Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
Mývatn-Laxá Nature Conservation Area spans around Lake Mývatn and extends down the Laxá River. The area is famous for its geological activity, seen in features like pseudocraters and boiling mud pots, and its abundance of bird species, including various ducks and waders that thrive in its wetlands. The conservation area holds significant ecological value, providing habitat for more than 115 bird species. Visitor experiences can range from observing volcanic craters and lava pillars at Dimmuborgir to relaxing in the naturally heated waters of the Mývatn Nature Baths. The landscape's geological diversity is a result of volcanic eruptions and tectonic shifts over millennia. The site also includes sites of historical interest, like the 18th-century farmhouses at Skútustaðir built of turf. The blend of geological features combined with rich flora and fauna makes this area a magnet for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
