Lake Myvatn Classic Review: A Helpful Guide

Thinking of visiting the Lake Myvatn area in Northern Iceland? Well, it’s very much a terrific choice! So many visitors concentrate their trip plans around the Golden Circle and Iceland’s South Coast. It means they totally skip what, in my opinion, is perhaps the most amazing part of the whole country. The Lake Myvatn Classic circle tour route covers many incredible spots. This review gets into what you really can expect and will help you figure out how best to take it all in.

What is Lake Myvatn Classic?

Lake Myvatn, that sits in Northeast Iceland, is not too far away, about an hour and a bit, south of Iceland’s Arctic coast. It’s in an area with a whole lot of volcanic and geothermal activity. It makes, like, for some wild scenery and distinctive natural settings. You get these huge lava formations, geothermal vents, and of course, the lake itself, with all its birdlife. So many of those spots are easily accessed through the Lake Myvatn Classic circle. This unofficial but super common tourist route is roughly a loop around the lake taking in many of its surrounding popular stops.

The ‘classic’ is doable in one day, but if you can, spreading it over two or even three days makes it, well, a way better, more relaxed experience. It lets you seriously enjoy each spot without, as a matter of fact, rushing.

Key Stops on the Lake Myvatn Classic Route

Okay, here’s, like, a rundown of spots you will very much find along the Myvatn Classic. I’ll give you, basically, the lowdown and a few tips, too, for what makes each one pretty special.

Dimmuborgir Lava Formations

Dimmuborgir, that kind of means “dark cities” or “dark castles,” and when you arrive, it does have a sort of, really, eerie, fortress vibe. These lava formations came about from a lava lake, and it actually flowed over a pond, and, in that case, created these very unique structures. You might walk various trails. These wind through the formations, some are short, and a few take over an hour to stroll through. Take a look at the map by the parking lot in advance to get oriented.

One tale says Dimmuborgir is where the elves and hidden folk, they live, and another belief? It’s supposed to be a portal connecting our world to, actually, hell. Okay, so, maybe keep that in mind while you explore! Dimmuborgir is, like, also quite tied to Icelandic Yule Lads lore, those characters associated with Christmas. I mean, Icelandic folklore really can be amazing.

Hverir Geothermal Area (Námafjall)

Hverir, and it’s also known as Námafjall, is this spot that just shouts, “Iceland!” It’s a geothermal area right at the foot of Námafjall Mountain. You might think about this: steam vents are hissing, mud pools are bubbling. Oh, and yeah, that, like, sulfur smell is potent; think, I guess, rotten eggs, but don’t let it stop you.

You might take a walk around the marked paths and get right up close to those features. The ground’s colors are bright, with reds and yellows all over from the minerals. Is that cool? I bet. Even on a cloudy day, the visibility will be low thanks to steam clouds, and you actually should stay on the marked paths to stay safe from scalding temps and keep this natural location pristine, too.

Grjótagjá Cave

Game of Thrones buffs, listen up, that Grjótagjá Cave is famous, at least in part, since it was actually featured in a scene. Okay, the water’s far too hot for dipping currently. The cave is still so worth visiting for its incredible small beauty. It’s literally, like, this split in the earth leading to a pool of geothermal water. Mind your step. You sort of have to, well, climb down, and the rocks might be slippery, alright?

Hverfjall Crater

Alright, Hverfjall Crater. From up there, you get sweeping views across, literally, the whole Myvatn area. It takes perhaps 45 minutes or so to hike to the top. You can decide to go from either of the two trails available to you. Either one will bring you the whole way up. People do say that going up from the south entrance is sort of, really, gentler, but the north path gets you amazing sights fast. The wind up top is something you really might keep in mind too when you go; it can, actually, get pretty strong. Even, like, on days when down below feels calm.

Myvatn Nature Baths

Those Myvatn Nature Baths get called the “Blue Lagoon of the North,” but to some degree it has way fewer tourists, feels calmer, and comes with some, too, great views. This place uses naturally heated geothermal waters, chock full of minerals, to, too it’s almost leave you feeling amazing. Book in advance. The baths stay open year-round.

Inside you will find a cafe with meals and drink offerings as well, but in that case, you may consider packing a snack so you get the very most of your visit.

Dettifoss Waterfall

Dettifoss is one seriously mighty waterfall; that might be said to be the most potent one in Europe! Seeing that rush of water crash down into the canyon down there is quite, really, the sight. To get there, be mindful; there’s actually a choice of roads to take – Route 862 and Route 864.

Route 862 is paved, it’s accessible to regular cars, too, and gets you to the west side of Dettifoss. From that point, it’s an easy, brief walk to the falls. Route 864? Well, that’s a gravel road on the eastern side. It can be, perhaps, a little rougher but fine in most cars as long as you drive with proper care, still, 4×4 highly advised! This side gives you, by the way, sights of both Dettifoss and Selfoss waterfall a bit farther south. Just watch the weather; both routes can be impassable following, actually, heavy rains or snow.

Selfoss Waterfall

Selfoss isn’t actually too far away, only a quick walk from Dettifoss. This waterfall isn’t one big cascade but a number of smaller ones next to each other, and I guess that gives it a rather stunning spread. If you choose to go to Dettifoss using Route 864, don’t miss a walk towards Selfoss too.

Timing Your Visit

Okay, timing a trip to the Lake Myvatn part depends a lot on just what you would want out of it. Here is the information on what that is just about.

Summer (June-August)

Summer gets you the mildest temperatures and the most daylight, which really makes it so you can explore easily. So you know, this is, naturally, peak season; expect the sites, maybe, to be quite busy. This also can be midge season (pesky tiny flies) around Lake Myvatn, hence its name, so it’s advisable that you bring bug repellent, honestly!

Winter (November-March)

It can be an exceptional time if you are after seeing the Northern Lights. Keep in mind certain roads could be hard to pass or shut completely because of the snow. Therefore, you have to prepare, really, properly with the suitable car (4×4 is, maybe, a must) and clothing and always look at the weather predictions prior to, too it’s almost setting off.

Shoulder Seasons (April-May & September-October)

You get fewer people. The weather conditions will be changeable, though they may not be as harsh as in winter. This can certainly present an extremely good compromise involving climate and fewer tourists.

Getting There and Around

How you access the area and, basically, get around as well can really shape how you can get the best from this Classic tour. Here’s how to think about getting around:

By Car

Without a doubt, the most liked way. It lets you go to these spots, too, whenever you want. If visiting in winter, use a 4×4 automobile for more traction and to deal with likely snowfall. Always know road conditions on the Iceland Road and Weather Website before you actually drive. They might also provide current weather updates to guide your trip.

Organized Tours

If you are not at ease driving or even, really, choose to learn the region with someone who’s experienced, several tour companies run journeys through Myvatn. These leave from Akureyri normally or occasionally, too, from Reykjavik, though it makes for quite a long day. Okay, research online for tour operator scores and itineraries, as they can change, so that you discover what you may like most.

Local Buses

It is an option to reach Lake Myvatn by public transportation, even so, this limits you to, as a matter of fact, popular places on major routes. The convenience and ability to go wherever and whenever is way diminished; thus, many individuals select to rent a car.

Where to Stay

Okay, lodging around Lake Myvatn might cover options from resorts to bungalows. If you are planning in the summer months, or anytime really, then reservations need to be arranged far beforehand.

Fosshótel Mývatn

For something stylish, that resort provides comfy rooms and dining options along with being so near Myvatn Nature Baths; thus, many find it is an easy base to, too it’s almost discover the whole region.

Dimmuborgir Guesthouse

Near the Lava Formations, this place brings comfy, simple lodgings which place visitors properly to reach Myvatn. People appreciate how friendly that the host may very well be and how near it could be to attractions.

Camping

For visitors seeking some budget-friendly options, or people loving nature above all, campsites across the Myvatn area get you budget-friendly basics amongst remarkable sceneries, so bring along everything that is must-haves regarding outdoor living, just as tents or warm gear, naturally.

What to Bring

Having, basically, the proper items is quite significant in Iceland. I guess that these products would guarantee that you will enjoy it and be quite protected:

• Waterproof and Warm Clothing: The local weather in Iceland changes quickly, accordingly layering the apparel you wear lets the user adapt better and easily.
• Tough Hiking Footwear: In most of those landscapes you intend checking out will entail walks that are a bit rugged at times. Sturdy boots not only are convenient, actually, but safeguard ankles as well.
• Bug Spray: Particularly during the summer months, as I stated earlier, midges around Lake Myvatn might literally be very frustrating. Insect repellent is not something I forgot again and again.
• Camera: The scenes throughout the Myvatn region certainly do warrant shooting a good amount of them, particularly with fantastic lenses that enable anyone shooting beautiful shots, whether you are near them or far off.
• Swimsuit: Should anyone intend visiting Myvatn Nature Baths? It could only make sense to pack suits so they get those exceptional geothermal warm water!

Respecting Nature

Always make an effort in trying, more or less, not littering anywhere, usually, keep on trails to lessen damage to vulnerable plants, and seriously observe all instructions or alerts given out through neighborhood pros concerning certain fragile location conditions! Enjoy its sights with, in some respects, responsible travelling ways.

Final Thoughts

Lake Myvatn Classic truly brings you together with the raw beauty associated with Iceland’s landscapes far beyond the heavily traveled Southern coast. In some respects, whether it’s geysers, lava fields as well waterfalls and geothermal springs: This Classic is certain, more or less, to really wow all your five senses. I do hope all these bits I contributed could actually assist well as give ideas when scheduling time within this awesome locale!

You, you might actually learn something interesting by making your trip to those less checked tourist locations of Iceland? What kind of cool experiences have been created while doing those Lake Myvatn Classics. Okay so just shout if questions occur? And very last? Take it slowly enjoy things!

Key points:

• Lake Myvatn gives tourists a different experience beyond common southern Iceland excursions.
• The Lake Myvatn Classic captures many key sights and can be experienced through private transport or well planned excursions.
• Summers bring gentle temps, however midge invasions! While colder winter months provide, potentially, sights from, actually, the Northern Lights, still? Confirm driving requirements given weather factors!

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