Skútustaðahreppur
Tourism
Mývatnssveit is one of Iceland’s most popular tourist destinations for many reasons. The area is renowned for its awesome natural beauty, with volcanic eruptions having played a crucial role in the formation of the landscape since ancient times. Roads and walkways lead travelers to interesting locations, whether the plan is to enjoy the strange landscape, examine unique natural phenomena or take a closer look at the plant and bird life. Moreover, Mývatnssveit offers a variety of services in accommodation, food, and entertainment, based on years of experience and knowledge of the area.
Mývatn is the fourth largest lake in Iceland, covering 36.5 square kilometers, or approximately 14 square miles. It is situated at 277 meters (908 feet) above sea level, very indented and with more than 40 small islands. Mývatn derives its name from the often annoying gnat, which is divided into two kinds, of which one has a habit of biting people. Gnats provide a large part of the diet of various birds as well as trout. Mývatn is famous for its bird life, and is home to more species of ducks than any other place on earth. The most compact habitation of harlequin ducks in the world is at the upper reaches of Laxá, and the barrow’s goldeneye duck breeds in no other place in Europe.
Skútustaðahreppur is Iceland’s highest altitude borough and one of the most far reaching at 4,926 square kilometers, or 1,903 square miles. Its boundaries to the east follow the glacial river Jökulsá á Fjöllum from its source down to the spectacular falls Dettifoss. To the north, the boundary runs from Dettifoss past Mt. Elífur and on to the west north of Gæsafjöll (Goose Mountains). To the west, Skútustaðahreppur’s boundaries run through Hólasandur and through the heaths between Mývatnssveit, Reykjadalur Valley and Bárðardalur Valley, and finally up to Vatnajökull glacier to the south. Reykjahlíð has a small densely populated area, with a respectable number of inhabitants also at Skútustaðir, although not an actual township.
Interesting places
We can also name Seljahjallagil canyon, Togarahelli cave, Sauðahelli cave, Hvíthellicave, Kverkfjöll, Skútustaðakirkju church, Reykjahlíðakirkju church, Þeistareyki, Jökulsárgljúfur canyon and more, and more
Sources: “Hraunhellar á Íslandi” (Iceland’s Lava Caves) and “Náttúra Mývatns” (Mývatn Nature).
Leit
Stjórnborð
Mynd
