Lake of Midges

Mývatn's pristine waters reflect the volcanic landscape of North Iceland

Lake Mývatn, meaning 'Lake of Midges,' sits in one of Iceland's most geologically active regions, surrounded by volcanic craters, lava fields, and geothermal features. This shallow lake, formed by a volcanic eruption 2,300 years ago, creates a unique ecosystem where vast numbers of midges support one of the world's largest concentrations of breeding ducks. The lake's unusual chemistry and warmth from underground geothermal activity make it a natural laboratory for studying extremophile organisms.