Mývatn

Situated in an area of active volcanism in the north of Iceland, Lake Mývatn and its surrounding wetlands have a remarkably rich fauna of waterbirds, especially ducks.

Formed during a massive eruption 2,300 years ago, Mývatn is a shallow, eutrophic lake located close to Krafla volcano. At the lake, and the vast wetlands which surround it, over 115 species of birds have been observed, including 13 species of duck that nest in the area, including tufted duck, greater scaup and wigeon. Other birds frequently seen include Barrow’s goldeneye, harlequin duck, red-breasted merganser, gadwall, common scoter, teal and long-tailed duck. You may also see Slavonian grebe, red-necked phalarope, great northern diver, red-throated diver and whooper swan.

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