Sel Hotel Myvatn

Sel Hotel Myvatn stands on the south shore of Lake Mývatn, near the village of Skútustaðir and its pseudocraters. The setting is its great strength: you wake up beside the lake, with birdlife on the water and the shapes of the volcanic landscape on the horizon. Staying here turns Mývatn from a rushed day trip into a relaxed visit, giving you time for dawn walks, evening light and unhurried exploring of the sights around the lake. The hotel is a friendly, family-style place with a restaurant and comfortable rooms, and the atmosphere suits travellers who enjoy a warm welcome rather than a big hotel experience. Rooms are simple and clean, and some look toward the lake. Staff are used to helping guests plan routes and can advise on weather, midges and the best times to visit the main sights.

A stay at Mývatn lets you do things that day visitors cannot. You can walk the pseudocraters at Skútustaðir early, before tour buses arrive, enjoy a quiet breakfast, and then visit Dimmuborgir, Hverfjall and Krafla at your own pace. In the evening, you can soak at the Nature Baths when the crowds have thinned, then return for dinner. On clear nights in the dark months, the northern lights over the lake are a bonus that needs only a warm coat and a short walk from the door.

Dining is a pleasure and a practicality, as options around the lake are limited. The restaurant typically serves local fish such as Arctic char and Mývatn trout, lamb and traditional bread baked in the ground, and breakfast is generous. Booking dinner is wise in the high season. If you want to try other places, there are small cafes and restaurants in nearby Reykjahlíð, a short drive away, and many tours stop there.

Birdwatchers will especially enjoy this base, because Mývatn is a major breeding site for ducks, and spring and summer bring a rich variety. Midges can be thick on calm days, so pack a head net and be ready to move indoors for a while. The hotel suits couples, families and photographers. A car makes life easier, though tours from Akureyri can drop off and collect by arrangement.

Weather is part of the story, and winter can be harsh. Roads are usually cleared quickly, but storms sometimes close them, so keep your plans flexible and check forecasts before driving. Season dates and facilities vary, so confirm that the hotel is open for your dates, especially in the shoulder months. Compare it with other lakeside options in the area for style and price. For a straightforward, welcoming base in the middle of Iceland's most varied volcanic landscape, this is an easy hotel to like.