Lake Myvatn

Mývatn is a shallow eutrophic lake in an area of active volcanism in northern Iceland, not far from Krafla volcano. The lake and its surrounding wetlands have a vibrant fauna of waterbirds, especially ducks. The lake was created by a large basaltic lava eruption 2300 years ago, and the surrounding landscape is dominated by volcanic landforms, including lava pillars and rootless vents (pseudocraters). The effluent river Laxá is known for its rich fishing for Brown Trout and Atlantic Salmon. The name of the lake (Icelandic mý ("midge") and vatn ("lake"); the lake of midges) comes from the enormous numbers of midges to be found there in the summer. The name Mývatn is sometimes used not only for the lake but also for the whole surrounding inhabited area. The River Laxá, Lake Mývatn, and the surrounding wetlands are protected as a nature reserve (the Mývatn-Laxá Nature Conservation Area).

Dimmuborgir Lava Formations

The Dimmuborgir (meaning dark cities, forts, or castles) Lava Field, located in the heart of the Mývatn Geothermal Area, is about 100 kilometers east of Akureyri. The Dimmuborgir area, as the name suggests, is an unusually shaped lava field consisting of peculiar volcanic caves and rock formations. These dramatic structures are a favorite stop for tourists. This natural phenomenon dates back some 2300 years to a massive eruption in a nearby crater. The lava seems to have flowed over a small lake that once existed; water below the lava was trapped and boiled, and the steam rose, forming lava pillars from drainpipes up to several meters in diameter. As the lava continued flowing toward the lower ground in the Mývatn Lake area, the top crust collapsed, leaving behind hollow pillars of solidified lava. The lake must have been at least 10 meters deep, as estimated by the tallest structures still standing.