A relatively shallow lake, Lake Mývatn covers about 37 square kilometres, making it the fourth largest lake in Iceland. The surrounding landscape is dotted with volcanic craters, lava fields, and very large pseudocraters, both in and around the lake. It is also home to grassy islets of lava and small islands, and it is teaming with birdlife. On a sunny day, the lake features a deep turquoise colour that adds a fantastic contrast to the various lava formations around it. Beautiful little coves offer endless viewpoints and small ponds and lushy green wetlands around Lake Mývatn are truly an oasis. During winter, the lake, due to its shallow waters, freezes easily, and the ice is easy to travel on. The movie Fast and Furious 8 was filmed on the lake in its frozen state at minus 20°C. During the winter months, the northern lights are easily seen here and add an overwhelming beauty to this location.
Mývatn
North, Iceland
Photos
Video
Climate
The North Atlantic Ocean has a big impact on the weather in north Iceland, which is usually cold and uncertain. The winters are hard, with temperatures below zero and snow, and the summers are cool, with average temperatures between 10 and 15 degrees Celsius. Rainstorms happen often in the area, and in some coastal places, there may be strong winds.
Data source Temperature averages
Lighting
The longest day in Iceland is multiple days from May through July when the sun doesn't set. The daylight hours in Iceland on the shortest days of the year are 4-5 hours per day (December to January).
Data source Accessibility
The location is on route number 1, and you can drive all around the lake.
Permits
Want to film hassle-free? Partner up with the local production studio through Massif and let them
handle all the paperwork.
Learn more
Basecamp and facilities
There are many farms and cottages around Lake Mývatn. The small village of Reykjahlíð offers the best place for a large basecamp, but with the help of our location managers, you can find the perfect spot, depending on where you want to film. Phone coverage is excellent.
Risk factors
The lava field and the rocks in and around Lake Mývatn are sharp scoria stones. The lake is vast and cold. If you want to film during the winter months, we suggest that you have an expert with you monitoring the stability of the ice on the lake. During summer months, the lake is haunted by gnats or midges which it draws its name from.
Visitors
The area is on the Diamond Circle and is very popular with tourists and locals.
Where does our information come from?
In collaboration with a team of experienced producers, we scoured through every location on
massif.network to bring you the most relevant and up-to-date information.
We provide photos and videos and all other location information.
Know something we don’t?
Noticed wrong information about permits? Is there a restaurant closer nearby? Tell us anything that may be wrong or missing.
