Myvatn

Myvatn, sometimes written Mývatn in Icelandic, is a shallow lake in northern Iceland, near the village of Reykjahlíð in the Mývatnssveit municipality. The name translates to "midge lake," reflecting the large swarms of midges that can be seen around the shore during summer. The lake lies in a volcanic and geothermal region and is a prominent feature of northern Iceland’s landscape.

The lake covers roughly 37 square kilometers and is notable for its shallow depth, with most of the basin lying only a few meters below the surface. It is surrounded by volcanic landforms and is part of a geologically active area that includes geothermal fields and volcanic activity in the nearby highlands.

Around Myvatn are several well-known geological features. The Skútustaðagígar pseudocraters were formed when lava flows interacted with lake water, creating clusters of cone-like structures along the shore. The Dimmuborgir lava fields display dramatic lava formations, while the Namafjall/Námafjall geothermal area and the Krafla volcanic system to the east highlight ongoing volcanic and geothermal processes in the region.

Ecologically, Myvatn supports rich wetland habitats and a diverse bird life, including large populations of waterfowl and waders during migration and breeding seasons, with notable wintering species as well. The lake’s nutrient-rich waters nurture extensive algal and invertebrate communities, contributing to its ecological importance.

Human activity in the area centers on nature tourism and geothermal recreation. Access is via Iceland’s Ring Road, with attractions such as the Mývatn Nature Baths, hiking routes around Dimmuborgir and other volcanic formations, and the nearby Hverir geothermal area. The region is protected as a landscape and serves as a focal point for scientific study of volcanism and lake ecology.