After leaving Mývatn Nature Baths, around 4:30 pm, we were all set to hike up Hverfjall Volcano. It’s just a short drive, about 10 km away which features a massive crater that’s famous for having some of the best views around Lake Mývatn. Unfortunately, Iceland’s weather did what Iceland‘s weather does. Just as we turned onto the road leading to Hverfjall, the sky turned dark, the wind picked up, and the rain started. We skipped the hike and made a U-turn, settling for a few drive-by shots through the window…. our proof that we at least made it to the base!
Then we drove about 5 km to Dimmuborgir, a lava field with unusual rock formations and lava pillars. In true Iceland fashion, the weather changed again within minutes. We got lucky this time, the rain stopped just as we parked. It was still cloudy and chilly, but at least we could get out and explore. We took a short walk around the lava formations and snapped a few photos. It was an interesting place, though I think it would have been even more beautiful on a sunny day, with clear views of the lake and the nearby craters.
By 5:30 pm, we were on our way to the Lake Mývatn Visitor Center, about a 10 km drive from Dimmuborgir and stopped at a viewpoint overlooking the lake. The views were still nice despite the gloomy weather, and we could see parts of the lake, small islands, and the volcanic landscape that makes this area so special.
Our original plan was to do a short walk from the visitor center along a flat, easy trail that winds right along the lake’s edge through mossy lava fields. But by then the rain was coming down steadily. Instead of freezing in the downpour, we decided to drive directly to Godafoss waterfall and test our luck. Honestly, that’s just how traveling in Iceland goes…. you make plans, but the weather always gets the final say.
A quick look at our Lake Mývatn adventure on June 21, 2025….volcanic craters, lava fields, scenic lake views, and a reminder that in Iceland, the weather is always part of the journey.
Relaxing at the Mývatn Nature Baths, a geothermal pool surrounded by the beautiful landscapes of North Iceland. 
Hverfjall Crater 
Hverfjall Crater 
Driving along the dark volcanic base of Hverfjall 
Dark volcanic slope of Hverfjall crater 
Up-close view of the dark, ribbed slopes of the massive Hverfjall tephra crater 
The dramatic black lava rock formations at Dimmuborgir. 
Ascending the stone path to Gatklettur (Hole Rock) in Dimmuborgir 
Strolling along paved paths in Dimmuborgir. 
Dimmuborgir showing ancient lava fields carved by nature. 
Dimmuborgir showing ancient lava fields 
A massive basalt lava formation at Dimmuborgir 
The stone entrance monument at Dimmuborgir. 
An informational sign titled Life in Lake Mývatn. 
Overlooking the tranquil waters and volcanic formations of Lake Mývatn from the Dimmuborgir Viewpoint. 
Lush green pseudo-craters dotting the shoreline of Lake Mývatn, View from Dimmuborgir Viewpoint. 
Lake Mývatn’s signature landscape, View from Dimmuborgir Viewpoint. 
The visitor parking lot at Dimmuborgir offering direct views of the Hverfjall tephra cone. 
Herdubreid Mountain, view from Dimmuborgir Viewpoint. 
Scenic vista over Lake Mývatn featuring green pseudocraters and distant snow-dusted peaks. 
Driving along the scenic, winding curves of Route 848 around Lake Mývatn. 
Blafjall view, view along Route 848. 
Lake Mývatn Panoramic Point 
Lake Mývatn Panoramic Point 
Lake Mývatn Panoramic Point 
Lake Mývatn Panoramic Point 
View along Route 848 
The distinctive circular pseudocraters of Skútustaðagígar along the edge of Lake Mývatn. 
Up-close detail of the dark ash and gravel rims of the Skútustaðagígar pseudocraters. 
Up-close detail of the dark ash and gravel rims of the Skútustaðagígar pseudocraters. 
Driving into Skútustaðir past Hotel Gígur—getting a smiley face approval from the speed sign!
Before moving on, here are some quick facts and tips about the Lake Myvatan area.
Quick Facts and Tips
- Best Time to Visit
- Summer (June to August): Best conditions for hiking, with longer daylight hours and easier access.
- Shoulder Seasons (May & September): Fewer crowds and dramatic Icelandic weather, but conditions can change quickly.
- Winter: Beautiful snowy landscapes, but hiking trails can be icy and more challenging.
- Hverfjall, Dimmuborgir, and Lake Mývatn are located close to each other in Northeast Iceland, making this area easy to explore in one trip. It’s about 90 km (56 miles), or around 1:15 hrs from Akureyri and about 165 km (103 miles), or around 2 hrs from Egilsstaðir.
- Hverfjall to Dimmuborgir: about 5 km
- Dimmuborgir to Lake Mývatn viewpoints/visitor areas: about 10 km
- Most attractions are within roughly 10 to 15 km of each other.
- Weather around Lake Mývatn changes quickly, sun, wind, and rain can arrive within minutes. Check road conditions at road.is and weather forecasts at vedur.is before visiting.
- Hverfjall Volcano
- Paid parking is available near the trailhead (around 1,000 ISK).
- About 600 m uphill from the parking area to the crater rim; walking around the crater rim is about 3.2 km.
- A steep but straight forward gravel trail. The climb can feel tiring because it’s exposed with little shelter from wind.
- Dimmuborgir Lava Fields
- Free parking area near the entrance.
- Several easy walking trails available, from short loops (around 15–30 minutes) to longer routes.
- Mostly flat, well-marked gravel paths through lava formations; easy for most visitors.
- Lake Mývatn Viewpoint / Walking Trail
- Small free parking areas are available at viewpoints and trail access points.
- Easy lakeside walks vary depending on the route you choose.
- Flat and easy trails, often along the lake edge and through moss-covered lava fields; can be wet or muddy after rain.
- Lake Mývatn Visitor Center / Skútustaðagígar Area
- Free parking is available near the visitor center and trail area.
- The nearby Skútustaðagígar pseudocrater loop is an easy walk, about 1.5 to 2 km and takes around 30 minutes.
- Mostly flat and easy walking on marked gravel paths and mixed surfaces. It’s a relaxed walk with beautiful views over Lake Mývatn and the surrounding volcanic landscape.
- Dress in layers and bring a waterproof jacket, even in summer.
- Wear comfortable hiking shoes, especially for Hverfjall’s gravel trail.
- Weather around Lake Mývatn can change quickly, so bring rain gear and dress in layers.
- Even if hiking plans get canceled, the viewpoints and drive-by stops are still worth it.
- Allow extra time to stop often for photos.
- Bring snacks and water, as services are limited around some attractions.
- Stay on marked paths, volcanic landscapes can be fragile and uneven.
- Take your time; the best part of this area is the scenery between stops.
- Drone use is possible in some areas, but always check local signs and restrictions before flying.
- Avoid flying near people, wildlife, and nesting birds.
- Best Things to Do
- Hike around the rim of Hverfjall crater for panoramic views.
- Explore the strange lava formations at Dimmuborgir.
- Enjoy viewpoints overlooking Lake Mývatn.
- Walk through moss-covered lava fields and volcanic landscapes.
- Visit nearby geothermal and volcanic attractions.
- Nearby Attractions
- Hverir Geothermal Area – Stepping Onto Another Planet
- Mývatn Nature Baths
- Grjótagjá Cave
- Skútustaðagígar Pseudocraters
- Krafla Volcanic Area
- Viti Crater
- Dettifoss – Europe’s Most Powerful Waterfall (East via Route 862 or 864)
- Goðafoss – The Waterfall of the Gods (West on Route 1 toward Akureyri)
Conclusion
Even though the weather didn’t cooperate, we still enjoyed exploring the Lake Mývatn area. One thing that surprised us was how close all the major attractions are….. Hverfjall, Dimmuborgir, and the lake Myvatna viewpoints are all within about 10 to 15 km. It makes this region easy to explore, even when Iceland’s unpredictable weather forces you to change your plans.
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