Things to do in Reykjahlíð

Things to do in  Reykjahlíð

Lava on the lake

As you might expect of a village whose name translates as “steamy slope,” Reykjahlíð—perched on the edge of Lake Mývatn—is known for its geothermal activity. Visitors can make the most of this by exploring the geothermal valley of Hverir, hot springs of Námaskarð, and thermal Mývatn Nature Baths, although other top things to do in Reykjahlíð include enjoying excellent lake views and hiking trails. Close to many natural attractions, including the volcanic caldera Krafla, Dimmuborgir lava fields, and Hverfjall volcano, the village also makes for an excellent base for tours by Super Jeep or snowmobile.

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Top 7 attractions in Reykjahlíð

#1

Dimmuborgir

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With a name meaning “dark castles” in Icelandic, it seems fitting that Dimmuborgir—a 2,300-year-old lava field that resembles a collapsed citadel—gained fame as a setting on the hit TV show Game of Thrones. But more importantly, the volcanic formations are the stuff of local legend: In Icelandic folktales, the black caves are home to child-eating trolls. Dimmuborgir is currently one of the country’s most visited tourist destinations.More
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#2

Mývatn Nature Baths

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Iceland’s natural hot springs, fed by volcanic activity and dotted all around the country, are world renowned. The most famous is the Blue Lagoon, but it’s almost always crammed with day-trippers from nearby Reykjavik. Myvatn Nature Baths, on the other hand, remain a pocket of tranquility, hidden away in the less-visited north.More
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#3

Dettifoss

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Marvel at the sheer natural force on display at Dettifoss, the most powerful waterfall in Europe, and one of Iceland’s most extraordinary attractions. Dropping some 132,000 gallons (500 cubic meters) of water per second 148 feet (45 meters) down the Jökulsárgljúfur canyon, Dettifoss is a must-see for visitors to North Iceland.More
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#4

Hverir

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With its gurgling mud pools, hissing steam vents, and plumes of volcanic rock, it’s easy to see why the Hverir geothermal area was chosen as a filming location for HBO’sGame of Thrones. It’s a mesmerizing sight, with the pockmarked terrain bubbling with silver-gray mud and steaming fumaroles, and the stench of sulfur omnipresent.More
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#5

Lake Mývatn

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Formed by a massive volcanic eruption more than two millennia ago—and surrounded by surreal lava formations, mud pots, volcanic craters, and steaming fumaroles—Lake Mývatn remains geothermally active. The lake’s name comes from the swarming midges that fuel the local bird population.More
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#6

Ásbyrgi Canyon

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In a country full of natural wonders, Ásbyrgi Canyon stands out. The massive horseshoe-shaped glacial canyon in the northeast of Iceland is almost one mile wide (1.6 kilometers), with cliffs soaring over 100 feet (30 meters) into the air and a floor forested with spruce and pine trees. The canyon is also steeped in Icelandic folklore.More
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#7

Lofthellir

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Formed over 3,500 years ago, the ancient lava cave of Lofthellir is home to some of Iceland’s most impressive natural ice formations. Stretching for 1,213 feet (370 meters) beneath the Laxardalshraun lava field, the lava tube has its own microclimate, with temperatures of 32°F (0°C), and visiting is an adventure in itself.More
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Top activities in Reykjahlíð

Askja & Holuhraun, Super Jeep Day Tour from Lake Myvatn

Askja & Holuhraun, Super Jeep Day Tour from Lake Myvatn

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24
From
$428.27
Ice Cave Lofthellir exploration - A permafrost Cave inside a magma tunnel.

Ice Cave Lofthellir exploration - A permafrost Cave inside a magma tunnel.

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10
From
$302.89
Lush to Lunar Askja Tour

Lush to Lunar Askja Tour

From
$1,227.21
Askja the Caldera - My favorite day tour

Askja the Caldera - My favorite day tour

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1
From
$1,700.00
per group
2 hrs. ATV quad trip down with glacier river Northeast of Iceland

2 hrs. ATV quad trip down with glacier river Northeast of Iceland

From
$299.57
2-Hour UTV Buggy Tour in Myvatn

2-Hour UTV Buggy Tour in Myvatn

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3
From
$177.52
Snowmobile Tour by Lake Mývatn

Snowmobile Tour by Lake Mývatn

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14
From
$165.32
Húsavík: Hot and Cold Snorkeling and Spa tour - selfdrive

Húsavík: Hot and Cold Snorkeling and Spa tour - selfdrive

From
$191.00
Private Askja Caldera and Viti Crater 4x4 Tour from Lake Myvatn

Private Askja Caldera and Viti Crater 4x4 Tour from Lake Myvatn

From
$2,108.05
per group
6 Day Guided Ring Road Tour - Explore the whole Island

6 Day Guided Ring Road Tour - Explore the whole Island

From
$1,849.00
Dog Sledding and Mushing Experience by Siberian Husky in Iceland

Dog Sledding and Mushing Experience by Siberian Husky in Iceland

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6
From
$233.00
Húsavík: Bubbling Sands Snorkeling Tour

Húsavík: Bubbling Sands Snorkeling Tour

From
$148.00
Askja Day Tour on Private Jeep

Askja Day Tour on Private Jeep

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1
From
$1,331.40
per group
1 hrs ATV quad trip down with glacier river Northeast of Iceland

1 hrs ATV quad trip down with glacier river Northeast of Iceland

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1
From
$149.78
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All about Reykjahlíð

When to visit

Long days and (relatively) warm temperatures make summer (June to August) the best time to visit Reykjahlíð. Thanks to the midnight sun, you’ll be able to enjoy outdoor activities for up to 23 hours per day, if you want. Winter, though chilly and dark, has its own appeal, especially for those who want to spot the northern lights; October, February, and March are typically the most promising months for this celestial sight.

Getting around

Public transportation is limited in Reykjahlíð. While walking and biking can take you around town (and there are bike-rental shops), you’ll need a car, truck, or four-wheel-drive vehicle to truly explore the area’s attractions, such as the Krafla Lava Fields, the Myvatn Nature Baths, and the Lofthellir Lava Cave. Alternatively, you can book a guided tour that departs from the village.

Traveler tips

There aren’t a lot of options for places to dine in Reykjahlíð, though there is a small grocery store where you can stock up on essentials. That said, if you drive south of the village for a few minutes, you’ll find a unique option: the restaurant at Vogafjós Farm Resort. This unusual spot—located inside a cowshed on a farm—serves homemade local food made largely with produce from the farm itself. You can even watch the cows being milked as you dine.

Attractions
7
Tours
14
Reviews
60
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People Also Ask

How long does it take to drive around Lake Mývatn?

Lake Mývatn is the fourth largest lake in Iceland, covering an area of 14 square miles (37 square kilometers). It takes just under 40 minutes to drive around the lake, but you should set aside 2–3 hours so you can make frequent stops and fill up your camera roll.

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Are there volcanoes near Mývatn?

Yes, there are volcanoes near Mývatn. Located off the eastern edge of the lake, Hverfjall is a dormant volcanic crater with hiking trails that allow you to climb to the top of the rim. To the north, Krafla is an active volcanic crater known for its lava fields and bubbling mud springs.

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What does “Mývatn” mean in Icelandic?

Mývatn is an Icelandic word that translates to “the lake of midges” (mý means “midge” and vatn means “lake”). The name refers to the large number of midges (small flies similar to gnats) that descend upon the lake every summer. The insects can be annoying, but they don’t bite.

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What is the Diamond Circle in Iceland?

The Diamond Circle is a 155-mile (250-kilometer) driving route in Northern Iceland that stretches past popular sites like Lake Mývatn, Dettifoss, and Ásbyrgi Canyon. It is considered one of the best (and most beautiful) routes in Iceland, along with the Ring Road and Golden Circle.

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Can you swim in Stóragjá?

No, you really shouldn’t swim in the waters at Stóragjá. The geothermal waters in the cave might be tempting, but a lack of filtration means that the pools are filled with potentially dangerous bacteria. Save your swimsuit for the adjacent Mývatn Nature Baths, which are just a 5-minute drive away.

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How do I get to Grjótagjá?

Grjótagjá is a lava cave near Lake Mývatn that appeared in a memorably steamy scene during the third season of Game of Thrones. To get to Grjótagjá, either drive directly from Reykjahlíð (a gravel road leads directly to a parking lot in front of the cave) or follow the hiking trail from Dimmuborgir.

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