Grænavatn (Mývatn)

Grænavatn

North Iceland

Southwest of Lake Mývatn, a small lake called Grænavatn takes on a distinctly green cast from the algae and minerals fed in by thermal springs — the name means simply "Green Lake," and the color, which shifts from olive to murky jade depending on the light, is the point of the stop. A stream, Grænilækur, drains the lake toward Mývatn itself. The surrounding area takes its name from Grænavatn farm, a historic settlement occupied since the Viking Age; the turf farmhouse from 1913 is held by Iceland's National Museum. The lake lies off Route 1 between the Skútustaðir pseudocraters and the Dimmuborgir lava formations. It is a brief, low-key stop — budget around 20 minutes — but it adds texture when working through the area's volcanic geography. The access passes through private farmland, so stay on the path. Námaskarð geothermal field, Hverfjall crater, and Grjótagjá cave are all within a short drive, making Grænavatn a natural add-on rather than a destination in itself. Year-round access, no entry fee.

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