Mývatn is a shallow eutrophic lake situated in an area of active volcanism in the north of Iceland not far from Krafla volcano. The town of Reykjahlíð is standing right next to the lake,  the town has around 160 inhabitants. The lake and its surrounding wetlands have an exceptionally rich fauna of waterbirds, especially ducks. The lake was created by a large basaltic lava eruption 2300 years ago, and the surrounding landscape is dominated by volcanic landforms, including lava pillars and rootless vents.

The name of the lake Mý (midge) and vatn (water or lake) meaning the lake of midges comes from the huge numbers of midges to be found there in the summer, sometimes unbearable so if you plan to spend much time in Mývatn you might want to purchase a mosquito net.

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