THE FOUR SEASONS OF MÝVATN
 
 

MÝVATN IN WINTER

The dominant colours are white and blue, often with magical skies.

For those who encounter Mývatn in summer with its lava chaos, winter provides an opportunity to experience a landscape "smoothed out" by the snow, from which only the most chaotic lava peaks and major craters emerge. Crossing the Krafla caldera or the frozen lake on cross-country skis is an unforgettable experience.  Hiking is done on snowshoes, cross-country skis or on foot, depending on the snow conditions.

The air is extremely pure at this time of year and the skies are often magnificent, exhibiting the famous “glitský” (multicoloured clouds) and the aurora borealis. The frost glistening on the trees creates a fairytale landscape. It is not uncommon to come across a flock of fine ptarmigan or to catch sight of an Arctic fox.

In December we are likely to meet "sausage-swiper," "door-slammer", "candle-beggar" and other Yule lads, the 13 Icelandic Father Christmases, little pranksters who can be quite startling, and who do not have much in common with the globalized red Santa Claus. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yule_Lads). The aurora borealis, Christmas, and New Year's Day fireworks all contribute to bringing light and explosions of joy during the darkest moment of the year.

The trips provide an opportunity to discover traditions such as trout smoked in dried sheep manure, ice fishing, rye bread baked on the burning ground, and more. In December, a pale sun rises around 10:30 a.m. and by 3 p.m. it is night again. In February the days lengthen significantly. Full moon nights are often brighter than during the daytime as a result of snow glare, and may offer an occasion for an unforgettable hike. The temperature ranges from zero to -20°C.

MÝVATN IN SPRING

Green and black now emerge from the snow, their rebirth after the long winter!

Now is the time for the return of large flocks of migratory birds from Africa, Europe and America that converge at the lake sanctuary. Wild swans, greylag geese, fifteen species of duck, grebes, great northern divers, wheatears, phalaropes, snipe, all are enthusiastic to start their new lease of life. Courtship is the order of the day, and these birds, which have not yet fully acquired their wild habits, are more trusting than they will be in a few weeks once they start raising their broods.

This is also the lambing season, which comes into full swing before the snow has completely disappeared and winter still seems to have trouble admitting defeat before the eternal summer light invades the roof of the world.

We will spend our time walking, bird-watching and discovering the local traditions of the land: sheep-farming, wool, smoked trout, fishing, bread baked in the hot ground and more. The climate is often sunny and quite mild at this time, with temperatures between 5 and 15°C.
 
MÝVATN IN SUMMER

This is the season of green and black

The northern summer has come at last, full of life and light. But its duration is short, and with all its outpouring nature senses that its days are numbered...

The snow has disappeared, also from the peaks, and almost all the paths are accessible on foot. This is a great time for bird-watching. Life spills over on and around the lake and we can admire the last male harlequin garrots in their nuptial plumage on the rapids of the Laxá, and observe the first hatching of their broods, while waders freeze at the slightest alarm, requiring their chicks in the foam to remain absolutely still and trust in their powers of mimicry... This period has the advantage of benefiting from summer temperatures before the peak tourist season gets fully into its stride. Temperatures range from 10 to 25°C.

MÝVATN IN THE AUTUMN

The colours are flamboyant, with red and yellow dominating

With the arrival of September, the spectacular aurora borealis begins to light up the starry night sky. Night is gradually taking more and more of a foothold over the summer light. With the early night frosts come the first mirrors of morning ice. The peaks become powdered over with icing sugar and the sheep come down into the valleys to be gathered together by men on horseback. The light now falls obliquely and the fiery tones of autumn light up the Arctic vegetation: dwarf birch, wooly willow and rowan now offer us their resplendent colours and redwings feast on red berries and blueberries.

The tundra with its thousand shades of colour hosts gatherings of large flocks of geese for their dress rehearsal before their great flight southwards. The world is once again preparing to sink into the storms and the night of the northern winter, but first the ephemeral beauty of the autumnal season assures its place in the natural cycle, thrilling our senses and desire for harmony.  The climate remains mild, with temperatures between 10 and 20°C, unless we are surprised by an early snowfall ...

Further information and booking info@fjallasyn.is