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 (pseudocraters).
The effluent river Laxa is known for its rich fishing for
brown
trout and
Atlantic
salmon.
The lake and its surrounding wetlands have an exceptionally rich
fauna of waterbirds, especially
ducks.Among
the resident birds are the Harlequin and Barrow's Goldeneye, both
ducks of American origin that nest nowhere in Europe except in
Iceland, and as far as the B.Goldeneye is concerned, it only nests
by the Laxá and it's headwater, the famous Mývatn.
The River Laxa, Lake Myvatn and the surrounding wetlands are
protected as a nature reserve (The Myvatn-Laxá Nature Conservation
Area).
The name Myvatn is sometimes used not only for the lake but the
whole surrounding inhabited area.
Useful links:
Air Myflug
Hotel Reynihlid
Photos
