Exploring Myvatn Lake: Iceland's Northern Lights Paradise

Have you ever dreamed of chasing the Northern Lights? There is no better place to do this than in Iceland. Nestled in the northern part of the country is Myvatn Lake, which has become a paradise for those seeking out the Aurora Borealis.

But why is Myvatn Lake so special? It's due to its incredible beauty and the fact that it has some of the lowest light pollution levels. This makes it ideal for viewing and capturing stunning photographs of the Northern Lights. What's more, there are several picturesque sites around Myvatn Lake where you can get spectacular views whether day or night.

If you're interested in exploring this natural wonder, then you've come to the right place! In this article, I'll break down everything you need to know about travelling to Myvatn and provide tips on finding and photographing the Northern Lights at some of its best spots. So let's get started ― your Auroral adventure awaits!

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Overview of Myvatn Lake in Iceland

If you are a Northern Lights enthusiast, Myvatn Lake in Iceland should be at the top of your bucket list. Located near Akureyri in the north of Iceland, it is considered to be a paradise for Northern Lights hunters due to its low light pollution and breathtaking views.

Myvatn is an incredibly diverse landscape - it is known for its unusual rock formations and lava fields, as well as its abundance of stunning waterfalls and volcanoes. Not only is it a beautiful place to explore, but it is also the perfect spot for photographing the Northern Lights.

There are a number of great locations around the lake that are ideal for capturing photos of the Aurora Borealis, including Pseudo Craters, Hofdi Park, Dimmuborgir lava field, Lake View Point, and Vindbelgjarfjall Mountain. Each one offers something unique, so you can capture amazing images no matter what type of photography you prefer.

How to Get to Myvatn Lake From Akureyri

The best way to get to Myvatn Lake from Akureyri is by car. The drive is just under an hour, so you'll be there in no time! As you traverse the path between the two locations, you can expect to be surrounded by natural beauty and mountains on one side, and peaceful lakes and rivers on the other.

When you arrive at Myvatn Lake, you'll understand why it's considered a paradise for Northern Lights hunters. With its dark sky and low light pollution, it's one of the best places in Iceland to catch a glimpse of Auroras. What's more, its views are simply breathtaking—perfect for taking photographs of the lights in all their glory.

Once you're ready to explore the area's top Northern Lights photography spots, here are five locations nearby that are considered must-visits:

Pseudo Craters: Get the perfect shot of the Northern Lights from Pseudo Craters. Absolutely stunning elevated view of the Myvatn Lake with mountains on the horizon, 360-degree view is an incredible spot for unique Northern Lights photos.
Hofdi: This isolated spot offers stunning views in every direction—an ideal spot for capturing spectacular photos of the Auroras dancing across the night sky.
Dimmuborgir: These dramatic lava formations provide a captivating canvas for taking Aurora photos. Bring your tripod—it can be quite dark here even when the Northern Lights are out!
Lake Myvatn View Point: Head up to this hilltop spot for an aerial view down onto Lake Myvatn and its crystal clear surface reflecting bright green streaks alive against the night sky.
Vindbelgjarfjall: Vindbelgjarfjall is a 529-meter mountain located in the west part of the Lake Mývatn area offering a panoramic view and overlooking the whole Myvatn which makes it the perfect place for Northern Lights photography.

Low Light Pollution Makes Myvatn a Northern Lights Paradise

Maybe you didn't know that Myvatn Lake—located in the north of Iceland, near the town of Akureyri—is considered a paradise for seeing and photographing the Northern Lights. That's because of its low light pollution, which serves to make the skies even clearer and brighter.

So why is this so important? The Northern Lights require dark skies to be visible, free of light pollution that will wash them out. That's why you need to find areas that are far away from artificial lights for darkness—the less light emissions around you, the more clearly you'll be able to see and photograph this amazing natural phenomenon.

Myvatn Lake is an ideal spot for doing just that, as its remote location makes it ideal for finding dark skies - perfect for stargazing, astrophotography and spotting the Aurora Borealis.

Top 5 Northern Lights Photography Spots at Myvatn Lake

If you are looking for the perfect spot for Northern Lights photography in Iceland, Myvatn is your place! Whether you're a professional photographer or an amateur just getting started with the hobby, there are plenty of opportunities to capture breathtaking photos of the Aurora Borealis here. Here are five spots that should be on the top of your list:

1. Pseudo Craters

Pseudo Craters are an amazing Northern Lights photography spot at Myvatn, Iceland. Thanks to the geothermal activity in this area, these craters were formed from molten lava exploding and dripping into the icy cold lake and solidifying. This created stunning formations in various sizes and shapes which creates a backdrop for your images that you won't get anywhere else in this world.

You can find the Pseudo Craters just off route 1, heading toward the Myvatn Nature Baths. With a little bit of luck, you can witness the Northern Lights dancing above these unique and breathtaking formations. If you’re looking for a truly unique experience, you'll want to check out the Pseudo Craters when visiting Myvatn Lake!

2. Hofdi

Situated in the northeast of Iceland and just a short drive away from Akureyri, Myvatn Lake is considered a paradise for those who want to experience and photograph the Northern Lights.

If you're looking for prime Northern Lights viewing spots near Myvatn Lake, then you won't want to miss Hofdi. A great photography spot located at the tip of a peninsula just off the lake, it's worth going there for more than the lights. With its stunning views and low light pollution you can even see the stars in Milky Way clearly on clear nights.

But let's focus on why this is one of Myvatn's top Northern Lights spots: At night it’s sparsely populated and far from any major city lights. This allows you to take a perfect, unspoiled shot of the Aurora Borealis without competing with other photographers for that front-row view.

3. Dimmuborgir

Located in Mývatn, Dimmuborgir is the perfect playground for photographers wanting to capture the magic of the Northern Lights. The dramatic lava formation serves as a dramatic backdrop for shots of the aurora, making it one of the most popular locations to photograph. Here you can expect to find towering basalt columns, strange-shaped caves and passage-ways, and a long and flat crater-like lake surrounded by impressive rocks.

The Northern Lights reflect off the lake and light up the rocks in a truly spectacular way. If you find yourself here during dark hours (ideally between late September and early April), take some time to explore all that this natural place has to offer — you won’t regret it! And if you happen to have your tripod with you - even better!

For extra magical Northern Light shots use a wide-angle lens and try adjusting your ISO appropriately with each shot. In order to get as much light in as possible make sure that your aperture is wide open at f2.8 or lower if available.

4. Lake Myvatn View Point

At Lake Myvatn View Point, you can have a panoramic view of the Lake and its surroundings. The view here includes a breathtaking perspective of the lowlands, wetlands, and wide open views of Lake Myvatn. While here, you'll be able to catch plenty of Northern Lights displays if you are lucky enough. If you’re planning on taking any photos at this point, be sure to use a tripod and long exposure times (at least 15 seconds) to ensure clarity in your images.

5. Vindbelgjarfjall

Vindbelgjarfjall is actually a mountain with several photo spots to get the perfect Northern Lights picture. A popular one is the top of Vindbelgjarfjall, with a superb view of the Mývatn Lake. Of course, conditions can get fairly cold here, so dress accordingly. You’ll also want to bring headlamps and a tripod as this area can be very dark at night.

The road leading up to the mountain is also great for photography - you can capture some amazing reflections in Myvatn Lake. Keep an eye out for interesting rock formations and dramatic cliffs that add a nice touch to your landscape shots. Altogether, Vindbelgjarfjall is one of Myvatn's most spectacular destinations for photographing the Northern Lights.

Conclusion

Myvatn Lake in Iceland is a paradise for Northern Lights hunters and photographers. Located in the north of Iceland and with its low light pollution, it offers breathtaking views and fantastic photographic opportunities. Pseudo Craters, Hofdi, Dimmuborgir, Lake Myvatn View Point, and Vindbelgjarfjall are just some of the amazing places you can experience the Northern Lights in Myvatn. Whether you're a beginner or a pro, Myvatn Lake is the perfect place to get out and explore the Aurora Borealis. So grab your camera and your curiosity, and head to Myvatn Lake in Iceland for an unforgettable experience!

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