Myvatn

Settlement and First Mentions

The history of human presence in the Mývatn area dates back to the Age of Settlement (Landnámsöld), which began in the late 9th century. Unlike cities founded by royal decree, the settlements around Mývatn formed organically as a collection of farms and homesteads.

According to the "Book of Settlements" (Landnámabók), these lands were quickly occupied thanks to their unique natural riches, which set the region apart from other parts of the island.

Key Factors of Development

The development of the community around the lake was determined by a combination of unique geographical and geological conditions:

• Geography and Biology: The shallow, nutrient-rich lake provided an abundance of fish (Arctic char) and attracted vast numbers of waterfowl, giving settlers access to eggs and meat.
• Volcanic Activity: Proximity to volcanic systems created fertile, though fragile, soils, while geothermal heat has been used by locals for domestic purposes since ancient times.
• Strategic Location: The area was situated on an important route through the northern part of the island, connecting various settlements.

Early Economy and Cultural Features

In the Middle Ages, the economy of the Mývatn region was based on more than just the traditional Icelandic sheep farming and fishing. A vital feature was sulphur mining. Rich deposits were found in the Námafjall mountain area, and from the 13th century, processed sulphur became a valuable export commodity sent to Europe for gunpowder production.

The cultural life of the region was closely intertwined with folklore. Bizarre lava formations, such as Dimmuborgir, were considered in folk belief to be the home of trolls and mythical creatures, which is reflected in local sagas and legends.

Key Milestones in the Region's History

• Circa 930 — Completion of the Settlement period in Iceland; by this time, the main farmsteads had been established around the lake.
• 13th Century — Beginning of active sulphur mining in geothermal zones for export to Europe, which became a significant source of income for locals.
• 1724 — Start of a massive volcanic episode known as the "Mývatn Fires" (Mývatnseldar), which lasted five years.
• 1729 — A lava flow destroyed several farms and reached the settlement of Reykjahlíð but miraculously stopped, leaving the wooden church untouched.
• 1875 — A major eruption of the Askja volcano; the resulting ash damaged the region's agriculture and triggered a wave of emigration.
• 1967 — Launch of the plant for mining and processing diatomite from the lake bed, providing jobs for local residents.
• 1974 — The Icelandic Parliament passed a special law for the conservation of Lake Mývatn and the Laxá River flowing from it.
• 1975 — Beginning of the geological period known as the "Krafla Fires" (Kröflueldar), accompanied by a series of eruptions and earthquakes over nine years.
• 1977 — Commissioning of the first phase of the Krafla geothermal power station north of the lake.
• 2004 — Opening of the Mývatn Nature Baths geothermal spa, which became the main tourist attraction.
• 2004 — Final closure of the diatomite plant to preserve the lake's unique ecosystem.
• 2020 — Inclusion of the region in the official "Diamond Circle" tourist route.

Stages of the Region's Formation and Development

The history of the Mývatn area is a journey from secluded farms to becoming a vital industrial and tourist hub in North Iceland. Here are the key milestones that defined the modern face and economy of this territory:

• Establishment of the Farming Way of Life. From the time of settlement and for centuries, sheep farming and lake fishing were the pillars of life here. Traditional methods of smoking trout and using geothermal heat to bake bread laid the foundation for a unique local gastronomic culture that survives to this day.
• Sulphur Mining as the First Export. During the Middle Ages and early modern period, the region became economically significant to the Danish Crown due to its rich sulphur deposits. This linked the remote community to European trade routes and brought the first elements of mining activity to the region.
• Volcanic "Redevelopment" (18th Century). A series of eruptions known as the "Mývatn Fires" radically changed the landscape and the settlement map. Lava flows destroyed several farmsteads but spared the church in Reykjahlíð, cementing the village's status as the spiritual and administrative center of the district.
• 20th-Century Industrialization. The opening of the diatomite processing plant in 1967 was a turning point. The arrival of a major industrial enterprise led to infrastructure development, road construction, and a population influx, transforming the rural community into a working village.
• Energy Breakthrough. The construction of the Krafla geothermal power station in the 1970s made the region a strategically important energy hub for Iceland. This ensured stable power supplies and created a base for high-tech jobs.
• Environmental Legislation. The passing of a special law to protect Lake Mývatn in 1974 was a major milestone in urban planning. This decision restricted uncontrolled development along the shoreline, preserving the unique ecosystem for future generations.
• Shift Towards Tourism. The closure of the diatomite plant in 2004 and the opening of the Mývatn Nature Baths marked the transition to a post-industrial economy. Today, the region's development is entirely focused on creating tourist infrastructure and services that are harmoniously integrated into the natural landscape.

Urban Planning Features: Living on a Volcano

Unlike classic European cities, the Mývatn lake area (centered in the village of Reykjahlíð) does not have a dense historical center or districts filled with palaces. Urban development here was dictated by harsh nature and the necessity of survival. The region's architecture is a story of human adaptation to active volcanism and a severe climate, where functionality has always prevailed over decoration.

The development is dispersed and farm-like, typical of the Icelandic countryside; however, 20th-century industrialization made its mark, adding industrial and infrastructure facilities to the landscape.

Architectural Styles and Eras

Since monumental styles like Gothic or Baroque bypassed the Icelandic hinterlands, Mývatn's architectural history can be divided into the following specific stages:

• Traditional Icelandic Architecture (until the early 20th century).
  Characteristics: Turf houses (torfbæir), semi-subterranean structures designed to retain heat.
  Context: While almost no original residential turf buildings remain in Reykjahlíð itself, this style defined the region's appearance for centuries. Modern tourist facilities are often styled after these low-profile forms that blend into the landscape.
• Rural Functionalism and the "Corrugated" Style (mid-20th century).
  Characteristics: Simple timber-framed houses clad in corrugated iron for protection against wind and rain, alongside minimalist concrete structures.
  Context: A period of active modernization in Iceland. Buildings of this type form the core of Reykjahlíð's residential stock. They are distinguished by bright roofs and a lack of architectural excesses.
• Industrial Modernism (1970s).
  Characteristics: Massive concrete and steel structures, utilitarian design.
  Context: The construction of the Krafla geothermal power station and the (now closed) diatomite plant brought a man-made aesthetic to the natural landscape. Pipelines and geothermal domes became an integral part of the district's visual identity.
• Organic Architecture and Eco-Minimalism (21st Century).
  Characteristics: Use of natural stone, wood, glass, and lava. Buildings are designed to visually dissolve into the surrounding environment.
  Context: The tourism boom led to the construction of new hotels and spa complexes that strive to harmonize with the lava fields rather than dominate them.

Iconic Structures of the Region

Despite the settlement's modest size, several sites define the area's architectural character:

• Reykjahlíðarkirkja Church. A modern building completed in 1972 (the previous wooden building was dismantled). It is a striking example of Icelandic modernism: white walls, strict geometry, and a tall, sharp tower. The church stands on the foundation of an older temple that miraculously survived the 1729 eruption when a lava flow split and flowed around it on both sides.
• Mývatn Nature Baths Complex (Jarðböðin við Mývatn). An example of modern architectural integration into the landscape. The low-profile service buildings made of wood and glass are almost invisible against the backdrop of steam columns and the lagoon's blue water, emphasizing the priority of nature over man-made objects.
• Sigurgeir's Bird Museum. Opened in 2008 at the Ytri-Neslönd farm, this building is designed in a style referencing traditional turf houses. It is harmoniously integrated into the shoreline, demonstrating respect for historical heritage and ecology.

Historical Figures of the Saga Age

• Víga-Skúta
  • Role: Clan leader and hero of the Icelandic sagas (10th century).
  • Historical Significance: The central character of the "Saga of the People of Reykjadalur" (Reykdæla saga). He lived at the Skútustaðir estate on the south shore of the lake, which is named after him. Skúta was famous for his cunning and martial prowess during local Viking-age feuds.

Religious and Public Figures

• Jón Sæmundsson
  • Role: Pastor of the Reykjahlíð parish (18th century).
  • Historical Significance: Became a legendary figure during the catastrophic "Mývatn Fires" eruption (1724–1729). According to legend, in 1729, a lava flow headed toward the wooden church where the pastor and his congregation were offering prayers. The lava miraculously stopped just meters from the building, flowing around it, which was perceived as divine intervention.
• Benedikt Jónsson (Benedikt Jónsson frá Auðnum)
  • Role: Cultural leader, librarian, and public figure (1846–1939).
  • Historical Significance: Turned his farm, Auðnir (in the Laxá river valley flowing from Mývatn), into an intellectual center for North Iceland. He was a pioneer of the cooperative movement and founder of the local library, playing a key role in the education of the region's residents.

Figures of Culture and Science

• Hulda (Unnur Benediktsdóttir Bjarklind)
  • Role: Poet and writer (1881–1946).
  • Historical Significance: Daughter of Benedikt Jónsson, who took the pseudonym "Hulda." She became one of Iceland's most significant 20th-century poets, reviving the ancient genre of þulur (chants). Her work is deeply connected to the nature and folklore of her homeland. She also authored the text for the ceremonial song written for the proclamation of Iceland's independence in 1944.
• Sigurgeir Stefánsson
  • Role: Farmer and naturalist collector (1962–1999).
  • Historical Significance: A resident of the Ytri-Neslönd farm who dedicated his life to studying the birdlife of Lake Mývatn. He gathered a unique collection of birds and eggs, which formed the basis of the "Sigurgeir's Bird Museum" created in his honor. This museum is now an important scientific and educational center for the region.