Lake Myvatn

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Departed early this morning for Lake Myvatn (2 hr 10 min from Egilsstadir), formed during a massive eruption 2,300 years ago. The region is still a site of geothermal activity, with fresh lava flows coming from the most recent eruption of Krafla volcano in 1984. One of the premier birdwatching areas in the world, Lake Myvatn’s marshes provide habitat for huge numbers of migratory birds during the summer. More than 115 species have been sighted at the lake, including 13 species of nesting ducks. Numerous lava formations are found in and around the shallow lake, and we explored the pseudocraters of Skutustadir on a short hike. These phenomena are formed when lava flows over wet ground, pushing it down and trapping steam. As the pressure mounts, steam explosions create these fascinating "false craters." We’ll also walked among the Dimmuborgir ("dark fortress") rock formations, an evocative site of volcanic caves and black lava pillars reminiscent of a ruined castle. This afternoon we visited the Hverarond geothermal area, an otherworldly setting of noisy steam vents, bubbling mud, cracked earth and pungent sulfur.

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