Beyond the Overlook
Iceland · North Iceland

Lake Mývatn Volcanic Stops

By Beyond the Overlook

Dimmuborgir, Hverfjall, Grjótagjá and Hverir are close enough to combine, but each feels completely different.

Firsthand guide · Last reviewed August 2026 · How we review our guides

Boiling mud and geothermal landscape at Hverir near Lake Mývatn
Best comboDimmuborgir + Hverfjall + Grjótagjá + Hverir
HverfjallSteep · ~10–15 min up for us
DimmuborgirWalk as much or as little as you want
HverirQuick geothermal stop

Dimmuborgir: curated, but still worth seeing

The marked trail network felt more maintained and curated than our favorite wild Iceland hikes, but the lava formations are genuinely unusual. This is an easy place to customize: walk for 20 minutes or stay longer.

Dark lava formations at Dimmuborgir near Lake Mývatn

Hverfjall: short, steep and worth climbing

The crater looks imposing, but the climb took us only about 10–15 minutes. The payoff is looking directly into the enormous dark crater and out across the surrounding volcanic landscape. You can also connect Hverfjall and Dimmuborgir on foot.

Grjótagjá: a very quick cave stop

The small lava cave is interesting on its own, and the Game of Thrones filming connection makes it more fun if you are a fan. It is a natural add-on because it is so close to the other Mývatn stops.

Blue geothermal water inside Grjótagjá lava cave

Hverir / Námafjall: definitely stop

Smoking fumaroles, boiling mud and mineral-colored ground made this feel like Iceland's version of Yellowstone or Lassen. Stay on the marked paths around the active geothermal ground.

Dettifoss + SelfossRing RoadIceland guide

Think of Mývatn as a cluster, not one big hike

That is how the day worked best for us. Hverfjall gives you a short steep crater climb, Dimmuborgir gives you lava formations, Grjótagjá is a quick cave stop, and Hverir is the geothermal landscape. None needs to consume the entire day.

Why we skipped Mývatn Nature Baths

We simply did not have time. We prioritized hiking that day and had geothermal bathing planned on other days. We would not interpret our skip as a negative review of the baths.

What we would prioritize with limited time

We would keep the volcanic variety. Hverfjall is efficient and gives you an elevated view of the landscape; Hverir is a quick, strange geothermal stop. Add the others based on how much time you have.