Skútustaðagígar Travel Guide

Skútustaðagígar is the name of a row of pseudo-craters in North Iceland.

Explore the North of Iceland on a tour of Myvatn or a trip from Akureyri.

Geology of Skútustaðagígar

The Skútustaðagígar Craters are found in the Lake Mývatn area, which is very volcanic, being near to the Krafla volcano system. The nature of the lake itself and the volcanism of the region both led to the creation of these unusual formations.

During an eruptions, lava ran across the area of Skútustaðagígar, which at the time was swampy wetlands. The heat caused steam eruptions, which resulted in their crater-like shape.

As they were not the sources of lava, or volcanoes in themselves, they are not considered true craters.

Location of Skútustaðagígar

The Skútustaðagígar craters are surrounded by the remaining wetlands of the Lake Mývatn area. This region is a hotbed for birdwatching, with many species of duck found in the waters throughout the year.

The Lake Mývatn area has many other attractions, such as the Dimmuborgir lava fortress, the Grjótagjá hot spring cave, and the luxurious Mývatn Nature Baths.