Region
North Iceland
480 km from Reykjavik
Reykjahlid: Gateway Village to Lake Myvatn
The main village on the shores of Lake Myvatn, surrounded by lava fields, steaming vents, and geothermal springs.
Population
~300
North Iceland • Lake Myvatn
Reykjahlid is a small village on the northeastern shore of Lake Myvatn, one of Iceland's most geologically active and ecologically diverse areas. The village is the main service hub for the Myvatn region, with accommodation, restaurants, and tour operators. Within a short drive you can soak in Earth Lagoon Mývatn (formerly Mývatn Nature Baths), walk among the lava pillars of Dimmuborgir, watch the mud pots at Hverir, and hike around the Krafla volcanic crater. Lava fields and heavy birdlife sit side by side around the lake.
Sources and page update
Updated: 2026-09-10
Population and geographic data based on Statistics Iceland and local tourism resources.
For sourcing standards and how to report an error, see the editorial policy.
Official sources to check
Population
~300
Main village at Lake Myvatn
Known for
Myvatn & Volcanoes
Geothermal areas and lava formations
Check the changing room before upgrading your bath ticket
Mývatn Nature Baths now uses the name Earth Lagoon Mývatn. The operator’s ticket comparison has a useful distinction: Earth Essential lists standard changing rooms with private showers, while Earth Signature includes a towel and drink but explicitly does not offer private showers in its Lava changing rooms.
Choose by the facilities you want, rather than assuming the higher tier has more privacy. Both list access to the lagoon, hot tub and steam bath. Prices vary with time and attendance, so compare the same visit date in the booking calendar. The operator information was checked September 10, 2026.
Top Attractions near Reykjahlid
Earth Lagoon Mývatn
Geothermal lagoon, hot tub and steam bath; formerly Mývatn Nature Baths.
Dimmuborgir Lava Formations
A field of lava pillars, arches, and caves left by a collapsed lava lake, with well-marked walking trails.
Hverir (Namafjall) Geothermal Area
Bubbling mud pots, steaming fumaroles, and sulphur-stained earth at the foot of Namafjall ridge.
Krafla Volcano & Viti Crater
An active volcanic system with the turquoise Viti explosion crater and the steaming Leirhnjukur lava field from the 1975-1984 eruptions.
Grjotagja Cave
A small lava cave with a thermal spring inside, once used for bathing and made famous by the TV series Game of Thrones.
Skutustadagigar Pseudocraters
Unusual crater-like formations on the southern shore of Lake Myvatn, created by steam explosions when lava flowed over wetland, not by volcanic eruptions.
How to Get to Reykjahlid
From Reykjavik: Drive the Ring Road (Route 1) east or north for approximately 480 km, a journey of 5.5 to 6 hours. The northern route via Akureyri is more scenic and slightly shorter.
Flights: Fly from Reykjavik domestic airport to Akureyri (about 45 minutes), then drive 100 km east on Route 1 to Myvatn. SBA-Nordurleio runs a seasonal bus between Akureyri and Myvatn.
Best Time to Visit Reykjahlid
Summer (Jun–Aug): The peak season for birdwatching, midnight sun, and long daylight for hiking. Be prepared for midges near the lake; bring a head net. Check the operating dates of each tour.
Winter (Nov–Mar): The Myvatn area is one of Iceland's top northern lights destinations thanks to dark skies and low light pollution. Check Earth Lagoon’s booking calendar separately from road and trail access; an open bath does not mean every geothermal walking route is accessible.
Planning help
Reykjahlid FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.
What is the population of Reykjahlid?
Reykjahlid has approximately 300 residents and is the main service village for the Myvatn area.
Why is Reykjahlid important?
Reykjahlid is the gateway to all Lake Myvatn attractions, including Dimmuborgir lava formations, Hverir geothermal area, and Krafla volcano.
How far is Reykjahlid from Reykjavik?
Reykjahlid is about 480 km from Reykjavik, approximately 5.5-6 hours by car via Route 1.
What is Earth Lagoon Mývatn?
Earth Lagoon Mývatn is the new name for Mývatn Nature Baths. Its operator lists a geothermal lagoon, hot tub and steam bath, with ticket tiers that differ in changing facilities and extras.
What is Dimmuborgir?
Dimmuborgir (Dark Castles) is a lava formation area near Reykjahlid with walking paths through tall lava pillars and caves.
Is Reykjahlid on the Diamond Circle?
Yes, Reykjahlid and the Myvatn area are key stops on the Diamond Circle touring route in North Iceland.
What happened in the 1729 eruption?
The Myvatn Fires (1724-1729) threatened Reykjahlid. Lava flowed toward the village but split around the church, which still stands today.
What services does Reykjahlid have?
Reykjahlid has a supermarket, gas station, hotels, guesthouses, restaurants, and tour operators for the Myvatn area.
For national population totals and trends to put local figures in context, see our Iceland statistics.