Categories:
Lake Myvatn and the surrounding are is one of Iceland’s most popular tourist destinations for many reasons. It´s renowned for its awesome natural beauty, with volcanic eruptions having played a crucial role in the formation of the landscape since ancient times. The latest eruptions occurred from 1975 - 1984 and the bubbling clay pits and sulphuric fumes wafting over the area strongly remind us of the titan forces surging beneath our feet. The results can be clearly seen in the lava formations which have been forged into towers, castles and caves. Myvatn is the fourth largest lake in Iceland, covering 36.5 square kilometers, or approximately 14 square miles. It is situated at 277 meters (908 feet) above sea level, very indented and with more than 40 small islands. Lake Myvatn is famous for its abundant bird life; it sustains more species of duck than any other location on Earth. The most compact habitation of harlequin ducks in the world is at the upper reaches of Laxa river, and the barrow’s goldeneye duck breeds in no other place in Europe. Myvatn derives its name from the often annoying gnat, which is divided into two kinds, of which one has a habit of biting people. Gnats provide a large part of the diet of various birds as well as trout. The distance to Lake Myvatn is about 90 km east from Akureyri.
Around Lake Myvatn there are numeous interesting sights, including what is sometimes referred to as the Diamond Circle. Jokulsargljufur National Park, Asbyrgi and Dettifoss, Europe´s most powerful waterfall. The cliffs of Dimmuborgir comprise a wondrous world of their own.
Hljodaaklettar and Asbyrgi, are cliff formations where a giant glacier flood from the Vatnajokull glacier shaped stark cliffs. Far to the south, the Mt. Askja caldera as queen of the northern mountains.
Dettifoss is the most powerful waterfall in Iceland and in Europe. With a height of 45 metres and an average water flow to the volume of 200 cubic metres per second. The waterfall is only 135 km from Akureyri.
|
