Iceland review - 2016, Page 83

ICELAND REVIEW 81
NORTHERN LIGHTS CAPITAL OF ICELAND
Lake Mývatn is in one of the least cloudy parts of
Iceland, thanks to the rain shadow of Vatnajökull
glacier and the highlands. This means you have a
better chance of catching a clear northern lights
night here than in other places.
The lake is surrounded by fascinating rock for-
mations, rich vegetation, hot springs and not too
many mountains—which means the backdrop to
your northern lights photos is sorted! If you’re
lucky enough to choose a night when the whole
sky is ablaze with a writhing blanket of green,
pink and purple, then the calm surface of the
lake itself could make for the best picture you’ve
ever taken.
All this, combined with Lake Mývatn’s almost
total lack of light pollution, and you can see why
the locals call it the northern lights capital of Ice-
land.
DAYTIME BRIGHT SPOTS
The area’s interesting and beautiful landscape is
one of Iceland’s major attractions all year round,
day and night, and many believe it looks its best
under a layer of glorious white snow.
Nowhere is this truer than in Dimmuborgir,
where volcanic lava has solidified into remark-
able shapes, creating nature’s very own sculp-
ture garden.
You’ll also find the snow an added attraction
at Krafla—one of Iceland’s most active volcanic
areas, where the snow is just one of many colors
among the belching steam vents and bubbling hot
mud pools. Here, most of the ground never freez-
es and is stained with mineral deposits, bright yel-
low, grey, purple and black. Even in the middle of
winter, Krafla is boiling hot—so be careful!
Less dangerous but no less warming is Mývatn
Nature Baths—a relaxing outdoor lagoon where
the healing geothermal waters send clouds of
steam high into the sky and bathers bob around in
complete bliss. No trip to the region is complete
without seeing Dettifoss, Europe’s most powerful
waterfall—and the Lofthellir ice cave is quickly be-
coming a visitor favorite.
FOOD, DRINK AND ADVENTURE
Despite its volcanic nature, Mývatn also boasts
very lush and fertile areas. It’s home to many farms,
prolific birdlife and excellent lake and river fishing.
This means the area has a lot to offer when you
get hungry.
Hverabrauð is a dark rye bread baked in hot
geothermal ground and served with smoked trout.
It’s a real Mývatn treat and is served in most local
cafés and restaurants.
If this doesn’t appeal, you’ll find excellent lamb,
fish, grilled meat, pizzas, vegetarian fare and more
at the many restaurants, hotels, guesthouses and
cafés. There’s also a supermarket, handicraft shop
and information center in Reykjahlíð village.
When you’ve eaten your fill, relaxed in the na-
ture baths, delighted in the landscape and enjoyed
the aurora; it’s probably time to get adventurous!
Mývatn is a premier location for exciting activ-
ities including jeep safaris, snowmobile expedi-
tions, dog sledding, guided hikes, snowshoe tours
and air tours from Reykjahlíð air strip.
SO FAR, YET SO NEAR
Mývatn is proud of its reputation as a quiet, relax-
ing place in the middle of beautiful countryside; so
come and stay for a few days and recharge your
batteries.
Mývatn is less than an hour-and-a-half’s drive
from Akureyri and under an hour from Húsavík.
Scheduled flights connect both to Reykjavík. Mý-
vatn is on Ring Road One and is served by national
coach services.
visitmyvatn.is

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