Myvatn Lake

Myvatn Lake, an hour's drive from Akureyri, is said to have been formed more than 2,500 years ago by volcanic activity. The many sights in this stunning terrain include lava structures, sulfurous vapors, and clay pits. This lake's water, which is azure blue in color, is quite shallow. Myvatn Lake, one of the greatest sites to visit in Iceland for birding, is teeming with a diverse bird population. A key draw of this location are the pseudo-craters created by volcanic eruptions spewing through the ocean. The south bank of the lake offers the greatest views of these craters.

While you're in Myvatn Lake, you may go along the lovely Leirhnjukur path, visit the Kirkjan lava tube formation, and ascend to the Krafla volcano's caldera. The lake receives its water from a nutrient-rich spring, and it is abundant in aquatic insects (Chironomidae) and Cladocera, which provide ducks with an alluring source of food. At this location, ducks of fifteen different species breed—the most in all of Europe. The species mix of ducks is unusual, including species from Europe, North America, the boreal regions, and the arctic. The Slavonian grebe, red-necked phalarope, great northern diver, red-throated diver, and whooper swan are further common waterbirds. The lake is a part of a significant bird area.

Location: Skútustaðahreppur, Nordhurland Eystra