As you enter the town of Mývatn, the first things you’ll notice on the side of the road are bubbly craters emerging from the water.
These aren’t your average craters, with a magma conduit connecting them to the earth’s surface…these are the Pseudo Craters of Skútustaðagígar.
Their formation is a rarity found few places in our universe, namely in Iceland and on Mars, making this area a national monument named for an ancient hero wielding a deadly axe.
Also known as rootless cones, this geological oddity occurred when path of the blistering lava crossed the cold water of the wetlands, creating a gas explosion.
There are two possible routes to hike around the preserve, trails are very well maintained. 
First it is necessary to say you are entering a farm, you must be respectful and mind the sheep. A sign requests you not follow them because they see it as an attack.
For a quick walk, there is a one-mile trail which brings you up to the craters.
You can walk around the rim and take in incredible views.
From here you can loop back to the parking lot or embark on a two mile hike which tours multiple crater areas and explores Stakholsjond Pond, a hotspot for birding.
You may see waterfowl such as loon, grebe, greater scaup, widgeon, and gadwall.
On this longer route you must walk along the main road to complete the loop and get back to the parking lot. Across from the parking area you’ll find a gas station and restrooms.
Very cool!
Yes thanks for asking! The picture of the solo bird is a grebe (saw it catch a fish too), and I did spot a lot of widgeons as well.
Beautiful – Did you, or anyone else, identify the birds in your photos? Not that I’m always able to identify fauna or flora, but it’s interesting to know what one is seeing!