Where to Stay at Lake Mývatn Iceland
Accommodation at Lake Mývatn clusters around the small service village of Reykjahlíð on the northeast shore. The options are fewer than the site’s popularity warrants — book at least 2–3 months ahead for July and August. Two nights at the lake is the right amount of time to see the main sights without rushing.
Luxury
Hótel Laxá — The best-appointed hotel at the lake. Rooms have views over the water and the volcanic landscape; some have floor-to-ceiling windows facing the lake. The restaurant is the most complete dining option in the area outside Vogafjós, serving local fish and lamb with a menu that changes seasonally. Doubles from approximately ISK 38,000–55,000 as of 2026. The hotel runs occasional Northern Lights tours in autumn and winter.
Mid-Range (ISK 28,000–50,000)
Vogafjós Farm Resort — The most distinctive property at Mývatn, and the one with the most character. Operated by a working dairy farm, the guesthouse has lake-view rooms and a famous restaurant built around an observation window into the cowshed — guests can watch the evening milking while eating. The menu focuses on dairy-based Icelandic food (skyr desserts, fresh cream, butter from the herd) alongside lamb and local fish. Doubles from approximately ISK 35,000–50,000 as of 2026. Book the restaurant dinner in advance even if you are a guest — it fills up.
Hotel Gígur — A comfortable mid-range option with lake views from the better rooms. The design is clean and functional rather than memorable, but the position on the north shore is good. Doubles from approximately ISK 32,000–45,000 as of 2026. Breakfast included.
Budget (Under ISK 28,000)
Mývatn Guesthouse — The most affordable conventional option at the lake. Rooms are basic — shared bathrooms in most configurations — but clean and centrally located in Reykjahlíð village. The communal kitchen is a significant cost-saving advantage given the limited and expensive eating-out options at the lake. Doubles from approximately ISK 18,000–26,000 as of 2026.
Camping
Bjarg Campsite, Reykjahlíð — The main campsite at the lake, within walking distance of the service station and the main sites. Basic facilities (toilets, showers, washing-up). Approximately ISK 2,200 per person per night as of 2026. The campsite can fill in peak summer; arrive before 5pm on July and August weekends to guarantee a pitch. Midges are a genuine annoyance in calm conditions — a midge net and headnet are worth having.
Practical Notes
- The Mývatn Nature Baths are approximately 2km from Reykjahlíð — walkable from most properties, or a short drive. The baths close at 10pm (22:00) in summer; an evening visit after dinner is the most relaxed timing.
- The service station at Reykjahlíð is the only food shop at the lake. It stocks basics, snacks, and hot food, but not a full grocery range. Stock up in Akureyri if you need a full self-catering supply.
- The main highway (Route 1) passes through Reykjahlíð, so through traffic is continuous. Rooms facing the road can be noisy; request a lake-facing or rear-facing room if noise sensitivity matters.
For everything to see and do around the lake, see our things to do at Lake Mývatn guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many nights should I stay at Lake Mývatn?
- A minimum of two nights is recommended to cover the main sites without rushing. Day one can cover the east side of the lake — Námaskarð, Krafla, and Hverfjall. Day two covers the west side — Dimmuborgir, Skútustaðir, the Nature Baths, and birdwatching. Arriving late on day one and departing on the morning of day three is a workable format.
- Is it better to stay at Mývatn or in Akureyri?
- Staying at Mývatn is better if the lake is a primary destination. The drive from Akureyri to Mývatn is 1 hour each way, which adds 2 hours of driving to every day. Staying at the lake means you can be at Dimmuborgir at 7am before tour groups arrive, and at the Nature Baths in the evening when they are quieter. Akureyri makes more sense as a base if you are combining the lake with other North Iceland destinations and want a wider choice of restaurants and facilities.
- What restaurants are available at Lake Mývatn?
- Options are limited to the hotel restaurants and the Vogafjós Farm Resort restaurant, which is the best-known dining spot at the lake. Vogafjós serves local lamb and fresh skyr (Icelandic dairy product) with views into the cowshed — an unusual format that works well. The service station at Reykjahlíð has a basic café. Self-catering is limited — the nearest supermarket with full stock is in Akureyri.
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