Iceland: Day 8 - Myvatn

July 2, 2004

Rubby made an executive decision that we would head for the campground Vogar on lake Myvatn tonight. This meant that we had to get there earlier in the day to set up camp. When we got there we ate, napped and took nice hot showers. Afterwards we had our first chance to visit some of the sights around Myvatn, including Dimmuborgir (an ancient lava lake that has dried up and left interesting rock formations), a thermal area with mudpots, the local diatom plant, and the Myvatn springs pool. Some of the sites we only looked at quickly since we would come back the next day when there was more sunlight.

Rubby preparing a meal at our nicely sheltered campsite Vogar.

A moon-shaped hole in a wall.

Rubby standing in front of the highlight of Dimmuborgir: the lava cave known as Kirkja (the Church). Around 20 people could comfortably squeeze into what looks like a giant burst bubble of lava.

Rubby enjoying the sunset at Dimmuborgir.

The thermal zone of Bjarnarflag on the lower slopes of Dalfjall. Bjarnarflag has a small geothermal power station - Iceland's first, built in 1969 - and the Kísilidjan diatomite plant. In the background you can see Myvatn.

 
The sunset on the water at Bjarnarflag.

The thermal area at Námafjall.

Rubby takes a closer look at the steam vents.

 
A steam vent and a mud pot.

Locals enjoying a late night swim at the Myvatn nature pool.

A quick look at the inside of the church in Reykjahlíð.

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