Nýidalur – Mývatn
Into the Wilderness
After breakfast, we continue our journey into the heart of Iceland’s wilderness. As we enter Ódáðahraun, the country’s largest lava field, spanning over 4400 km², the surreal and timeless landscape takes our breath away. This vast field is a combination of many independent volcanic eruptions, some dating back thousands of years, that have shaped the dark, otherworldly terrain we see today.
Our adventure takes us further north, where we will pass by some of Iceland’s most impressive mountains. Herðubreið, also known as the “Queen of Icelandic Mountains,” is a 1682-meter-high mountain situated in the center of the Highlands. Its distinct pyramid shape makes it a popular destination for hikers and mountaineers. Upptyppingar is a volcanic mountain range in the north of Iceland, known for its unique geological formations, including craters, lava fields, and hot springs. Dyngjufjöll is a mountain range located in the northeastern part of Vatnajökull glacier, with its highest peak, Hágöngur, reaching 1538 meters. As we make our way through this otherworldly landscape, we will also have the chance to explore other natural wonders, including the Skjálfandafljót River, Iceland’s second-longest river, and Grænavatn, a geothermal lake in the highlands. Our day will end at a luxurious hotel at Mývatn, a tranquil but immersively large lake surrounded by stunning natural scenery that will certainly soothe our minds as we rest and recharge for the next leg of our journey.