Mývatn

Mývatn (say it: Mee-vatn) is one of Iceland's most geologically restless places — a shallow lake surrounded by lava fields, pseudo-craters, mud pools, and volcanic formations that look like they were dreamed up by someone with a very vivid imagination. It sits about 100km east of Akureyri in North Iceland, and a full day here honestly feels too short.

The lake itself is a magnet for birdlife, particularly in summer when dozens of duck species arrive to breed — you'll see more bird species here than almost anywhere else in Iceland. Beyond the water, don't miss Dimmuborgir's eerie lava pillars, the bubbling sulphur pools at Hverir, and the Krafla volcanic caldera just a short drive north. The geothermal baths at Mývatn Nature Baths are a quieter, more local alternative to the Blue Lagoon — and in many ways, far more atmospheric.

Mývatn rewards visitors year-round: summer brings the midnight sun and birdwatching at its peak, while winter offers a real shot at the northern lights reflected across the lake's dark water. Pair a visit with a lava caving tour or a local hiking excursion to get properly into the landscape rather than just photographing it from the roadside.