  
     
|
Myvatn
 
Myvatn has about 470
inhabitants, of which approximately 200 live in the village Reykjahlíð.
Before, people used to live on the proceeds of the land by farming and
fishing for trout in the lake but it has changed radically in the last
few decades. A diatomite factory was established in the late sixties and
soon became the biggest source of employment in Myvatnssveit. The geothermal
power plant at Krafla also provides for quite a few positions for the
locals and tourism is a steadily growing business. A few hotels can be
found around the countryside as well as restaurants, camping sites and
other small companies connected to tourism. In addition to two swimming
pools, there are numerous bathing possibilities in Myvatnssveit. The most
interesting ones are the Lagoon, which is similar to the Blue Lagoon in
Suðurnes, and for rinsing off the clay afterwards there is a natural steambath
in Jarðbaðshólar. It is an old site where hot steam rushes out from the
core of the earth and has been used for bathing for ages. It is especially
beneficial for those suffering from arthritis. The natural beauty of Myvatn
and surroundings is unique and has been sculpted by volcanic eruptions
through the ages. The lake is one of the largest in Iceland, 36.6 km2
and renowned for wildlife. It is thought to nest more species of duck
than any other place in the world. The name, Myvatn, means the lake of
the midges of which there are two kinds – one bites and the other does
not – and they constitute an important part in the food chain being a
large proportion of the food for many birds as well as the trout.
|
