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.

Next to the Námaskarð Mountain Ridge, on the eastern side of the Ring Road, are the bubbling, gray-mud sulfur springs of Hverir, boiling like a witch's cauldron in the strange red-and-yellow valleys. Hike around this fascinating area, but remember to step carefully. Though the sulfurous vapors smell like rotten eggs, the fumes are generally harmless.

Among the mysterious arches, gates, and caves of Dimmuborgir, the best known is the Kirkja (church), resembling a Gothic chapel (it's marked by a sign, lest you miss it). Don't wander off the paths, as Dimmuborgir is a highly fragile environment.

On the south side of Lake Mývatn (easily accessible on foot), there is a cluster of beautifully formed pseudocraters situated close to Skútustaðir. Not real volcanic craters, they are the result of violent steam explosions created when hot lava flows into a body of water, a rare phenomenon outside of Iceland.

The marked trail to the cairn-topped summit of Mount Windbag—an appropriately named 529 meter (1,735 feet) peak—takes around 30 minutes to hike and zigzags through thickets of heather and up steep scree slopes. The wind warning is in the title, so dress appropriately and wear decent walking boots, as the scree slopes are slippery. For the sweeping views of the lake and craters from the top, it’s well worth the time and effort. Access is via a gravel parking lot off Route 1.

Its name means “hell” in Icelandic, but this crater lake with its brilliant turquoise pool looks more like heaven. The ancient belief that volcanoes were the gateways to the netherworld of eternal damnation inspired the name of this beauty and, confusingly, another crater lake of the same name in Askja. A path from the car park leads around the rim.