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Reykjahlíð

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

City

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Practical info — Reykjahlíð

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🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

Midges (mý) around the lake can be intense in summer; consider buying a head net at the local gas station or supermarket.
The nearby Mývatn Nature Baths are a great, less crowded alternative to the famous Blue Lagoon.
The weather near the lake changes rapidly; always wear layers, even on sunny summer days.
Hike up the Hverfjall crater early in the morning to enjoy the best light and avoid the crowds.

🍽 Food

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Hverabrauð

Sweet rye bread baked underground in geothermal heat, often served with smoked trout at local cafes.

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Kjötsúpa (Lamb Soup)

A warming, hearty soup excellent after a cold day exploring, available in village restaurants.

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Skyr Cake

A traditional dessert made from Icelandic cultured dairy, found in most local eateries.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

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Lopapeysa (Wool Sweaters)

Look for authentic, hand-knitted Icelandic sweaters at the local handicraft shop or even the supermarket.

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Hverabrauð (Geysir Bread)

Buy a freshly baked loaf directly from local bakeries or farm shops as a tasty souvenir.

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Dimmuborgir

A massive area of dark, unusually shaped lava pillars; take the longer, marked paths to find complete silence.

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Lake Mývatn Shoreline

Take a late evening stroll along the southern edge in summer to enjoy the midnight sun in great tranquility.

Reykjahlíð is the main service hub for the Lake Mývatn area in North Iceland. The village is the excellent base for exploring the region's geological wonders, including the Dimmuborgir lava formations, the Skútustaðir pseudocraters, and the Hverir geothermal area with its bubbling mud pots. A highlight for those seeking relaxation is the Mývatn Nature Baths, a quieter alternative to the Blue Lagoon, offering mineral-rich warm waters in a remarkable natural setting. The area around Reykjahlíð is world-renowned for its birdlife, particularly the rare species of ducks that nest on the lake. Hikers can climb the Hverfjall crater or explore the Grjótagjá cave, a famous 'Game of Thrones' filming location. Local restaurants often serve 'Hverabrauð,' a rye bread baked using geothermal heat. Access is via the Ring Road (Route 1), about a 1-hour drive east of Akureyri. Summer is best for nature watching, while winter has a special charm with frozen lakes and spectacular Northern Lights.