Explore Lake Mývatn on Your Own
Explore Lake Mývatn, a highlight of the Diamond Circle in northern Iceland. Look out for the vibrant geothermal landscapes of Námaskard Pass and Hverir, near Mount Námafjall. Drop by Dinmuborgir or Dark Fortress to see unique lava formations and explore its various trails and caves. See Iceland’s largest ice sculptures inside the Lofthellir cave, located within the Búrfell lava field. Head to the protected pseudo-craters of Skutustadagigar for birdwatching opportunities. Learn about the region’s avifauna at the Sigurgeir’s Bird Museum. Visit the 1913 Grænavatn Turf House and its adjoining farm. Spot myriad species of ducks, during a stroll alongside Laxá river. Hike up the Hverfjall Cinder Cone for panoramic vistas of Lake Mývatn. Explore the infamous Krafla Volcano area to see the lava flows in the crater. Nearby, witness the grandeur of the powerful Dettifoss waterfall within the Vatnajökull National Park. Continue on to see the horseshoe-shaped glacial Àsbyrgi Canyon. Unwind in the Mývatn Nature Baths to round off your adventurous day. (Duration: Half Day; Self-exploring Activity; No Guide; No Transfers; Entrance Fees & Meals are not included)
Visit Mývatn Nature Baths (Tickets Only)
Take a relaxing soak in the Mývatn Nature Baths as you enjoy the picturesque scenery all around! The Mývatn Nature Baths are a set of geothermally heated pools and steam baths found in the Lake Mývatn area. The bathwater flows directly from Landsvirkjun’s borehole in Bjarnarflag to a large reservoir and then into the lagoon. Relax and invigorate your body in the mineral-rich, alkaline waters, said to be beneficial for skin problems, asthma and respiratory diseases. A unique chemical composition also makes the waters free of bacteria and other vegetation. Get a chance to experience a steam bath in geothermal steam rising from vents on the floor. After your soak, tuck into a light lunch or dinner at Cafe Kvika, which has an outer terrace and serves a variety of soups, salads, sandwiches, wraps and pastries. ( No guide; No transfers; Meals are not included; Entrance tickets are included; Fitness Level: Easy; Please bring a bathing suit and towel. Please note that the geothermal water in Iceland usually contains some amount of sulfur so it is recommended to remove copper and silver jewelry before bathing, otherwise, they may be damaged.)
Explore Diamond Circle on Your Own
Set out from Lake Myvatn to discover the splendid attractions along Iceland’s famed Diamond Circle. Start at the scenic Dettifoss waterfall, located within Vatnajokull National Park. Enjoy splendid vistas of the water gushing into a ravine before heading to the horseshoe-shaped canyon of Asbyrgi. Believed to be the hoofprint of an eight-legged horse from Norse mythology, this canyon offers ample photo opportunities. Travel on to the Tjornes Peninsula that sits tucked between two fjords. Take in panoramic views of the ocean and spot rock ptarmigans before you head to the harbor town of Husavik. Known as the whale watching capital of Europe, it is also home to a charming wooden church and a whale museum. Stop by the Geosea geothermal baths for a rejuvenating dip in the naturally heated seawater. Afterward, travel to Godafoss waterfall to take in gorgeous vistas of the cascading water gushing over a crescent of jagged cliffs. You also have the option of getting a closer look at the cluster of basalt rock formations known as Hljodaklettar. End your day at the port town of Akureyri. (Duration: Full Day; Self-exploring Activity; No Guide; No Transfers; Entrance Fees & Meals are not included; Fitness Level: Easy.)
