir.is
www.skutustadir.is
WHERE TO STAY
Myvatn Car Rental
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Mývatn Car Rental is a car rental, repair service, car wash and towing service at Mývatn. We specialize in providing you with cars that will get you to the highlands of Iceland (as long as weather and conditions permit) and anywhere you like (besides off-road, because that is illegal here in Iceland). Our goal is to make your journey around Iceland comfortable in safe and trusted cars. We hope you enjoy your stay in North Iceland driving in one of our cars! ontact us today! C Email: joningiehf@internet.is Tel: +354-623-6660
www.myvatncarrental.com/
SERVICES
Health Care & Pharmacy
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Hlíðavegur 8
Tel: +354 464-0660 Accidents or serious ilnesses that need immediate medical care
Call 112
Kjörbúðin Súpermarket
22
Hlíðavegur
Tel: +354 464 4466
www.samkaup.is
Bank, Post office & ATM Helluhraun 3 Open 9:00 - 16:00
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Tel: 464-6220
Visitor Center Hraunvegur 8 Tel: +354 464 4460
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www.ust.is/myvatn-and-laxa
SERVICES
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IGHTS
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Dear visitor
you are visiting a special place Welcome to Mývatn Nature Reserve! You are visiting a very special place. Lake Mývatn, Laxá river and most of the surroundings are protected by law as globally important wetlands. Everyone is obliged to treat the local environment with care and avoid interrupting sensitive wildlife. The local Visitor Center is located in the village of Reykjahlíð. Please visit us for further information or talk to the rangers operating in the field.
KEEP IN MIND!
-Sailing on the lake, including kayaking and paddle boarding, is not permitted for visitors. -Stay within marked trails, the vegetation and the geological formations are very fragile. -Take only photographs and memories back with you, leave rocks and plants behind. -Always use public WC. If you are far off the beaten track, bury your waste away from the trail. Think of your safety: Weather can change rapidly, be careful in geothermal areas and observe that lava fields hide deep crevasses that snow covers in winter.
Enjoy your stay!