Major city · Iceland
Mývatn
Give Mývatn 2 nights and a car: the 36 km (22 mi) lake road links the main sights, while local public transport is limited.Give Mývatn 2 nights and a car: the 22 mi (36 km) lake road links the main sights, while local public transport is limited.
Mývatn is a shallow lake in North Iceland, formed by an eruption about 2,300 years ago and still set in an active volcanic area. Pseudocraters, lava formations, hot springs and summer birdlife make up the main visit. Stay two nights to cover the lake, Krafla and the geothermal baths without rushing.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- ISK
- Best months
- Jun–Sep
- avoid Winter driving can be difficult; check weather and road conditions before setting out. Midges are common in summer.
- Airports
- AEY · KEF
- Nights
- 2
Rules in force · 7Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window…
- Europe ↗Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window, counted across all 29 Schengen states together — not per country; the Entry/Exit System now logs each crossing, so an overstay is detected automatically.
- Europe ↗On the first Schengen entry since EES began, non-EU travellers give four fingerprints and a face photo at the border instead of a passport stamp; there is nothing to apply for or pay in advance.
- Nordic countries ↗Decide light or dark before anything else: summer trips (June–August) and aurora trips (September–March in the Arctic) need different countries, clothes and bases.
- Nordic countries ↗Sweden, Norway, Finland, Iceland and the Faroes sell stronger alcohol only in state shops with short hours; buy before evening and before Sundays and holidays.
- Iceland ↗Iceland is not in the EU but is in the Schengen area. Check the entry rules for your passport on official sources.
- Iceland ↗Driving off marked roads is illegal and fined heavily; F-roads into the highlands open only in summer and require a 4x4.
- Iceland ↗Check the road authority's conditions map and the Met Office forecast every morning, and leave a travel plan on SafeTravel for hikes and remote drives.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Emergency numbers for Mývatn112 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Mývatn, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Icelandic króna (ISK, kr).Iceland-wide
- SIM or eSIMEEA roaming applies: EU/EEA SIMs work at home prices.Iceland-wide
- Tap waterCold tap water is excellent; hot tap water is geothermal and smells of sulphur — do not drink it.Iceland-wide
- TippingRestaurant: Not expected.Iceland-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets C/F. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Iceland-wide
- SafetyThe main risks are changeable weather, hot geothermal features and unstable ground.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFew on long drives; petrol stations and paid toilets (ISK 200–500 (≈ US$2–5)) at sites.Iceland-wide
- Emergency numbers112 emergency (police, fire, ambulance, rescue) · 1700 Non-urgent doctor (Iceland health line) (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysMany rural guesthouses and cafés close October–April; highland huts only in summer.Iceland-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportcheckAEY Akureyri Airport (Nearest listed airport; onward drive time and transport options: check.).
- Getting aroundA car is the most flexible way to reach sights around the lake.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffee2026 estimate: 500–800 kr; check
- Sit-down mealMain course at a hotel restaurant2026 estimate: 3,000–5,000 kr; check
- Street or quick mealSoup or sandwich lunch2026 estimate: 1,500–2,500 kr; check
- Museum or sight ticketMývatn Nature Baths entry2026 estimate: check
- Budget bedHostel or sleeping-bag bed, a night, per personISK 6,000 (≈ US$50)
- Mid-range bedGuesthouse or hotel double room, a night, per roomISK 30,000 (≈ US$250)
- High-end bedGuesthouse or hotel double room, a night, per roomISK 50,000 (≈ US$450)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget ISK 8,000 (≈ US$65) · Mid ISK 15,000 (≈ US$130) · High ISK 28,000 (≈ US$250)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- AEY Akureyri Airport (Nearest listed airport; onward drive time and transport options: check.) · KEF Keflavík International Airport (For most international itineraries, then continue to North Iceland; drive time: check.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
not flagged
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
Feb
not flagged
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
Mar
not flagged
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
Apr
not flagged
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
May
not flagged
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Jun
Best
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
Jul
Best
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
Aug
Best
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
Sep
Best
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
Oct
not flagged
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
Nov
not flagged
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
Dec
not flagged
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
Best: Jun–Sep. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)), coolest Jan (−5°C (23°F)23°F (−5°C) low), wettest Dec (13 rain days), driest May (8). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Mývatn: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
−5°C (23°F)23°F (−5°C)
12 rd
Feb
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
−5°C (23°F)23°F (−5°C)
10 rd
Mar
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
−4°C (25°F)25°F (−4°C)
11 rd
Apr
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
9 rd
May
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
8 rd
Jun
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
8 rd
Jul
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
9 rd
Aug
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
10 rd
Sep
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
10 rd
Oct
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
12 rd
Nov
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
12 rd
Dec
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
−5°C (23°F)23°F (−5°C)
13 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
A car is the most flexible way to reach sights around the lake. The road around Mývatn is about 36 km; public transport in the area is limited. Buses connect Reykjahlíð with regional towns, but schedules and stops: check. Cycling is an option in suitable weather; expect exposure to wind and midges.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Húsavík
goDoor to door: About 45–55 min by car; check
Drive via Route 87; bus availability and schedule: check.
Whale-watching trips are an option; season and departures: check.
Ásbyrgi and Dettifoss
cautionDoor to door: Check
Drive east on Route 1, then onward on regional roads; route and seasonal access: check.
A long day out. Check road status and access before leaving.
Door to door: About 1 h 15 min by car; check
Drive on Route 1 or check bus schedules from Reykjahlíð.
A regional city that works well as a stop before or after Mývatn.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Reykjahlíð
Main settlement on the lake; a practical base for the east shore and the road to Krafla. Fuel and groceries: check.
Skútustaðir
South shore, close to the pseudocrater trails; accommodation is available in the area.
Vogar and the north shore
Guesthouses and camping are listed in this area; availability and seasonal opening: check.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- 2026 estimate: 8,000–14,000 kr excl. bed; check
- Mid
- 2026 estimate: 14,000–25,000 kr excl. bed; check
- High
- 2026 estimate: 25,000 kr+ excl. bed; check
Trip budget
| Guesthouse or hotel double room1 × 2 nights × ISK 30,000 | ISK 60,000 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × ISK 15,000 | ISK 60,000 |
| Mývatn Nature Baths entry2 × ISK 3,800 · 2026 estimate; check current price. | ISK 7,600 |
| Petrol for Reykjavík–Mývatn–Reykjavík1 × ISK 20,000 · 2026 estimate; route, vehicle and fuel prices change. | ISK 20,000 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × ISK 2,500 · 2026 estimate; check provider rates. | ISK 5,000 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | ISK 15,260 |
| Trip total≈ ISK 41,970 per person per day, bed included | ISK 167,860≈ US$1,400 |
2026 estimate; check current rates.
2026 estimate in Icelandic króna. Flights, car hire and fuel excluded; accommodation and activity prices vary by season, so check current rates.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | 2026 estimate: 500–800 kr; check |
| Soup or sandwich lunch | 2026 estimate: 1,500–2,500 kr; check |
| Main course at a hotel restaurant | 2026 estimate: 3,000–5,000 kr; check |
| Hverabrauð (geothermal rye bread)Sold around the lake; availability and price: check. | 2026 estimate: 1,000–1,500 kr; check |
| Smoked trout | 2026 estimate: 1,500–2,500 kr; check |
| Mývatn Nature Baths entry | 2026 estimate: check |
| Petrol, per litre | 2026 estimate: check |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Midges and black flies can be numerous in summer; consider a head net and repellent.
- Geothermal pools and mud pots can be dangerously hot. Keep behind barriers and follow signs.
- Stay on marked paths at Dimmuborgir, where cracks and crevices can be hazardous.
- At Hverfjall, follow posted access rules and remain on permitted paths.
- Weather can change quickly; check forecasts and road conditions before driving.
- Neslönd is a protected nesting area; access restrictions apply during nesting season. Check local signs.
Emergency numbers
- Emergency (police, fire, ambulance, rescue)
- 112
- Non-urgent doctor (Iceland health line)
- 1700
Pocket card
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MývatnMývatn
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
Á þetta heimilisfang, takkTo this address, please
Emergency
- Emergency112
- Non-urgent doctor1700
Embassy
Embassies are in Reykjavík; contact your embassy for consular help.
My embassy: —
Say or show
- Halló — Hello
- Þakka þér — Thank you
- Hvað kostar þetta? — How much is it?
- Hvar er baðherbergið? — Where is the toilet?
- Get ég borgað með korti? — Can I pay by card?
- Hjálp — Help
Fuel and groceries are available in the area; current shop locations and opening times: check.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Mývatn. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Jun–Sep · avoid Winter driving can be difficult; check weather and road conditions before setting out. Midges are common in summer. · month by month →
- 2 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 3 day-trips, door to door
- 6 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for KEF and AEY: drive times, last fuel, storm fallback.
- Four walking clusters with rescue anchors: Reykjahlíð, Dimmuborgir and Hverfjall, Skútustaðir, Krafla.
- Place pages with verified access rules (Hverfjall rim, Dimmuborgir trails, Grjótagjá, Neslönd) and eat pages with last orders.
- Midge and storm fixtures so gates A–D can go green.
Sources
- officialVisit Mývatn
- officialMývatn Visitor Centre (Náttúra)
- officialMývatn Nature Baths
- secondaryWikivoyage: Mývatn, revision 5291748 (CC BY-SA 4.0)