8 Best Sights in Mývatn Region, North Iceland

Southwest of Hverfjall is this mesmerizing lava field known as Dimmuborgir, or \"Dark Castles,\" a labyrinth of tall and twisted formations where you can choose between short and longer signposted routes through the eerie yet enchanting landscape. The best views are available in September when the fiery reds and oranges of the dwarf birch trees contrast brilliantly with the jagged black peaks, crags, and crevices within. It's also fun to visit during the holiday season when the Icelandic Yule Lads take up residence in Dimmuborgir's many hiding spots.

North Iceland’s landmark waterfall dazzles with its symmetrical torrents, cascading thunderously into an impressive canyon cut through a 7,000-year-old lava field. Conveniently located just off the main road, Goðafoss (Waterfall of the Gods) is renowned not only for its beauty, but also for the Saga Age legend that gave it its name. As the story goes, in 1000 AD, Þorgeir of Ljósavatn decided that Iceland would peacefully adopt Christianity and cast the pagan idols into the falls.

An aqueous gem amid mountains and lava fields, Lake Mývatn is fed by cold springs in the lake bottom and warm springs in the northeastern corner. The shallow lake—it's 37 square km (14 square miles) yet averages only 2.4 meters (8 feet) deep—teems with birds and insects, including the swarming midges for which the lake is named. These tiny flies are essential in the bird food chain.

Waterfowl migrate long distances to breed at Mývatn: 115 species of bird have been spotted in the area, including 28 duck species. Indeed, the lake has Europe's greatest variety of nesting ducks, including some—the harlequin duck and Barrow's goldeneye—found nowhere else in Europe. Dozens of other kinds of waders, upland birds, and birds of prey also nest here. Be sure to stay on established trails and pathways, as nests can be anywhere. During summer you might find a head net useful to protect yourself against the huge midge swarms.

This masterpiece of nature was discovered by a farmer who was out looking for his sheep. He crawled through a small opening inside a cave to discover an underground realm of peculiar ice sculptures. Tours to Lofthellir are operated directly from Mývatn with Geo Travel ( geotravel.is). Getting to Lofthellir involves a very bouncy 45-minute drive on a rugged track southeast of Hverfjall, followed by a 25-minute walk across a ropey lava field. And, yes, just like the farmer, you will have to crawl through a small opening to get to this frozen treasure.

The north’s answer to the Blue Lagoon, the Mývatn Nature Baths contain a unique blend of minerals, silicates, and geothermal microorganisms. Much paler (and less green) than its southern counterpart, this nature bath has lovely views over the lake that are especially enchanting at sunset. It’s a warm and wonderful place to relax, and if it gets too hot you can order an in-bath glass of cold beer.

Mývatn, with its feast of midges, is a paradise for birds and well known for its abundance of waterfowl. At Sigurgeir's Bird Museum, located in an impressive turf-topped circular building by the lake, an exhibition of the country's most extensive private collection of taxidermy birds is on display, featuring specimens of nearly every species known to breed in Iceland.

Providing plenty of leafy respite from the vast treeless expanses of Iceland, the Vaglaskógur forest off Route 836 in Fnjóskadalur is one of the few original birch forests surviving Iceland’s “Little Ice Age” and the settlers’ needs for building materials and fuel. Trees here cover 300 hectares of land and are unusually tall, ranging from 5 to 10 meters (16 to 33 feet). Listening to \"Vor í Vaglaskógi\" by rock band Kaleo is a must when visiting this ancient national treasure.