Lake Myvatn
Lake Mývatn was created by a large fissure eruption of basaltic lava over the district over 2000 years ago. The flowing lava build up Myvatn as it is today with eruptions and explosions and dominate the landscape on the shore of Lake Myvatn, and the island in the lake.
Lake Mývatn and its district lies on the border of the volcanic zone which cuts across north-eastern Iceland, from North to south and is an extension of the Mid-Atlantic ridge. All geological formations are recent, dating from the Icel Age and postglacial times.
The biggest formation in this eruption was Dimmuborgir.
About 10.000 years ago around the Ice Age, Mývatn basin was covered with glacier. Postglacial volcanism in the Mývatn district are many. Around 4000 years ago the shield volcano Ketildyngja was formed and from its huge lava flow, the older Laxálava spreaded over part of the south end of Mývatn, went through Laxárdalur and almost to the sea.
About 2500 years ago short but large eruption formed the explosion crater Hverfjall, and formed the Lake Mývatn as it is today.
Later eruptions in 1724, lasted 5years was Mývatnseldar "fire of Mývatn" and formed Víti. Later, lava came from Leirhnjúkur and ended on the north end of Lake Mývatn.
Nowadays there are much volcanic activity in the Mývatn area. Krafla's last eruption was in 1984, The Krafla volcanic system is one of several such systems which together form the volcanic zone of Iceland.
Lake Mývatn and its surroundings have rich fauna of waterbirds, especially ducks. The surrounding landscape, which is dominated by volcanic landforms, including lava pillars and rootless vents, is spectacular. Also you will have to visit Jarðböðin "jardbodin" at Mývatn, which is similar to the Blue Lagoon in south part of Iceland.
If you are travelling to Iceland do not miss this part of it. What you can see at Mývatn is one of its kind.