What makes Myvatn special for northern lights?

Myvatn's volcanic landscape provides foregrounds unlike anywhere else - pseudo craters, lava pillars, steaming geothermal vents, and bubbling mud pots. Aurora above these formations creates truly otherworldly scenes. The minimal light pollution and position at 65.60°N (needing only KP 2) add to its excellence as an aurora destination.

Can you see aurora from the Myvatn Nature Baths?

Yes, the Nature Baths have extended evening hours in winter and face north over the lake. Soaking in warm geothermal water while watching the northern lights above is one of Iceland's most unique and memorable experiences. Check operating hours in advance.

How cold is Myvatn in winter?

Myvatn's inland position makes it colder than coastal Iceland. Winter temperatures typically range from -10°C to -20°C, with occasional drops below -25°C. The geothermal areas remain warm and steaming, creating interesting temperature contrasts. Dress in serious winter layers.

How far is Myvatn from Akureyri?

Myvatn is about 100 km east of Akureyri, taking approximately 50 minutes via Route 1. The drive is straightforward and well-maintained. Many visitors base themselves in Akureyri and visit Myvatn for day/evening trips.

Northern Lights Destination

Northern Lights in Myvatn, Iceland

Myvatn is aurora on another planet - watch the northern lights dance above Iceland's volcanic wonderland of steaming vents, lava formations, and crater-studded lake shores.

Updated January 15, 20258 min read

Myvatn: Aurora Over Volcanic Wonderland

Lake Myvatn sits at the center of one of Iceland's most geologically active areas, a landscape shaped by millennia of volcanic eruptions, lava flows, and geothermal activity. The lake itself is shallow and nutrient-rich (Myvatn means "Midge Lake" for the insect swarms that appear in summer), surrounded by a bizarre and beautiful collection of geological formations.

The Myvatn area at 65.60°N needs only a KP index of 2 for aurora viewing. With a permanent population of only about 200, light pollution is negligible. The volcanic landscape provides foregrounds found nowhere else on Earth for aurora photography - pseudo craters rising from the lake shore, towering lava pillars at Dimmuborgir, steaming fumaroles at Namafjall, and the turquoise waters of the Myvatn Nature Baths.

Located about 50 minutes from Akureyri, Myvatn is accessible yet feels utterly otherworldly. Check the aurora forecast and prepare for an extraterrestrial viewing experience.

Best Aurora Viewing at Myvatn

Skutustadagigar (Pseudo Craters): The iconic pseudo craters on the lake's southern shore were formed when lava flowed over wetland, causing steam explosions. The circular formations with the lake beyond create an otherworldly aurora viewing platform. A boardwalk provides access.

Dimmuborgir: A labyrinth of dramatic lava formations created by a drained lava lake. Walking through these towering pillars and arches under aurora light is an experience that defies description. The formations frame the sky in natural windows and doorways.

Namafjall (Hverir): A high-temperature geothermal area with bubbling mud pots, steaming fumaroles, and sulfur-encrusted vents. The steam rising against the aurora creates atmospheric compositions. The orange and yellow geothermal colors contrast dramatically with green aurora.

Grjotagja Cave: A small lava cave with a geothermal hot spring inside (bathing no longer permitted due to temperature). The cave entrance frames the sky for unique aurora compositions.

Myvatn Nature Baths: Similar to Reykjavik's Blue Lagoon but far less crowded, these geothermal pools overlook the lake. Open into the evening, they offer the possibility of soaking in warm water while watching aurora above - one of Iceland's ultimate experiences.

When to Visit Myvatn for Aurora

Myvatn's aurora season runs from September through March:

September-October: The midges that give the lake its name have disappeared by September, making autumn a delightful time to visit. The volcanic landscape shows subtle autumn colors, and dark nights return for aurora viewing. The Nature Baths are particularly pleasant in the crisp autumn air.

November-January: Deep winter transforms Myvatn into an Arctic wonderland. Snow blankets the lava formations, steam from geothermal areas billows more dramatically in the cold, and the long dark nights provide maximum aurora viewing hours. Temperatures drop to -10°C to -20°C. Roads are maintained but require care.

February-March: Returning daylight allows exploration of the geological wonders while nights remain dark for aurora. The equinox period in March often enhances geomagnetic activity. Many consider February the ideal Myvatn aurora month.

Practical Tips for Myvatn

Getting There: Drive from Akureyri (about 50 minutes east via Route 1). From Husavik, it's about 50 minutes south. The nearest airport is Akureyri (AEY). Reykjavik to Myvatn is about 5 hours via Route 1.

Accommodation: Hotel Myvatn (formerly Reynihlid Hotel) is the main option, with views over the lake. Dimmuborgir Guesthouse offers a location adjacent to the lava formations. Sel Hotel Myvatn and several farm guesthouses provide alternatives. Options are limited - book well ahead.

Nature Baths: The Myvatn Nature Baths (Jardbodin vid Myvatn) are open year-round with extended evening hours in winter. Entry costs about 5,500 ISK. The combination of warm water and aurora viewing is extraordinary. Check operating hours in advance.

Geological Exploration: Use daylight hours to explore the remarkable geology - Skutustadagigar, Dimmuborgir, Namafjall/Hverir, Krafla volcano crater, and the Leirhnjukur lava fields. Then return to your favorite locations after dark for aurora viewing. Understanding the landscape in daylight helps you navigate safely at night.

Plan the trip

Getting to Myvatn

Aurora trips need three things booked together: a flight into the right airport, somewhere dark to stay, and usually a car, because the sky you get is the sky above wherever you can drive to that night.

Compare flights

Live fares into Akureyri Airport (AEY), the closest airport to Myvatn.

Affiliate links. Booking through them costs you nothing extra and helps keep this site running.

Borealis App

Aurora forecasts, social feed & Hunter Ranks

Frequently Asked Questions

: Myvatn's volcanic landscape provides foregrounds unlike anywhere else - pseudo craters, lava pillars, steaming geothermal vents, and bubbling mud pots. Aurora above these formations creates truly otherworldly scenes. The minimal light pollution and position at 65.60°N (needing only KP 2) add to its excellence as an aurora destination.
: Yes, the Nature Baths have extended evening hours in winter and face north over the lake. Soaking in warm geothermal water while watching the northern lights above is one of Iceland's most unique and memorable experiences. Check operating hours in advance.
: Myvatn's inland position makes it colder than coastal Iceland. Winter temperatures typically range from -10°C to -20°C, with occasional drops below -25°C. The geothermal areas remain warm and steaming, creating interesting temperature contrasts. Dress in serious winter layers.
: Myvatn is about 100 km east of Akureyri, taking approximately 50 minutes via Route 1. The drive is straightforward and well-maintained. Many visitors base themselves in Akureyri and visit Myvatn for day/evening trips.