Skútustaðagígar

Skútustaðagígar is a collection of remarkable pseudocraters on the southern shore of Lake Mývatn in northeastern Iceland, formed approximately 2,300 years ago when lava flowed over the marshy lakebed, creating explosive steam eruptions that built up these distinctive circular mounds. ^[1] Unlike true volcanic craters formed by magma erupting from below, pseudocraters form when hot lava flows over water-saturated ground, causing violent steam explosions that throw lava fragments into the air to accumulate around the blast site. The site preserves one of the world's finest and most accessible examples of this rare volcanic landform, with dozens of well-formed craters up to 50 metres in width, covering a protected area of approximately 70 hectares. The pseudocraters are designated a natural monument for their outstanding geological significance.

The pseudocraters and surrounding Lake Mývatn shoreline support exceptional bird diversity, with the lake recognized as one of Europe's most important waterfowl breeding areas. ^[1] Tufted ducks, scaup, and wigeon nest among the grassy crater slopes, while Barrow's goldeneye — which breeds in Europe only at Lake Mývatn — occurs in the surrounding area. The shallow waters near the pseudocraters support enormous midge populations that form the base of the lake's food web, sustaining the remarkable bird populations. Arctic terns patrol the lake surface, while red-necked phalaropes spin on the water in their characteristic feeding behaviour.

The pseudocrater slopes are covered with grasses and low-growing arctic plants, with the sheltered inner bowls supporting slightly taller vegetation than the wind-exposed rims. Moss species colonize the older lava surfaces between craters, forming thick cushions where undisturbed. The surrounding lake margins support sedge meadows and marshy vegetation characteristic of eutrophic Icelandic wetlands. The nutrient-rich volcanic substrate combined with moisture from the lake creates productive growing conditions, with buttercups, wild thyme, and various grass species creating green oases contrasting with the darker lava terrain.

The pseudocraters formed approximately 2,300 years ago when lava from the Lúdentaborgir–Þrengslaborgir fissure flowed southward into the shallow, marshy margins of Lake Mývatn. ^[1] As the basaltic lava encountered waterlogged sediments, the superheated water instantly flashed to steam, generating explosions that hurled molten lava fragments into the air. These fragments accumulated around each explosion site, building up the characteristic steep-sided, roughly circular mounds. The craters lack the central vent connected to a magma source that defines true volcanic craters, making them rootless — their formation driven entirely by surface-level steam explosions. ^[2]

The Mývatn area experiences a subarctic climate with cold winters and cool summers, with the lake's thermal mass providing slight moderating effects on adjacent areas. Average temperatures range from minus 5 degrees in January to 11 degrees in July, with frost possible in any month except July. Annual precipitation is moderate at 400–500 millimetres, with a significant portion falling as snow from October through May. Summer brings nearly continuous daylight allowing extended visitation, while winter darkness is offset by opportunities to view the northern lights above the distinctive crater silhouettes.

The Mývatn area has been continuously settled since the 9th century Norse colonization of Iceland, with the lake's productive fishing and surrounding fertile land attracting early settlers. The pseudocraters were incorporated into the agricultural landscape, with their grassy slopes used for sheep grazing and hay cutting for centuries. In Icelandic folklore, the unusual formations were associated with supernatural beings and hidden people, with the circular depressions inspiring stories of troll dances and elven gatherings. The name Skútustaðir refers to the nearby farm that has existed since medieval times.

The pseudocraters were placed under protection in 1973 through Notice no. 399/1973, making Skútustaðagígar one of Iceland's earliest formally protected geological sites. ^[1] The site's management within the broader Mývatn area conservation framework ensures coordination with other protected sites surrounding the lake. Growing international tourism has prompted investment in trail infrastructure and interpretation to manage visitor impacts while maintaining accessibility.

A marked circular trail leads visitors through and around the pseudocrater field, with elevated sections providing views into crater interiors and across the lake toward Mývatn's northern shore. Information boards explain the formation process and highlight the differences between pseudocraters and true volcanic craters. The southern lake shore viewpoint offers one of Mývatn's most photographed panoramas, particularly striking in evening light when crater shadows create dramatic patterns. Bird observation opportunities are excellent throughout the breeding season from May through July.

Skútustaðagígar is located on the southern shore of Lake Mývatn, accessible from Route 1 approximately 5 kilometres south of Reykjahlíð village. A parking area at the Skútustaðir farm serves as the trailhead, with the adjacent guesthouse providing refreshments and accommodation. The site is approximately 490 kilometres from Reykjavík via the Ring Road or accessible through domestic flights to Akureyri followed by a road transfer. The trail circuit takes approximately 30–45 minutes and is suitable for most fitness levels, though some sections can be muddy during wet weather.

Protecting the pseudocrater slopes from erosion caused by visitors leaving marked trails is the primary conservation concern, as the volcanic tephra forming the craters is loose and easily disturbed. The grassy vegetation stabilizing the crater slopes recovers slowly in Iceland's short growing season, making prevention of trampling damage essential. Growing visitor numbers require ongoing trail maintenance and periodic rerouting of paths showing excessive wear. The broader Mývatn area management plan addresses cumulative tourism impacts across the multiple natural attractions surrounding the lake. ^[1]