Top 5 Reykjahlíð Outdoor Escapes: See Iceland’s Wild Side

Reykjahlíð, a spot up in northeast Iceland, acts a bit like a gateway to experiencing some pretty amazing natural wonders. That said, the place is plopped right on the shores of Lake Mývatn and it’s more or less surrounded by lava formations, geothermal spots, and yeah, views that just don’t quit, so outdoor adventures are kind of the big draw around there. Whether your thing is serious hiking or a more relaxed sort of wander, there’s almost sure to be something around Reykjahlíð that you will remember. It’s basically like a perfectly staged area for those trying to get out there and have some seriously memorable experiences. This article will take you around to some of the top outdoor activities.

1. Exploring the Mývatn Nature Baths

When you get near Mývatn, one thing you might do is visit the Mývatn Nature Baths; you know, it’s a seriously soothing option that also gives you a real feel for Iceland’s geothermal activity. Unlike some very crowded hot springs, this spot is rather chill, letting you take it all in, in a more relaxing way. You know? The waters happen to be full of these minerals that some people say is kinda therapeutic, so that just makes the whole thing even better. Picture yourself just sort of relaxing in this naturally heated water while staring out at some stark landscape – it’s almost surreal. Getting to Mývatn Nature Baths is relatively easy; there’s driving access plus most tour operations cover transportation as an option to make it easier, so you don’t need to worry about directions. Taking a little downtime in those mineral-rich pools might well become a favorite moment of your trip.

2. Hiking the Dimmuborgir Lava Formations

Just a hop and skip from Reykjahlíð, there’s Dimmuborgir; yeah, a super odd lava field that seems to come straight from a totally strange story. The name kind of translates to “dark castles,” that just fits so nicely with its cool landscape, which happened after a volcanic thing erupted and then created these bizarre rock sculptures. Now you can go for a walk through the various marked paths; the paths there are short enough for you, or some a little longer if you really want to explore. Along the way, that’s almost sure to make it cool for families as well as anybody seriously into nature and some crazy rock shapes. Oh, and Dimmuborgir also has connections to a lot of Icelandic legends. Many of the older locals will gladly explain all the old tales about hidden folk living inside the rocks – is that a nice touch? Parking is available at Dimmuborgir, and is rather convenient because it puts you smack at the entry points of many of these trails.

3. Birdwatching at Lake Mývatn

So Lake Mývatn is known all over as a birdwatcher’s actual paradise, especially in the warmer months, just teeming with all kinds of bird species. You know, it’s because of the shallow waters that provide a nice habitat for lots of nesting birds during the spring and the early part of summer. The lake attracts a pretty large collection of migrating birds coming over from all parts of Europe and beyond, because it is located very favorably for travel, as well as a number of species that usually live around Iceland. One way to enjoy all this bird activity is that you could simply drive around the lake and that might enable you to spot numerous birds from various viewpoints. You will also notice observation hides strategically placed where bird activity tends to be highest, just making it easy to stop for some hours to watch those birds, or maybe just snap pics. Bring your zoom lens!

4. Climbing Hverfjall Crater

Near Lake Mývatn lies Hverfjall, one really impressive crater you might consider scaling for awesome views of the surrounding landscapes. Hiking it does not take a seriously big amount of time; up, maybe an hour or so to reach the summit, yet because the trail is largely steep and consists of rather gravelly ash, you have to be fairly ready for something mildly challenging. You should probably put on appropriate shoes. Still, the scene that waits for you right on the rim more than makes up for any sore muscles you could feel; oh, that gives you just a panoramic peek over to the whole Mývatn region, as well as stretching out beyond, even, as far as the horizon. There exist two main routes that take one all the way to the top of Hverfjall, so each provides something of a different experience while moving toward that beautiful rim vista. Going in late afternoon gives just gorgeous light to light up the surroundings.

5. Geothermal Area of Hverir

When you go to Reykjahlíð, Hverir (or Námafjall) can be something you have to experience so that you truly capture a part of Iceland’s nature up close. This rather barren geothermal plain has a bit of a reputation due to its steamy vents, burbling mud pits, plus these sulfur crystals all over. So! The whole view’s more like being right on some strange planet rather than something Earthbound, even. Now when moving along the trails – you do have to follow trails to kinda safeguard yourself – expect there’s gonna be some pretty strong sulfur smells that may be kinda shocking if you’re totally unprepared. If the weather feels good you are able to easily go on over to Hverir without a special tour, however do keep on those safety lines and pay serious attention to all posted guidance from park personnel for all you need to be worried about in those rather heated locales. Dress in multiple layers in case that wind starts blowing as it passes throughout this totally raw terrain.