Mývatn · Iceland
Skútustaðagígar
Skútustaðagígar is a cluster of pseudocraters on the southern shore of Lake Mývatn, right beside the Ring Road. They are not true volcanic craters: they formed when lava flowed over wet ground and the trapped steam blew out through the surface. Marked paths loop around and over them.
Not a destination in itself. But it sits directly at the visitor centre on the Ring Road, so if you are stopping there anyway, walk the loop — it costs you almost nothing in time and it rounds out how this whole landscape was put together. Do not drive out here for it on its own.
My rating
Scale 1–5. On Cost, 1 means free and 5 means pricey. On Crowd level, 1 means near-solitude and 5 means tour-bus central.
From ground level these are grassy mounds, and two out of five is fair. The geology is more interesting than the view.
Skútustaðagígar is easily accessible by car via Route 1 (Ring Road), with parking available near the trailheads or Myvatn visitor center. Well-marked walking paths suitable for all ages lead through the pseudocraters, The loop is flat and takes about twenty minutes.
Entry to Skútustaðagígar and access to hiking trails are free of charge. There are no parking fees as of 2026, offering great value for travelers.
While a popular stop in the Lake Mývatn area, Skútustaðagígar generally remains peaceful due to its spacious setting and spread-out trails. Summer months see higher visitor numbers, but early or late visits can offer a quieter experience.
Before you go
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