Today, July 24th, 2022, we’ve built in a gap day to unwind while still taking in some of Iceland’s remarkable sights. Mývatn, located roughly halfway along Ring Road, is the perfect spot for this, offering plenty of activities and stunning scenery.
Our day began with a visit to Grjótagjá, a captivating volcanic cave known for its hot springs and striking geothermal landscape. This cave, with its naturally warm waters and dramatic rock formations, gained fame as Jon Snow and Ygritte’s secret hideaway in Game of Thrones. Although swimming is no longer allowed due to safety concerns, the cave’s setting remains enchanting. Unfortunately, the steam from the hot springs made our photos less clear.
Next, we headed to Hverfjall, or Hverfell, a majestic volcanic crater formed by an explosive eruption about 2,500 years ago. Measuring approximately 1.2 kilometers (0.75 miles) in diameter and 140 meters (459 feet) deep, this crater offers breathtaking views from its rim. The easy 1-2 hour hike around the summit provides panoramic vistas of the surrounding lava fields, volcanic landscapes, and Lake Mývatn, making it a rewarding experience.
Afterward, we drove an hour to Dettifoss, one of Europe’s most powerful waterfalls, located in Vatnajökull National Park. The west side of Dettifoss offers an impressive vantage point, showcasing the falls’ raw power as it cascades 44 meters (144 feet) down a dramatic gorge. The well-maintained path to the west side makes it easy to get close to the waterfall and enjoy its awe-inspiring force. Although we considered visiting Ásbyrgi, a stunning horseshoe-shaped canyon further north, we decided to return to the Mývatn Geothermal Area to enjoy the hot springs.
The Mývatn Geothermal Area is known for its otherworldly geothermal features, including bubbling mud pools, steaming fumaroles, and vibrant mineral deposits. The Hverir geothermal field, with its vivid sulfur-rich terrain, felt reminiscent of a mini Yellowstone. There was paid parking, but I can’t recall the exact amount—it was done online.
On the way back to Mývatn, we indulged in some fish and chips for $30 USD—a rare splurge on this trip. We decided it’s best to stick to grocery store meals moving forward.
Our final stop of the day was the Mývatn Nature Baths, where we enjoyed a relaxing soak in naturally heated waters. The entry fee is around 4,000 ISK (about $27 USD) for adults. Compared to the Blue Lagoon, which I visited in 2017, this spot was less crowded, more affordable, and offered stunning views over the lake.
Having a base camp for two nights in Mývatn has been a welcome respite. Tomorrow, we’re back on the road for a longer stretch of driving. Our plan is to see how far we can get and find a spot to camp along the way. Cheers!
